IISc Launches Ayurveda CoE with INR 52.47 Cr Grant to Tackle Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders

These CoEs are expected to advance research, foster education, and stimulate healthcare innovation in Ayurveda by providing a scientific foundation to traditional knowledge.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Ayurveda focused on developing alternative treatments for diabetes and metabolic disorders.

The establishment of the CoE, with an initial grant of INR 52.47 Cr under the Ayurswasthya Yojana program, aims to leverage Ayurveda’s traditional wisdom alongside modern scientific methods to find innovative solutions for chronic health issues like diabetes.

The government’s vision under Ayurswasthya Yojana includes creating similar Centres of Excellence at institutions such as IIT Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi, and CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow.

These CoEs are expected to advance research, foster education, and stimulate healthcare innovation in Ayurveda by providing a scientific foundation to traditional knowledge.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Center at IISc on October 29, coinciding with the 9th National Ayurveda Day. This year’s theme, "Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health," underscores the role of Ayurveda in tackling pressing health challenges and fostering a healthier global community.

The Center’s mission aligns closely with this theme, focusing on integrative methods for managing diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Research in Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders

Diabetes has emerged as a significant health concern worldwide. While allopathic treatments for diabetes have proven effective, interest in Ayurvedic alternatives has grown.

The IISc CoE aims to investigate Ayurveda’s potential in combating diabetes through scientific research, clinical trials, and collaborative studies.

The Center will partner with leading Indian institutions renowned for their work in Ayurveda, diabetes, and medical research. These partnerships will facilitate interdisciplinary research and provide a bridge between traditional and modern healthcare practices.

To assess the effectiveness of Ayurveda for diabetes, the CoE is conducting a two-year randomized active comparator-controlled clinical trial.

The study will evaluate the efficacy of two Ayurvedic formulations, Mustadi Ghana Vati and Varadi Ghana Vati, in treating prediabetes and type II diabetes.

Subject enrolment is underway following the ethics committee’s approval and registration in India’s Clinical Trial Registry (CTRI). A Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has also been established to ensure the trial meets its safety and efficacy standards.

Unpacking the Science Behind Ayurveda

In tandem with the clinical trials, the CoE will conduct in vitro (cell lines and animal models) and in vivo (blood samples) studies to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in diabetes and its treatment through Ayurveda.

Advanced techniques like mass spectrometry will be used to study protein glycation and oxidation, while further analysis will examine the role of various adipose tissues (brown, white, beige) in response to Ayurvedic treatments.

The Center’s research also includes detailed chemical analyses, or "fingerprinting," of the Ayurvedic formulations, focusing on identifying active compounds.

These studies will provide critical insights into the compounds responsible for potential therapeutic effects, thus bridging the gap between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and scientifically validated treatments.

By establishing scientific validation for Ayurvedic treatments, the CoE at IISc aims to promote the integration of Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare.

"This synergy between ancient wisdom and modern science has the potential to improve millions of lives, especially those affected by diabetes, and shape the future of integrative medicine," stated IISc officials.

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