**Executive Summary**
On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day (March 24, 2026), the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) announced a collaborative 24-month clinical study to evaluate Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy for TB. The study aims to validate the integration of traditional medicine with modern biomedical research to improve patient recovery, nutrition, and quality of life. This initiative is rooted in a May 2022 MoU and includes a new formal collaboration between BRIC-THSTI and CCRAS.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Study Objectives and Design**
* **Title:** "Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis."
* **Primary Goal:** To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen when used alongside standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT).
* **Specific Focus:** Addressing TB-associated cachexia and improving patient-centric outcomes such as weight gain and recovery strength.
* **Duration:** The study is scheduled to last for 24 months.
**Collaborative Framework**
* **Lead Agencies:** The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is leading the study in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
* **Institutional Partners:** Clinical trials will be conducted at premier medical institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEIGRIHMS.
* **Formal Agreements:** A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and CCRAS to formalize institutional cooperation.
**Integrative Healthcare Approach**
* **Scientific Validation:** The study utilizes science-led innovation to integrate modern diagnostics and biomedical research with validated traditional knowledge.
* **Nutritional Support:** The regimen includes macronutrient supplementation to enhance the overall health and dignity of patients.
* **Mission Alignment:** This initiative supports India’s national mission to eliminate TB by addressing drug resistance, undernutrition, and long-term health impacts.
**Impact Analysis**
**TB Patients**
**Impact**
Patients may benefit from improved nutritional outcomes, faster recovery times, and a better quality of life through a holistic treatment approach that addresses both the infection and physical strength.
**Action Required**
Eligible patients at participating institutions (AIIMS, JIPMER, NEIGRIHMS) may participate in the clinical study to receive the adjunct Ayurvedic regimen.
**Research and Academic Institutions (CCRAS, THSTI, AIIMS, etc.)**
**Impact**
These bodies are responsible for generating robust scientific evidence and fostering global partnerships in integrative medicine.
**Action Required**
Collaborate on the multi-centre study, adhere to the 24-month research timeline, and implement the protocols established in the newly exchanged MoUs.
**Government Ministries (Ayush and Science & Technology)**
**Impact**
The ministries are positioned as leaders in evidence-based healthcare, driving the national agenda for TB elimination through innovative, patient-centric solutions.
**Action Required**
Provide continued oversight, funding, and policy support to ensure the study meets its objective of validating traditional knowledge within modern medical frameworks.
Key Entities Referenced
Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis: A collaborative, multi-centre clinical initiative launched to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimens used alongside standard anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Ministry of Ayush: The primary government ministry responsible for traditional medicine systems, leading the integration of Ayurveda into national tuberculosis elimination efforts.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT): A key department under the Ministry of Science & Technology partnering to provide scientific validation and biomedical research support for the integrative clinical study.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS): The apex research body under the Ministry of Ayush responsible for designing and leading the implementation of the clinical study across premier medical institutions.
BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI): The research institute that signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CCRAS to formalize institutional collaboration and scientific exchange for the study.
AYUSH
Ministry of Ayush and DBT Announce
Collaborative Clinical Study on Ayurveda as
Adjunct Therapy for Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment
India’s fight against TB is being driven by science-led
innovation and integrative, evidence-based healthcare
solutions: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) of
the Ministry of S&T
TB elimination is not just about reducing numbers, but
ensuring every patient lives with health, dignity and strength:
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) of the
Ministry of Ayush
Posted On: 24 MAR 2026 7:12PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the Union Ministry of Ayush in partnership with the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology marked a significant milestone
in integrative healthcare with the formal announcement of a collaborative clinical study titled “Clinical
Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis”.The joint announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge),
Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State, PMO, Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush and
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in the presence of senior officials and
scientists of the Ministries. The high-level event, held at Vigyan Bhawan, also brought together leading
policymakers, scientists, scholars, researchers, clinicians, and other key stakeholders to underscore India’s
commitment to evidence-based integration of traditional and modern medicine in the fight against
tuberculosis.
In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science
and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State, PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, stated: “India is
moving in the right direction in its fight against tuberculosis, with a significant decline in incidence driven
by dedicated and innovative efforts under the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi,” He added, “The launch of this collaborative clinical study reflects our commitment to science-led,
evidence-based innovation, integrating modern biomedical research with validated traditional knowledge
systems. Through initiatives led by the Department of Biotechnology, we are strengthening research,
fostering global partnerships, and advancing patient-centric solutions to address challenges such as drug
resistance, undernutrition, and long-term health impacts of TB.”In his address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of
Ayush and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, emphasised: “The treatment of
tuberculosis is not only about eliminating the infection, but about making the patient completely healthy.
With this approach, we are moving towards a new perspective where Ayurveda and other Ayush systems
are not only supportive in treatment but also play an important role in improving recovery, nutrition, and
the quality of life of patients.”
The programme commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT; Director
General, BRIC and Chairman, BIRAC, who highlighted: “Tuberculosis research in India has seen
remarkable advances through innovation in diagnostics, vaccines, and large-scale cohort studies. This
collaborative programme with the Ministry of Ayush marks a significant step towards integrative,
evidence-based healthcare. By combining modern science with Ayurveda, we aim to improve patient
outcomes, enhance quality of life, and accelerate India’s mission to eliminate TB.”
This was followed by remarks from Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, who remarked:
“Tuberculosis management requires not only effective treatment but also a focus on recovery and quality
of life. This Ayush–DBT collaborative initiative reflects our commitment to evidence-based integrative
healthcare. By combining Ayurveda with science, we aim to address TB-associated cachexia, strengthen
patient outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to India’s goal of TB elimination.”
An overview of the collaborative clinical study was presented by Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya,
Director General, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), along with Dr. Debasisa
Mohanty, Director, BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII). The presentation detailed the scientific
design, objectives, and expected outcomes of the study, which aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and
tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an adjunct to standard anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT), along
with macronutrient supplementation.The collaborative clinical study is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of
Biotechnology, rooted in the MoU signed in May 2022 to advance integrative and evidence-based
healthcare. Led by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in partnership with
DBT, the multi-centre study will assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an
adjunct to standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT), along with nutritional support. To be conducted
across premier institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEIGRIHMS, the 24-month study aims to
generate robust scientific evidence on improving nutritional outcomes, accelerating recovery, and
enhancing quality of life among TB patients, further strengthening India’s commitment to innovative,
patient-centric approaches for TB elimination.
A key highlight of the event was the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between
BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and CCRAS, formalising
institutional collaboration. The MoU was exchanged between Prof. G. Karthikeyan, Executive Director,
BRIC-THSTI, and Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, DG, CCRAS.The event concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the Government of India’s commitment to advancing
integrative, evidence-based healthcare solutions to address complex public health challenges. The Ayush–
DBT collaborative initiative is expected to pave the way for new scientific insights into adjunct TB care,
while reinforcing India’s leadership in combining traditional knowledge with modern biomedical research
for improved patient outcomes and accelerated progress towards TB elimination.
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