VADODARA: An ancient health beverage, famed as 'farmers' soup', could soon come on your platter with MS University and dairy giant Amul in talks to start its commercial sales after studies found that it helps reduce depression besides improving gut function.MSU’s former PhD student Harsha Hirdyani has patented the technology to increase the shelf life of this drink, known by different names in different states, and their studies also found that it helps reduce depression.Known as 'rabdi chach' in Rajasthan and 'ambil' in Maharashtra , this drink was traditionally prepared by soaking cereals, leftover rice or 'chapatis' in buttermilk overnight and was a regular serve in every household the next day. But its consumption plummeted with the advance of colas and aerated soft drinks that swamped rural markets.Researchers who tested the beverage on a group of 290 people in the screening for depression found a significant drop in their depression levels and a marked change in their daily behaviour too in just 30 days."We found a significant drop of 4.2% in the levels of cortisol, which is the body's main stress hormone among the group members. Moreover, the drink also increased the amount of good bacteria and significantly reduced the harmful E-coli in them," said Shruti Dwivedi, PhD research scholar who carried out her study under guidance of professor Mini Sheth in the Department of Foods and NutritionThe MSU team has also patented the technology for increasing the the dairy-based drink's shelf life, which is usually just about two days, and it is now ready for sale in the market. In the three years long study, researchers scientifically documented its nutritional value and tetrapacked it with the help of Amul to increase its shelf life.A study of its market potential carried out on 100 people in various age groups, from schoolchildren to the aged, revealed that 94% are keen to buy it once available in the market. Majority were willing to pay up to Rs 20 (for 200 ml).