Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Deepak M’s academic journey is rooted in Chemistry, with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu in 2008. His passion for chemistry led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same university, which he completed in 2023. His research focus throughout his academic career has centered on the exploration of medicinal plants and the chemistry behind their active components, aligning with his current work as a scientist specializing in phytochemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Deepak has amassed over 13 years of professional experience in the field of phytochemistry. His career is closely tied to the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR) at Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram, where he has held multiple positions since 2010. He currently serves as a Scientist at CMPR, a role he has held since April 2021. Prior to this, Dr. Deepak was a Project Scientist (2016-2021), a Senior Research Fellow (2012-2016), and a Junior Research Fellow (2010-2012) at CMPR. Before his tenure at CMPR, he worked as a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), Government of Kerala, where he focused on water quality research from 2009 to 2010.

Research Focus and Expertise

Dr. Deepak’s research is deeply rooted in phytochemistry, with a particular emphasis on the phytochemical characterization of medicinal plants. His work includes the scientific validation of traditional knowledge and the study of secondary metabolites found in plants, which are crucial for understanding their medicinal potential. Over the years, he has gained significant expertise in using sophisticated analytical instruments such as HPLC, HPTLC, FTIR, GC, GC/MS, and LC/MS to isolate, identify, and characterize active compounds in plants. His dedication to the standardization of Ayurvedic formulations and the isolation of natural compounds has positioned him as a leading expert in his field. Dr. Deepak is particularly interested in the screening of biological activities of plant-derived compounds, further contributing to the validation of Ayurvedic medicine.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Deepak’s work in phytochemical screening has significantly influenced the scientific community’s understanding of medicinal plants and their therapeutic potential. His contributions extend beyond his research as he has collaborated on various projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the National Medicinal Plants Board, and the Ministry of AYUSH. Additionally, his work has also received funding from private sector entities such as the TATA Trusts, Mumbai. These collaborations have further reinforced his impact on both the academic and practical aspects of medicinal plant research.

Academic Citations

Dr. Deepak’s research has been cited extensively in international journals, a testament to the importance and relevance of his work in the field of medicinal plant research. His publications, which span more than 20 research articles, cover a range of topics including phytochemical profiling, biological activity screening, and the scientific validation of traditional medicinal knowledge. These contributions have influenced further studies and developments in the use of plant-derived medicines.

Technical Skills

Dr. Deepak is highly skilled in using state-of-the-art analytical instruments crucial for phytochemical research. His proficiency with instruments such as HPLC, HPTLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and LC/MS enables him to conduct comprehensive analyses of plant materials. His ability to isolate, separate, purify, and identify natural compounds from plants has been instrumental in his research. He is also well-versed in water quality monitoring, a skill that complements his work on plant-based formulations and their applications in Ayurvedic medicine.

Teaching and Mentorship

Though his primary focus has been on research, Dr. Deepak’s expertise in phytochemistry and medicinal plants has allowed him to contribute to academic environments as well. His role as a mentor to junior research fellows and project scientists at CMPR has helped nurture the next generation of scientists specializing in the field. His guidance in phytochemical analysis and biological evaluation has provided valuable hands-on experience to students and research fellows.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Deepak’s career thus far reflects a commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. His ongoing work at CMPR, particularly in plant-based compound isolation and biological activity screening, promises to open new avenues for Ayurvedic formulations and natural medicine. As he continues his research, Dr. Deepak aims to further develop sustainable methods for identifying and utilizing plant-derived bioactive compounds, contributing to the growing field of natural products research. His future work will undoubtedly focus on bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern scientific validation, solidifying his legacy in phytochemistry.