1 year ago
434
BHUBANESWAR:
Sambalpur University
has successfully tested drugs prepared from plant and herb extracts for treating diabetes, cancer, and filariasis. This project, funded by the
Ayush Ministry
, has yielded promising results in animal trials.
Pradeep Kumar Naik, Professor of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and the project's principal investigator, confirms positive outcomes from the animal testing phase.
"We are actively preparing for the next stage," he added.
Their work involved developing a chemical extraction and formulation from selected plants and herbs. "Toxicity tests on the formulation were negative, and we've filed a patent for its use against filaria. Patents for cancer and diabetes applications are forthcoming," Naik explained.
Before submitting the formulation to the Ayush Ministry for patient trials, the team will conduct standardization and other required tests. "Positive patient trial results will lead to Ministry certification for treatment," Naik elaborated.
The project, titled "Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extraction of selected anukta dravya plants and evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy for various diseases," began in February. Plant and herb extracts were sourced from Gandhamardan Hills within the state.
"We've extracted from over 20 plants and herbs, including Jamukoli, Ashwagandha, Bija, Arjuna, and Bhuin Nimba. Many of these have been employed by traditional healers for generations. We're scientifically validating ancient Ayurvedic knowledge," Naik stated.
The Centre of Excellence on
Natural Products
and Therapeutics at Sambalpur University undertook this project, building upon similar past initiatives.
Vice-Chancellor Bidhu Bhusan Mishra mentioned their recent convention with 400 traditional healers, where they discussed various aspects of their ancient medicinal plant knowledge. "We plan further research on their formulations," Mishra concluded.
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