Kerala scientists develop affordable wound-healing pad using red ivy plant

Thiruvananthapuram: You might have noticed the common red ivy plant, locally called murikooti pacha. But did you know it holds high medicinal value? The plant, scientifically known as Strobilanthes alternata, is native to Java and grows widely across tropical regions, including India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Japan. In Ayurveda, it is called Vranaropani, meaning “wound healer,” with its leaf juice traditionally used to treat cuts and injuries.

Scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology, under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)–Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden (JNTBGRI), have discovered the strong wound-healing properties of the red ivy plant.

Earlier studies linked the effect to a compound called lupeol, but new experiments identified acteoside as far more effective. “The plant has been used in traditional medicine, but this is the first time acteoside has been connected to red ivy. We have managed to isolate the acteoside molecule,” said Dr V Gayathri, Principal Scientist at KSCSTE–JNTBGRI.

Acteoside is highly valued, costing up to ₹6,000 per milligram, but red ivy contains it in significant amounts and it can be extracted through relatively simple processes. Importantly, it works effectively in very small concentrations, around 0.2 per cent, performing better than the widely used povidone-iodine ointment, which requires higher strengths.

Building on this discovery, researchers developed a new multi-layered wound-healing pad with acteoside as its key ingredient. The pad has a specially engineered nanofiber layer that combines acteoside with the antibiotic neomycin sulfate and FDA-approved polymers. Unlike existing products, it accelerates healing, offers protection, and is designed to be more affordable.

The pad consists of three layers; the first speeds up healing and prevents infections, the second absorbs wound secretions, and the third controls odour with an activated carbon layer. Made from biodegradable, non-toxic materials, it supports cell growth and allows wounds to “breathe.” Animal studies showed the pad improves healing rates and confirmed that acteoside and other components cause no toxicity, irritation, or allergic reactions.

Currently, such multifunctional dressings are rare and costly in the global market. Since the materials used here are accessible and cost-effective, the team believes this pad can be scaled up in India at an affordable price.

A provisional patent has been filed at the Chennai Patent Office for the pad and its manufacturing process. The research was carried out by a team led by Dr V Gayathri (Principal Scientist), Dr S Ajikumaran Nair (Technical Officer),  Dr V Arunachalam (Director), Dr B Sabulal(Senior Principal Scientist, retd) and Ms Neeraja S Raj (Junior Project Fellow) at KSCSTE–JNTBGRI. Further studies are underway to refine the product.