The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, under the leadership of Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, and a Kerala based Company, M/s Pankajakasthuri India (P) Ltd., led by Founder and Managing Director Padma Shri Dr. J. Hareendran Nair, 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. 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 took place in the presence of 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 Kishan Chand (Executive Director) and Dr. M.A. Nambi (Coordinator, Research Projects).

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. PP 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. A spokesperson elaborated that the partnership aims to scientifically validate Pankajakasthuri’s poly-herbal formulation under the AYUSH mode, blending traditional wisdom with cutting-edge scientific methods to create innovative healthcare solutions. As part of the project, CSIR-IIIM will undertake detailed phytochemical standardization, in-vitro bioassays, in-vivo studies and toxicity assessment. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed emphasized 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 a renowned institution such as CSIR-IIIM will enhance the already well-established public confidence in their range of products.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. 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. The event was organized by the RMBD&IST section, guided by Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head of RMBD&IST, under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing integrative medicine and promoting health innovations rooted in tradition and science.