- About
- Research
- Institutions
- Achievements
- Collaboration & Partnerships
- Funding & Administration
- Who’s Who
- Initiatives
- Publications & Databases
- Contact
- Benefits
Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)
Parent Ministry: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
Headquarters: Anna Government Hospital Campus, Arumbakkam, Chennai – 600106
Official Website: https://ccrs.nic.in
What Is CCRS?
The Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) is the apex research organization under the Ministry of AYUSH dedicated to the Siddha system of medicine, one of the oldest codified traditional systems in India.
It focuses on scientific validation, clinical research, drug standardization, and documentation of Siddha knowledge to make it relevant for contemporary healthcare needs.
In simple words —
CCRS is the national research body that works to modernize Siddha medicine through scientific research, education, and innovation.
2. Objectives
| Goal | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Validation | To prove the safety, efficacy, and quality of Siddha medicines. |
| Documentation & Digitization | To preserve ancient manuscripts and traditional knowledge. |
| Clinical & Fundamental Research | To establish Siddha principles in modern biomedical terms. |
| Public Health Integration | To include Siddha therapies in national health programs. |
| Promotion & Awareness | To popularize Siddha medicine in India and abroad. |
CCRS and Public Health Integration
The Council supports integration of Siddha medicine in public health programs under:
- National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
- National Programme for Prevention of NCDs
- AYUSH Public Health Projects
- Healthy Ageing Program
Example Initiatives:
- Siddha treatment in PHCs and district hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
- AYUSH-based lifestyle modification for diabetic management.
- Siddha health camps for women and geriatrics.
Digital & Research Linkages
| Portal | Function |
|---|---|
| AYUSH Research Portal (https://ayushportal.nic.in) | Publication of all CCRS studies and data. |
| AYUSH-HIMS | Clinical data management of Siddha hospitals. |
| AYUSH GRID | Integration of digital infrastructure and databases. |
| PCIM&H Portal | Drug standardization reference. |
Major Research Areas
| Research Type | Focus |
|---|---|
| Fundamental Research | Understanding Siddha concepts like Mukkutram (Tridosha), Envagai Thervu (eight diagnostic tools), and Uyir & Udal Thathus (vital and structural elements). |
| Clinical Research | Studying efficacy of Siddha formulations in chronic and lifestyle diseases. |
| Drug Standardization | Ensuring purity, safety, and potency of Siddha formulations using modern lab techniques. |
| Medicinal Plants Research | Cultivation, authentication, and chemical profiling of raw herbs used in Siddha. |
| Literary Research | Editing, translating, and digitizing ancient Siddha manuscripts. |
| Public Health Research | Integrating Siddha in national programs for NCDs and geriatrics. |
Focus Areas of Research
| Domain | Key Projects |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle Diseases | Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, arthritis. |
| Geriatric Health | Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies and Siddha tonics. |
| Women’s Health | Infertility, anemia, and menstrual disorders. |
| Skin & Respiratory Disorders | Psoriasis, eczema, asthma. |
| COVID-19 Research | Validation of Siddha formulations like Kabasura Kudineer and Nilavembu Kudineer. |
| Fundamental Research | Biochemical and genomic studies of Mukkutram concept. |
Major Institutions under CCRS
| Name of Institute | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Siddha Central Research Institute (SCRI) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Headquarters; conducts advanced clinical and drug research. |
| Regional Research Institute of Siddha (RRIS) | Puducherry | Clinical trials and pharmacovigilance studies. |
| Regional Research Institute of Siddha (RRIS) | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Medicinal plant studies and formulation research. |
| Siddha Regional Research Institute (SRRI) | Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu | Traditional formulations and disease-specific research. |
| Siddha Clinical Research Unit (SCRU) | New Delhi | Outreach, validation, and collaborative clinical research. |
Key Achievements
Validated Kabasura Kudineer for viral and immune-related conditions.
Developed Siddha Pharmacopoeia standards in coordination with PCIM&H.
Digitized over 250 ancient manuscripts in Tamil & Palm-leaf form.
Published more than 400 research papers in national and international journals.
Established Siddha Clinical Research Units (SCRUs) in Delhi and other metros.
Participated in WHO projects for standardizing traditional medicine practices.
Collaboration & Partnerships
| Partner Institution | Collaboration Area |
|---|---|
| ICMR & CSIR | Joint pharmacological and toxicological studies. |
| DST & DBT | Biotechnology research on Siddha drugs. |
| WHO-GCTM (Jamnagar) | Global research and documentation alignment. |
| State AYUSH Missions | Public health implementation and manpower training. |
| Academic Institutions (IITs, JIPMER, etc.) | Analytical and molecular validation of Siddha formulations. |
Funding & Administration
- Funded directly under Central Sector Scheme for AYUSH Research.
- Projects also supported under National AYUSH Mission (NAM).
- Administered by the Director General (CCRS) with technical divisions for:
- Clinical Research
- Pharmacognosy & Chemistry
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Literary Research & Documentation
Who’s Who (Leadership & Coordination)
| Designation | Officer Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Director General, CCRS | Dr. V. Rajasekaran | Overall administration, research direction & inter-council collaboration. |
| Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH | Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha | Policy and national oversight. |
| Advisor (Siddha) | Dr. R. Meenakumari | Technical supervision and coordination with state institutions. |
| Director (Research) | — | Implementation of fundamental & clinical studies. |
| Chief Administrative Officer | — | Budget and HR management. |
Citizen-Oriented Initiatives
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Siddha OPD & IPD Services | Outpatient and inpatient facilities in CCRS institutes. |
| Mobile Health Clinics | Reaching rural and tribal populations with Siddha care. |
| Health Camps & Awareness Drives | Organized regularly across southern India. |
| Training for AYUSH Practitioners | Capacity-building programs for young doctors. |
Publications & Databases
- Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India (Volumes I–III)
- Siddha Formulary of India
- Siddha Research Abstracts & Journals
- Digitized Siddha Manuscripts Repository
- Clinical Research Reports and Monographs
- Quarterly Newsletter “Siddha Spectrum”
Contact & Grievance Redressal
Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)
📍 SCRI Campus, Anna Government Hospital, Arumbakkam, Chennai – 600106
📧 Email: directorccrs@gmail.com / info@ccrs.nic.in
📞 Phone: 044-26212663 / 044-26210065
🌐 Website: https://ccrs.nic.in
Grievances:
🖥️ https://pgportal.gov.in → Ministry of AYUSH → Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)
Useful Links
- Ministry of AYUSH: https://ayush.gov.in
- National AYUSH Mission (NAM): https://namayush.gov.in
- AYUSH Research Portal: https://ayushportal.nic.in
- PCIM&H: https://pcimh.gov.in
- WHO GCTM (Jamnagar): https://who.int/traditional-medicine-centre
Benefits to Citizens
| Beneficiary | Benefit |
|---|---|
| AYUSH Practitioners | Research & training opportunities. |
| Patients | Free Siddha healthcare at CCRS institutes. |
| Researchers | Access to published Siddha data and formulations. |
| Students | Opportunities for internships and dissertations. |
| General Public | Affordable, natural, and preventive health solutions. |