The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in collaboration with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has inaugurated the ‘SMART 2.0’ initiative.

This program aims to foster comprehensive clinical studies within Ayurveda's priority areas, forging partnerships with academic institutions and hospitals nationwide.

Prof (Vd) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, outlined the study's objectives, focusing on safety, tolerability, and adherence to Ayurvedic formulations.

The research will target critical areas such as pediatric health (Bal Kasa), malnutrition, insufficient lactation, abnormal uterine bleeding, osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, and Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

As the apex body under the Ministry of Ayush, CCRAS spearheads research, development, and promotion of scientific Ayurvedic practices.

'SMART 2.0' seeks to establish tangible evidence showcasing the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions through interdisciplinary research methodologies, translating these findings into public healthcare solutions.

Building upon the success of ‘SMART 1.0,’ which covered around 10 diseases involving active participation from professionals across 38 colleges, the program aims for broader engagement and more extensive research coverage.

Ayurveda academic institutions interested in collaborative research can express their interest by submitting the required documentation available on the CCRAS website. This initiative signifies a concerted effort to advance Ayurveda research, paving the way for evidence-based practices and improved healthcare outcomes.