Research Projects

Rationale of the research: Plant-based natural products are rich in unique bioactive compounds, and many of them demonstrate significant biological properties. B.reinwardtii and B.sensitivum are traditional medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and folk medicine to treat various ailments. While B. sensitivum has been relatively researched and known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, B. reinwardtii remains less explored despite its potential traditional therapeutic applications. The investigation of folklore knowledge and interactions with Ayurvedic and Sidha physicians lauded that these plants possess rejuvenating properties. Furthermore, few recent reports on extract-level studies on these plants affirm their neuroprotective properties. By investigating the reported phytochemical profiles of these plants and assessing their neuroprotective effects, this study aims to uncover novel therapeutic leads for neurodegenerative disorders. Scientific Objectives: 1. A comprehensive analysis of phytochemical constituents of B. reinwardtii and B. sensitivum. 2. Isolation and characterization of phytoconstituents 3. Evaluate the preliminary neuroprotective efficacy of extracts and isolated molecules 4. Identify key bioactive compounds responsible for activity 5. Encapsulation techniques to improve bioavailability as per the requirement 6. Develop a structure-activity relationship (SAR) model for active compounds, followed by synthesizing the analogues. Hypothesis: The main hypothesis of this project is that B.reinwardtii and B. sensitivum contain bioactive compounds capable of attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects. The phytochemicals present in these species are assumed to protect neurons from damage induced by oxidative and inflammatory processes, the common reason for neurodegenerative diseases. Main Experiments to Be Carried Out: 1. Phytochemical Analysis: Isolation and characterization of molecules 2. Neuroprotective Assays: Assess the neuroprotective efficacy through enzyme-based assays, such as Monoamine Oxidase and Ellman’s Method. • Utilize SH-SY5Y human-derived neuroblastoma cell lines. 3. Encapsulation Studies: To enhance the bioavailability and stability of extracts or isolated compounds. 4. Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Modeling: Insights to design and optimize the potential analog compounds Significance: The plant kingdom is a vast and renewable source, that can be cultivated more efficiently than other kingdoms of life, and most of the traditional system of medicines are relay on plant based natural sources. If successful, this study will contribute towards identifying bioactive compounds from Biophytum species with neuroprotective properties. Moreover, establishing a SAR model will contribute towards the optimization of analogs of improved activity, paving the way for natural therapeutics in neuroprotection.