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.

Electroporation-mediated gene transfer into intact nodal meristems in planta : generating transgenic plants without in vitro tissue culture

Abstract: Transient expression and stable integration and expression of transgenes were observed in the tissues and offspring of certain leguminous plants after electroporation of DNA into intact nodal meristemsin planta. The method described in this article thus allows the study of transgene expression in tissues differentiating from meristematic cells present in the treated buds. In addition, transgenic plants can be recovered in the offspring of electroporated individuals. Therefore, this technique allows the production of transgenic legumious plants without the need for in vitro tissue culture, often a major hurdle with this family.

Immunomodulatory effects of triphala and its individual constituents: a review.

Abstract: The role of plant extracts and Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations in treating various ailments has been acknowledged since time immemorial. Studies based on the effect of these extracts in treatment of different diseases have also been well documented. Indian medicinal literature also emphasizes the synergistic effect of polyherbal drugs in restoring and rejuvenating immune system. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory potential of the polyherbal preparation, Triphala and its three constituents, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis. The role of Triphala and its extract has been emphasized in stimulating neutrophil function. Under stress condition such as noise, Triphala significantly prevents elevation of IL-4 levels as well as corrects decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Under the condition of inflammatory stress its immunosuppressive activity is attributed to its inhibitory action on complement system, humoral immunity, cell mediated immunity and mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the individual constituents reportedly enhance especially the macrophage activation due to their free radical scavenging activity and the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. This study thus concludes the use of Triphala and its three individual constituents as potential immunostimulants and/or immunosuppressants further suggests them to be a better alternative for allopathic immunomodulators.