Why in news?
Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute in Kerala developed a multifunctional wound‑healing pad using the red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata). The innovation combines traditional herbal knowledge with modern nanotechnology to speed up recovery from cuts and burns.
About the plant
Red ivy, locally known as murikooti pacha, is a sprawling vine with red‑green leaves belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It grows abundantly in the moist forests of the Western Ghats and other tropical regions of India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Traditional healers have long used its leaves to treat wounds and skin infections.
Key features
- Active compounds: The leaves contain acteoside, a potent antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory molecule that aids tissue repair. Scientists isolated the compound and incorporated it into a biodegradable pad.
- Easy cultivation: The vine thrives in shade and is easily propagated, ensuring sustainable supply for large‑scale medicinal use.
- Innovation: By embedding nano‑sized particles of acteoside into a wound dressing, researchers achieved controlled release at low concentrations (0.2%), enhancing healing without toxic side effects.
Significance
The project bridges indigenous knowledge with cutting‑edge science. A cost‑effective, biodegradable pad can benefit rural communities where expensive dressings are unaffordable. It also highlights the medicinal potential of India’s rich flora and underscores the need for conservation of plant diversity in the Western Ghats.