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Researchers tap into wound-healing property of red ivy plant
They develop a multi-layered wound pad with acteoside molecule derived from the plant as the key ingredient

Updated - September 11, 2025 06:22 pm IST - Thiruvananthapuram
THE HINDU BUREAU

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, have tapped into the wound-healing properties of the red ivy plant, known locally as “murikooti pacha” (Strobilanthes alternata, belonging to the Acanthaceae family) to develop an innovative and multifunctional wound-healing pad using nanomaterials like electro-spun. The product was developed by a team of scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology of the JNTBGRI by identifying and isolating a new molecule, acteoside, from the red ivy plant.

Red ivy grows abundantly across tropical regions, including India, and traditional practitioners have long been using it to treat cuts and wounds Acteoside is a natural compound found in many plants and its pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential is well-known. However, this is the first time acteoside has been linked to the red ivy plant, the researchers say.

High efficacy

The key ingredient in the multi-layered wound pad developed by the scientists is the acteoside molecule derived from the red ivy plant, which has high efficacy even at lower concentrations of 0.2%.

The wound pad has been designed with a specially engineered electro-spun nanofiber layer, made from biodegradable and non-toxic polymers and is incredibly thin. Along with acteoside, it also incorporates the antibiotic neomycin sulfate, blended with FDA-approved polymers.

The porous electro-spun nanofibre layer facilitates optimal gas exchange, allowing the wound to ”breathe.” The wound pad also incorporates a super absorbent sponge crafted from sodium alginate, along with an activated carbon layer. While the first layer prevents microbial growth and speeds up the healing process, the second layer absorbs all wound exudate (secretions) and the third layer absorbs and prevents odours that sometimes emanate from old wounds

Animal studies on excision wounds have shown that the pad can significantly expedite the healing process, the scientists claim

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