The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has begun enrolment for a 1,200-patient multi-centre RCT on Panchakarma + classical formulations for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.
CCRAS, the apex Ayurveda research body under MoHFW AYUSH, has opened enrolment for what will be the largest controlled trial of Ayurveda for rheumatoid arthritis (Aamavata) to date.
Study design
1,200 patients across 12 centres (8 in Kerala, 4 in other states) will be randomised to: (a) 21-day classical Panchakarma + Sahacharadi-based protocol, (b) modern DMARD-only standard care, (c) combined Ayurveda + DMARD. Primary endpoint: DAS28 score at 12 months. Secondary endpoints: morning stiffness duration, CRP, quality-of-life scores.
Why this trial matters
Prior Ayurveda trials on RA have been small (n<100) and uncontrolled. This is the first study with the statistical power to detect meaningful effect sizes — and the first to test the integrated Ayurveda + modern medicine model directly against either alone.
Kerala centres participating
Government Ayurveda Colleges Trivandrum + Tripunithura + Kannur; Vaidyaratnam Hospital Ollur; Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal; Sanjeevanam Ernakulam; Samwarthika Muvattupuzha; KVM Cherthala.
Enrolment
Open May–November 2026. Patients with confirmed moderate-to-severe RA (DAS28 > 3.2) on stable DMARD therapy for ≥3 months are eligible. Contact participating centres directly.
Results expected late 2028.
Source: CCRAS Quarterly Bulletin · link