Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 21: A large multicentric Phase III clinical trial conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that certain Ayurvedic formulations are therapeutically comparable to conventional iron-folic acid supplements in treating moderate iron deficiency anaemia among women.
The findings were announced during the “1st ICMR Annual Clinical Trial Meet 2026,” organised to strengthen India’s clinical trial ecosystem and promote evidence-based integrative medicine research, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The clinical study was carried out jointly by ICMR and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). It involved nearly 4,000 non-pregnant women aged between 18 and 49 years who were diagnosed with moderate anaemia.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of Ayurvedic formulations such as Punarnavadi Mandura, both independently and in combination with Drakshavaleha, and compared the outcomes with standard iron-folic acid supplementation over a 90-day treatment period.
The study assessed changes in haemoglobin levels as well as broader clinical outcomes and found the Ayurvedic treatments to be similarly effective in managing the condition.
During the event, officials also launched a new report focused on strengthening First-in-Human Phase 1 clinical trials in India.
The report highlighted several challenges slowing the progress of early-stage clinical trials in the country, including regulatory hurdles, lengthy approval procedures and limited coordination among agencies involved in clinical research.
To address these issues, the report recommended measures such as improving regulatory capacity, simplifying approval systems and encouraging stronger collaboration between research institutions, regulators and industry stakeholders to support innovation-driven medical research.
The recommendations were prepared following a two-round consultation process involving 37 experts from the pharmaceutical sector, Contract Research Organisations (CROs), academia and national regulatory authorities.
The conference also featured panel discussions centred on converting scientific evidence into effective public health policy and improving healthcare delivery through validated research.
The event brought together policymakers, scientists, clinicians, researchers and regulatory experts from across the country to deliberate on ethical standards, regulatory pathways and emerging innovations in clinical research.
Participants stressed the importance of building strong and transparent clinical research systems, maintaining ethical governance and scientifically validating integrative healthcare approaches to tackle evolving public health challenges in India.