On January 3, 2024, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of Ayush, has launched the SMART 2.0 (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among Teaching Professionals) programme. This programme aims to promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the nation through mutual collaboration. The programme is a follow-up to the earlier ‘SMART 1.0’ initiative, launched in January 2023, which had addressed ten diseases—Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Non-alcholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). SMART 1.0 also involved the active participation from educators of 38 colleges, which laid the groundwork for this new phase.
AYUSH is derived from the Sanskrit phrase “ayusmanbhava,” meaning may you live a ‘long life,’ and refers to a comprehensive system of traditional and non-conventional healthcare practices in India. It encompasses various disciplines, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Naturopathy, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. These systems have been integral to human health since ancient times, offering a holistic approach to physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. The Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy is renamed as the Department of AYUSH in 2003. The Ministry of AYUSH was formed in 2014 to promote and develop these traditional systems of medicine. AYUSH emphasises an integrative approach to healthcare, focusing on prevention and the treatment of diseases through natural methods. Its practices are recognised globally for their effectiveness and are increasingly integrated into modern health systems, reflecting a growing appreciation for holistic and preventive healthcare models.
Objectives of SMART 2.0
The primary objective of this SMART 2.0 is to generate robust evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions through interdisciplinary research approaches, and to subsequently translate these research findings into practical applications in public healthcare settings. The main objective is to promote comprehensive clinical investigations in key areas of Ayurveda, by forging close collaborations with leading academic institutions and Ayurvedic hospitals across the country. The study aims at safety, tolerability, and adherence to Ayurveda formulations in six priority areas. Ayurveda academic institutions which are interested in taking up collaborative research activities had to submit their ‘Expression of Interest’ through CCRAS.
The targeted research areas focus on the six key areas:
- Bal Kasa Assessing the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of Ayurvedic formulations
- Malnutrition Examining the safety, tolerability, and adherence to Ayurvedic formulations in addressing malnutrition
- Insufficient Lactation Investigating the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions for insufficient lactation
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Evaluating the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions for abnormal uterine bleeding
- Osteoporosis Focusing on the safety, tolerability, and adherence to Ayurvedic treatments, with the goal of enhancing disease outcomes in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus Investigating the safety, tolerability, and adherence to Ayurvedic interventions, with a focus on improving disease management and quality of life for individuals with Type II Diabetes.
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
The CCRAS, an autonomous body under the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, offers a comprehensive platform for Ayurvedic research and development. The CCRAS is the premier organisation responsible for formulating, coordinating, developing, and promoting research in Ayurveda, following a scientific approach. The CCRAS provides detailed information on research activities, extra mural research schemes, patents, publications, pharmacopeial work, and commercialisation of Ayurvedic medicines. Furthermore, it offers resources on training modules, networking opportunities, and global research initiatives, as well as a list of affiliated institutes, facilitating a holistic approach to advancing Ayurvedic sciences and integrating them into mainstream healthcare practices.
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
The NCISM is a statutory body established under the NCISM Act, 2020. This act was notified in the gazette on September 21, 2020. The Act aims to improve access to quality and affordable medical education. It also seeks to ensure the availability of high-quality medical professionals in all parts of the country. The commission promotes equitable and universal healthcare. It encourages a community health perspective and makes medical services accessible and affordable to all citizens. The commission also promotes national health goals and encourages medical professionals to adopt the latest medical research. It contributes to research and has a transparent assessment of medical institutions. The commission maintains a medical register of Indian System of Medicine for India. It enforces high ethical standards in all aspects of medical services. The commission is flexible and adaptable to changing needs. It has an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
About Ayurveda
Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, has been revered for its holistic principles and personalised approach to health. Translating to ‘the science of life’ from Sanskrit, Ayu means life and Veda means science or knowledge.
It emphasises the interconnectedness of the mind, body, spirit, and environment, aiming to restore balance among these elements. Central to Ayurvedic philosophy is the concept of doshas, which are three life forces—Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth)—that govern physiological and psychological functions. Each individual has a unique combination of these doshas, influencing their health and susceptibility to disease.
Ayurveda is rooted in ancient Vedic texts, particularly the Atharva Veda, which contains references to medicinal practices. The systematic development of Ayurveda occurred during the Samhita period (6th century BCE to 7th century CE), leading to the creation of foundational texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. These texts laid the groundwork for various branches of Ayurveda, including surgery, pediatrics, toxicology, and psychiatry. Ayurveda encompasses eight clinical branches which are Kaya Chikitsa (general medicine), Shalya Tantra (surgery), Shalakya Tantra (ENT and ophthalmology), Kaumarbhritya (pediatrics and obstetrics), Agad Tantra (toxicology), Bhut Vidya (psychiatry), Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy and geriatrics), and the Vajikaran (sexology).
Some Key Principles of Ayurveda
Holistic health Ayurveda promotes overall wellness and focuses on preventing illness rather than merely treating symptoms. It utilises personalised treatment plans that may include herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and dietary adjustments.
Individualised care Recognising the uniqueness of each person, Ayurveda tailors treatments to individual dosha compositions, ensuring a customised approach to health.
Natural therapies Ayurvedic treatments often involve detoxification processes, lifestyle counselling, and the use of natural therapies to harmonize the body and mind, minimising side effects.
Need for Mainstreaming Ayurveda
Ayurveda has remained a cornerstone of healthcare for millions. Its enduring strength lies in its centuries-old tradition, backed by textual references and the fact that approximately 65 per cent of India’s population depends on Ayurveda and medicinal plants for primary health care.
Ayurveda’s core principles have always remained relevant, but the dynamic landscape of the disease patterns, environmental factors, and lifestyles demands continuous research and innovation. To ensure that the ancient practice remains adaptable to modern times, ongoing investigation and development are crucial. The impact of geo-climatic shifts, changes in plant and animal life, human behaviour, and genetics highlights the importance of systematic documentation and critical evaluation of clinical practices, paving the way for Ayurveda's evolution and continued relevance.
Ayurveda’s rich history notwithstanding, its integration into modern healthcare faces hurdles due to limited research and evidence gaps, particularly in exploring innovative blends of herbal and non-herbal elements. To develop sustainable clinical and business models, bridging the divide between traditional Ayurvedic principles and contemporary clinical practices is crucial. The launch of the SMART programmes has marked a significant step forward in integrating Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare, leveraging evidence-based research to drive this transformation.
Scope of Interdisciplinary Research in Ayurveda
The scope of interdisciplinary research in Ayurveda is vast and essential for advancing this ancient system of medicine. It encompasses all eight branches of Ayurveda, highlighting the need for collaboration between Ayurvedic practitioners and experts from various scientific fields, including basic and allied sciences. This collaborative approach can unlock new insights and methodologies in Ayurvedic research and therapeutics.
Some key areas for interdisciplinary collaboration are:
Basic Fundamental Science (Samhita Siddhant) Researching foundational concepts such as Dosha, Dhatus, and Agni to create a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic principles and develop specific research methodologies.
Pharmacology (Rasashastra and Bhaishajykalpana) Utilising reverse pharma-cology to explore the mechanisms of Ayurvedic drugs at molecular levels. Collaborating with pharmaceutical sciences can enhance the efficacy and safety of herbomineral preparations.
Multi-Drug Therapy Investigating the combined efficacy of multi-ingredient Ayurvedic formulations through integration with biochemistry, which contrasts with the single-drug approach of modern medicine.
Pharmacognosy (Dravyaguna) Focusing on the chemistry and pharmacology of active compounds in medicinal herbs. Collaboration with fields such as botany and biotechnology can help propagate endangered species and study the properties of medicinal herbs.
Immunomodulation (Rasayana) Evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha in collaboration with contemporary medical research, particularly regarding lifestyle diseases and cancer treatment.
Conclusion
The SMART 2.0 programme represents a groundbreaking step forward in integrating Ayurveda into evidence-based healthcare, through its focus on interdisciplinary research. By tackling historical challenges, fostering broader participation, and merging Ayurveda with modern scientific disciplines, the programme has been well-positioned to establish Ayurveda as a respected component of India’s medical mainstream. With the potential to drive clinical advancements and global recognition, this initiative may pave the way for Ayurveda’s widespread acceptance as a holistic and effective healthcare system. This interdisciplinary research continues to advance and may ultimately lead to the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare practices worldwide. This would further solidify Ayurveda’s place on the global stage.
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