Screening Indian plant species for antiplasmodial properties--ethnopharmacological compared with random selection.

In the search for biologically active plant species, many studies have shown that an ethnopharmacological approach is more effective than a random collection. In order to determine whether this is true in the case of plant species used for the treatment of malaria in Orissa, India, the antiplasmodial activities of extracts prepared from 25 traditionally used species were compared with those of 25 species collected randomly. As expected, plant species used traditionally for the treatment of malaria were more likely to exhibit antiplasmodial activity (21 species (84%) active against Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7) than plant species collected randomly (9 species (32%)).

Recombinant D. radiodurans cells for bioremediation of heavy metals from acidic/neutral aqueous wastes.

The stability and superior metal bioremediation ability of genetically engineered Deinococcus radiodurans cells, expressing a non-specific acid phosphatase, PhoN in high radiation environment has already been established. The lyophilized recombinant DrPhoN cells retained PhoN activity and uranium precipitation ability. Such cells also displayed an extended shelf life of 6 months during storage at room temperature and showed surface associated precipitation of uranium as well as other metals like cadmium.

Phytotherapy used in Orissa state, India for treating malaria.

This paper reports 35 medicinal plants belonging to 25 families used in the treatment of malaria by the people inhabiting the forests located near to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, a south-eastern state in India. The methods adopted for the preparation of plant parts are discussed along with their family and local name(s). The majority of the herbal preparations were made in the form of juices or by using water as the medium in the form of decoctions or infusions.