The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, is working on an ayurvedic oral contraceptive- Pippalayadi Yoga. Preparation, Standardisation and Stability related issues have been resolved at NIPER.

It is a mixture of Pippali (Piper longum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Borax (Chokia suhaga). The formulation has been developed at NIPER and is currently under clinical trials, prof KK Bhutani, dean- NIPER and head, Department of Natural Products said.

Phase II clinical trials are in progress in four centres including Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER)- Chandigarh, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)- New Delhi, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)- Pondicherry and KEM Hospitals-Mumbai.

The Department of Natural Products of NIPER has completed about 20 major projects on drug development / traditional medicines sponsored by Government agencies such as Department of Science and Technology, Indian Council of Medical Research and industry including Dabur, Unichem and Panacea Biotech.

It is also a participant laboratory under the standardisation program for the ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India, ICMR centre for standardisation of traditional medicines and an AYUSH centre.