Medicine made of Sheesham leaves can heal fractured bones

A team of scientists at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) have developed a new drug that is believed to heal fractured bones and reduce impact of age-related osteoporosis.

The drug named DalZbone — developed with leaf extracts from Sheesham tree — is likely to be launched in the market next month. Sheesham is used for making expensive and long-lasting furniture.

“We were looking to develop a medicine for strengthening bones. After research, we found that Sheesham leaves have cumulative flavonoids which are believed to provide health benefits,” said Dr Ritu trivedi, a senior scientist at the department of endocrinology at CDRI.

Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites, found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, believed to provide health benefits through cell signalling pathways and antioxidant effects.

“When we went ahead with the research, we found that the leaf extracts had positive impact on fractured bones,” said Dr Trivedi.

The scientists used rats for testing and created depletion by removing the ovary of the animal.

The tests conducted by the team, including DR Rakesh Maurya of the department of medicinal chemistry at CDRI, were successful after demonstrations showed that osteoporosis-like condition can be corrected by using the medicine.

The drug, however, promises a speedy bone restoration. The technology has already been transferred to a Gujarat-based pharma company.

First Published: Jan 26, 2016 09:31 IST