Biomedicine essentially rests upon statistically significant results of clinical studies, on the effects of a drug, on the human system. Biomedicine further requires that the physico-chemical properties of the drug, which is almost always a single chemical compound, are adequately known. It is the results of such studies that brought to the fore the fact that members of almost all classes of chemical compounds are of therapeutic significance, in one or the other context.

In recent times clinical data are being gathered either for multispecies formulations or single species medications of the indigenous holistic systems of China and India. In such cases, the effects are attributable to the whole of the formulation and not any specific ingredient or chemical compound. Such studies are needed a) to verify the claims made for the formulations (or other medicines) in the indigenous systems, b) to put them on a scientific foundation, and c) to build up the confidence of the public on the therapeutic efficacy of the indigenous systems.

For the indigenous systems to be internationally acceptable, it is necessary to obtain phytochemical, biochemical, in vitro and clinical data on specific ingredients, if not their chemical constituents. This entails enormous research work of several decades, requiring sophisticated facilities and collaborating specialists in different scientific disciplines. However, individual scientists or small research groups can contribute to this effort, even if it is in a small way.

Phytochemical studies on medicinal plants are required for the following reasons:

a) Phytochemical information on a species of medicinal plants is the essential basis for a fine chemical analysis, to be followed by in vitro and clinical studies.

b) Almost every species of medicinal plants contains more than one active compound and it is necessary to know this composition before other studies are undertaken.

c) Phytochemical studies help in discovering alternative sources of therapeutic chemicals of importance. For example, camptothecin, the anticancer drug was originally discovered in the Chinese species Camptotheca acuminata (Nyssaceae), for which the later discovered Indian alternative is Nothapodytes foetida (Icacinaceae).

d) Certain classes of chemical compounds have been found to have diverse effects in different therapeutic contexts. A phytochemical survey would provide information on the distribution of these compounds in different species, to offer a wider choice of material for the work of other scientists.

With such a vast area of research on medicinal plants, one is compelled to exercise a choice of the type of research work to be undertaken, basing on interests and facilities available. Our choice for experimental work has been lectins, saponins, fluorides, and growth inhibiting effects of plant extracts on pathogens. The following aspects were studied:

a) assay of lectins in food and medicinal plants, and allergenic pollen;

b) formulation of a kit for identifying different human and animal blood groups;

c) saponins in food and medicinal plants;

d) antimicrobial effects of plant extracts on enteric and oral pathogens; and

e) fluorides in plants used as tooth brushes, chewing sticks and tooth powders and some food plants.

The results of these studies and their implications are discussed in the following pages.

LECTINS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE

LECTINS

LECTINS IN MEDICINAL PLANTS

LECTINS IN FOOD PLANTS

LECTINS IN PLANTS USED IN DENTAL CARE

SPERM AGGLUTINATING LECTINS

LECTINS IN POLLEN AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ALLERGY

IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL BLOOD GROUPS

REFERENCES

Kameswara Rao, C., Sathyananda, N. and Rama, G. 1991. Pollen lectins. J. Palynol., 27: 399-406.

Kameswara Rao, C. and Sangeetaa, W. 1996. Lectins in pollen and stigmas. In Advances in pollen and spore research. vol. XXI. (ed.) Malik, C.P. Today & Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers, New Delhi.

Kameswara Rao, C. and Sangeetaa, W. 1997. Implications for lectins and saponins in pollen in the diagnosis and treatment of allergy caused by inhaled pollen. In Aerobiology. (C. e.) Agashe, S.N. Oxford & IBH Publ. Co., Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. pp 487-499.