New Delhi, July 16 (IANS): India thwarted an attempt by consumer goods giant Colgate-Palmolive to patent a nutmeg mouthwash formula, the ministry of science and technology said on Thursday.

"India foiled an attempt by Colgate-Palmolive to patent a mouthwash formula containing herb extract (nutmeg) by citing ancient texts that show it was traditionally used in ancient medicinal practices," the ministry said in a statement.

"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," it added.

"In addition, other third party observations also made submissions against the claims."

The ministry said various institutions of the CSIR had filed applications for 14 patents in India and 22 abroad, of which one was granted in India and 14 abroad.

Colgate-Palmolive is an American multinational consumer products company.