A researcher from Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Radha, has made a significant breakthrough in the field of sustainable healthcare by developing plant-based health products and eco-friendly extraction methods from Himalayan medicinal plants. As an assistant professor at the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University, Dr. Radha has filed four patents for her innovative discoveries.
One of the patents is for a nutrient-enriched jam made from Bombax ceiba flowers and apple pulp, which is rich in dietary fiber, phenols, and flavonoids. This jam has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers. Another patent is for a ready-to-serve drink made from Bombax ceiba flower extract, which combines traditional knowledge with modern food science to deliver bio-active compounds in a convenient format.
In addition to these product-based patents, Dr. Radha has also developed innovative extraction methods for medicinal plants. One such method is for Prinsepia utilis leaves, which produces extracts that can fight harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. This is the first time this Himalayan plant has been shown to have such effects. Another extraction method is for Tinospora cordifolia leaves, which preserves multiple antimicrobial compounds and provides a natural, eco-friendly alternative to conventional antibiotics.
According to Dr. Radha, these discoveries have the potential to transform tribal remedies into validated functional foods and natural antimicrobial solutions, benefiting both modern healthcare and local Himalayan communities. The patent applications address pressing health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance while safeguarding indigenous knowledge and creating livelihood opportunities for Himalayan communities through the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.
Dr. Radha’s research is a significant step towards building scientific evidence for traditional knowledge that has been passed down orally for generations. By combining field documentation with laboratory analysis, she has developed plant-based health products and eco-friendly extraction methods that have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. The patents filed by Dr. Radha are a major breakthrough for sustainable healthcare and have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of people around the world.