The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) has completed the pre-clinical studies on an ayurvedic formulation to improve the quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients. The Council, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is all set to begin the clinical trials soon.

The CCRAS has developed a coded formulation (AYUSH) – (QO1 – 2A) for improvement of quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients. The preclinical studies have been completed, bringing it to the clinical trial stage which is expected to be launched this year, sources said.

Sources at the CCRAS said the diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and mental illness may not be totally cured but the drugs from the traditional Indian systems of medicines can definitely improve the standard of life of the patients and the council is exactly engaged into the research activities with this goal.

The Council has already obtained as many as 22 patents including one international patent right on drugs. Seven drugs developed by the council are in the market while seven others are on the pipeline. These include one for HIV/AIDS, cancer, psoriasis and disabled persons, sources said.

For cancer treatment, the council has developed QUOL2C drug, which aims to increase the quality of life for those undergoing chemo and radio therapy. Clinical trial for the drug is conducted in four major hospitals including St John Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore, AIIMS, New Delhi and Tata Institute of Cancer, Mumbai.

The medicine for HIV infected and AIDS patients was developed in association with ICMR’s two frontal organizations National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) and National Institute of Virology. Ayush-Manas, a medicine for mentally disabled people is being tested in Ram Monohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi and NIMHANS, Bangalore. The council has also developed Triple 7 oil for cure of psoriasis, a chronic skin disease, Ayush-64 for treatment of malaria, Balgutti-a tonic for children. The malaria drug is also already in the market.