The claim was contested by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) before the European Union Patent office. It submitted proof that Myristica Fragrans herb were used for oral diseases in Indian systems of medicine.
"India had foiled an attempt by consumer goods giant Colgate-Palmolive to patent a mouthwash formula containing herb extract by citing ancient texts that show it was traditionally used in ancient medicinal practices.
"Traditional Knowledge Digital Library of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR-TKDL) had submitted proof in the form of references from ancient books, which said the herb and its extracts of Myristica Fragrans were used for oral diseases in Indian systems of medicine," said a government statement.