Vishwakarma University, School of Pharmacy, organized a field visit to the Regional Ayurveda Institute for Fundamental Research in Kothrud, Pune, on August 29, 2024, for second-year B. Pharm students in their third semester.

Objectives

The field visit was designed with the following academic goals:

- To provide students with hands-on exposure to medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications.

- To bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical knowledge in the field of Ayurveda.

- To enhance students' understanding of herbarium documentation and the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Regarding Regional Ayurveda Institute for Fundamental Research

To enhance its research initiatives, the Council merged the Pharmacognosy Research Unit at the Indian Drug Research Association in Pune with the Jawaharlal Nehru Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants Garden and Herbarium in 1980. This integration led to the establishment of a Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory in 1990. Recently, the Institute further advanced its research capabilities by developing a molecular biology laboratory focused on fundamental research in Ayurvedic principles. Additionally, a Quality Control Laboratory has been set up for drug standardization. The center also houses a small library, a herbarium, and a reference museum dedicated to medicinal plants, particularly those of Ayurvedic significance.

During the visit, Dr. Archana guided the students through various herbs and medicinal plants, explaining their uses and the processes involved in the preparation and maintenance of a herbarium. The students explored a wide variety of plants in the medicinal plant garden, gaining valuable hands-on experience. A total of 33 students, accompanied by Dr. Amrita Thakur, participated in the visit. The knowledge gained at the Institute will significantly contribute to the student's future careers in herbal drug technology.

Prepared by 

Dr. Amrita Thakur

School of Pharmacy 

Vishwakarma University, Pune