About CIMAP
The Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. Established in 1972, CIMAP has emerged as a premier research institute dedicated to advancing the science and application of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Our mission is to harness the potential of plant biodiversity for improving human health, supporting sustainable agriculture, and fostering industrial growth.
Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, our institute spans over 100 acres of research farms, state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, and experimental fields. We integrate traditional knowledge with modern biotechnology, chemistry, and agronomy to develop novel plant‑based solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and environmental challenges.
CIMAP operates under the vision of "Plant Science for Society" and is committed to excellence in research, education, and outreach. Our work has led to the development of high‑yielding varieties of medicinal plants, extraction technologies for essential oils, and validated herbal formulations that meet international quality standards.
Our Research Areas
Scientific Excellence
Over 200 research papers published annually in peer‑reviewed journals, with a focus on phytochemistry, genomics, and sustainable cultivation.
Plant Genetic Resources
Maintains a germplasm bank of more than 5,000 accessions of medicinal and aromatic plants, serving as a national repository.
Global Partnerships
Collaborates with 50+ international institutions, including universities, research centers, and industry partners across six continents.
Our Research Divisions
Plant Biotechnology
Developing transgenic plants with enhanced medicinal compounds, micropropagation protocols for rare species, and molecular marker‑assisted breeding. Our team has successfully cloned genes responsible for alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus, leading to increased vincristine production. We also focus on CRISPR‑Cas9 genome editing for trait improvement in aromatic plants like mint and basil.
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Natural Product Chemistry
Isolation, characterization, and synthesis of bioactive molecules from medicinal plants. We have identified over 100 novel compounds with anti‑cancer, anti‑inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. Our labs are equipped with advanced HPLC, GC‑MS, and NMR facilities for metabolite profiling and quality control of herbal products.
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Agronomy & Cultivation
Optimizing cultivation practices for high‑value medicinal crops like Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Patchouli. We develop organic farming protocols, irrigation schedules, and integrated pest management strategies to increase yield and bioactive content. Our extension services train over 10,000 farmers annually across India.
Training ProgramsCurrent Research Projects
- Project Aroma‑2025: Developing drought‑resistant varieties of lavender and rosemary for semi‑arid regions. Funding: Department of Science & Technology, India.
- Herbal Antiviral Initiative: Screening plant extracts for activity against emerging viruses. Collaborators: WHO, National Institute of Virology.
- Sustainable Essential Oils: Green extraction technologies using supercritical CO2 to reduce environmental impact. Industry partner: Green Essence Ltd.
- Digital Herbarium: Creating an online database of 10,000 medicinal plant specimens with AI‑based identification tools.
Our Services & Facilities
Analytical Testing
We offer comprehensive testing services for herbal products, including heavy metal analysis, pesticide residue screening, and authentication of plant materials using DNA barcoding. Our NABL‑accredited lab ensures compliance with international pharmacopoeias (USP, EP, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India).
Training & Workshops
Regular workshops on good agricultural practices (GAP), post‑harvest technology, and quality control for farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. We also offer online certificate courses in medicinal plant science.
Technology Transfer
Licensing of patented technologies for plant‑based drug development, essential oil extraction, and herbal formulation. We have transferred 15 technologies to SMEs and multinational companies in the last five years.
Germplasm Distribution
Provision of high‑quality seeds and planting material of improved varieties to farmers and research institutions. Our catalog includes 200+ species with detailed cultivation manuals.
Recent Publications & Achievements
CIMAP researchers consistently contribute to high‑impact scientific literature. In 2023, our institute published 245 research articles, with an average impact factor of 4.5. Notable publications include studies on the anti‑diabetic properties of Gymnema sylvestre, genomic sequencing of Ocimum sanctum, and sustainable harvesting models for wild medicinal plants.
We have filed 30 patents in the last decade, covering novel extraction methods, herbal compositions, and biotechnology tools. Our team has received numerous awards, including the CSIR Technology Award 2022 for developing a commercialized formulation for stress relief.
Our quarterly journal, Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences (ISSN 0974‑6832), is indexed in Scopus and PubMed, featuring cutting‑edge research from global experts.
Visit Journal SiteKey Metrics (2023‑24)
- Research Papers: 245
- Patents Filed: 8
- PhD Scholars: 120
- International Projects: 12
- External Funding: ₹25 crores
Contact Us
Get in Touch
- Address: Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226015, India
- Phone: +91‑522‑2717001 (Reception), +91‑522‑2717002 (Admin)
- Fax: +91‑522‑2717003
- Email: [email protected] (General), [email protected] (Collaborations)
- Office Hours: Monday‑Friday: 9:00 AM‑5:30 PM IST; Saturday: 9:00 AM‑1:00 PM IST
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Our Partners & Friends
We are proud to collaborate with leading organizations worldwide. Below are some of our trusted friends in the scientific community.