Dioscorea species: source of saponin derived anti-inflammatory drugs to fight against complex regional pain syndrome

Abstract published

 

International Conference on Neurosciences, Theme: “Brain Plasticity and Neurological disorders”. 9^th to 11^th November 2013, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India, pp-36-37.

Dioscorea species: source of saponin derived anti-inflammatory drugs to fight against complex regional pain syndrome

Sanjeet Kumar, Nihar Ranjan Singh, Shanti Prava Behera, Shakti Kanth Rath and Padan Kumar Jena

Email-Id: sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or causalgia is a chronic systematic diseases characterized by severe pain and swelling. It initially affects an arm or a leg and often spreads throughout the body. It is a multifactorial disorder with inflammation, sensitization and maladaptive neuroplasticity. The major treatments are scrambler therapy, contrast bath therapy, mirror box therapy, symapthectomy, use of ketamine and anti-inflammation drugs.anti-inflammation drugs are very important to treat this syndrome. There are list of anti-inflammation synthetic drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofence etc. Those are used all over the world. One isolated saponin derived compound, diosgenin from Dioscorea species is very common, which acts as aspirin and possess acute anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The isolated saponin (3-beta-2-acetoxy-benzoyl-diosgenin) from Dioscorea zingibenensis showed 7.92 % and 14.51 % anti-inflammatory activities at the dose of 126 mg/kg and 252 mg/kg body weight in mice (Mh et al., 2011). Keeping this in view an investigation was made to screen the saponin in three solvents n-hexane, methanol and water with polarity 0.1, 5.1 and 10.0 respectively in tuber of four Dioscorea species i.e. Dioscorea puber, Dioscorea pentaphylla, Dioscorea bulbifera and Dioscorea alata. The species are prevalent in Odisha. Results showed presence of 99.0 % of saponin in water, 33.3 % in methanol and no indication of saponin in n-hexane extract. Further studies are being carried out to validate the anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated saponin of above Dioscorea species. Such investigation will be helpful and will provide base to formulate synthetic drug to fight against CRPS.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Evaluation of Dioscorea alata L.: a medicinal food crop of rural Odisha

Abstract published

 

National Seminar on “Innovations in Science & Technology for inclusive development” organised by Indian Science Congress Association on the occasion of the 16^th Odisha Bigyan Congress, November 23-24, 2013 at Institute of Physics, Bhubaneshwar, pp-143.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Evaluation of Dioscorea alata L.: a medicinal food crop of rural Odisha

Sanjeet Kumar

A. Singh, S. P. Behera, S.K.Rath, N.R.Singh and P.K.Jena

Department of Botany, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack-753003

Email-Id: sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Abstract

Dioscorea alata L., commonly known as Mati aalu, is a monocot vine having tuberous root along with aerial edible bulbils. It belongs to family Dioscoreaceae and is very popular food supplement among the tribal and rural communities of the state of Odisha. The tuber juice is used as cooling agents during summer in southern part of Odisha. Its parts are used as food and medicine among rural and tribal communities of the state. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Dioscorea alata L. Tuber extracts. Phytochemical evaluation was carried out. Phytochemical screening showed wide pharmacological values of this plant. Presence of tannin, flavonoids and phenolic compounds in all tuber extracts may be responsible for antibacterial and other bioactivities. Antimicrobial activity and MIC activity using Disc Diffusion assay of methanol and acetone extracts was carried out. Both extracts showed prominent activity against Vibrio cholera, Shigella flexnerii, Salomnella typhi, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus mutans. Results validate Dioscorea alata L. is not only a food plant, but also a good source for formulation of new antimicrobial agents. Further works need to be carried out for pharmacological evaluation of Dioscorea alata L. plant parts.

PP.41. Empirical Tribal claims and correlation with antimicrobial activity: a study on Dioscorea pubera Bl. Enum. a medicinally important famine wild tuber crop of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha

National Conference on New Frontiers in Medicinal Plant Research - 2013

&

Special Meeting on

Medicinal Plants for Livelihood Security & Community Empowerment in Eastern Himalayas

3-5 October 2013

Gangtok, East Sikkim

Organized by 

Department of Botany, Sikkim University

81 | P a g e

PP.41. Empirical Tribal claims and correlation with antimicrobial activity: a study on Dioscorea pubera Bl. Enum. a medicinally important famine wild tuber crop of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha

Sanjeet Kumar et al., 2013

Department of Botany, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack- 753 003, Odisha, India

Email Id: sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Abstract

National Park, Biosphere Reserves and Sanctuaries are the prominent habitat of ethnic tribes and their medicinal practices. Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) Forest is hub of unexplored wild plants having medicinal as well as food values. The ethnic tribes of SBR are in habit of using plants and their parts for curing of different diseases. Among those plants, Dioscorea species are one of them which are used against different diseases by aboriginals of SBR. Dioscorea pubera Bl. Enum. is an important medicinal wild food plant of genus Dioscorea. It is distributed throughout the forest ranges of SBR. Tribal communities have been using its parts against different types of skin infections and as tonic for poor appetite.Therefore, an attempt has been made to evaluate the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of Dioscorea pubera tuber extracts. Aim of the study was validation of tribal claims through assessment of ethnobotanical values, detection of bio-active compounds and antimicrobial activity of Dioscorea pubera Bl. Enum tuber extracts. Ethnobotanical data collection were made following Christian and Brigitte, (2004) followed by field survey, taxonomic characterization and interaction with tribal communities. Qualitative analysis of bio-active compounds were carried out by Harborne, (1973); Trease and Evans (1989) and Kumar et al., (2007). The antimicrobial activity was done using Disc Diffusion Assay (Taormina et al., 2001). The ethno-botanical survey indicated wide medicinal uses of this plant among the tribal communities of SBR.Tuber extract are commonly used against skin infections. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins in aqueous extract that posses anti-microbial activity. Antimicrobial assay showed relevant zones of inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 1926) and other strains at different concentration of the tuber extracts used. The investigation validates the tribal claims for skin infections through phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of the tuber (Dioscorea pubera Bl. Enum) extracts. This study further highlights the therapeutic medicinal values among the aboriginals of SBR. Further, isolation, purification and characterization of bio-active compounds in tuber extracts will aid to the formulation of new antimicrobial agents.

Memories & Similipal Biosphere Reserve (Save Forest Save Life)

Sanjeet Kumar
sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Ravenshaw University

The Similipal Biosphere Reserve has been notified by Government of India on the 22nd June, 1994. It comprises of the entire Similipal sanctuary (core and buffer together), the adjoining Nato and Satkoshia Reserve Forests forming additional buffer and a belt of approximately 10 KM width all around the entire buffer designated as the 'transition zone'. The total area of this BR is 5569 Sq. KMs. The Similipal hill ranges, a densely forested area constitute the core and a part of the buffer zones of the BR, and there are also 65 villages within these two zones including four in the core zone. Similipal is in the eastern end of the eastern ghats and classified in the Chhotanagpur biotic province of the Mahanadian bio-geographical region. The transition zone of the Reserve has 1200 villages whose total population is about 4.5 lakhs. The tribals constitute about 73% of this population. The forests and the biodiversity resources to a great extent sustain the livelihood of these people. The forest and wildlife in the sanctuary, and the human population and cattle living in close proximity impact on each other. The Management Action Plan for the BR seeks to put emphasis on suitable programmes of eco-development in the transition zone and also to a limited extent in buffer zone, to promote various alternative livelihood options, and thereby to reduce people's pressure on the forests.

 

Some Beautiful pictures of Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Mr. Prakash Kumar Tripathy at Padampur, Similipal Biosphere Reserve Forest 

 

Mr. P.K.Tripathy and Dr. N.R. Singh, Member of My Research Team at Similipal

My reserach team at Similipal

Collecting information at Weekly Haat of Jashipur

Waoooo, Wonder of Birds at Similipal

Simlipal Biosphere reserve

 

 

Me, Sanjeet & my research team at Simlipal Biosphere reserve

 

Save Forest, Save Life

 

Fight against AMR with desolate wealth Dioscorea pentaphylla L.: an unexplored wild medicinal food plant of Similipal Biosphere Reserve Forest, Odisha, India

Abstract published

International Conference on Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development (INCCBSD-2013)
Supported by TEQIP II, 16th to 18th August, 2013. Organised by Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India. pp-55.

Sanjeet Kumar et al. 2013

Department of Botany, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack- 75 3003, Odisha, India

sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

AMR (Antimicrobial resistance) is phenomenon of resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs to which they were originally responsive. Such effect may due to natural changes in the microorganisms or due to anthropogenic causes. Therefore there is need for screening of new plants having good ethnic values to fight against AMR. Among those plants, Dioscorea pentaphylla L. is a wild medicinal tuberous food plant commonly available in Similipal Biosphere Reserve Forest (SBR). Tribal communities of SBR have been using its parts against microbial infections. Therefore an attempt has been made to evaluate the phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Dioscorea pentaphylla L. tuber extracts against pathogenic microbes. Aim of the study was assessment of ethnobotanical values, bioactive compounds, antimicrobial activity and validation of tribal claims. Ethnobotanical data collection were made following Christian and Brigitte, (2004).Qualitative analysis of bioactive compounds were carried out by Harborne, (1973); Trease and Evans (1989) and Kumar et al., (2007).The antimicrobial activity was done using Agar Well Diffusion assay (Allen et al., 1991).The ethnobotanical survey indicated wide medicinal values among the tribal communities of SBR.Tuber extracts are used against different microbial diseases.The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannin, flavonoids,  saponins etc in the extracts of Dioscorea pentaphylla L. tuber that posses anitimicrobial activity. Results showed relevant zones of inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 1926), Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 497), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 1252), Vibrio cholerae (MTCC 3909) and Shigella flexneri (MTCC 1457) at different concentration of the plant extracts used.The investigation validates the potent medicinal applications of Dioscorea pentaphylla L. among the tribal communities of SBR against skin infections and other diseases through phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of the tuber extracts. Isolation, purification and characterization of bioactive compounds in tuber extracts will aid to the formulation of new synthetic drugs that may fight against AMR. The study further suggest to all concerned with biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of this valuable bioresource of SBR.

Rhizosphere Effects & Plant Pathology

Sanjeet Kumar

Microorganisms in the immediate vicinity of the root together with those on its surface play active, effective and decisive role in the success or failure of a pathogen in causing root infections. It is due to “Rhizosphere effects” directly linked with root exudates and rhizosphere microorganisms. The rhizosphere effect is strongest at the root surface, the rhizoplane and declines with increasing distance from it.

The rhizosphere effect is a concept to indicate the state of rhizosphere health. It is expressed as a ratio of number of microorganisms in the rhizosphere and the number of microorganisms in the soil beyond the influence of the roots, calculated on the basis of dry soil. The rhizosphere / soil ratio is usually considered as a positive effect in the case the ratio exceeds one and as negative if below one. On the best known example of rhizosphere effect is flax wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum. The rhizosphere of a resistant variety was reported to contain HCN that favoured the growth of saprophytes such as Mucor, Penicillum etc whereas susceptible varieties contained HCN in trace and favoured the growth of potential pathogens like Fusarium, Verticillium, Alternaria and Helminthosporium.

Study of wild edible plants among tribal groups of Simlipal Biosphere Reserve

International Journal of Biological Technology (2012) 3(1): 11-19.

ISSN: 0976 – 4313

Sanjeet Kumar et al., (2012)

Email-Id: sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Published: 15, April, 2012; Vol. No. 3(1):11-19; Online:www.ijbtjournal.com/documents/ijbt150412103.

© Gayathri Teknological Publication, 2012.

Abstract

The present study documented first time some of the most preferred wild food sources among the tribes Mankirdia, Kharia, Kolha, Santhal and others inhabiting in Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Forest, Odisha, India, particularly highlighting the importance of Dioscorea species. A total of 79 wild edible plants including 11 species of Dioscorea were assessed with respect to their availability, consumption pattern and harvesting. These foods are also stored by the tribal groups using different process for critical periods of food shortage and famine. The study emphasizes upon the need for exploring food resource available for wild plants and conservation of wide biodiversity of Odisha.

Key words:

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Forest, Tribal communities, Dioscorea species, Wild edible plants, Food shortage.

WORK ON WILD TUBER CROPS: WHAT I AM GOING TO START VERY SOON

Isolation, purification and characterization of pharmacological agents from Dioscorea species collected from Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Forest, Odisha

SANJEET KUMAR

Clinical microbiology has been facing new problems that pathogens are being resistant to particular synthetic drugs due to mutation, overdose, inappropriate diagnosis and treatment. Drug resistance is a big problem for pharmacological industries and health care. Drug’s potential is going on declining and it’s being difficult to fight against microbial attacks. Therefore, there is urgent need to screen of new compounds from plants and animal wealth which are unexploited and have little scientific documentation. Among those plants Dioscorea species are unexploited and having very little clinical validation of their extracts against pathogens is reported. They are major food staple among aboriginals and rural mass in 3^rd world particularly in Africa and India. The ethnobotanical survey from literature revealed the potent pharmacological values of these unexploited wild tubers. Therefore an attempt will be taken to investigate the phytochemicals, anti-microbial, toxicity and other pharmacological activity.

Objectives:

1.     Documentation of therapeutic practices of different extracts of Dioscorea species against microbial infections and other diseases.

2.     Evaluation of pharmacological values using clinical trials with microbes and experimental animals.

3.     Isolation, purification and characterization of desired bioactive compounds using chromatography and NMR.

Output:

1.     Help in the gene conservation of these valuable wild tubers.

2.     Formulation of new bioactive compounds.

3.     Manufactures of new drugs against specific pathogens and diseases.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of selected wild tuber crops of Odisha

SANJEET KUMAR

Diabetes is a very common and chronic endocrine disease caused by defect in production of insulin in human body which promote to increase the concentration of glucose in the blood leading damage blood vessels and nerves. More than 150 million people are suffering from diabetes worldwide and it is likely to increase to 300 million by the year 2025. International Diabetes Federation has declared that India is the “Diabetic capital of world”. From ancient medicinal plants continue to provide valuable therapeutic agents as natural and synthetic drugs in traditional and modern medicines. Many wild plant species are reported to be useful in Diabetes and they are considered to be less toxic and free from side effects than synthetic one. Among those plants wild tuber crops play an important role. Wild tuber crops have been used as traditional medicine against Diabetes among rural and tribal communities of different regions in Odisha.  Thus, an attempt will be made to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of wild tuber crops in alloxan induced experimental animals.

Objective of Research

·         Documentation and validation of therapeutic practices or claims of wild tuber crops among tribal communities of Odisha.

·         Study the impact of the extracts of these tubers and their plant parts on alloxan induced animals.

·         Assessment of bioactive compounds of wild tubers and their mechanism of action.

·         Isolation, purification and characterization of desired bioactive compounds.

Future Prospects

·         Study will help in elucidation the mechanism of antihyperglycemic effect.

·         Study will help to isolate the lead bioactive compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity.

·         Estimation of bioactive compounds and antidiabetic activity of plant parts (in vivo and in vitro) will facilitate the maximum formulation in the manufacture of synthetic drugs to fight against chronic diabetic.

Study of diversity, nutritional and ethno-pharmacological activity of available Ban Aalu (Dioscorea species) in Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Forest (SBR), Odisha

SANJEET KUMAR

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Forest is located in the central part of the district Mayurbhanj of Odisha having a compact mass of natural mixed forests with hub of different types of tribal communities. In developed 21^st century, synthetic medicines are very common against every disease throughout the world still they depend on wild plants for their food and medicines. Among those wild plants, Dioscorea species are more important as per the high consumption rate among rural and aboriginals during critical periods in SBR of the state Odisha. Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea pentaphylla and Dioscorea puber are very common in SBR forest. Tubers of Dioscorea species are rich in starch, fibre, carbohydrate and also having diverse bioactive compounds such as Diosgenin and others steroidal saponins. There is very little documentation on ethnobotany, nutritional and pharmacological values of Dioscorea species available in SBR. Therefore an attempt will be made to evaluate genetic diversity, ethnobotanical practices, nutritional and pharmacological activity of Dioscorea species available in SBR forest.

Objective of Research

1.      Standardize Passport Data Form and documentation of ethnic knowledge on Ban Aalu available in SBR of Odisha.

2.      Evaluation of diversity richness index of Dioscorea species in SBR forest.

3.      Estimation of primary metabolites, anti-nutritional factors and toxicity of Dioscorea tuber.

4.      Validation of ethno-pharmacological claims using experimental trials against selected diseases.

Future Prospects:

1.      Diversity index help in gene pool conservation and can protect the minor indigenous tuber crops from extinction helping in conservation of wide biodiversity available in SBR forest of Odisha.

2.      Ethnobotanical documentation will help to evaluate the pharmacological activity of the plants.

3.      Nutritional values will help to promote mass cultivation of these wild plants for eradication of malnutrition among inhabitants of SBR.

4.       Validation of tribal claims will lead to isolate new synthetic drugs against particular diseases.