Pharmacological studies on Buchanania lanzan Spreng.-A focus on wound healing with particular reference to anti-biofilm properties

Objective:To evaluate the wound healing activity of the methanolic root extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng.(B.lanzan),with a focus on antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties.Methods:The extract was evaluated for its wound healing properties(excision and incision models)as evident from the analysis of tensile strength and wound contraction.The extract was also screened for antibacterial properties against different Cram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains.B.lanzan was also studied for its effect on biofilm formation and disruption of preformed biofilms.The synergistic effect of B.lanzan was determined in combination with gentamicin.Results:Topical application of B.lanzan(10%w/w ointment)significantly increased(40.84%)the tensile strength in the incision wound model.B.lanzan also showed significant wound healing activity in excision model and such significant activity was observed from the 9th day.Whereas Soframycin displayed significant wound healing activity from the 6th day.It was found that root extracts of B.lanzan revealed significant inhibition against all tested pathogens.B.lanzan displayed antimicrobial activity against Cram positive(MIC 0.625 mg/mL)and Cram negative(MIC0.625-1.25 mg/mL).B.lanzan was able to reduce biofilm formation and also caused disruption of preformed biofilms in a manner similar to ciprofloxacin.However,gentamicin was found to be ineffective against biofilms formed by Gram negative organism.According to the fractional inhibitory concentration index,B.lanzan displayed synergistic activity when it was combined with gentamicin.Conclusions:From this study it may be concluded that the root extract of B.lanzan revealed significant wound healing potential,which was supported and well correlated with pronounced antibacterial activity of the tested plant parts.

Strategies for Revitalization of Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine (TM) plays an inevitable role in drug discovery and development. Most of the therapeutically useful molecules used in the present day are inspired from TM. Herbal drugs are the oldest forms of medicines used for the treatment of various ailments and the TM of every country has a long history of their usage. To develop more data on their quality, safety, and efficacy, so also to improve the consumer’s need of modern days several thrust areas of research are to be focused on the development of TM. Based on the above concept, a paradigm shift is required for the revitalization of TM. These facts along with the modern scientific approaches, molecular tools, and strategies make it necessary for TM to be revitalized. Confluencing several strategies with the technological and scientific developments including pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics, system biology, and related approaches, the scientific potential of TM can be explored further with international coordination and collaborations.

Evidence Based Validation of Indian Traditional Medicine–Way Forward

Evidence based validation of the ethno-pharmacological claims on traditional medicine(TM) is the need of the day for its globalization and reinforcement. Combining the unique features of identifying biomarkers that are highly conserved across species, this can offer an innovative approach to biomarker-driven drug discovery and development. TMs are an integral component of alternative health care systems. India has a rich wealth of TMs and the potential to accept the challenge to meet the global demand for them. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy(AYUSH) medicine are the major healthcare systems in Indian Traditional Medicine. The plant species mentioned in the ancient texts of these systems may be explored with the modern scientific approaches for better leads in the healthcare. TM is the best sources of chemical diversity for finding new drugs and leads. Authentication and scientific validation of medicinal plant is a fundamental requirement of industry and other organizations dealing with herbal drugs. Quality control(QC) of botanicals, validated processes of manufacturing, customer awareness and post marketing surveillance are the key points, which could ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of TM. For globalization of TM, there is a need for harmonization with respect to its chemical and metabolite profiling, standardization, QC, scientific validation,documentation and regulatory aspects of TM. Therefore, the utmost attention is necessary for the promotion and development of TM through global collaboration and co-ordination by national and international programme.