CSIR-IIIM partners with Pankajakasthuri to validate herbal asthma treatment

Srinagar, Apr 7: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu and M/s Pankajakasthuri India (P) Ltd, a Kerala-based company, have signed an agreement for a sponsored research project. This collaboration focuses on the pre-clinical validation of a poly-herbal formulation designed to manage bronchial asthma, conducted under the AYUSH framework.

A statement said that the agreement was formally signed by Dr Zabeer Ahmed on behalf of CSIR-IIIM and Dr J Hareendran Nair on behalf of M/s Pankajakasthuri India (P) Ltd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by key CSIR-IIIM team members, including Er. Abdul Rahim (Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD&IST), Dr. Naved Qazi (Head, NPMC), Dr. P.P. Singh (Senior Principal Scientist, NPMC), Dr. Prasoon Gupta (Senior Principal Scientist, NPMC), Dr. Raj Kishore Rai (Senior Scientist & Head, QMI), Dr. M.K. Verma (In-Charge, DTL), Dr. Boobalan G (Scientist, Pharmacology), Dr. Ramajayan P (Scientist, Pharmacology), Dr. Love Sharma (Scientist, RMBD&IST), and Dr. Sheikh Rayees Rafiq (YI, RF, Pharmacology). Representing Pankajakasthuri were Mr. Kishan Chand (Executive Director) and Dr. M.A. Nambi (Coordinator, Research Projects).

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. P.P. Singh delivered a presentation highlighting the achievements of CSIR-IIIM, while M/s Pankajakasthuri India (P) Ltd. presented a brief video showcasing their CSR initiatives aimed at benefiting society. As part of the project, CSIR-IIIM will undertake detailed phytochemical standardisation, *in-vitro* bioassays, *in-vivo* studies, and toxicity assessment.

Dr  Zabeer Ahmed emphasised that this collaboration marks a groundbreaking step in the scientific validation of AYUSH products, supported by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Government of India. He highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and community well-being, merging diverse expertise to bridge the integration of traditional medicines with modern research.

Dr. J. Hareendran Nair, Managing Director of Pankajakasthuri, stated that collaborating with CSIR-IIIM will enhance the already well-established public confidence in their range of products. Echoing this sentiment,  Kishan Chand, Executive Director of Pankajakasthuri, shared his satisfaction after engaging in detailed discussions with CSIR-IIIM’s scientific team, who will spearhead the project execution.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing integrative medicine and promoting health innovations rooted in tradition and science.