The All India Malayalee Association (AIMA) Uttar Pradesh State will be honored Dr. Jayanthy A. with the prestigious Women of the Year Award 2025 for her exceptional contributions to the field of medicinal plant research and standardization. This award recognizes Dr. Jayanthy’s pioneering work in the field of pharmacognosy, which has significantly impacted the quality standards and research methodologies in India’s traditional systems of medicine.

A Glimpse into Dr. Jayanthy A.’s Professional Journey

Dr. Jayanthy A. currently holds the position of Principal Scientific Officer and is the Head of the Pharmacognosy Department at the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), a subordinate office under the Ministry of AYUSH, based in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. With an academic background that includes a Master’s degree in Botany and a Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy, Dr. Jayanthy has over 30 years of research experience in various aspects of medicinal plants. Her expertise spans collection, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, harvesting, primary processing, and storage of medicinal plants.

A key focus of Dr. Jayanthy’s work has been the pharmacognostic identification and authentication of raw drugs used in Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy. This has involved preparing quality standard monographs of medicinal plants and ensuring their proper use within the traditional systems of healthcare.

Key Projects and Achievements

Dr. Jayanthy is currently leading several major projects funded by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the Ministry of AYUSH. Two of her notable projects include:

  1. Development of the Regional Raw Drug Repository of the Gangetic Plain Region – A project focused on preserving medicinal plant species in their natural habitat and ensuring sustainable harvesting practices for future generations.
  2. Development of the National Medicinal Plants Garden for Pharmacopoeial Species – This project aims to create a repository of important medicinal plants that are essential for the preparation of official pharmacopoeia and standards for traditional medicines.

In addition to these projects, Dr. Jayanthy plays a critical role in ensuring that these initiatives meet the necessary regulatory standards and align with the broader objectives of the Ministry of AYUSH.

A Commitment to Education and Standardization

Dr. Jayanthy has also contributed immensely to the development of standards for medicinal plants used in traditional systems of medicine. She serves as a technical expert on several pharmacopoeia committees, including those for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy, where she helps draft and revise official pharmacopoeias and formularies.

Her contributions extend to the development of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Ayurveda and Siddha single drugs, where she served as a Principal member. She has also played a significant role in educating regulatory authorities and industry professionals. Dr. Jayanthy has conducted 12 training programs, delivering lectures and hands-on training on the identification and standardization of medicinal raw drugs. These programs were aimed at enhancing the capacity of regulatory authorities to ensure the authenticity and quality of medicinal plants in India.

Recognition and Accomplishments

Dr. Jayanthy A. has published more than 50 research articles in reputed scientific journals, contributing extensively to the knowledge of medicinal plant pharmacognosy, particularly the identification and comparison of raw drugs with possible adulterants. Her work has been recognized at various national and international platforms, where she has presented papers and won awards, including the Best Poster Award in Health Sciences at the Kerala Science Congress for two consecutive years.

In recognition of her vast contributions to the field of medicinal plants, she has also served in several high-profile positions, such as being the Government Analyst for testing single drugs and compound formulations, Quality Manager for NABL scope under ISO/IEC 17027:2017, and Chairperson of the Internal Complaints Committee at PCIM&H, Ghaziabad.

Conclusion

Dr. Jayanthy A.’s journey in the field of medicinal plant research is nothing short of inspiring. Her tireless efforts in research, standardization, and education have played a pivotal role in shaping India’s traditional medicine sector, ensuring that its practices are both scientifically sound and globally recognized. Through her leadership, India has made significant strides in preserving its vast medicinal plant resources and ensuring their proper utilization in health systems.

Her recognition as the Women of the Year 2025 by AIMA Uttar Pradesh is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her immense contribution to the field. Dr. Jayanthy’s work continues to inspire many in the field of pharmacognosy and traditional medicine, and she remains a leading figure in advancing the science of medicinal plants in India.

This award not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of women in science and their role in driving innovation in health and medicine. Dr. Jayanthy A.’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of medicinal plant research and standardization for many years to come.