The Indian Ayush Ministry’s partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aim to bolster the scientific grounds of Ayush treatments and facilitate their global recognition.
Each initiative under these collaborations is crafted to enhance the global acceptance and scientific validation of Ayush practices. To achieve this, the ministry has set up Ayush-ICMR centers at four AIIMS locations—Delhi, Jodhpur, Nagpur, and Rishikesh—to focus on mechanistic studies (experiments to determine molecular interactions) that scientifically substantiate integrative medicine approaches. These studies will develop national reports for the international marketing of Ayush formulations, as stated by Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, the Ayush Ministry’s secretary.
In response to e-mail queries from Pharmabiz, the secretary explained that research on the gut microbiome provides revolutionary insights into the microbiological impact of Ayurveda treatments on health. Preclinical trials in GLP facilities are in progress for certain botanicals like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shallaki, Shunthi, and Methika, with the objective of generating national reports.
Dr. Kotecha further elaborated that the Ayush-ICMR centers are targeting key health areas, including digestive health, women’s and children’s health, cancer care, and elderly health. These centers aim to conduct high-caliber clinical trials incorporating integrative therapies that merge traditional and modern medical methods. Additionally, they plan to develop guidelines for cross-referrals and integrated care to enhance patient outcomes and provide solid evidence of Ayush’s efficacy for broader acceptance.
To advance evidence-based research, the Ayush Ministry has formalized a partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), focusing on biotechnological studies to strengthen verified Ayush interventions. This collaboration offers new opportunities to apply biotechnology, such as analyzing Rasayana therapies, known as “Vayahsthaapana Rasayana,” for their effects on health and longevity, with the aim to reduce chronic disease rates and enhance quality of life. Areas of research include chronic ailments like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, osteoarthritis, cachexia, pain management, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. The fusion of Ayush methods with biotech presents innovative strategies for tackling these issues comprehensively.
Realizing the importance of combining Ayurveda’s principles with modern science, the Ayurveda Biology Integrated Health Research (ABIHR) program was launched. It offers in-depth exploration of Ayurveda through the lenses of molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacology. The program includes an Ayurveda Biology course at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and its addition in the UGC-NET exam, advancing the modernization and international expansion of Ayush research.
To enhance the infrastructure and functions of institutions, the ministry introduced the Centre of Excellence scheme to fuse traditional practices into modern research paradigms. For instance, the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi investigates the genetic factors associated with Ayurveda Prakriti, while collaborations with NIMHANS study integrative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders. Research at AIIMS on Yoga for migraine serves to confirm Ayush’s relevance for a variety of healthcare challenges.
The Ministry has also allied with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to explore Ayush interventions for managing long Covid—an issue of significant international concern. Studies on Ashwagandha have been conducted abroad, yielding proof of its efficacy in several therapeutic settings. These endeavors are directed at enhancing global acceptance and scientific backing for Ayush practices.
Dr. Kotecha remarked that these efforts are enabling the Ministry of Ayush to create a strong, evidence-based platform built on modern scientific methodologies, thereby enhancing the credibility of Ayush systems according to government policies. The vision aims to harmonize traditional and modern healthcare, establishing a more cohesive, accessible, and patient-focused health system in India.