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Innovative Wound-Healing Pad from Red Ivy Plant

12 Sep 2025 GS 3 Science & Technology
Innovative Wound-Healing Pad from Red Ivy Plant Click to view full image

Institution & Research

  • Developed by: Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram.

  • Division: Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology.

Plant Source

  • Plant: Red Ivy (Strobilanthes alternata)

  • Local Name: Murikooti Pacha

  • Family: Acanthaceae

  • Traditional Use: Applied for cuts and wounds in folk medicine.

Scientific Breakthrough

  • New Molecule Identified: Acteoside (first time linked to red ivy).

  • Properties of Acteoside:

    • Natural compound.

    • Known pharmacological potential: antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

    • High efficacy even at 0.2% concentration.

Product Development

  • Innovation: Multi-layered wound-healing pad.

  • Technology Used: Electro-spun nanomaterials.

  • Features:

    • Nanofiber layer made of biodegradable and non-toxic polymers.

    • Incorporates acteoside + antibiotic neomycin sulfate.

    • Uses FDA-approved polymers.

    • Porous nanofiber structure → allows gas exchange, enabling wound to "breathe."

Significance

  • Bridges traditional knowledge with modern nanotechnology.

  • Potentially cost-effective, biodegradable, and multifunctional wound-healing solution.

  • Reflects India’s push for phytochemical-based biomedical innovations.

  • Enhances healthcare innovation rooted in indigenous resources.


Medicinal Plants in the News

Three Himalayan medicinal plant species recently assessed and included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

1. Meizotropis pellita (Patwa)

  • Status: Critically Endangered.

  • Type: Perennial shrub, endemic to Uttarakhand.

  • Habitat: Restricted distribution; area of occupancy < 10 sq. km.

  • Threats: Deforestation, fragmentation, forest fires.

  • Medicinal Value:

    • Leaves produce essential oil with strong antioxidant properties.

    • Potential natural substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industry.

2. Fritillaria cirrhosa (Himalayan fritillary)

  • Status: Vulnerable.

  • Type: Perennial bulbous herb.

  • Population Decline: At least 30% over 22–26 years.

  • Reasons: Poor germination, long generation length, high trade value, extensive harvesting, illegal trade.

  • Medicinal Value:

    • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

    • Treats bronchial disorders, pneumonia.

    • Strong cough suppressant, expectorant drug source.

3. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Salampanja)

  • Status: Endangered.

  • Type: Perennial tuberous species.

  • Range: Endemic to Hindu Kush & Himalayan ranges (Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan).

  • Threats: Habitat loss, livestock grazing, deforestation, climate change.

  • Medicinal Value:

    • Extensively used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani.

    • Treats dysentery, gastritis, chronic fever, cough, stomach ache.

 Plants Under Research & Development

  • Kanna Plant (Sceletium tortuosum)

    • Studied for effects on brain chemistry, endurance, mood.

    • Traditional use: By South African hunters for stamina.

  • Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar)

    • Research into anti-diabetic potential.

    • Known in Ayurveda; natural link to Metformin source plant.

High-Demand Medicinal Crops (2025 Outlook)

  • Ashwagandha: Increasing demand in export & herbal wellness markets.

  • Other high-demand crops: Stevia, Kalmegh, Brahmi, Amla.

  • Source: Niche Agriculture projections for 2025.

Government & Institutional Initiatives

  • ICAR, Ministry of Ayush, CSIR: Agreement signed for R&D in medicinal plants & Ayurvedic foods.

  • ICAR Schemes: Promoting cultivation of medicinal plants on Ganga River banks.

  • Focus: Integration of traditional knowledge with modern science, support for farmers & herbal industry.



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