Ethnomedicine: A Boon of Nature

Dr. E Keshamma has been Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry at Maharani Cluster University, Bengaluru, India. She has obtained MSc. and M.Phil. Degree from Gulbarga University, Gulbarga and Ph.D. Degree from Kuvempu University, India. During her earlier investigation, while doing her Master’s degree, she was inclined to work on Biotic, Abiotic, and also on transgenic plants, which have been produced by a tissue-culture independent Agrobacterium tumefaciens - mediated transformation procedure for the benefit of cash-crops of farmers in India. She was among others to continue studies on integration of the transgene and the work of several other groups, confirming the expression of the chimeric Bt toxin in stagnated productivity of the groundnut against two significant pests, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura, which she has revealed. This was the basis for her doctoral work to undertake several problems unsolved in the area leading to her Ph.D. In continuation, her study showed that the groundnut plants harboring the cry1X gene were resistant to two major insect defoliators and published remarkable research papers. In addition, she amplified the gene of interest and tested in transgenic include field bean and cotton plant varieties. The transformants were identified by PCR analysis, indicating the putative transgenic nature of the T1 generation plants. The seeds of T1 plants, when allowed to continue into the next generations (up to 10 generations), amplified the gene of interest in most of the plants tested. Enzyme-Linked- ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) and quick dip strip test confirmed the expression of the chimeric Bt toxin and was used to identify the high expressing plants. The appearance of the protein band in the quick strips confirmed the presence of the chimeric Bt toxin. Southern analysis of 10 tall expressing plants confirmed the integration of the transgene. Likewise, Western blot analysis for the nptII protein further confirmed the transgenic nature of the plants. These results suggested the chimeric Bt gene was being expressed and functional in the transgenic plants. The investigations involved main areas such as enzyme technology, protein chemistry, plant biotechnology, and molecular biology. To achieve these, she had to work on proper designing and understanding of the insect biology, behavior, its response to the insecticidal proteins, temporal and spatial expression of insecticidal proteins in plants, strategy for resistance management, the impact of insecticidal proteins on natural enemies and non-target organisms and a mechanism to deliver the technology to the resource-poor farmers for better income. She is popular among farmers in her hometown and provides free guidance for the benefit of farmers in the most inexpensive manner.

She has published many research papers in journals of National & International repute, review articles, and book chapters in Life Sciences. She has also presented many of her research investigations work and participation in symposia, seminars, and conferences at the National and International levels. In addition, she has been active in teaching and co-curricular activities as a member(s) of BOS and BOE in different Universities. The teaching fraternity and students appreciate her continued involvement in supporting needy students in many ways.

Her vast experience and eminence in scientific areas allowed holding several academic responsibilities, including curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities such as grant-writing, curriculum development, research proposals correction for external funding for others. Apart from her academic activities, she has creative thinking to further higher education involving NEP in innovative areas like Nanobiotechnology, Food, and Nanotechnology in a collaborative way. Selected for receiving NATION CHOICE AWARD (Glantor-x) for outstanding contributions to the scientific field and society (2022). 

Narender Kumar is working as a Ph.D. research scholar in Plant Diversity, Systematics & Herbarium Division of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226 001, India. Obtained Masters of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Botany from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Awarded Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship in 2014 and worked as a Junior Research Fellow from 2015-2017 and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) from 2017-2020. He worked in plant taxonomy, genetic diversity, biodiversity conservation, and phylogenetics. He has published one research paper, delivered many talks, and presented posters at many national and international conferences. 

Dr. AKHILA.A has been Associate Professor, Department of zoology and Genetics at Nrupathunga University, Bengaluru, India. She has obtained M.Sc. and M.Phil. And Ph.D. Degree from Bangalore University, India. She has received Porificience course in Human Molecular Diseases (PC-HMG)

She has been actively involved in teaching for the undergraduate course for the past 20 years and post-graduate study for the past ten years. She has also presented many of her research investigations work and participation in symposia, seminars, and conferences at the National and International levels. She is an active member(s) of BOE in different Universities and NEP. She is the first coordinator to establish Post Graduate Zoology in erstwhile Government Science College, now recognized as Nrupathunga University. 

CAREER OBJECTIVE

About 16 years as a devoted professional with proven experience of pharmacy in charge drug development, research procured, quality control of govt. Hospital till date. I am seeking a more challenging task in the same field and developing a new nano molecules drug in the present pandemic situation, Covid-19, in my area.

CAREER SUMMARY

A trusted, patient-focused, experienced doctor with a long history of serving patients by successfully diagnosing, treating, and managing their illness and diseases, having rich experience of about 25 years as an Ayurveda physician.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

●     Dealing with patients' complaints about the quality of service of the practice.

●     Able to lead and motivate staff of my hospital manufacturing unit.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

●     I am well-versed in the primary use of the machinery of drug manufacturing units with chromatography etc., and much other equipment.

ACHIEVEMENTS

●     I have received many certificates Ministry of Ayush.

●     I have given many speeches on my subjects, pharmacology, Ethnomedicine, clinical drug research, GMP, and ethics.

EMPLOYERS

●     Incharge dept. Of pharmacy( research and development) GOVT. WB, Health& Family welfare dept. , Kolkata of J.B. Roy S.A.MC&H from last 16 years till date.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

●     Language is known- English, Hindi, Bengali, Sanskrit

●     Awarded State essay competition from Chief Minister, MR. JYOTI BASU, Govt. of WB.

HOBBIES – Reading and Writing.