The research of one Fort Valley State University student has the potential to assist medical, agricultural and cosmetic industries.
Brajesh Vaidya, a second-year plant biotechnology graduate student working on his thesis, presented research to 15 guests during the monthly research seminar on Dec. 3.
His presentation called, "Reproductive biology and antioxidant potential studies on scutellaria," took place in the Houston Stallworth Agricultural Research Station conference room. For an hour he discussed potential uses of the plant scutellaria.
Vaidya explained how extracts from this plant have cancer-fighting properties and antioxidants. He also said some properties found in scutellaria can be used to develop skin care products.
"I feel privileged to be doing this research that will ultimately help in medical science and commercially because there are lots of farmers out there that could grow the plant, scutellaria, and sell it to herbal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies and other industries," Vaidya said.
In addition, Dr. Nirmal Joshee, Vaidya's research advisor said a unique component of the research is the high concentration of medicinal properties found in scutellaria Ocmulgee. The FVSU assistant professor of plant science said scutellaria Ocmulgee is only found in Georgia.
Vaidya's presentation is a continuation of the research seminar series initiated by Dr. Mahipal Singh, an assistant professor for FVSU's College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology. The series is a platform for FVSU scientists, graduate students and visiting researchers to share their works.
The second year graduate student said the experience he is receiving in the biotechnology graduate program is excellent and he feels prepared to continue his research and education at the doctoral level. "If you compare us with any other university graduate students we are up to par," Vaidya said.