Hands on Training on cGMP Pilot Plant for Extraction of Traditional (ISM) Plants Concludes at IIIM

Jammu, Jan 23: Hands on Training Program on cGMP Pilot Plant for extraction of Traditional Plants concluded here at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu which saw participation from all over India.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, was the chief guest at the event who in the valedictory address congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the training program and appreciated the participants for their dedication and diligent engagement throughout the training. He emphasized on the importance of these hands-on training programs in providing job-oriented practical training, as well as raising scientific temperament among participants.

He said that these trainings also provide a flavour of research to young college students and may encourage them to take up research as a career. “Such trainings and skilling courses are pivotal to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat”, he added.

In the press handout, it was informed that around thirty participants drawn from all over India, including states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and UT of Jammu and Kashmir, underwent three days Hands on Training in cGMP Pilot Plant.

During the hands-on training, the participants have been imparted with practical working knowledge of cGMP Pilot plant with precisely designed hands-on training practical sessions equipping participants with fundamental skills and knowledge in extraction techniques. The participants were made to understand different types of extraction processes and several theoretical sessions were also imparted eminent scientists of the division. Er Anil Katare, Principal Scientist on first day of training gave a lecture on the importance and principles of herbal extraction and discussed the significance for active compounds from herbal plants. He also stressed on exploring various phytochemicals which are present in plants (alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids etc.). In the end of first day of training there was discussion on the therapeutic properties of different phytochemicals followed by Hands on experiment for grinding and sifting of plant material by Mr Sumit Roy, Technical Officer.

On second day of training, there was discussion on fundamentals of solvent extraction which was followed by explaining the properties of different solvents & their selection criteria. Participants were also given trainings on techniques employed in solvent extraction by Mr Sumit Roy and Mr Goutam Dubey, Project Associate-I. At the end of day, the participants were given an overview of maceration, percolation and Soxhlet extraction methods.

On third day of training the participants were made to understand drying techniques of extraction. The participants were also introduced with crude drugs significance and were made to have practical demonstration of basic drying techniques (Sun drying, air drying & Oven drying). In the end there was practical demonstration of drying equipment and trail run.

During the valedictory function, participants while giving positive feedback of such hands-on training programs requested for more exposure in future trainings for longer duration courses.

The Proceeding of the valedictory session was conducted by Mr Ashok Kumar Bhargava, Technical Officer and Dr Deepika Singh, Principal Scientist presented the formal vote of thanks.

Pertinently, the Training programs were conducted under the patronage of Er Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD & IST Division and coordinated by Dr Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist & Nodal Skill Development.