Google Doodle on Saturday celebrates the 100th birthday of Asima Chatterjee, a noted Indian chemist. She was the first female Doctorate of Science in India from an Indian University. Born on 23 September, 1917, Asima has contributed immensely to the research of vinca alkaloids and the growth of anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs.
“Dr Chatterjee primarily studied the medicinal properties of plants native to India. Throughout her career, her research contributed to the development of drugs that treated epilepsy and malaria. Dr Chatterjee’s most noted contribution to the field, however, was her work on vinca alkaloids. Alkaloids are compounds made from plants, often to treat medical ailments. Vinca alkaloids, which come from the Madagascar periwinkle plant, are used today in chemotherapy treatment because they help slow down or stall the multiplying of cancer cells,” reads a Google’s blog.
“Dr. Chatterjee’s groundbreaking contributions to medicine were recognized by universities all over the world. She received numerous accolades from the Indian government, including some of the highest awards (like the Padma Bhushan) and an appointment to the upper house of Parliament!,” it adds further.
Asima, who joined Lady Brabourne College in Calcutta University in 1940, founded the department of chemistry in the college.
