The Centre for Advanced Research in Indian Systems of Medicine (CARISM), an Autonomous Research Centre, was established in 2004 for carrying out multi-disciplinary research to unravel the scientific basis involved in the preparation as well as the molecular mechanism of Ayurvedic and Siddha formulations. The Centre strives to leverage on its infrastructural and intellectual capital to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic significance of traditional Indian medicine for global acceptance and visibility
 

Shri. Kapil Sibal, Inaugurating CARISM
 

CARISM was formally inaugurated on 6th March 2005 by Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, Govt. of India, during his visit to SASTRA along with Prof. V. S. Ramamoorthy, Secretary, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India who was the guest of honour. Shri Kapil Sibal applauded SASTRA for taking up advanced research in Indian System of Medicine and declared that the DST would extend all help for SASTRA's research activities.

Vision:

To establish the significance of traditional Indian System of Medicine by scientific validation and standardization studies as prescribed in Ayurveda and Siddha Pharmacopoeia and by using modern instrumentation techniques and strive for global acceptance of Indian traditional medicine

Objectives:

• To standardize and validate the safety and efficacy profiles of classical Ayurveda and Siddha formulations including herbo-mineral and metallic preparations following WHO guidelines
• To recognize, identify and characterize the raw materials, intermediates and the products with both therapeutical and nutraceutical values
• To isolate and identify biologically active compounds from medicinal plants used in traditional medicine
• To carry out biochemical evaluation studies and understand the mechanism of action of traditional drugs
• To promote and cultivate important medicinal plants by adopting good agricultural practices
• To train Ayurveda and Siddha practitioners and traditional medicine manufacturers on quality control aspects