- About
- Research Process
- Institutions Involved
- Beneficiaries
- Who’s Who
- Related Bodies
- Funding Support
- Participate
- Contact
Fundamental Research in AYUSH
Nodal Authority: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
Implementing Agencies:
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
- Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)
- Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)
- Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)
What Is Fundamental Research?
Fundamental Research (also called Basic Research) in AYUSH aims to scientifically explore the ancient principles, concepts, and mechanisms of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
It focuses on “why and how” AYUSH systems work, instead of just testing outcomes like in clinical trials.
It answers questions such as:
- How do Ayurvedic doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) relate to human physiology?
- What is the scientific basis of Panchakarma detoxification?
- How do Unani temperaments or Siddha elements relate to metabolism or immunity?
In simple words —
Fundamental Research = Understanding the science behind traditional healing systems.
Objectives
| Goal | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧬 Decode AYUSH Principles | Study biological and molecular basis of concepts like doshas, prana, ojas, or vital energy. |
| ⚖️ Bridge Tradition & Modern Science | Correlate AYUSH theories with physiology, genetics, and biochemistry. |
| 🧫 Develop Research Models | Create lab and animal models to test AYUSH hypotheses. |
| 🧠 Scientific Validation | Explain ancient medical wisdom using modern scientific tools. |
| 🌍 Global Recognition | Strengthen AYUSH’s scientific credibility worldwide. |
Key Areas of Fundamental Research
| Research Domain | Example Study Areas |
|---|---|
| Basic Principles of Ayurveda | Understanding Tridosha, Prakriti (body constitution), Dhatu, and Agni concepts. |
| Yoga & Mind-Body Connection | Neurophysiological effects of meditation and pranayama. |
| Unani System | Relation between Mizaj (temperament) and metabolic rate. |
| Siddha Medicine | Study of Panchabhoota (five elements) and their effect on human health. |
| Homeopathy | Mechanism of ultra-dilution and nano-scale molecular activity. |
Outcomes of Fundamental Research
- Development of scientific basis for AYUSH theories.
- Integration of AYUSH and modern biology.
- Creation of research models for traditional medicine concepts.
- Publication of peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals.
- Recognition by WHO and global research networks.
Key Publications
- AYUSH Research Compendium
- CCRAS Fundamental Research Reports
- “Science behind AYUSH” White Papers
- Peer-reviewed journals (AYU, IJHS, J-AIM)
Achievements So Far
1 Correlation of “Prakriti” with genetic and metabolic markers.
2 Identification of biological correlates for Tridosha.
3 Validation of yoga’s effects on brain and gene expression.
4 Establishment of AYUSH Molecular Research Centers.
5 Over 300+ fundamental research papers published in reputed journals.
Research Process
- Concept Selection: Traditional idea or principle identified for validation.
- Literature Review: Study classical texts and previous research.
- Hypothesis Framing: Convert ancient theory into a modern scientific question.
- Experimental Design: Conduct lab, molecular, or animal model testing.
- Data Analysis: Use scientific tools to interpret ancient principles.
- Publication: Publish results in journals or AYUSH research portals.
Institutions Involved
| Council | Specialized Research Division |
|---|---|
| CCRAS | Fundamental & Literary Research Division – New Delhi |
| CCRH | Fundamental Research Laboratory – Noida |
| CCRUM | Fundamental Research Division – Lucknow |
| CCRS | Basic & Literary Research Unit – Chennai |
| Collaborating Institutions | IITs, AIIMS, ICMR, CSIR, DRDO, DBT, NIPER |
Beneficiaries
| Beneficiary Type | How They Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🎓 AYUSH Students & Scholars | Learn how to interpret classical concepts through modern science. |
| 🧑🔬 Researchers | Gain funding and research opportunities under AYUSH-R&D programs. |
| 💊 Drug Developers | Use fundamental findings to design better herbal formulations. |
| 👨⚕️ Practitioners & Institutions | Gain scientific backing for classical AYUSH treatments. |
| 🌍 Citizens & Patients | Build trust in AYUSH systems backed by science and evidence. |
Who’s Who (Key Officials & Leadership)
(Based on 2024–25 AYUSH research leadership; verify annually.)
| Designation | Officer Name | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH | Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha | Policy oversight & R&D vision |
| Director General, CCRAS | Dr. Rabinarayan Acharya | Head of Ayurvedic Research |
| Director General, CCRH | Dr. Subhas Singh | Head of Homoeopathic Research |
| Director General, CCRUM | Dr. Anil Khurana | Head of Unani Research |
| Director General, CCRS | Dr. V. Rajasekaran | Head of Siddha Research |
| Adviser (Research), Ministry of AYUSH | Dr. Manoj Nesari | Coordination of all research councils |
| Technical Partner (NIC / CSIR Collaboration) | — | Data analysis & lab integration |
Related Bodies
| Institution | Function |
|---|---|
| Ministry of AYUSH (Research Division) | Funds and monitors all R&D projects. |
| ICMR & CSIR | Provide laboratory support and molecular research facilities. |
| Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) | Uses fundamental findings for standardizing drugs. |
| National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH) | Preserves classical manuscripts for research reference. |
Funding & Support
Funded directly by the Ministry of AYUSH under Intra-Mural Research Schemes (IMR) and Extra-Mural Research (EMR).
Research Grants provided to:
- AYUSH colleges & universities
- National Institutes (like NIA Jaipur, NIH Kolkata)
- IITs / CSIR labs under collaborative studies
Fellowship programs for PhD and Post-Doctoral research in AYUSH subjects.
How Citizens & Researchers Can Participate
- Visit https://ayushportal.nic.in
- Explore the “Research Projects” tab → select Fundamental Research
- View ongoing projects, institutions, and principal investigators
- Researchers can apply for AYUSH Research Grants through EMR Portal
Contact & Grievance Redressal
Research Division, Ministry of AYUSH
📍 AYUSH Bhawan, B-Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023
📧 Email: research-ayush@gov.in
📞 Phone: 011-24651964 / 011-23340023
🌐 Website: https://ayush.gov.in
For Grievances:
- Visit https://pgportal.gov.in
→ Select Ministry of AYUSH → “Research & Development”
