The Hindu : New Delhi News : She gave up all for the love of science

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Monday, Jun 11, 2007
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New Delhi

She gave up all for the love of science

The drug discovered by her has been patented in several countries. However, India is yet to recognise her talent, eminent scientist and researcher Pushpa Khanna tells Bindu Shajan Perappadan

It all happened in her one-room laboratory. Or so says eminent Indian scientist and researcher Pushpa Khanna who is credited with discovery of a unique single molecule protein anti-diabetes drug "Gourdin" extracted from the seeds of the bitter gourd. When administered to patients suffering from diabetes, it showed lowering of blood sugar levels.

Her drug has been patented through Patent Cooperation Treaty in countries such as China, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Africa and India. Also, the oil extracted from bitter gourd, "Bitterin", has showed beneficial results when used as a vasculodilator, anti-inflammatory, anti-wound and anti-gangrene product.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit recently conferred the `Woman Achiever 2007' award on Dr. Khanna at a function in the city for her achievements in the field of medicine and in developing the drug from traditional remedies.

Known the world over for her innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Khanna was elected "International Woman of the Year" in 1997-98 and has received several international awards and honours for her scientific work.

Research in medicinal plants

Educated in Punjab and Rajasthan, Dr. Khanna did her research and doctorate in medicinal plants from the Unites States.

"Though I was a creative person and was always working on some project or the other, it was in the U.S. that I first got interested in medical plants. I have since then been working with 70 plant species but bitter gourd and its properties fascinated me and I started exploring the possibility of making an anti-diabetes drug with the same," says Dr. Khanna.

However, it was only after her retirement as Principal of University College in Rajasthan in 1988 that Dr. Khanna found time to pursue her passion again.

"I seriously took up my research only after I retired and I had time on hand. I am what you would call a one-thing-at-a-time kind of person and bitter gourd became my obsession. Despite several hours of hard work when nothing came of it, one night it struck me that I should probably look at the seeds of bitter gourd. The result was `Gourdin' that activates the inactive insulin present in blood and rejuvenates the pancreas, thus being beneficial to patients with diabetes."

The discovery Dr. Khanna claims is part of India's traditional knowledge bank. "The world sat up and took notice of the work of a female scientist from India and that made me proud."

The journey to world reorganisation and fame did not come easy with Dr. Khanna claiming that she had to and in several ways continues to bear the brunt of not being a good marketing person. "As a senior citizen who has done the country proud, I don't think India is yet to give me my due. While the world has applauded my work, my own people haven't respected it and that hurts. I have been rebuffed by laboratories and given a cold shoulder by the higher-ups in the country. I did my research in my one-room lab. It is during these time that I say to myself -- I have done what I wanted in my life and I have also completed the work God has send me to do. Diabetes has seen a five time increase in the general population. My drug can provide relief to patients and yet India hasn't looked at this option seriously enough," says Dr. Khanna.

"But I am now used to this behaviour," adds Dr. Khanna. While growing up, she claims she had to adopt the "Gandhian" way of protest when she went on hunger strikes to ensure that her parents continued to send her to school. Later Dr. Khanna had to forgo marriage and the option of having a family giving it all up for the love of science.

"Science and research are very demanding fields and I realised early in my life that I was not a family oriented person so my life is dedicated to my passion. The way to the top is a lonely trip and for the journey I selected my passion has been my companion. If my product can help people have a better quality life I would think that my life and sacrifice has been worthwhile. Science and research is not about having the best equipment or the swankiest laboratories it is about passion and perseverance," says Dr. Khanna.

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