NEWS

• A team at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, has utilized the traditional medicinal plant red ivy (Strobilanthes alternata) for modern healthcare applications.
• The research was conducted under the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology
• A novel bioactive molecule, acteoside, was identified and isolated from red ivy for the first time.

HIGHLIGHTS

Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science

• Red ivy, locally known as murikooti pacha, has been traditionally used across tropical regions, including India, for treating cuts and wounds.
• Acteoside, although known for pharmacological and therapeutic properties, had never been linked to red ivy until this study.

Development of the Wound-Healing Pad

• Scientists created a multi-layered wound pad with acteoside as the key ingredient.
• Remarkably effective at low concentrations (0.2%), the compound enhances healing efficiency.
• The pad incorporates:
  • Electro-spun nanofiber layer made from biodegradable, non-toxic, FDA-approved polymers.
  • Neomycin sulfate, an antibiotic, to prevent infections.

Technological Advantages

• The nanofiber layer is ultra-thin, porous, and engineered for optimal functionality.
• It allows for efficient gas exchange, enabling wounds to “breathe” while healing.
• The design ensures controlled drug release, minimal toxicity, and accelerated tissue repair.

Significance and Future Potential

• This innovation demonstrates the integration of traditional plant knowledge with nanotechnology.
• The wound pad is eco-friendly, multifunctional, and scalable for clinical use.
• Potential applications extend to advanced wound care, diabetic ulcers, and surgical recovery.

The discovery may pave the way for India’s self-reliance in biomedical innovations, leveraging indigenous biodiversity