Healing from the Hills: Shoolini Scientist Turns Himalayan Wisdom into Modern Health Solutions
In a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, Dr. Radha from Shoolini University has earned four patents for health products and eco-friendly extraction methods based on Himalayan medicinal plants—offering new hope in the fight against drug-resistant infections while honoring the legacy of indigenous knowledge.
Among her breakthroughs is a nutrient-rich jam made from Bombax ceiba flowers and apple pulp, packed with antioxidants and completely free of preservatives. She’s also developed a ready-to-serve drink from the same plant, combining age-old healing properties with modern food science. Two other patents focus on sustainable extraction techniques from Prinsepia utilis and Tinospora cordifolia, yielding powerful antimicrobial compounds—even effective against drug-resistant bacteria.
“This research gives scientific validation to remedies passed down through generations,” said Dr. Radha, Assistant Professor at the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences. “By transforming traditional tribal knowledge into functional foods and natural medicines, we’re not only advancing healthcare but also empowering Himalayan communities.”
Her work is rooted in extensive ethnobotanical research, documenting over 1,600 medicinal and edible plant species used by the Gaddi, Kinnaura, and Jaunsari tribes of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These innovations also open doors for sustainable livelihoods through the cultivation and conservation of these valuable plants.
Supported by the Advanced National Research Foundation and global institutions like Stanford University, East Carolina University, and the University of Vigo, Dr. Radha’s research also highlights the urgent need to protect endangered Himalayan species such as Picrorhiza kurroa and Gentiana kurroo.
In a world facing rising antimicrobial resistance, her work stands as a powerful example of how ancient wisdom and modern science can come together to heal—both people and the planet.
