BIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES FROM PLANT SOURCES IN THE OFFING

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A multi-laboratory project on discovery of new molecules from plant sources and development of indigenous processes for production of these molecules has been taken up on a sustainable basis. 20 central research laboratories are involved including the Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) at Bhopal.

Drug discovery follows the path of selection of molecules, testing and modifying them, making sure of their safety and eventually passing them through various clinical trials.

The responsibilities of RRLs include survey and collection of medicinal plants, herbarium preparation, drying and powdering of the samples, extraction and fractionation of the samples.

The plant extracts will then be delivered to the concerned CSIR laboratories for biological screening against malaria, diabetes, cancer, filariasis, hypertension, tuberculosis, neurological disorders and many other problems. Later, these bio-active substances will be released for commercialisation and use in the production of drugs.