SMART 2.0 Program: Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research for Evidence-Based Healthcare

 

The Government of India has taken another significant step toward strengthening research in Ayurveda with the launch of SMART 2.0 (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among Teaching professionals). This initiative aims to generate robust scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic practices, thereby strengthening their acceptance in mainstream healthcare.

What is the SMART 2.0 Program?

The SMART Program was conceived to promote high-quality clinical studies in Ayurveda by engaging teaching professionals and research institutions across India. Its upgraded version, SMART 2.0, emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of strong clinical evidence to support Ayurveda’s role in modern healthcare.

Objectives of SMART 2.0

• To conduct systematic and collaborative clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda.
• To generate tangible evidence that demonstrates the safety, efficacy, and public health relevance of Ayurveda interventions.
• To integrate modern research methodologies with Ayurvedic principles.
• To facilitate translation of research outcomes into public healthcare practices.

Priority Research Areas under SMART 2.0

The program focuses on conditions that have a high public health burden in India, where Ayurveda may provide safe, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. The key research areas include:

1. Bal Kasa (Cough in children) – exploring Ayurvedic interventions for pediatric respiratory health.
2. Malnutrition – studying Ayurvedic formulations for improving nutritional status.
3. Insufficient Lactation – assessing efficacy of Ayurveda remedies in enhancing breast milk production.
4. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) – evaluating Ayurveda therapies for managing gynecological disorders.
5. Osteoporosis in Post-Menopausal Women – testing bone-strengthening Ayurvedic formulations.
6. Diabetes Mellitus (Type II) – validating Ayurvedic approaches for metabolic disorders.

These studies will assess safety, tolerability, adherence, and effectiveness of Ayurveda-based treatments through multi-center collaborations.

Role of CCRAS

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing SMART 2.0.

About CCRAS

• Autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
• Apex organization for formulating, coordinating, developing, and promoting scientific research in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa systems of medicine.
• Conducts research through a network of regional research institutes, collaborative projects, and teaching institutions.

By anchoring the SMART 2.0 program, CCRAS ensures that Ayurveda research aligns with global scientific standards while preserving the traditional wisdom of the system.

National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)

The NCISM, established under the NCISM Act, 2020, provides regulatory support for medical education and practice in the Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda.

Key Facts

• Statutory Body constituted under NCISM Act, 2020.
• Ensures quality, affordable medical education in Indian systems of medicine.
• Strengthens healthcare delivery by ensuring availability of well-trained professionals across the country.

Composition

• Comprises 29 members, appointed by the Central Government.
• A Search Committee recommends names for the Chairperson, part-time members, and presidents of the four autonomous boards established under NCISM.

Functions

• Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and professionals of Indian systems of medicine.
• Assessing the human resource and infrastructure needs in healthcare.
• Ensuring compliance by State Medical Councils with central regulations.
• Coordinating activities among autonomous boards to maintain uniform standards.

Significance of SMART 2.0

• Bridges tradition and modernity by scientifically validating Ayurveda’s time-tested knowledge.
• Creates a foundation for evidence-based integration of Ayurveda into public healthcare.
• Strengthens interdisciplinary research between Ayurveda and modern biomedicine.
• Provides solutions for priority health concerns such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and women’s health issues.
• Enhances the global credibility of Ayurveda through high-quality clinical trials and publications.

Conclusion

The SMART 2.0 Program marks a milestone in mainstreaming Ayurveda by promoting structured clinical research and generating reliable evidence. With CCRAS at the helm and NCISM providing regulatory oversight, this initiative not only safeguards traditional wisdom but also adapts it to meet modern scientific and public health demands.

By focusing on priority health conditions and ensuring collaborations with academic and healthcare institutions, SMART 2.0 has the potential to redefine Ayurveda’s role in India’s healthcare system and project its relevance globally.