FRLHT is a registered Public Trust and Charitable Society, which started its activities in March 1993. The Ministry of Science & Technology recognizes FRLHT as a scientific and industrial research organization. The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Ministry of Health have designated FRLHT as a National Center of Excellence for medicinal plants, traditional knowledge and Ayurvedic Geriatrics respectively.

Laboratory is involved in natural product research. Activities are oriented towards Traditional Knowledge with a modern approach. "Inter-cultural research" to build bridges of understanding between Indian and Western systems of medicine. The Conservation Action and Research Group has been co-ordinating since 1993, the country's first medicinal plant conservation Programme FRLHT has initiated the country's first medicinal plant herbarium. Multi-faceted information on medicinal plants of India has been put together by FRLHT in the form of computerized databases, specialised reports, information products, websites and trade bulletins. FRLHT's ethno medicinal gardens at its campus is a Knowledge Park that provides a visual introduction to several hundred species of medicinal plants from various bio-geographic regions of the country. FRLHT periodically produces educational and communication material based on the research findings for wider dissemination of information on the subject.

FRLHT unveiled this 3 faced person as the tri-murti avatar during a high profile event held at Bangalore on 11th April 2008. On this occasion, its Founder Director, Mr. Darshan Shankar stepped down and handed over the FRLHT's reins to Mr. D K Ved, the Additional Director. The tri-murti avtaar event also witnessed the participation of many bigwigs such as Mr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman, Knowledge Commission of India, Mr. ShibuLal, CEO, Infosys, Dr. Kasturirangan, former chairman, ISRO, Ms. Anita Das, Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, GoI and Mr. B S Parsheera, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI. Several other dignitaries from different Ministries, State Forest Departments, Research and Academic Institutes, Herbal Industries, NGOs and local communities were also present. An exhibition on various initiatives of the organisation was also put up on the occassion.