Subiya Showkat | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Subiya Showkat | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Bharathidasan University | India

Dr. Subiya Showkat is an emerging researcher in the field of phytochemistry and natural product pharmacology, with a keen focus on the isolation and identification of anticandidal compounds from Himalayan medicinal plants. Her academic foundation, developed through her doctoral research at Bharathidasan University, reflects her dedication to exploring the biochemical potential of natural resources for therapeutic applications. She has developed strong expertise in phytochemical screening, antimicrobial evaluation, computational studies, and toxicity analysis using cell lines, contributing to the growing understanding of plant-based drug discovery. Her work demonstrates the intricate link between ethnobotanical knowledge and modern pharmacological validation, emphasizing the role of Himalayan flora as a reservoir of bioactive compounds with potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Dr. Showkat has authored and co-authored several research papers published in reputed indexed journals, where her studies highlight the significance of natural products as alternative sources for the development of safe and effective antifungal agents. Beyond laboratory research, she has actively presented her findings at national and international scientific conferences, contributing to global academic dialogue on medicinal plant research. Her commitment to advancing medicinal chemistry and microbiology is evident in her multidisciplinary approach, combining experimental, analytical, and computational methodologies. With a citation index of 40 and an h-index of 3, she continues to expand her scientific impact and influence in natural product research. Dr. Showkat’s research interests also encompass ethnobotany, microbial bioassay techniques, and structure-based analysis of bioactive molecules, reinforcing her vision to bridge traditional medicine with innovative pharmacological solutions for human health.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Showkat, S., Dharumadurai, D., & Senthil Kumar, T. (2025). Phytochemical profiling, spectroscopic identification of active compounds, and mechanism of the anticandidal properties of Datura stramonium L. using SwissADMET prediction and molecular docking analysis. Microbial Pathogenesis.

Showkat, S., & Senthil Kumar, T. (2024). Exploring the anticandidal potential: Evaluating leaf extract efficacy and GC–MS metabolite profiling of Chenopodium album var. album L. South African Journal of Botany.

Bina Siddiqui | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Bina Siddiqui | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Distinguish National Professor at HEJ, ICCBS, University of Karachi | Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Bina Shaheen Siddiqui is a globally renowned natural product chemist and Distinguished National Professor at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan. Her pioneering scientific contributions have significantly advanced the fields of medicinal chemistry, phytochemistry, and agricultural biotechnology. As one of Pakistan’s most influential scientists, she has led groundbreaking research on natural products, isolating and characterizing hundreds of novel bioactive compounds from medicinal plants with potential therapeutic applications. Her investigations have yielded discoveries in diverse pharmacological domains including anti-epileptic, anti-tuberculosis, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, hypotensive, urease, α-chymotrypsin inhibitory, CNS stimulant and depressant, and spasmolytic activities, with many findings protected by international patents. Prof. Siddiqui’s work also extends to sustainable agriculture, where her studies on neem and other plant species resulted in the development of eco-friendly biopesticides and biofertilizers, now successfully registered and demonstrated in Pakistan’s agricultural fields. She has authored more than four hundred and eighty research publications, book chapters, and patents, reflecting a lifetime of dedication to chemical sciences and innovation. Through her supervision of numerous Ph.D. and M.Phil. scholars, she has nurtured a new generation of scientists in natural product research. Recognized nationally and internationally, she is a Fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences, the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, and the Chemical Society of Pakistan. Her exceptional scientific leadership, innovation in natural product chemistry, and contributions to both medicine and agriculture have established her as an inspiring figure among the most influential women in science across the Islamic world.

Profile : Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications : 

Author(s). (2025). Nitrovanillin derivative ameliorates AGE-RAGE nexus associated inflammation: A step towards the amelioration of vascular complications under diabetic environment. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta – Molecular Basis of Disease.

Author(s). (2025). Urease and human glioblastoma (U87) cells growth inhibitory iridoid glycoside acetates from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. Natural Product Research, Article.

Author(s). (2025). Isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa. Natural Product Research.

Author(s). (2025). Immunomodulatory effects of arborside C pentaacetate—an iridoid glycoside acetate isolated from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. and in vitro and in silico studies. Natural Product Research.

Author(s). (2025). Lantanocamarolide, a new pentacyclic triterpenoid from roots of Lantana camara Linn. and its nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita. Natural Product Research.

Author(s). (2024). Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of new nitro vanillin analogues as anti-glycating agents. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society, Section A: Chemistry,

Author(s). (2024). Anti-inflammatory and urease inhibitory iridoid glycosides from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Article.

 

Trevor Penning | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Trevor Penning | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Pennsylvania | United States

Professor Trevor Penning, a distinguished biochemist, earned his B.Sc. with First Class Honors and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Southampton, UK. With a career spanning over four decades, he has served in leading academic and administrative roles at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, including Director of the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology and the Translational Research Training Program. His professional experience bridges pharmacology, biochemistry, and environmental health sciences, focusing on aldo-keto reductases (AKRs), hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and quinone metabolism. His research interests center on steroid biochemistry, endocrine disruptors, carcinogen activation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying redox biology and disease. Renowned for his scientific rigor, he possesses advanced research skills in enzymology, molecular pharmacology, toxicology, and translational biochemistry. Professor Penning’s prolific research output includes over 1,451 publications with 25,299 citations across 14,355 documents and an impressive h-index of 80, reflecting his global impact. His numerous awards and honors include the Founders Award from the American Chemical Society and the Molinoff Endowed Professorship. As Editor-in-Chief of Steroids and Fellow of the American Chemical Society, he continues to shape biochemical and toxicological research worldwide. His lifelong contributions exemplify excellence in scientific innovation, mentorship, and leadership in environmental and biochemical sciences.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Bolton, J. L., Trush, M. A., Penning, T. M., Dryhurst, G., & Monks, T. J. (2000). Role of quinones in toxicology. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 13(3), 135–160.

Stanbrough, M., Bubley, G. J., Ross, K., Golub, T. R., Rubin, M. A., Penning, T. M., et al. (2006). Increased expression of genes converting adrenal androgens to testosterone in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Cancer Research, 66(5), 2815–2825.

Tebay, L. E., Robertson, H., Durant, S. T., Vitale, S. R., Penning, T. M., et al. (2015). Mechanisms of activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 by redox stressors, nutrient cues, and energy status and the pathways through which it attenuates degenerative disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 88, 108–146.

Penning, T. M., Burczynski, M. E., Jez, J. M., Hung, C. F., Lin, H. K., Ma, H., Moore, M., et al. (2000). Human 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoforms (AKR1C1–AKR1C4) of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily: functional plasticity and tissue distribution reveals roles in the metabolism of androgens, estrogens, and bile acids. Biochemical Journal, 351(1), 67–77.

Jez, J. M., Bennett, M. J., Schlegel, B. P., Lewis, M., & Penning, T. M. (1997). Comparative anatomy of the aldo–keto reductase superfamily. Biochemical Journal, 326(3), 625–636.

Bhaskar Das | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bhaskar Das | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Project Scientist at BRIC-Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development, India

Dr. Bhaskar Das is a highly accomplished pharmaceutical researcher currently serving as Project Scientist-II at the BRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (BRIC-IBSD), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University with research focused on identifying plant-based inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease. His expertise spans natural product research, bioactive compound isolation, neuropharmacology, metabolite profiling, and network pharmacology. With over 17 publications in reputed journals, 2 book chapters, and a citation index reflecting significant academic impact (h-index: 7), Dr. Das has also contributed as a reviewer for leading scientific journals. He has received national and international exposure, including a research stint in South Africa. His work integrates ethnopharmacology, pharmacognosy, and bioresource sustainability, aiming to validate traditional medicines through modern scientific approaches. Dr. Das’s multidisciplinary knowledge, robust research portfolio, and dedication to translational medicine make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Dr. Bhaskar Das has pursued a strong academic path in pharmaceutical sciences, marked by consistent excellence and specialization. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, where his research focused on the development of natural inhibitors against Alzheimer’s disease using plant-based bioactives. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) in Pharmacognosy from Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha, achieving a deep understanding of medicinal plants and phytochemistry. His undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from the same university, laying the foundation for his future research in drug discovery and natural product chemistry. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Das has been recognized for his scholarly dedication, blending traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical techniques. His education has equipped him with interdisciplinary expertise in pharmacognosy, neuropharmacology, and metabolite profiling, forming the basis for his impactful research in the field of bioresources and drug development.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Bhaskar Das has garnered extensive professional experience in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and bioresources, with a strong focus on natural product-based drug discovery. He is currently serving as Scientist-C at the Biological Database and Bioinformatics Division of the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Mizoram Centre, under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. In this role, he is engaged in multidisciplinary research involving phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, and the development of herbal formulations targeting neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s. Dr. Das has contributed significantly to the establishment of metabolomic platforms, standardization of herbal products, and the integration of traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific tools. His work also involves coordinating research projects, mentoring students, and publishing high-impact scientific papers. With his expertise, he plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable use of Northeast India’s rich biodiversity for therapeutic purposes, making meaningful contributions to national and international research collaborations.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Bhaskar Das’s research interests lie at the intersection of natural product chemistry, pharmacognosy, and neuropharmacology, with a strong emphasis on drug discovery from traditional medicinal plants. He is particularly focused on the exploration of bioactive compounds from medicinal and aromatic plants of Northeast India, aiming to identify potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His work involves bioassay-guided fractionation, metabolomics, and phytochemical profiling to understand the mechanism of action and efficacy of herbal formulations. Dr. Das is also interested in the standardization and quality control of herbal medicines, combining modern analytical tools with traditional knowledge to ensure scientific validation. Additionally, he is engaged in bioprospecting and the conservation of bioresources, integrating bioinformatics and biological databases to support drug development pipelines. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Das contributes to bridging traditional ethnomedicine and modern pharmacology, advancing sustainable healthcare solutions rooted in biodiversity.

Research Skill🔎

Dr. Bhaskar Das possesses a diverse and robust set of research skills that span across natural product chemistry, phytopharmacology, and analytical techniques. He is proficient in the extraction, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic methods such as HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR. His expertise extends to conducting in vitro and in vivo pharmacological evaluations, particularly related to neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. Dr. Das is skilled in the use of metabolomics and chemoinformatics tools for profiling complex plant extracts and elucidating metabolic pathways. He also demonstrates competency in statistical analysis and experimental design, ensuring the scientific rigor of his research outcomes. Moreover, he has experience managing interdisciplinary research projects, mentoring young scientists, and collaborating with national and international research groups. His technical acumen, combined with his deep knowledge of traditional medicine, makes him a valuable contributor to drug discovery and ethnopharmacological research.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Bhaskar Das has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical and natural product research. He has been awarded the Young Scientist Award by reputed scientific bodies for his innovative work in ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry. His research excellence has also earned him Best Paper Awards at multiple national and international conferences. Dr. Das has been recognized by the Indian Pharmacological Society and other academic forums for his impactful presentations and scholarly achievements. Additionally, he has received research fellowships and grants from renowned organizations such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which have supported his advanced studies and research initiatives. His consistent academic performance, significant publication record, and contributions to interdisciplinary research have positioned him as a respected and promising scientist within the pharmaceutical sciences and natural product research community.

Conclusion📝

Dr. Bhaskar Das demonstrates a well-rounded, dynamic, and impactful research profile in the fields of ethnopharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioactive natural product discovery. His academic rigor, publication record, international exposure, and methodological versatility make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. He exemplifies an early-to-mid-career researcher with clear upward momentum and valuable contributions to traditional medicine, phytopharmacology, and drug discovery research. With targeted improvements in global visibility, translational outcomes, and leadership roles, Dr. Das is poised to become a major figure in his domain.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Ghosh, S., Das, B., Jana, S., Singh, K. O., Sharma, N., Mukherjee, P. K., & Haldar, P. K. (2025).

  • Title: Mechanistic insight into neuroprotective effect of standardized ginger chemo varieties from Manipur, India in scopolamine induced learning and memory impaired mice.

  • Journal: Metabolic Brain Disease.

  • Date: January 15, 2025.

  • DOI: 10.1007/s11011-025-01535-8