Microbes on the rise: A review on engineering novel strains for bioleather production Palanikumar Muruganantham, Lavanya Jayaraman Research Journal of Biotechnology, 2026 The increase in demand for sustainable alternatives for traditional leather grows highly among several industries such as textile, footwear and automotive. The innovation of bioleather has emerged as a promising material in the realm of biotechnology as a supportive alternate to traditional leather. The synthesis of bioleather from microbial strains is considered as a promising source. This review explores the potential benefits of using microbial strains with reduced environmental impact, lower carbon footprint, reduced water usage and biodegradability and also emphasizes their ethical benefits and economic benefits over traditional leather. Microbial strains offer several benefits with customizable properties, high performance and versatility. This review gives information on the recent advancements in engineering microbial strains in bioleather production by exploiting some of the advances in microbial engineering and modifications of strains to produce collagen-like proteins and other biopolymers. It gives brief information on gene editing techniques, optimization, challenges, marketing potential and other limitations in commercialization of bioleather.
Future Directions in Herbal Synergy Research: Emerging Trends and Prospective Areas Lavanya Jayaraman, D. Lakshitha, Subhashini Sivaji, Ramasamy Vasantharekha, Barathi Seetharaman, Gaurav Mudgal Exploring Herbal Synergies for Optimal Human Health, 2026 For decades, the “one drug, one target, one disease” model has dominated pharmaceutical research, shaping conventional drug development strategies. However, this reductionist approach often overlooks the complexity of biological systems and the multifaceted nature of diseases. Herbal synergy, the concept of combining multiple botanicals to enhance therapeutic efficacy, offers a promising alternative by leveraging natural compounds that work in concert to amplify healing effects, minimize toxicity, and target multiple biological pathways simultaneously. Over the past decade, there has been a paradigm shift from mono-substance therapy toward multi-component and combination-based treatment strategies. Advances in analytical chemistry, systems biology, and computational pharmacology have significantly deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms and multi-target interventions, making herbal synergy a scientifically viable and evidence-driven domain. Looking ahead, several emerging trends are poised to shape the future of herbal synergy research. These include personalized herbal medicine, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven discovery, evidence-based herbal synergy, and sustainable and ethical formulation strategies. Herbal synergy thus represents a transformative approach in medicinal research, bridging traditional botanical wisdom with modern scientific advancements to develop more effective, accessible, and sustainable healthcare solutions. With interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge methodologies, future research in herbal synergies is set to redefine therapeutic landscapes, offering multi-dimensional benefits that go beyond conventional pharmaceutical limitations. This chapter explores the future of herbal synergy research, highlighting emerging trends, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches that will shape the development of multi-herb therapeutic strategies for enhanced efficacy, personalization, and sustainability in healthcare.
Detoxification and Herbal Cleanses: Herbal Combinations That Support the Body’s Detoxification Processes Subhashini Sivaji, Arpita Oriel, Lavanya Jayaraman, Swarnalingam Thangavelu, Ramasamy Vasantharekha, Barathi Seetharaman, Gaurav Mudgal Exploring Herbal Synergies for Optimal Human Health, 2026 Detoxification is a vital physiological process by which the body eliminates toxins and harmful substances to maintain overall health. With the global detox market valued at $56.13 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $88.86 billion by 2033, interest in effective detox strategies is rapidly increasing. Scientists are exploring natural compounds that enhance detox pathways and support longevity. According to Ayurveda, toxin buildup disrupts bodily balance and gut microbiota, potentially leading to ailments such as arthritis, hypertension, indigestion, and even chronic diseases like cancer and renal dysfunction. Advancements in detoxification research have underscored the important role of gut health in overall well-being. As public awareness grows, many turn to natural therapies, especially medicinal herbs, for safe, effective, and accessible detox solutions. These plant-based remedies have been used for centuries due to their bioactive compounds, affordability, and minimal side effects. This chapter explores the detoxification process through both traditional and modern lenses. It examines the role of active metabolites in medicinal plants, the biochemical mechanisms of detoxification, and the synergy between ancient wisdom and scientific innovation. Emphasizing holistic and sustainable approaches, the chapter highlights herbal detoxification as a promising strategy for improving long-term health and vitality.
Synergistic Effects of Multi-Herbal and Herb–Drug Combinations and Their Molecular Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Relevance Subhashini Sivaji, Swarnalingam Thangavelu, Barathi Seetharaman, Lavanya Jayaraman, Jaspreet Kaur, Sanjoy Kumar Dhar, Gaurav Mudgal, Ramasamy Vasantharekha Exploring Herbal Synergies for Optimal Human Health, 2026 The integration of multi-herbal formulations and herb–drug combinations has gained considerable attention due to their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce adverse effects, and provide complementary mechanisms of action. This chapter explores the synergistic effects of combining multiple herbal compounds and their interactions with conventional pharmaceuticals, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms and clinical significance. Synergism in herbal medicine is often driven by multi-target interactions, where diverse bioactive constituents modulate various pathways, leading to enhanced pharmacological outcomes. Key molecular mechanisms include enzyme modulation, receptor binding, antioxidant activity, and immune regulation, which contribute to improved bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Advancements in analytical techniques such as metabolomics, network pharmacology, and computational modeling have enabled a deeper understanding of these interactions, offering insights into their pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic implications. Standardization of herbal formulations remains a critical challenge, necessitating rigorous quality control measures to ensure reproducibility and efficacy. Furthermore, safety concerns such as potential toxicity, herb–drug interactions, and regulatory inconsistencies underscore the need for comprehensive clinical validation through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This chapter also highlights emerging technologies, including 3D bioprinting and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive modeling, which have facilitated the study of complex interactions and accelerated the development of optimized herbal formulations. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, multi-herbal and herb–drug combinations can transition from complementary therapies to integrative medical treatments. Addressing these challenges will unlock their full potential in disease management, providing a holistic and scientifically validated approach to healthcare.
Herbal Approaches to Hormonal Balance: The Synergistic Effects of Herbs on the Endocrine System Ramasamy Vasantharekha, Swarnalingam Thangavelu, Subhashini Sivaji, Lavanya Jayaraman, Lalgi Hima, Barathi Seetharaman, Sanjoy Kumar Dhar, Jaspreet Kaur, Sonia Kumari Shishodia, Gaurav Mudgal Exploring Herbal Synergies for Optimal Human Health, 2026 Hormonal balance is essential for maintaining overall health, influencing metabolism, mood, immunity, growth, and reproduction. This chapter explores the synergistic potential of herbal formulations in supporting hormonal health by interacting with key endocrine pathways. The endocrine system, including glands like the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, and reproductive organs, plays a crucial role in homeostasis. Disruptions in hormonal balance can lead to conditions such as infertility, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and chronic stress. While conventional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and contraceptives are common, they often carry risks, including cancer, mood instability, and thrombosis. In contrast, herbal medicine offers a natural, holistic approach that emphasizes restoring balance rather than suppressing symptoms. Traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long used herbs to enhance the body’s self-regulatory functions. Key herbs like Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Maca, and Vitex exhibit adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating properties. These herbs support adrenal, thyroid, and reproductive health while helping the body adapt to stress. By examining these effects at the molecular level, herbal therapies show promise as safe and effective alternatives or complements to synthetic treatments. Ongoing research is needed to validate and integrate these therapies into modern clinical practice.
A DISTINCTIVE REVIEW UNVEILING ENDOPHYTIC MARINE MICROBE THROUGH THE PRISM OF PIGMENTS AND THEIR UNPARALLELED CONTRIBUTIONS IN MULTIFACETED INDUSTRIES Amrita Suresh, Lavanya Jayaraman, Subhashini Sivaji Journal of Microbiology Biotechnology and Food Sciences, 2025 The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives across industries has spurred interest in natural pigments, particularly those derived from marine endophytes. These microorganisms, which inhabit marine plants and algae without causing harm, have emerged as promising sources of bioactive compounds, including pigments like carotenoids, violacein, prodigiosin, and melanin with industrial relevance. This review aims to explore the potential of pigments derived from marine endophytes, highlighting their advantages over conventional synthetic and plant-based pigments. The primary objectives include evaluating the diversity of marine endophytes, the types of pigments they produce, their biological activities, and their applications in sectors such as food, cosmetics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. To achieve these objectives, the review draws upon studies utilizing standard isolation methods like spread plate technique including surface sterilization of host tissues followed by culturing on nutrient media for the growth of endophytic strains. The isolated bacteria is identified preliminarily by morphological characterization and biochemical assays and confirmed by molecular techniques such as 16S rRNA sequencing. These methodologies ensure accurate taxonomic classification and assessment of pigment-producing capabilities. Marine endophytes offer several advantages: rapid growth, low-cost cultivation, and independence from seasonal variability, ensuring a stable pigment supply. Their pigments exhibit high solubility and stability, along with anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties, further enhancing their industrial appeal. By summarizing current knowledge on marine endophyte-derived pigments, this review underscores their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes and encourages further exploration into their commercial viability.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-microbial activities of the phytochemicals isolated from various parts of broccoli wastes Asmita Nandi, Srirangasayee Devanathan, Aishwarya Ramesh, Lavanya Jayaraman, Subhashini Sivaji Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2023 Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and nutraceuticals. Phytochemicals, also known as phytonutrients are chemical compounds that are present in fruits, vegetables, and other plants and can be broadly divided into carbohydrates, terpenoids, phenolics, lipids, alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. Waste generation is a global problem and vegetable wastes that contain the same or more amount of phytonutrients as the vegetable itself are discarded on daily basis leading to additional waste biomass. The unused portion of broccoli is considered to be waste which includes the stalk and the leaves, rotten and scraped portions of the vegetable. Only the fragile stems closest to the florets are eaten, while the lignified bottom stem of the vegetable is discarded. Approximately 30% of vegetable losses occur at retail and consumer levels including post- harvest and processing. These wastes possess various nutrients and multiple bioactive compounds such as phytochemicals (phenolics, glycosylates, carotenoids, and flavonoids). Broccoli waste has an enormous amount of these nutrients and nutraceuticals which have a wider range of applications in food supplements, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries. The phytochemicals from the leaf and stalk were extracted using the maceration process, and the stalk extract had stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity at a concentration of 500 g/ml. It also showed good anti-microbial activity at 300 μg/ml proving it to be a potential source of important bioactive compounds and also implying the presence of anti-aging and anti-acne activity.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF Eclipta alba LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST ORAL CANCER Lavanya Jayaraman, Subhashini Shivaji, Shanmugam Anandakumar Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, 2022 The goal of this research is to identify phytochemical ingredients in the methanol extract of Eclipta alba (E. alba) leaves and assess their cytotoxicity as well as in-silico binding mechanism of action against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The GC-MS analysis has confirmed the presence of major phytochemicals like steroids, terpenoids, tannins etc., in the leaf extract of E. alba. The cytotoxicity activity of the extract by MTT assay showed dose-dependent inhibition (96% at 300 µg/ml) towards the oral cancer KB cell line. Molecular docking of important molecules such as palmitic acid, 9, 12-Octadecadienoic-acid, and Stigmasta-3, 5-dien-7-one with target proteins including Akt1 and Akt2 exposed the best binding energy. The leaves extract of E. alba will be an herbal remedy for oral cancer containing potential inhibitors owing to proven its cytotoxicity activity as well has revealed its binding efficacy against target proteins.
In vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and mechanism of antifungal activities of selected indian traditional plants against human oral microbes Lavanya Jayaraman, Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu, Divya Priya Siva, Reshma Shrii Aravindan, V. Vellaichamy, Priscilla Mercy Anitha Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021 Morus alba, Asparagus racemosus and Murraya koenigii are commonly used in Indian traditional medicines for the various ailments. The plant extracts were analysed for antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities and their mechanism of action towards human oral fungal pathogens. In the present study, methanol extracts were obtained using a soxhlet apparatus and microbes were obtained from microbial type culture collection and gene bank, Pune. The total phenol and flavonoid were found to be high in Murraya koenigii (2.77 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and Morus alba (160 µg Quercetin equivalent/mg) respectively. The maximum radical scavenging activity was shown by Murraya koenigii in 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (71 %) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (82.57 %) methods. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities were observed in Asparagus racemosus towards Lactobacillus acidophilus (23 mm) and Candida krusei (10 mm) respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration was also determined. The target of antifungal activity of Asparagus racemosus towards Candida krusei was not cell wall whereas targets the cell membrane which is confirmed by sorbitol assay, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. This research can be used as a base to find the active components responsible for antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Screening of salt tolerant endophytic bacteria with plant growth promoting characters isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L., a species of mangrove ecosystem located at Corangi … DS Deepika, J Lavanya, M Sridevi Journal of Applied & Natural Science 15 (2) , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 5
Screening and Isolation of Plant Growth Promoting, Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria from Mangrove Plant Avicennia officinalis L. at Coastal Region of Corangi Andhra Pradesh. J Lavanya, DS Deepika, M Sridevi Agricultural Science Digest 43 (1) , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 10
Isolation, screening, and characterization of plant growth enhancing endophytic bacteria from halophytic Heliotropium curassavicum L. collected from salt stress areas of … DS Deepika, M Sridevi, J Lavanya Journal of Applied and Natural Science 15 (3), 1204 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 2
Isolation and Categorization of Plant Growth Promoting Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Halophytic Suaeda nigra at Salt Stress Area of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh M Sridevi, D Sandhya Deepika, J Lavanya J. Pure Appl. Microbiol 2826, 2835-175 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 2
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF Eclipta alba LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST ORAL CANCER SA Lavanya Jayaraman1 , Subhashini Shivaji1 Rasayan Journal of Chemistry 15 (1), 676-685 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 12
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-microbial activities of the phytochemicals isolated from various parts of broccoli wastes SS Aishwarya Ramesh, Asmita Nandi, Srirangasayee Devanathan, Lavanya Jayaraman Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics 6 (1), 67-83 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 19
In vitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Mechanism of Antifungal Activities of Selected Indian Traditional Plants against Human Oral Microbes VVPMA Lavanya Jayaraman, Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu*, Divya Priya Siva ... Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 83 (5), 1024-1032 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 5
BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL; ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING ACTIVITIES OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA FROM RAPHANUS SATIVUS J LAVANYA, S CHANTHOSH, R SHRII, V VIKNESH, S DEEPIKA, ... INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 12 (2), 1143-1150 , 2021 2021.0
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST HUMAN ORAL PATHOGENS AM Lavanya J., Periyar Selvam S., Jeevitha Priya M., Preethi Jacintha International Journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences 8 (9), 71-78 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 32
Therapeutic proteins and peptides from edible and medicinal mushrooms-review J Lavanya, S Subhashini European Scientific Journal 9 (24) , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 13
In vitro studies on adhesion and the effect of cytotoxicity of bifidobacterium spp. using cell lines S Subhashini, J Lavanya, S Meignanalakshmi European Scientific Journal 9 (18) , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 9
Screening of antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of extracts from epidermis and epidermal mucus of Barbonymus schwanenfeldii (Tinfoil barb fish) S Subhashini, J Lavanya, S Jain, T Agihotri Int. J. Res. Eng. Technol 2, 492-497 , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 18
Isolation, partial purification of proteins produced by Lactobacillus bifermentans and its antibacterial properties J Lavanya, S Subhashini strain 6, 6.6 , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 4
Isolation and screening of halotolerant endophytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting properties from Avicennia alba Blume J Lavanya, DS Deepika, MS Devi, MR Chowdary
Impact Of Biofertilizers On Growth And Yield Of Selected Maize Varieties Growing In Vizianagaram District Of Andhra Pradesh J Lavanya, DS Deepika, MR Chowdary
THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES FROM EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS J Lavanya, S Subhashini
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST HUMAN ORAL PATHOGENS AM Lavanya J., Periyar Selvam S., Jeevitha Priya M., Preethi Jacintha International Journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences 8 (9), 71-78 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 32
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-microbial activities of the phytochemicals isolated from various parts of broccoli wastes SS Aishwarya Ramesh, Asmita Nandi, Srirangasayee Devanathan, Lavanya Jayaraman Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics 6 (1), 67-83 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 19
Screening of antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of extracts from epidermis and epidermal mucus of Barbonymus schwanenfeldii (Tinfoil barb fish) S Subhashini, J Lavanya, S Jain, T Agihotri Int. J. Res. Eng. Technol 2, 492-497 , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 18
Therapeutic proteins and peptides from edible and medicinal mushrooms-review J Lavanya, S Subhashini European Scientific Journal 9 (24) , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 13
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF Eclipta alba LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST ORAL CANCER SA Lavanya Jayaraman1 , Subhashini Shivaji1 Rasayan Journal of Chemistry 15 (1), 676-685 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 12
Screening and Isolation of Plant Growth Promoting, Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria from Mangrove Plant Avicennia officinalis L. at Coastal Region of Corangi Andhra Pradesh. J Lavanya, DS Deepika, M Sridevi Agricultural Science Digest 43 (1) , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 10
In vitro studies on adhesion and the effect of cytotoxicity of bifidobacterium spp. using cell lines S Subhashini, J Lavanya, S Meignanalakshmi European Scientific Journal 9 (18) , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 9
Screening of salt tolerant endophytic bacteria with plant growth promoting characters isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L., a species of mangrove ecosystem located at Corangi … DS Deepika, J Lavanya, M Sridevi Journal of Applied & Natural Science 15 (2) , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 5
In vitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Mechanism of Antifungal Activities of Selected Indian Traditional Plants against Human Oral Microbes VVPMA Lavanya Jayaraman, Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu*, Divya Priya Siva ... Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 83 (5), 1024-1032 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 5
Isolation, partial purification of proteins produced by Lactobacillus bifermentans and its antibacterial properties J Lavanya, S Subhashini strain 6, 6.6 , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 4
Isolation, screening, and characterization of plant growth enhancing endophytic bacteria from halophytic Heliotropium curassavicum L. collected from salt stress areas of … DS Deepika, M Sridevi, J Lavanya Journal of Applied and Natural Science 15 (3), 1204 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 2
Isolation and Categorization of Plant Growth Promoting Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Halophytic Suaeda nigra at Salt Stress Area of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh M Sridevi, D Sandhya Deepika, J Lavanya J. Pure Appl. Microbiol 2826, 2835-175 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 2
BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL; ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING ACTIVITIES OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA FROM RAPHANUS SATIVUS J LAVANYA, S CHANTHOSH, R SHRII, V VIKNESH, S DEEPIKA, ... INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 12 (2), 1143-1150 , 2021 2021.0
Isolation and screening of halotolerant endophytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting properties from Avicennia alba Blume J Lavanya, DS Deepika, MS Devi, MR Chowdary
Impact Of Biofertilizers On Growth And Yield Of Selected Maize Varieties Growing In Vizianagaram District Of Andhra Pradesh J Lavanya, DS Deepika, MR Chowdary
THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES FROM EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS J Lavanya, S Subhashini
