Dr. Asima Chatterjee was one of India’s most pioneering scientists and a pathbreaking Indian woman chemist whose research changed the way the world understood medicinal plants. She developed plant based anti epileptic and anti malarial drugs, built research institutions, and inspired generations of scientists. Her work blended India’s botanical heritage with modern chemistry and continues to influence global medicine today.
Dr. Asima Chatterjee dedicated her life to studying the chemical secrets hidden in India’s rich plant diversity. Her early work led to the development of effective anti epileptic medicine derived from native herbs. She also created plant based anti malarial formulations at a time when India urgently needed new solutions. Her discoveries helped shape the field of natural product chemistry in India and abroad.
Born in 1917 in Calcutta, Asima grew up in a family that encouraged learning. Her father was passionate about botany and often shared his interest with her. These early encounters with plants shaped her desire to understand the science within nature. Even as a young girl, she was drawn to the colours, textures and medicinal importance of leaves, roots and seeds.
She studied Chemistry at Scottish Church College and later completed her Masters at the University of Calcutta. Her academic brilliance stood out in every stage of her journey. In 1944, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming one of the first Indian women to earn a Doctor of Science degree in Chemistry.
At a time when most chemists focused on inorganic and physical chemistry, Asima Chatterjee made an unconventional choice. She turned toward the study of phytochemistry, a field that explores the chemical compounds in plants. Her research revolved around alkaloids, coumarins and terpenoids. These are complex natural compounds known for their medicinal properties.
She travelled abroad for advanced training and returned to India determined to apply scientific methods to plants used in traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Her laboratory was modest in the beginning, with limited funds and equipment. She often worked long hours to overcome challenges faced by early researchers in India. Her determination gradually built a strong foundation for natural product chemistry.
One of Dr. Chatterjee’s most celebrated accomplishments was the development of an anti epileptic drug known as Ayush 56. She derived this medicine from a plant called Solanum xanthocarpum, which had been used in traditional practice but had never been studied through modern chemistry. Her formulation stabilised seizures and offered relief to patients who lacked effective treatment options.
Her anti malarial research was equally groundbreaking. She studied plants like Alstonia scholaris, Swertia chirata, Caesalpinia crista and Picrorhiza kurroa. These plants had long been used in Indian households for treating fever and infections. Dr Chatterjee identified active compounds within them and created anti malarial formulations that were affordable and accessible. These medicines showed the world that Indian plant knowledge, when combined with laboratory science, could lead to successful therapies.
Dr. Asima Chatterjee was not only a researcher. She was a builder of institutions and a teacher with extraordinary commitment. She became a faculty member at Lady Brabourne College in 1940 and founded the Chemistry Department there. Later, she joined the University of Calcutta where she guided hundreds of students in advanced organic chemistry.
Her teaching style is still remembered with affection. Former students describe her as patient, disciplined and deeply invested in nurturing scientific thinking. She often explained difficult molecular structures using simple real life comparisons. Many women who studied under her went on to pursue successful careers because she believed that women belonged in laboratories and classrooms as much as men.
Her contributions earned her some of India’s highest honours. She became a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy and later received the Padma Bhushan. She created history as the first woman to serve as General President of the Indian Science Congress Association. Her achievements also brought her international recognition and invitations to lecture across the world.
She later served as a member of the Rajya Sabha where she advocated for better science education and stronger research funding. Her leadership helped shape national policies that supported scientific growth.
Dr. Asima Chatterjee faced many personal struggles throughout her life. Research funding was difficult to secure, and many people did not believe that a woman could lead scientific work in the early decades of independent India. Despite these challenges, she continued her work with discipline and quiet confidence.
Tragedy struck in 1967 when she lost both her father and her husband within a short span. The emotional impact was severe and she suffered a heart attack. After a period of recovery, she returned to her laboratory. Her students and colleagues supported her through this time, and she often said that science gave her strength.
Dr. Asima Chatterjee passed away in 2006, but her work lives on in every classroom, laboratory and research centre that studies natural product chemistry. Her life proves that Indian plants can lead to globally important medicines and that women can break scientific barriers even in the toughest circumstances.
In 2017, Google honoured her with a special doodle that celebrated her as a pioneer of Indian science whose discoveries helped millions. Today, her story continues to motivate young researchers who want to blend ancient knowledge with modern science.
Dr Asima Chatterjee’s journey is a reminder that brilliance grows from curiosity, perseverance and a belief that science can serve humanity.
MSM
