Clinical Research Unit
Established in 1983, the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at RRIUM Srinagar stands as a pioneering force in bridging the timeless wisdom of Unani medicine with the rigor of modern scientific inquiry. Our program is dedicated to conducting innovative clinical trials on diseases of national priority—ranging from chronic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and bronchial asthma to complex autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Through a triad of validation, comparative, and efficacy studies, we strive to elevate Unani formulations from traditional remedies to evidence-based therapeutics, aligning with global healthcare demands. Integral to this mission is the institute’s Outpatient Department (OPD), which has treated over 8,21,853 (Eight lakh twenty-one thousand eight hundred fifty-three) patients to date. The OPD framework is ingeniously designed to harmonize healthcare delivery with research objectives. The General OPD (GOPD) addresses common ailments like respiratory infections and digestive disorders using Unani pharmacopeial drugs, while simultaneously identifying patients for referral to specialized research protocols. Eligible cases are channeled into the Research OPD, focused on conditions such as psoriasis and bronchial asthma—or the 40-bed Inpatient Department (IPD) for structured clinical trials. This dual role of the GOPD not only meets community health needs but also generates real-world data on treatment responses, creating a dynamic pipeline for research. The Special OPD further amplifies this synergy by providing tailored Unani regimens for chronic diseases like vitiligo and rheumatoid arthritis, combining therapeutic care with longitudinal outcome monitoring. This tripartite OPD system ensures that every patient interaction contributes to advancing Unani medicine’s evidence base. Beyond the bench, our community-centric approach extends to underserved populations via mobile healthcare units, ensuring equitable access to trial benefits while gathering real-world data. The institute’s commitment to quality is underscored by NABH accreditation for hospital services and NABL certification for its laboratories, both of which enhance the credibility of research findings. In uniting robust clinical practice with cutting-edge research, the institute continues to champion Unani medicine’s role in addressing 21st-century health challenges—proving that ancient healing systems can thrive in a modern scientific landscape.
| Department | Link |
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| Outpatient department (OPD) |
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| Inpatient department (IPD) |
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| ILĀJ BI’L-TADBĪR (REGIMENTAL THERAPY) IBT |
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| Clinical Laboratories (Biochemistry Lab, Pathology Lab & Radiology section) |
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| Mobile Clinical Research Programme |
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Clinical Research Programme
For over four decades, the Clinical Research Programme at RRIUM Srinagar has been at the forefront of scientifically validating and modernizing Unani medicine, transforming ancient therapeutic wisdom into evidence-based healthcare solutions. As a pioneering institution in Northern India, our program is dedicated to evaluating Unani formulations through rigorous clinical studies, integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge diagnostics and scientific methodologies. To date, 39 clinical research projects have been successfully completed, with 12 ongoing studies, reflecting our unwavering commitment to addressing both common and chronic ailments with safe, cost-effective, and side-effect-free therapies.
The objective of the programme is:
- To verify the claims and perceptions reported in classical literature of Unani medicine in respect of the diseases to validate their relevance in contemporary healthcare.
- To translate (validate) the claims and perceptions in terms of modern scientific method so as to establish the Unani system as an alternative therapy in health care delivery.
- To study the repeatability and acceptability of the Unani formulations across diverse populations and their acceptability in terms of beneficial and undesirable effects.
- To evaluate the overall safety, toxicity and acceptability of Unani drugs therapy.
Clinical Research Initiatives at RRIUM, Srinagar
The Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Srinagar, has undertaken a series of innovative and evidence-based clinical research projects aimed at establishing the scientific foundation of Unani medicine. These initiatives focus on therapeutic validation, comparative efficacy, and modern integrative approaches while staying rooted in the rich heritage of Unani medicine.
Clinical Studies:
These observational and interventional studies are designed to assess the effectiveness, safety, and long-term benefits of Unani formulations in real-world clinical settings. The research encompasses a wide range of diseases, from chronic inflammatory conditions to metabolic disorders, aligning traditional knowledge with contemporary medical evaluation standards.
Validation Projects:
Focused on scientific substantiation of classical Unani formulations, these projects aim to confirm the efficacy, safety, and pharmacological mechanisms of remedies documented in ancient Unani texts. The emphasis is on diseases explicitly mentioned in historical literature, ensuring that traditional formulations meet modern therapeutic standards.
Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs):
These gold-standard comparative studies rigorously evaluate Unani treatments against conventional therapies or placebos. By employing randomization, blinding, and robust statistical analyses, RCTs at RRIUM provide high-quality evidence on the efficacy of Unani interventions in managing prevalent health conditions such as metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal ailments, and dermatological conditions.
Intramural Research Projects (IMR):
IMR initiatives are internally designed research endeavors that address pressing regional and national health concerns. These projects often focus on:
- Lifestyle disorders, evaluating Unani regimens in conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and stress-related ailments.
- Public health challenges, including the integration of Unani medicine in community health programs for preventive care.
Centre of Excellence Projects:
These are multidisciplinary, high-impact research initiatives that target complex, high-burden diseases through a combination of advanced diagnostics, personalized Unani regimens, and innovative therapeutic strategies. The focus of these projects is on various Regimenal therapies (Ilaj bil Tadbeer) for various musculoskeletal, neurological and other conditions.
Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine