Ayush Ministry Pushes for Global-Standard Herb Safety
The Ministry of Ayush took another strong step toward globalizing India’s traditional knowledge. A National Expert Committee Meeting on herb safety dossiers was held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, from July 21 to 22, 2025.
Chaired by Dr. A. Raghu and Dr. J. B. Gupta, the two-day consultation brought together experts from AIIMS New Delhi, CCRAS, DIPSAR, IIT Jodhpur, ITRA, CIMAP, and Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Validating Herb Safety Through Science
The committee focused on the safety profiles of four prominent Ayurvedic herbs:
- Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Chandrashura (Lepidium sativum)
Experts examined toxicological data, clinical findings, and traditional knowledge to refine their respective safety dossiers. This was done through a structured and multidisciplinary review process.
Why Safety Dossiers Matter
Safety dossiers ensure that Ayurvedic herbs meet international safety and quality benchmarks. They include pharmacological data, preclinical testing, Ayurvedic references, and real-world clinical usage reviews.
Such documentation builds public confidence and enables global acceptability of Ayush practices.
Aligning Ayurveda with Evidence-Based Healthcare
The Ministry of Ayush is committed to integrating evidence-based traditional medicine into the modern healthcare system. The herb safety dossiers form the foundation for future clinical trials, product development, and regulatory approvals—both in India and abroad.
These efforts not only safeguard consumers but also help in promoting Ayush products across global markets.
Key Institutions in Focus
The meeting brought together leading research organizations:
- AIIA (Goa and Delhi)
- AIIMS New Delhi
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
- Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA)
- Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR)
- Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT-J)
- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)
These bodies collaborated to critically assess existing research and suggest revisions in the herb safety dossiers.
Herbs Under Review: Their Significance
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
Known for its diuretic and aphrodisiac properties, Gokshura is widely used in urinary and reproductive health formulations.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Revered as the “Queen of Herbs,” Tulsi supports respiratory, digestive, and stress management functions. Its immunomodulatory role is well documented.
Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Commonly known as turmeric, Haridra is a potent anti-inflammatory herb with growing global recognition, especially for joint and metabolic health.
Chandrashura (Lepidium sativum)
Traditionally used to boost lactation and manage joint pain, Chandrashura is gaining renewed attention due to its nutrient-dense seed profile.
Ayush Ministry’s Commitment to Safe Practices
The Ministry of Ayush acknowledged the efforts of the expert committee. It reiterated its dedication to promoting safe, effective, and scientifically validated Ayush interventions.
Through these collaborative reviews and the development of herb safety dossiers, the ministry aims to place Indian traditional medicine on a globally accepted platform.
Looking Forward
The herb safety dossiers created at this meeting will undergo final validation. They will be crucial for regulatory filings, safety claims, and public education materials.
Ayush’s integration into mainstream healthcare, both in India and globally, depends on such data-driven efforts. And this is just the beginning.
