Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research (CEAR) at CSIR-NIIST is a national-level research and innovation centre dedicated to advancing Ayurveda through scientific validation,standardisation, innovation, and global outreach. Conceived as a platform that bridges traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern science, CEAR aims to enhance the quality, safety, efficacy, and international acceptance of Ayurvedic products and practices. With a strong focus on evidence-based research, CEAR supports the development and validation of herbal formulations, classical Ayurvedic medicines, Ayur-Ahara, and nutraceutical products using advanced analytical tools and interdisciplinary scientific approaches. The centre also seeks to strengthen the Ayurveda and herbal sector by supporting quality assurance, translational R&D, regulatory readiness, and capacity building. CEAR aspires to emerge as a national hub for credible, globally relevant, and scientifically supported Ayurveda-based healthcare and wellness solutions.
- National-level centre dedicated to the scientific validation, standardisation, and global advancement of Ayurveda.
- Promotes the integration of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific approaches.
- Special emphasis on Ayur Ahara, herbal products, and classical Ayurvedic formulations.
- Supports the development of products aligned with quality, safety, efficacy,traceability, and regulatory expectations.
- Advances Ayurveda Biology and translational research through interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Strengthens the Ayurveda and herbal sector through R&D support, training, consultancy, and capacity building, particularly for MSMEs.
CEAR is pursuing focused R&D programmes aimed at strengthening Ayurveda through scientific rigour, innovation, and translational relevance. The centre’s core activities include validation and standardisation of herbal and classical Ayurvedic formulations, development of scientifically supported Ayur Ahara and nutraceutical products, and establishment of reference standards and SOPs for quality-assured Ayurveda-based products. A major thrust area of CEAR is Ayurveda Biology, which seeks to interpret Ayurvedic concepts through contemporary tools in biology, chemistry, medicine, and biotechnology. This includes molecular-level investigations, translational studies, and linkages with preclinical and clinical research for generating scientific evidence in support of Ayurvedic principles and products.The centre also supports innovation in formulation development, improved delivery formats, and industry-oriented product and process development, while simultaneously building human resource capacity through academic programmes, internships, training, and certification initiatives in Ayurveda research and quality systems.
- HPTLC – High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography
- AAS – Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
- GC – Gas Chromatography
- UHPLC – Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
- Prep-HPLC and Analytical HPLC – Preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Analytical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
- Polarimeter
- Flash Column Chromatography
- GC-MSMS
- Viscometer
- Rheometer
- Fluidized Bed Dryer
- Rapid Mixer Granulator
- Extruder Cum Spheronizer
- Double Cone Blender
- Ball Mill
- Tablet Press
- Tablet Pan Coating Machine
- Capsule Filler
- Disintegration Tester
- Dissolution Tester
- Friability Tester
CEAR, through its quality and innovation platforms including CAQTI, offers specialised scientific and technical support to the Ayurveda, AYUSH, and herbal product sectors in the areas of quality assurance, quality control, standardisation, testing, product development, and technical guidance.
The Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research (CEAR), CSIR–NIIST, offers end‑to‑end scientific services to support Ayurveda, herbal products, nutraceuticals and Ayurveda Aahara—covering quality evaluation, standardisation, formulation development, bioactivity validation, industrial troubleshooting, and regulatory‑ready documentation.
Vertical 1 (Analytical testing, quantitation, synthesis & regulatory‑ready dossiers)
- Qualitative analysis of herbal mixtures by high‑resolution LC‑MS/MS (targeted anduntargeted profiling).
- Phytochemical fingerprint analysis of herbal mixtures/formulations by HPTLC or HPLC/UHPLC or NMR.
- Q‑marker/marker compound quantitation by HPTLC/UHPLC from herbal mixtures and formulations (validated methods whereever required).
- Structure elucidation of phytochemicals and pure organic compounds by NMR and high‑resolution LC‑MS/MS (spectral reports).
- Isolation and identification of phytochemicals from aqueous and solvent extracts; purification of complex extracts (polar to non‑polar).
- Heavy metal / metal impurity analysis (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) with compliance assessment.
- Microbial load testing and pathogen screening support (as per product category/standards).
- Pesticide residue analysis using GC/GC‑MS (multi‑residue screening) with regulatory compliance reporting.
- Untargeted metabolomics support (HR LC‑MS/MS + data processing) for comparative profiling and research translation.
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA), specification setting, and dossier/documentation support for industry and regulatory submissions.
- Total synthesis of natural products/phytochemicals (case‑by‑case) and structural modification to generate medicinal‑chemistry libraries.
Vertical 2 (Formulation development, optimisation, nanoformulations & pilot/scale‑up support)
- Design and development of herbal dosage forms: liquids (decoctions, syrups, tonics, suspensions), semi‑solids (gels, creams, ointments, balms, pastes), solids (powders, granules, tablets, capsules) and selected novel formats (lozenges, patches, sachets).
- Dosage‑form conversion and modernisation of traditional medicines to improve stability, convenience and patient compliance (e.g., churnas to tablets/capsules; tailas to creams/emulgels; kashayas to stable ready‑to‑use formats; asavas/arishtas to improved formats).
- Novel & targeted delivery systems including nanoformulations: nanoemulsions, nanogels,phytosomes, liposomal botanicals; self‑emulsifying systems; and controlled/sustained‑release platforms.
- Advanced delivery formats such as mucoadhesive, transdermal and thermoresponsive systems; selected patch formats (including microneedle‑type concepts in collaboration mode where applicable).
- Pre‑formulation studies and excipient optimisation: selection of AYUSH‑compliant natural/GRAS excipients; compatibility screening of actives/excipients/vehicles;functional excipient screening (stabilisers, solubility enhancers).
- Analytical method development and validation for formulations: assay/marker methods, impurity/related‑substance methods and stability‑indicating methods.
- Stability studies and protocols as per ICH/AYUSH guidance (long‑term and accelerated), including packaging‑linked stability considerations.
- Pilot batch preparation, scale‑up feasibility studies, process optimisation and process validation batches for industry readiness.
- Troubleshooting of formulation (both herbal and modern APIs) scale‑up andproduct‑quality issues; contract R&D, custom product development and manufacturing support.
Vertical 3 (Ayur Ahara – product development, compliance & validation)
- Regulatory and compliance advisory for Ayurveda Aahara as per FSSAI Ayurveda Aahara Regulations (2022): category mapping, permitted additives, labelling and claims support.
- Product development and standardisation of Ayur Ahara formulations based on authoritative Ayurvedic references; assistance in product identity documentation and regulatory indexing.
- Process hygiene and food safety testing support, including microbiological standards alignment and permissible contaminant checks (where applicable).
- Nutritional analysis and bioactive mapping to support evidence‑based positioning (without disease‑cure claims) and responsible wellness communication.
- Organoleptic and sensory evaluation, product optimisation for palatability and consumer acceptance.
- Shelf‑life studies and stability planning for Ayurveda Aahara products; packaging and storage guidance.Contact
Contact person:
Dr. KV Radhakrishnan, Head, CEAR (radhu@niist.res.in)
With a copy to: Dr. Venkanna G. (venkannag.niist@csir.res.in)
Pricing (₹) of CEAR Services for (a) Industry, (b) National R&D Laboratory/SSI/MSME/Entrepreneurs, and (c) Academic-External Research Scholars/Universities/Colleges
| Name of Service | Max. Duration | Industry | National R&D Laboratory/SSI/MSME/Entrepreneurs | Academic-External Research Scholars/Universities/Colleges |
| Purification of extracts ranging from polar to non-polar phytochemicals | 2 months | 100000 | 100000 | 100000 |
| Interpretation support for LC-HR-MS/MS results | 1 month | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 |
| Structure elucidation per natural product | 1 month | 50000 | 50000 | 50000 |
| Stability Study & Evaluation as per ICH/AYUSH | 6 months | 250000 | 250000 | 250000 |
| Nutritional Labeling and Sensory Analysis | 2 months | 150000 | 100000 | 100000 |
| Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Ultra-HPLC) | -- | 4000 [Cost of single injection of an organic sample or an organic mixture] | 2000 [Cost of single injection of an organic sample or an organic mixture] | 2000 [Cost of single injection of an organic sample or an organic mixture] |
| Preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Prep-HPLC) | -- | 5200 + 1000 for every additional compound [Cost of single injection of an organic sample or an organic mixture] | 2600 + 500 for every additional compound [Cost of single injection of an organic sample or an organic mixture] | 2600 + 500 for every additional compound [Cost of single injection of an organic sample or an organic mixture] |
| HPTLC | -- | 10565 [Quantitative analysis] | 5285 [Quantitative analysis] | 5285 [Quantitative analysis] |
| 3110 [Fingerprint analysis] | 1555 [Fingerprint analysis] | 1555 [Fingerprint analysis] | ||
| 5595 [Preparative analysis] | 2800 [Preparative analysis] | 2800 [Preparative analysis] | ||
| GC | -- | 4000 [Fatty acid profiling (OR) Alcohol determination (OR) Residual solvent] | 2000 [Fatty acid profiling (OR) Alcohol determination (OR) Residual solvent] | 1500 [Fatty acid profiling (OR) Alcohol determination (OR) Residual solvent] |
| AAS | -- | 5000 [Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) analysis] | 2500 [Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) analysis] | 1875 [Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) analysis] |
| 7000 [Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) analysis] | 3500 [Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) analysis] | 2625 [Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) analysis] |