Department of Biotechnology

About: Department of Biotechnology is a government organization based out in New Delhi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Silver nanoparticle. The organization has 4800 authors who have published 5033 publications receiving 82022 citations.

Protective role of Trigonella foenum graceum extract against oxidative stress in hyperglycemic rats.

Abstract: Background and Objectives: "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." In the present study the anti-hyper- glycemic and anti-oxidative potential of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum graceum (TFG), a traditional medicinal herb was assessed in liver and WBC of alloxan induced diabetic rats. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage, which is balanced by the antioxidants. This has been im- plicated in aging, and diseases such as diabetes and other chronic conditions. Material and Methods: TFG extract was ad- ministered orally (500 (LM) and 1000 mg/kg body weight (HM)) for six weeks. The effect of TFG on blood glucose were studied and the levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA (Malondialdehyde)) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD (Superoxide dismu- tase), GPx (Reduced Glutathione peroxidase)) were estimated and compared with standard drugs glibenclamide and insulin. Results: Treatment with TFG, insulin and gliben- clamide resulted in significantly reduced blood glucose in LM (8.71%) and HM (3.87%) in compari- son with normal controls. There was a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in liver and white blood cells (WBC) in both low and high doses (liv- er LM (49%), HM (57.25%)), (WBC LM (54.28%), HM (62.5%)) and increase in antioxidant enzymes SOD (liver LM (33.59%), HM (58.7%)) (WBC LM (44.9%)) HM (58.7%) and GPx (Liver LM (58.55%), HM (40.20%)), (WBC LM (55.46%), HM (56.4%)) when compared to diabetic controls. Discussion: Potency of TFG in restoring sev- eral parameters to normal values is comparable to glibenclamide, though not as efficient as in- sulin, an indication of its antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect.

Development of nanotechnology for advancement and application in wound healing: a review.

Abstract: Wound healing is a series of different dynamic and complex phenomena. Many studies have been carried out based on the type and severity of wounds. However, to recover wounds faster there are no suitable drugs available, which are highly stable, less expensive as well as has no side effects. Nanomaterials have been proven to be the most promising agent for faster wound healing among all the other wound healing materials. This review briefly discusses the recent developments of wound healing by nanotechnology, their applicability and advantages. Nanomaterials have unique physicochemical, optical, and biological properties. Some of them can be directly applied for wound healing or some of them can be incorporated into scaffolds to create hydrogel matrix or nanocomposites, which promote wound healing through their antimicrobial, as well as selective anti- and pro-inflammatory, and proangiogenic properties. Owing to their high surface area to volume ratio, nanomaterials have not only been used for drug delivery vectors but also can affect wound healing by influencing collagen deposition and realignment and provide approaches for skin tissue regeneration.

Evaluation of comparative free-radical quenching potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Mandookparni (Centella asiatica)

Abstract: Ayurvedic texts describe rejuvenate measures called Rasayana to impart biological sustenance to bodily tissues. Rasayana acting specifically on brain are called Medhya Rasayana. Brahmi is one of the most commonly practiced herbs for the same. Yet there exist a controversy regarding the exact plant species among Bacopa monnieri L. Penn (BM) and Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) to be used as Brahmi in the formulations. Though the current literature available has suggested a very good nootropic potential of both the drugs, none of the studies have been carried out on comparative potential of these herbs to resolve the controversy. Free-radical scavenging potential for these plants is studied to find out their comparative efficacy. The study revealed a very good in vitro free-radical scavenging properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of both the plants as evidenced by FRAP, DPPH, reducing power, and antilipid peroxidation assays. It can be concluded from the studies that both the plants, although taxonomically totally different at family level, showed similar type of in vitro activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents also revealed a significant similarity in the two plants. The in vitro study supports the Ayurvedic concept of BM and CA having a similar potential.