Advancing Traditional Medicine in India: Academic, Research, and Regulatory Perspectives on Ayush Systems

Traditional medicine in India has a rich historical background with recognized systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy (Ayush). The Government of India has made significant efforts to promote these systems globally, with a focus on Yoga and Ayurveda. The establishment of the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India reflects the country’s growing leadership in this sector. Strengthened by scientific evidence on safety and efficacy, India has developed a robust regulatory framework covering education, research, and product development in Ayush systems. However, regulating traditional medicine in the 21st century remains challenging, as approximately 88% of countries use traditional and complementary medicine. This review highlights India’s initiatives in education, research, and regulatory mechanisms that support the advancement and global acceptance of Ayush systems.