CCRAS and NCISM Collaborate to Launch 'SMART 2.0'

• 05 Jan 2024

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) jointly announced the initiation of the 'SMART 2.0' program on January 3, aiming to propel comprehensive clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda through collaboration with academic institutions and hospitals nationwide.

Key Points

• Strategic Partnership: CCRAS and NCISM join forces to introduce 'SMART 2.0,' focusing on promoting robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda through collaborative efforts with academic institutions and hospitals across the country.
• Research Areas: The program's focus is on safety, tolerability, and adherence to Ayurveda formulations in key research areas, including Bal Kasa, malnutrition, insufficient lactation, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) II.
• Apex Organization: CCRAS, operating under the Ministry of Ayush, serves as the apex organization for coordinating, developing, and promoting research in Ayurveda on scientific lines.
• Objective of 'SMART 2.0': The program aims to generate tangible evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions using interdisciplinary research methods, translating the findings into public healthcare.
• Continuation from 'SMART 1.0': Building on the success of 'SMART 1.0,' which covered around 10 diseases with active participation from teaching professionals in 38 colleges, 'SMART 2.0' extends the scope of collaborative research activities.
• Expression of Interest: Ayurveda academic institutions interested in collaborative research activities are invited to submit an 'Expression of Interest,' as noted in the release issued by the Ministry.