Research work on medicinal plants done at H.E.J. institute

KARACHI: Anila Bashir, a PhD scholar of the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, stated, “I have done the total synthesis of a natural product (isoxylotone) which reported from the medicinal plant commonly known as Jadwar (Delphinium denudatum Wall).” 

She stated this while defending her PhD thesis in a seminar held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on Wednesday. 

It is pertinent to mention that the female scholar is pursuing her PhD program under Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen. 

Anila Bashir said that the medicinal plant, namely Jadwar, was used as herbal medicine in ancient times as antidotes to poison, nerve tonic, cardiotonic and anti-pyritic. 

The natural product (Isoxylitones) has been reported for having potent anticonvulsant and antiepileptic activities, she said, adding that her thesis comprises two parts, and the topic of research is “Studies on bioactive constituents of Delphinium denudatum Wall. and synthesis of bioactive peptides”. The seminar was followed by a questions and answers session.