Early Academic Pursuits
She embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Govt. Arts and Science Degree College, Anantapur. Subsequently, she pursued her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry from Bangalore University, Karnataka, and further advanced her studies with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry from REVA University, Bangalore, Karnataka. Her doctoral thesis focused on exploring the therapeutic effects of Vitex negundo leaf extract compounds against colon cancer, conducting in vitro studies using HCT116 cells.
Professional Endeavors
With a keen interest in research, she accumulated over five years of research experience, including a stint as a Research Assistant in the Organic Chemistry lab at REVA Institute of Science and Technology, Bangalore, under the guidance of Prof. H. Junjappa. Following this, she transitioned into academia, serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at REVA University. Currently, she holds the position of Research Associate under the Ramanujan fellowship, collaborating on a project led by Dr. Damodara Reddy, a DST-SERB Ramanujan Fellow at REVA University.
Phytomedicine refers to the use of plant-based substances for therapeutic purposes. It encompasses a wide range of natural remedies derived from herbs, flowers, roots, and other plant parts, which are used to treat various health conditions. Phytomedicine combines traditional knowledge with modern research to develop effective plant-based therapeutics. This field is rooted in the practices of traditional medicine and leverages the healing properties of natural compounds.
Contributions and Research Focus in Phytomedicine
Her research endeavors primarily revolve around the realms of biochemistry, biology, clinical chemistry, bioinformatics-screening, and molecular docking. Her notable contributions include her pioneering work on exploring the therapeutic potential of plant-based remedies, particularly Vitex negundo leaf extract, in combating colon cancer. Through her rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, she identified key secondary metabolites present in V. negundo leaf extract, demonstrating their antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties in cancer cells. Furthermore, her research delved into transcriptome analysis and molecular docking studies to unravel the underlying mechanisms and potential drug candidates for treating colorectal cancer effectively.
Accolades and Recognition
Her research findings have been disseminated through publications in reputable journals such as Chemical Data Collections, Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, and Molecular Modeling and Graphics. Her significant contributions have earned her recognition, including the Women Researcher Award for her exemplary work in the field of phytomedicine.
Impact and Influence
Her research has the potential to significantly impact the field of herbal medicine and natural remedies, offering novel insights into the therapeutic applications of plant-based therapeutics. Her work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also holds promise for the development of future drug candidates for treating colorectal cancer and other ailments.
Legacy and Future Contributions