Clinical Research at RARIM&MMR Goa
The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mineral and Marine Medicinal Resources (RARIM&MMR), Goa, under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, was established in 2022 with its Ayurveda OPD commencing operations on December 15, 2022, and official inauguration on July 14, 2023. As a specialized peripheral unit, its mandate emphasizes scientific research in clinical and non-clinical trials focused on mineral and marine medicinal resources, alongside providing quality Ayurvedic healthcare. This includes validating the efficacy, safety, and standardization of herbo-mineral and marine-derived Ayurvedic formulations through rigorous clinical studies. The institute integrates clinical care with research, treating patients while collecting data for trials on conditions like neuropsychiatric disorders, geriatric health, and general ailments using mineral/marine-based therapies.
Clinical research at RARIM&MMR Goa is part of CCRAS’s broader Intramural Research (IMR) and collaborative projects, with 17 IMR projects and 14 collaborative initiatives approved for 2024-25 across the network. While specific standalone trials from RARIM&MMR are still emerging due to its recent establishment, the institute contributes to CCRAS-wide efforts in pharmacological validation, toxicity/efficacy studies, and clinical evaluations of classical formulations. Key aspects include:
Core Objectives of Clinical Research
Focus Areas
– Evaluation of mineral and marine resources in Ayurvedic formulations for efficacy in treating common health issues, preventive care, and specialized conditions (e.g., neuropsychiatric disorders, geriatric care).
– Clinical trials on herbo-mineral compounds for safety, toxicity, and therapeutic outcomes.
– Integration of Prakruti (constitutional assessment) and Swasthya (health) evaluations in patient studies.
– Outreach and observational studies on yoga, lifestyle, and dietary interventions using marine/mineral elements.
Methodology:
– Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials where applicable.
– Compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Bioethics standards, as emphasized in CCRAS’s ongoing CME programs (e.g., 6-day GCP training at CARI Bhubaneswar, August 18-23, 2025).
– Collaboration with external bodies like CSIR labs (e.g., IITR Lucknow, CDRI Lucknow), ICMR institutes, and universities for multi-centric studies.
– Patient data from the OPD (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on working days) feeds into real-world evidence generation.
Key Personnel and Expertise
– Dr. Hemant Kumar Gupta, Research Officer (Psychiatry) and In-Charge**: Leads research on neuropsychiatric disorders. He has completed 10 IMR/EMR/collaborative projects as Principal Investigator/Co-Investigator and has 2 ongoing. His work includes assessment and diagnosis using modern tools, with a focus on Ayurvedic interventions for mental health integrated with mineral/marine resources. Previously at CCRAS’s Advanced Centre for Ayurveda in Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS, Bengaluru), he has expertise in clinical trials for anxiety, stress, and related conditions.
– Dr. Sulochana Ganapati Bhat, Assistant Director (In-Charge for CARI Bengaluru and RARIM&MMR)**: Oversees collaborative projects (about 60 handled in her career), with emphasis on public health, integrative medicine, and formulation development. She has contributed to over 100 research articles and projects like automated Kshara Sutra preparation (with IIT Delhi) and filariasis management, adaptable to Goa’s marine context.
Ongoing and Planned Clinical Research
As of September 2025, RARIM&MMR Goa’s clinical research is nascent but aligned with CCRAS’s 2024-25 priorities. Specific contributions include:
1. Neuropsychiatric Disorder Trials**: Under Dr. Gupta, ongoing studies evaluate Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulations (e.g., involving marine-derived minerals) for anxiety neurosis (Manodvega), occupational stress, and geriatric mental health. This builds on completed CCRAS projects like “Evaluation of AYUSH-SR Tablet in occupational stress among Nurses” (randomized double-blind placebo-controlled, completed April-July 2023).
2. Mineral-Marine Resource Validation**: Clinical efficacy trials for formulations like Yograj Guggulu and Mahanarayana Taila (herbo-mineral), extended to marine influences in Goa’s coastal ecosystem. Includes toxicity studies and pharmacopoeial standards for marine plants/minerals.
3. Geriatric and Preventive Care Studies**: Special consultations integrate clinical trials on preventive advice, yoga, and dietary interventions using local marine resources for age-related conditions.
4. Collaborative Projects**: MoU with Datta Meghe Ayurveda College, Hospitals and Research Centre (Maharashtra) for PhD studies in Shalakyatantra (ENT/Ophthalmology), involving clinical research on eye/ear disorders with mineral therapies. Potential ties to CCRAS’s 14 new collaborative projects with CSIR, ICMR, and IITs for 2024-25.
5. COVID-19 Legacy and Emerging Trials**: Part of CCRAS’s 6 completed/ongoing COVID studies (prophylactic/interventional), adaptable to post-COVID neuropsychiatric care with marine-mineral formulations.
Completed Relevant Projects (CCRAS-Wide, Involving Similar Mandates)
From CCRAS’s 2023-24 completions, RARIM&MMR draws methodologies for its work:
– Clinical evaluation of Gokshuradi Guggulu and Nimbadi Churna in Vatarakta (Gout) – herbo-mineral focus.
– Multicentric trial on Dhatri Louha in Iron Deficiency Anaemia.
– Shamana and Shodana therapies for Tamaka Swasa (Bronchial Asthma).
Future Directions
RARIM&MMR aims to become a Center of Excellence in Ayurvedic research and patient care, with plans for more IMR projects on marine-mineral integrations (e.g., for lifestyle disorders).
Details of completed research projects:
Evaluation of AYUSH-SR Tablet in Occupational stress among IT professionals – A Randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical study”
Effectiveness of the role of Astangalavana and Srikhandasa as add on treatment on MADATYAYA (Alchohol Dependance)-An open level clinical Trial
Details of ongoing Research projects:
A clinical consensus study to develop Standard operative procedure and practice guidelines of Bidalaka
A clinical consensus study to develop Standard validated protocols for practice of Kriyakalpa in specific disease conditions
Effectiveness, acceptability and safety of ‘AYUSH PE Drops’ in Allergic Conjunctivitis
A Clinical Consensus study for developing Standard Operative Procedure and Practice Guidelines for Netra Pindi Kriyakalpa
Documentation of therapeutic effect of a novel Ayurvedic herbal formulation “Netra doshaghni tablet in the management of non proliferative diabetic retinopathy’
Survey and documentation on netra kriya kalpa practices among registered Ayurveda practitioners across India