MTS, PHARMACIST & VARIOUS

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.1 It serves as the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, development, and promotion of research on scientific lines in the Ayurveda system of medicine.2

Key Objectives and Functions of CCRAS:

• Scientific Research in Ayurveda: The primary objective of CCRAS is to undertake, coordinate, formulate, develop, and promote scientific research in various aspects of Ayurvedic sciences.3 This includes fundamental and applied research, with the aim of validating Ayurvedic principles and therapies through modern scientific methods.4

  
  

• Evidence-Based Ayurveda: CCRAS strives to develop scientific evidence for Ayurvedic principles and drug therapies by integrating ancient wisdom with modern technology.5 The goal is to bring Ayurveda to the people through scientific innovations related to diagnostics, preventive, promotive, and treatment methods.6

  
  

• Research Areas: The research activities of the Council are diverse and encompass several key areas:7

  
  

  • Medicinal Plant Research: This involves medico-ethno botanical surveys, pharmacognosy (study of medicinal plants to identify and standardize them), tissue culture, and developing agro-techniques for cultivating medicinal plants.8

    
    

  • Drug Standardization & Quality Control: Research focused on establishing quality standards for Ayurvedic drugs and raw materials.9

    
    

  • Pharmacological Research: Investigating the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of Ayurvedic formulations and herbs.

  • Clinical Research: Conducting clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions for various diseases.10 This includes research on lifestyle-related diseases, chronic conditions, and public health challenges.11

    
    

  • Literary Research & Documentation: Collecting, digitizing, and cataloging ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts and rare books, undertaking medico-historical studies, and documenting traditional knowledge and folklore claims.12

    
    

  • Fundamental Research: Exploring the basic principles of Ayurveda, such as Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Agni, Dhatu, Ojas, and developing scientific parameters to assess these concepts.13

    
    

  • Tribal Health Care Research Programme: Focusing on health issues and traditional health practices in tribal communities.

• Promotion and Development: CCRAS promotes and assists research institutions in studying diseases, their prevention, causation, and remedy through Ayurvedic approaches.14 It also works on propagating knowledge about Ayurveda.15

  
  

• Infrastructure and Linkages: The Council focuses on developing efficient and specific basic infrastructure, including modernizing laboratories and hospitals. It also emphasizes networking among researchers, national and international research bodies, academia, industry, and policymakers to achieve universally acceptable outcomes.16

  
  

• Resource Mobilization: Financing inquiries and research to further its objectives, and accepting gifts, donations, and subscriptions.17

  
  

• Publications and Dissemination: Preparing, printing, publishing, and exhibiting papers, posters, pamphlets, periodicals (like the Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences), and books to disseminate research findings.18

  
  

• Collaborations: CCRAS engages in collaborations with various universities, hospitals, institutes, and international scientific agencies for joint projects, exchange of scientists, study tours, and specialized training.19

  
  

• Public Health Outreach: Undertaking research-oriented public health care programs and outreach activities.20

  
  

Organizational Structure and Reach:

CCRAS carries out its activities through a widespread network of 30 Institutes/Centres/Units located across India, including various Central Ayurveda Research Institutes and Regional Ayurveda Research Institutes.21 These centers focus on specific research areas or regional health needs.

In essence, CCRAS is instrumental in bringing a scientific temper to Ayurveda, validating its efficacy, and integrating it into mainstream healthcare for the benefit of the public, aligning with the vision of AYUSHMAN Bharat and promoting better health through evidence-based Ayurvedic principles and practices.22

*source: google gemini