Mateshwari Nandan Nandan

Biosurfactants are natural surfactants produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, and fungus, which are either released into the environment or synthesized on microbial cell surfaces. These amphiphilic molecules display a variety of bioactivities and physical characteristics determined by their history, manufacturing, and purifying techniques. Glycolipids, such as rhamnolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), sophorolipids, and trehalolipids, represent the predominant biosurfactants, including mono- or disaccharides combined with hydroxy- or long-chain aliphatic acids. They augment the solubility of hydrophobic compounds by rising their hydrophobicity and generating micelles and compartments at certain pH settings. Lipopeptides, including surfactin, lichenysin, and iturin, are produced by non-ribosomal routes by enzyme complexes such as surfactin synthetase, wherein the component SrfD is essential. Biosurfactants have remarkable surface and interfacial properties, decreasing surface tension and creating stable emulsions and foams. The combination of these qualities, together with a low critical micelle concentration (CMC), increased solubility, and greater detergency, renders biosurfactants more advantageous than conventional surfactants. Their effectiveness is contingent upon characteristics such as oil-water interfacial tension and surface tension, which range from 1 to 30 mN/m at CMC levels between 1 and 2000 mg/L. Biosurfactants has distinctive physicochemical properties, making them advantageous for drug delivery systems by enhancing solubility, stability, and effectiveness relative to traditional surfactants. They embody a sustainable and creative methodology in pharmaceutical applications.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Traditional medicinal plants have long been utilized as alternative treatments, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. This ethnobotanical review aims to document and analyse the medicinal plants historically used to treat arthritis, focusing on plant identification, preparation methods, administration techniques, and associated cultural knowledge. The study systematically reviews ethnobotanical literature and field surveys involving traditional healers, herbalists, and indigenous practitioners. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, with plant species identified through taxonomic classification and verified using existing botanical literature. Findings indicate that numerous plant species possess significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with leaves, roots, bark, and seeds commonly used in decoctions, infusions, poultices, and topical applications. Although many of these plants have been cited in scientific literature for their therapeutic potential, further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations are necessary to validate their efficacy and safety. The study underscores the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and integrating ethnobotanical research into contemporary healthcare systems. Future research should focus on standardization, sustainable conservation of medicinal plants, and clinical trials to establish their role in arthritis treatment.