Researchers tap into wound-healing property of red ivy plant

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, have tapped into the wound-healing properties of the red ivy plant, known locally as “murikooti pacha” (Strobilanthes alternata, belonging to the Acanthaceae family) to develop an innovative and multifunctional wound-healing pad using nanomaterials like electro-spun.

The product was developed by a team of scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology of the JNTBGRI by identifying and isolating a new molecule, acteoside, from the red ivy plant.

Red ivy grows abundantly across tropical regions, including India, and traditional practitioners have long been using it to treat cuts and wounds

Acteoside is a natural compound found in many plants and its pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential is well-known. However, this is the first time acteoside has been linked to the red ivy plant, the researchers say.

High efficacy

The key ingredient in the multi-layered wound pad developed by the scientists is the acteoside molecule derived from the red ivy plant, which has high efficacy even at lower concentrations of 0.2%.

The wound pad has been designed with a specially engineered electro-spun nanofiber layer, made from biodegradable and non-toxic polymers and is incredibly thin. Along with acteoside, it also incorporates the antibiotic neomycin sulfate, blended with FDA-approved polymers.

Optimal gas exchange

The porous electro-spun nanofibre layer facilitates optimal gas exchange, allowing the wound to ”breathe.” The wound pad also incorporates a super absorbent sponge crafted from sodium alginate, along with an activated carbon layer. While the first layer prevents microbial growth and speeds up the healing process, the second layer absorbs all wound exudate (secretions) and the third layer absorbs and prevents odours that sometimes emanate from old wounds

Animal studies on excision wounds have shown that the pad can significantly expedite the healing process, the scientists claim.

ISO standards

The biomaterials used for the wound-healing pad have been tested and found to be conforming to the ISO 10993-23: 2021 (E) – Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices standard. Tests on animal models have also confirmed that the components of the pad, including acteoside, various polymers and antibiotics, do not pose risks such as genotoxicity, hypersensitivity, skin irritation or inflammation.

The scientists point out that at present such a multifunctional wound dressing pad is not available in India and that the materials used in this dressing pad are relatively affordable and widely accessible, making large-scale production feasible and cost-effective.

The development of this wound pad was a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of scientists, including V. Gayathri, S. Ajikumaran Nair, B. Sabulal, Neeraja S. Raj, and V. Arunachalam. A provisional patent for the manufacturing process and other attributes of this wound pad has been filed with the Patent Office, Chennai.

The Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology is supported by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) through its flagship programme, SHRESTA (State Higher Research Centres of Excellence in Science and Technology Applications).