Plants synthesize secondary metabolites such as flavonoids as a strategy of defense against abiotic stresses and pathogens/pests. These diverse compounds, in turn, assume significance for humans in the form of medicinally-pertinent natural products. My research group has worked on the characterization of relevant enzymes from plants, with a view to elucidate their functions in planta, and explore their usefulness for food processing/pharmaceutical industry. Besides, I have also worked on identification, isolation and developmental profiling of geraniol acetyltransferase (AAT) activity in leaves of Cymbopogon martinii, palmarosa (an aromatic grass and a rich source of the monoterpene alcohol, geraniol, and its volatile ester, geranyl acetate)
Phytochemical profiling of underutilized desert plants for unique natural products is also my research interest. How these plants of the (semi) arid regions, faced with extreme environmental stresses, store and utilize these metabolites in times of need is directly dependent on the catalytic machinery at its disposal, such as isoflavone-specific beta glucosidases. We have also isolated and purified novel flavonoids/isoflavonoids and corresponding glycosides from a few edible plants of the arid/semi-arid zones, and analyzed the same using TLC/HPLC/HPTLC/LC-MS techniques. We are interested in characterization of potent antioxidant compounds from food plants for combating human disorders like cancer, obesity, etc. We have also tried to validate the polyphenol-based phytochemical synergy in indigenous, traditional food combinations.
I have also done teaching-based research, wherein we have developed some class activities to engage students in a proactive manner. Some of the methods I have tried in large classes with 500-students class strength and presented the same in international conferences in India. My team has also developed an online course 'Science of Living Systems' for undergraduate students.
An Institute of Eminence
