DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOGNOSY
The area of research include identification of crude drugs, macroscopic studies (both qualitative and quantitative), analysis of powdered drugs, fluorescence analysis (inside UV Chamber), qualitative test, i.e., determination of identity, purity and strength, quantitative microscopy and chemo-microscopic tests for cell contents of diagnostic value.
Pharmacognostical studies on a total of 105 drug plants/parts were carried out in the past 5 years and 9 monographs on Ayurvedic plants have been prepared. This Department has enlisted the detail information on 107 Indian folklore claims and closely engaged for developing the standard operating procedure of manufacturing of ASU drugs.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
The Department of Chemistry at Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Kolkata, under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, is a leading centre for drug standardization and quality assurance in Ayurveda. The Department focuses on isolation and characterization of bioactive markers, pharmaceutical and analytical chemistry, stability studies, and development of standardized formulations. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including HPTLC, HPLC, ICP-OES, Flash chromatography, UV-Visible, IR spectroscopy and advanced analytical platforms, the Department also undertakes safety profiling, aflatoxin detection, and heavy metal analysis.
It has successfully completed several intramural and extramural projects on standardization of raw drugs and finished formulations, development of SOPs, and shelf-life studies, while multiple projects on marker isolation, extraction optimization, and quality standards are currently ongoing. The Department has published over 300 research articles, secured five Indian patents, developed a repository of more than 60phytocompounds, and contributed to national monographs and pharmacopoeial standards, actively collaborating with the PCIM&H, DST-NIF, and other bodies to develop quality, safety, and standardization protocols for ASU&H drugs. Future research priorities include advanced metabolomic profiling, novel drug development, production of phytochemical reference material, strengthening its role in developing safe, effective, and globally acceptable Ayurvedic medicines.
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY
In this Department, toxicity and pharmacological studies of various Ayurvedic and Siddha drugs (single, compound, herbo-metallic, oil and bhasmas) were carried out as per the O.E.C.D. guidelines in experimental animals. Toxicity testing of 36 formulations was carried out in the Department. This Department is also engaged for study on trial drugs received from different Institutes viz. National Research Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, National Research Institute of Human Resource Development in Ayurveda and Siddha, Gwalior and Pharmacological Research Unit, Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar. This Department has state-of-art animal house which is approved by CPCSEA, Government of India.
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY
This Department is well equipped for manufacturing of Ayurvedic Drugs. The ISM Drug Control, Government of West Bengal has accredited it as a GMP certified Pharmacy. This Department is Manufacturing different kind of Ayurvedic Formulations like Capsule, Tablet, Ointment, Vati, Churna, Ghanavati, Ghanasatva, Taila etc. This department has developed standard operating procedure (SoP) for manufacturing of so many Ayurvedic formulation and council’s patent products i.e. AYUSH Antarctica Tea, RCH Drugs, AYUSH-56, AYUSH-57, AYUSH-64, AYUSH BalaRakshakLeham, AYUSH KVM Syrup etc. Ayurvedic Drugs are being prepared in bulk quantity and providing to different trial centres of CCRAS.
Wide range of drugs is being prepared for this Institute (OPD &IPD) and have been tested and analyzed by Pharmacognosy, Microbiology and Chemistry Department. The medicine required for daily OPD & IPD patients are supplied by this department. This Department is also engaged for incorporating of modern sophisticated technology for traditional preparation with scientific validation.
SOP LABORATORY
This project is sponsored by the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, to prepare the standard operating procedure for manufacture of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Formulations. SOP of23 Ayurvedic formulations have been completed and going to be published in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Presently, work on development of SOP of another 02important formulations is going on.
RESEARCH ORIENTED OUTREACH ACTIVITY
Tribal Health Care Research Project
Tribal Health Care Research Project (Covering West Bengal State) under Annual Action Plan 2014-15 was commenced in the month of November 2014.
In this project, the activities were carried out as per the guideline of the Council. Door to door survey pertaining the socio-economic and health status, use of folklores / LHTs and its documentation, care and support through medical camps; necessary blood tests etc. are the basic components of the programme. Approval of IEC (HR) was obtained on 19th December 2014. The activities were conducted in the different tribal pockets of Sandeshkhali –II block (Sundarban area) of North 24 Parganas, Memari – II and Jamalpur block of Burdwan, Chhatna block of Bankura, Neturia and Santuri block of Purulia, West Bengal. 18 tours were conducted and 28 tribal villages were covered. 9313 population was covered during door to door survey and 4941 patients were treated during medical camp through Ayurveda. 24 folklores /LHTs claims were documented during this period.
Schedule Caste Sub-Plan (Ayurveda Mobile Health Care Programme)
Ayurveda mobile health care programme under scheduled castes sub plan (SCSP)-project was initiated by CCRAS, New Delhi and has extended its research programme in our Institute in the month of February 2016.
The project’s activities were initiated as per guidelines of the Council. Door to door survey pretending the socio-economic status, care and supporting through medical camp with the help of local community based organization. The distribution of free Ayurvedic medicines with necessary diagnostic blood tests (blood glucose and hemoglobin) are the components of the programme. Distribution of ICE materials among the masses were initiated from 2nd February, 2016.
Swasthya Rakshana Programme
Swasthya Rakshan Program covering urban Kolkata (West Bengal) under CCRAS linked with “Swachh Bharat Mission” has commenced in the month of February 2016.
In this project, the activities were initiated as per guidelines of the Council. Swasthya Rakshan OPDs to organize Swasthya Parikshan Camps with the help of local Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and Community based organization (CBOs). Survey pertaining to socio-economic and health status, Preventive Ayurveda Healthcare &distribution of free Ayurvedic medicines with necessary diagnostic blood tests (Blood Glucose and Haemoglobin) are the basic components of the programme to create awareness and healthy environment.
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
The Institute holds the affiliation of West Bengal University of Health Sciences for conducting Ph.D. Programme in two subjects, i.e. Ayurvedic medicine and Pharmacology.
This Institute has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for carrying out collaborative research with six leading Institute / Medical college / Trustee body.
This Institute has organized different International and National level conference, workshop, training, seminar, interactive seminar symposia related to the mandate of the Institute.
This Institute is being recognized as study centre for conducting classes for Raj-Bhasha (Official language) for the employees of this Institute and neighbouring Institutes.
The Institute has got the sanction for new B+G+7 building with state –of- art facilities and its construction work has already been initiated by NPCC at present premise