Drug Standardisation Unit

Drug Standardization

Drug Standardization Unit (DSU) of Ayurveda Research Institute, an associated Unit of Government Ayurveda College Thiruvananthapuram, is located in the main campus. DSU is facilitating, formulating and promoting research on the aspects of Ayurvedic drug standardization. This Unit is a multidisciplinary facility comprising of Ayurveda, Botany, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Microbiology and Pharmacology, designed to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs. Research faculty of DSU are conducting research activities to address the existing challenges in Ayurveda and establishing results for the world wide acceptance of Ayurveda.

As of now the Unit has published monographs viz.; Gugguluthikthaka Gritham, Ashta Choornam, Vaisvanara Choornam, Avipathi Choornam, Shad Dharana Choornam (ISBN 9788192442105), Dasamoola (ISBN 9788192442112), Brahmi Gritham (ISBN 978-81-924421-2-9), focusing Ayurvedic drugs that are specifically native to Kerala. The research faculty of this Unit are imparting instructions to MD students (both theory and practical), also giving guidance for the MD dissertation and PhD works. The Unit has conducted many training programs in the field of research methodology and drug standardization for medical professionals, PG students and researchers.

Scientific validation of Ayurvedic concepts by using updated and sophisticated instrument is also a key concern of the Unit. The experienced resource persons at DSU expertly handle sophisticated instruments to facilitate advanced research aimed at empowering Ayurveda. Emphasizing high quality standards, the Ayurveda division of the Unit prepare authentic classical Ayurveda formulations. The digital and stereo microscopes in the Botany division of DSU significantly contribute to Ayurveda research through precise identification of authentic plant specimens. Advanced analytical tools such as high performance thin layer chromatography, atomic absorption spectrometer and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer in Chemistry/Biochemistry laboratory are greatly advantageous for phytochemical standardization, providing precise and reliable analysis of plant-based compounds. The microbiological studies through latest machinery performing in Microbiology laboratory ensure impactful results. The high-tech infrastructure for in vivo and in vitro-animal studies within the pharmacology division play a significant role in advancing drug standardization.

Activities of Drug Standardization Unit

No	Activity	Description work
1.	Scientific Work	Standardization of Ayurvedic drugs and medicinal plants, and publications of monographs
2.	Academic	Theory and practical classes of research methodology and drug standardization
3.	Training programs	Training programs for healthcare practitioners, PG students and researchers
4.	Seminars	Organizing national and in-house seminars on recent trends in the field of standardization of Ayurvedic drugs
5.	Laboratory facility	Providing laboratory facilities to support PG and PhD students in carrying out research activities.
6.	Library	This Unit features excellent library facility with a comprehensive collection of remarkable books including Pharmacopoeias of Drug research