India Launches New Standards for Phytopharmaceuticals at NIPER Guwahati
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), part of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, hosted a significant Scientific Conclave and Interactive Session on August 27, 2026. Held at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati, this event highlighted the theme ‘Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026: Advancing Quality, Safety, and Innovation in Drugs, Food and Phytopharmaceuticals.’ It marked the first interactive meeting in the Northeast region, bringing together professionals from regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and scientific communities.
One of the standout moments of the conclave was the introduction of seven Indian Pharmacopoeia Phytochemical Reference Standards (IPPRS) and five Indian Pharmacopoeia Botanical Reference Standards (IPBRS) by the IPC. This landmark event represents the first-ever release of these critical standards in the country. The newly launched standards include essential compounds and plants such as Andrographolide, Capsaicin, Embelin, and Terminalia arjuna, among others.
Phytopharmaceuticals serve as a vital link between traditional medicine and contemporary scientific methods, enabling the creation of safe, effective, and standardised plant-based treatments. Their potential in drug discovery and affordable healthcare aligns with India’s expanding role in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
The launch of the IPPRS and IPBRS signifies a major advancement in the scientific standardisation and regulatory evaluation of herbal medicines. These reference standards are designed to bolster the evidence-based development, quality control, and therapeutic assessments of phytopharmaceuticals, strengthening their scientific and regulatory frameworks.
Prof. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS-Guwahati, officiated the launch and addressed attendees, noting that this initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing the quality and safety of herbal products.
During his opening remarks, Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director of the IPC, emphasized the collaboration with NIPER Guwahati as essential for establishing robust quality standards in phytopharmaceuticals. He underscored that such partnerships are vital for advancing scientific standardisation and promoting quality-assured plant-based medicines.
Attending the event were notable figures from regulatory and scientific circles, including Dr. B. Kumar, DDC(I) from CDSCO (EZ), and Dr. Ethengbemo Ezung, ADC of Nagaland. Their presence symbolised a unified commitment to promoting evidence-based medicines derived from medicinal plants.
This conclave provided an invaluable platform for dialogue among experts from regulatory bodies and educational institutions. The initiative is anticipated to enhance the availability of safe, effective, and affordable plant-based therapeutic options, while fostering further research, innovation, and scientific progress in the field of herbal medicine.
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