Pankaj K. Sahu

Bio: Pankaj K. Sahu is an academic researcher from Dr. C. V. Raman University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Otorhinolaryngology. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 21 publications receiving 291 citations.

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Aloe vera: A Review

Abstract: The plant Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine, and not only tribal community but also most of the people for food and medicine. The plant leaves contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care. This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin, also acts as extremely powerful laxative.

Structural attributes of lantana-invaded forest plots in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India.

Abstract: Vegetation of lantana-invaded forest plots in the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve has been analysed. Only 20 out of the 126 plots examined were found infested with lantana (Lantana camara L.). These plots were divided into low lantana density and high lantana density groups. Ordination using Principal Component Analysis on the structural attributes of the vegetation separated the plots into low altitude and high altitude groups, but did not separate lower lantana density plots from higher lantana density plots. ANOVA also indicated no significant differences in the community-level structural attributes between lower and higher lantana density plots. Nevertheless, species-level differences were evident. Some species were more abundant and showed better regeneration potential in lower lantana density plots, while others did so in higher lantana density plots. However, time-series observations on permanent plots and experimental studies on competitive and allelopathic interactions in natural field plots are warranted for ascertaining the impact of lantana invasion and for ascribing the cause and effect relationships which, at present, remain speculative. Such studies will help identify and maintain ecological barriers to lantana invasion in order to promote conservation and biodiversity in the reserves.

Microbial Observation in Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals from the Ash Dyke of Thermal Power Plants of Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract: Several mechanisms are developed by the microorganisms to tolerate few high concentrations of heavy metals. One of these mechanisms dependent upon anabolic and catabolic energy of microorganisms is the bioaccumulation of heavy metals. In present work, approximately four varieties of bacteria have been isolated from the ash dyke sample of four thermal power plants of Chhattisgarh, i.e., Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB), Korba, Thermal Power Cooperation (NTPC), Bilaspur and KSK Akaltara, Chattisgarh. Out of one hundred fifty isolates, three were capable to grow in varying concentration of heavy metals. The strains were tested for their tolerance against six different types of heavy metals dominant in the ash samples viz. Pb, Hg, Ni, Co, Cu, Mn. Their maximum resistance existed up to 0.6mM/ml of the above mentioned different metals under lab standard conditions. Three isolates are found suitable for the multiple metal resistance ability viz SM2, SM3, and SM12. These are categorized as Bacillus cereus (SM2, SM3), and Bacillus subtilis (SM12) after performing 16S rDNA sequencing.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in the Healthcare Systems of Tribes of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh India

Abstract: The tribal people depend on forests for their livelihood and most of the rural people still depend on traditional medicine as a primary healthcare source The paper highlights the rich plant resources and the vast wealth of ethnobotanical information available with the various tribes of the region In this paper, some new and less known ethno medicinal uses of 104 plants of tribes of Dantewada, Dakshin Bastar CG in different ailments have been reported The main objective of present work is to give the information and documentation of medicinal plant used by tribal of the study sites The ethnomedicinal information was gathered from interviews with living elders belonging to Madiya, Muriya, Gond and Bhatra tribes of the study area The present work on ethnomedicinal plants, used in the healthcare systems of tribes in 15 villages, was carried out from Geedam block of Dantewada, Dakshin Bastar CG

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MORNING GLORY: CONVOLVULACEAE JUSS. OF CENTRAL INDIA (Madhya Pradesh & Chhattishgarh)

Abstract: The Convolvulaceae are mostly twining herbs or shrubs, sometimes with milky sap, comprising about 85 genera and 2,800 species in the World. The present study focuses into nine species of Convolvulaceae in central India with reference to M.P. & C.G. which have excellent medicinal properties. Ipomoea L. (5 species discussed), used to treat arsenic and opium poisioning, under developed femal structures, piles and used as galactogogue, finds application in cardiac debility, sexual debility, hepatospleenomegaly, dyspepsia, hepatopathy etc. Evolvulus (2 species) is used in veneral debility, chronic bronchial asthma, epilepsy, brain tonic. Decoctions of Argyreia nervosa (Burn. f.) Boj. are used in seminal, nervous weakness, cerebral disorders and sex disorder and Merremia tridenteta (L.) Hall. f. (whole plant) while Merremia umbellata (L.) Hallier. f. useful in uropathy, inflammations and general debility, fistula, pustules and tumors.

Medicinal plants: Future source of new drugs

Abstract: India has a long history and strong base for Ayurveda, which is the traditional herbal medical system. Herbal plants play an important role in preventing and treating of human diseases. People have been using plants as a traditional medicine for thousand years ago. Plants have been associated with the development of human civilization around the whole world. However, plants are considered as rich sources of phytochemical ingredients which enable to have medicinal value. Medicinal plants are a potential source for the development of new herbal drugs. In the 21st century, the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants have been considered as a promising future drug/medicine for the management of health care. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest to rediscover medicinal plants as a source of potential drug candidate. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to understand the knowledge of the medicinal plants as a future source of herbal drugs.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in aloe vera plant extract prepared by a hydrothermal method and their synergistic antibacterial activity

Abstract: Background There is worldwide interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by various chemical reactions for use in applications exploiting their antibacterial activity, even though these processes exhibit a broad range of toxicity in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. To avoid the chemical toxicity, biosynthesis (green synthesis) of metal nanoparticles is proposed as a cost-effective and environmental friendly alternative. Aloe vera leaf extract is a medicinal agent with multiple properties including an antibacterial effect. Moreover the constituents of aloe vera leaves include lignin, hemicellulose, and pectins which can be used in the reduction of silver ions to produce as AgNPs@aloe vera (AgNPs@AV) with antibacterial activity. Methods AgNPs were prepared by an eco-friendly hydrothermal method using an aloe vera plant extract solution as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNPs@AV were characterized using XRD and SEM. Additionally, an agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity. MIC and MBC were used to correlate the concentration of AgNPs@AV its bactericidal effect. SEM was used to investigate bacterial inactivation. Then the toxicity with human cells was investigated using an MTT assay. Results The synthesized AgNPs were crystalline with sizes of 70.70 ± 22-192.02 ± 53 nm as revealed using XRD and SEM. The sizes of AgNPs can be varied through alteration of times and temperatures used in their synthesis. These AgNPs were investigated for potential use as an antibacterial agent to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Their antibacterial activity was tested on S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa. The results showed that AgNPs had a high antibacterial which depended on their synthesis conditions, particularly when processed at 100 oC for 6 h and 200 oC for 12 h. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs was determined using human PBMCs revealing no obvious cytotoxicity. These results indicated that AgNPs@AV can be effectively utilized in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and biomedical applications. Discussion Aloe vera extract was processed using a green and facile method. This was a hydrothermal method to reduce silver nitrate to AgNPs@AV. Varying the hydrothermal temperature provided the fine spherical shaped nanoparticles. The size of the nanomaterial was affected by its thermal preparation. The particle size of AgNPs could be tuned by varying both time and temperature. A process using a pure AG phase could go to completion in 6 h at 200 oC, whereas reactions at lower temperatures required longer times. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of this hybrid nanomaterial was sufficient that it could be used to inhibit pathogenic bacteria since silver release was dependent upon its particle size. The high activity of the largest AgNPs might have resulted from a high concentration of aloe vera compounds incorporated into the AgNPs during hydrothermal synthesis.