• To develop expertise in the clinical pharmacology of Ayurvedic drugs by integrating knowledge from pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutics.
• To promote quality education, research, and outreach in Ayurveda drug studies from UG to PhD level.
• To uphold evidence-based, ethically grounded Ayurvedic practices in academic and clinical settings.

“Broaden the Vision and Deepen the Roots”

To nurture Ayurvedic pharmacology education that is both deeply rooted in classical wisdom and expansively integrated with modern scientific methods.

The Department of Dravyaguna is one of the foundational departments of Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to the study of Ayurvedic Materia Medica (Dravyagunavigyanam). The department covers both traditional domains such as:

• Namarupa Vijnan (Botanical identification)
• Gunakarma Vijnan (Properties and actions)
• Kalpana Vijnan (Pharmaceutical processing)
• Prayoga Vijnan (Therapeutic application)

Affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences and regulated by NCISM, the department has grown to become a key hub for teaching, research, and clinical application in Ayurveda drug sciences.

Undergraduate (BAMS) Teaching :

• Introduces fundamental knowledge on identification, properties, and application of drugs.
• Supports hands-on learning through herbal garden tours, drug museum demos, and formulation practices.

Postgraduate (MD Dravyaguna / PG Diploma) :

• Offers in-depth training in Ayurvedic pharmacology with active engagement in :
  • Research projects
  • Dissertation work
  • Practical & clinical application

Facilities include :

• Well-maintained Medicinal Garden
• Drug Museum with classical & contemporary samples
• Tissue Culture Lab & Experimental Pharmacology Unit
• IAEC-approved Animal House
• Seminar & Digital Teaching Room

Clinical Integration :

• Students gain practical exposure to therapeutic prescribing of classical formulations in hospital settings through OPD/IPD postings.

The department actively collaborates with other clinical and basic departments to foster interdisciplinary understanding in:

• Herbal standardization
• Pharmacological testing
• Evidence-based treatment protocols

Through its infrastructure and activities, the department contributes to:

• Hands-on skill building
• Ethical research training
• Public health awareness
• Interdisciplinary CMEs and workshops
• The department supports MPhil and PhD scholars, and contributes to national-level conferences, drug monograph development, and AYUSH-based translational research