In a significant step towards integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare, leading scientists, clinicians, and Siddha experts gathered at the ICMR–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT), Chennai, for a two-day national workshop titled “Advancing Integrative TB Research through Siddha (AYUSH) System-Based Approaches.” The workshop marked a renewed commitment to exploring the scientific potential of Siddha medicine in supporting tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The event was jointly organized by the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), ICMR–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT), and ICMR–National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM). Researchers from across the country participated in discussions aimed at identifying promising Siddha formulations that could complement conventional anti-TB therapy through rigorous scientific evaluation.
Tuberculosis continues to be one of India’s major public health challenges despite remarkable progress under the National TB Elimination Programme. Experts emphasized that while modern anti-tuberculosis drugs remain the cornerstone of treatment, complementary therapies supported by scientific evidence could play an important role in improving patients’ quality of life, strengthening immunity, reducing treatment-related side effects, and enhancing recovery.
During the workshop, participants identified several priority areas for collaborative research. These include evaluating Siddha medicines with anti-mycobacterial properties, studying immunomodulatory formulations, developing nutritional supplements for TB patients, reducing liver toxicity associated with anti-TB medications, managing post-tubercular lung disease (PTLD), improving gut health, exploring Siddha-based air purification concepts, and applying bioinformatics and One Health approaches to tuberculosis research.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the identification of several Siddha formulations and therapeutic approaches for future multidisciplinary research. Experts also announced progress on collaborative projects focusing on Siddha Energy-Dense Nutritional Supplements (EDNS), immunomodulatory therapies, and Siddha-based interventions for patients recovering from post-tubercular lung disease.
Health experts at the workshop stressed that integrating Siddha medicine into TB care does not mean replacing standard anti-TB treatment. Instead, the initiative seeks to generate high-quality scientific evidence that could support the safe and effective use of Siddha therapies as complementary interventions alongside conventional medicine.
The workshop reflects India’s broader vision of promoting evidence-based integration of AYUSH systems into mainstream healthcare. By fostering collaboration between traditional medicine practitioners and biomedical researchers, the initiative aims to create innovative, patient-centered solutions that contribute to the country’s goal of eliminating tuberculosis while preserving the rich heritage of indigenous medical knowledge.
As collaborative research moves forward, experts believe that scientifically validated Siddha interventions could emerge as valuable supportive therapies, strengthening India’s fight against tuberculosis and setting an example for integrative healthcare research globally.