PROF Madya Dr Noorjahan Banu Mohammed Alitheen, Associate Professor at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), is making significant strides in biomedical research.
Her focuses on the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in treating diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. With expertise in immunology and animal cell biotechnology, she is at the forefront of research into safer and more sustainable treatments for some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]Noorjahan’s research delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of natural compounds, aiming to discover alternative treatments with fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies.
Her studies on the anticancer properties of plant extracts and marine resources have demonstrated their ability to inhibit cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis, and enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapy regimens.
Additionally, her research into neurodegenerative diseases explores how these compounds can protect neuronal cells, offering hope for preventing or slowing neurodegeneration associated with aging.
As a testament to her influential work, Dr Noorjahan has published numerous highly cited research articles, many in collaboration with other leading scientists.
One of her standout publications is her 2012 study on “scFv antibody: principles and clinical application,” which has made a significant impact in the field of immunology by demonstrating the therapeutic potential of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies.
Another notable contribution is her 2019 publication titled “In vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of citral nanostructured lipid carrier on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.”
This study highlights the potent anticancer activity of citral delivered via nanostructured lipid carriers, offering a promising approach to breast cancer treatment. Her research on the potential therapeutic applications of bromelain (pineapple extract), was also groundbreaking.
Her 2016 paper, “Potential Role of Bromelain in Clinical and Therapeutic Applications,” gained widespread attention for its insights into Bromelain’s therapeutic benefits.
In addition to her work on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, Noorjahan’s research extends to fermented food products. In 2021, she published an influential study titled “Kefir (fermented food) and Its Biological Activities” in the high-impact journal Antioxidants, exploring the health benefits of kefir.
Her commitment to ethnomedicine is further demonstrated in her 2010 paper on Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf or in Malay Daun Bismillah which has multiple bioactivities. This study highlights her diverse research interests and contributions to alternative medicine.
Noorjahan’s exceptional contributions have earned her several prestigious accolades. In 2017, she was honoured as one of Malaysia’s Top 10 Researchers, receiving the Malaysia Research Star Award and the CREAM Status Award by Elsevier for knowledge transfer.
Her global impact was further recognized in 2022 when Stanford University named her among the World’s Top 2% of Scientists (Single Year Achievement). She also won third prize for her poster presentation at the International Conference on Drug Discovery and Translational Medicine 2021 (ICDDTM’21). Noorjahan’s H-index rankings are University/institutes #35 and Country #166, with over 10,264 citations, 6,730 of which were in the last six years.
As the leading research scientist at UPM, Dr Noorjahan’s influence is evident not only through her high-impact publications and successful research grants but also through her role as a mentor to young scientists.
Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of researchers is reflected in her guidance to her students: “Stay curious, be persistent, and always question your results. Science is about the journey, not just the destination.[/ihc-hide-content]
