Yu-Young Lee | Natural Product-based Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yu-Young Lee | Natural Product-Based Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Crop Science | South Korea

Dr. Yu-Young Lee is a distinguished scientist at the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea, with a specialization in the chemistry of natural products and crop quality evaluation. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, particularly in improving the nutritional and functional value of food crops through innovative biochemical approaches. She has significantly contributed to research on soybeans, oats, wheat, rice, and peanuts, focusing on bioactive compounds and their roles in human health. With her extensive international collaborations, including research experiences at the USDA and Tufts University, she has established herself as a global leader in agricultural biochemistry and crop quality science. Her numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals showcase her expertise in natural product chemistry, food functionality, and crop science. Through her research, Dr. Lee continues to bridge the gap between agriculture and human nutrition, aiming to improve both food quality and global health.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Yu-Young Lee pursued her academic journey at Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea, where she completed her studies in agricultural biology and life sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Biology, building a solid foundation in crop science and plant research. She then advanced her studies by completing a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Life Science, focusing her research on the isolation of oleanane triterpenes and trans-resveratrol from the root of peanuts, highlighting her early interest in natural products and bioactive compounds. Her academic path culminated in a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Life Science, where she concentrated on the development of tocochromanol compound-enhanced soybeans and the evaluation of their biological activities. This advanced work demonstrated her pioneering vision of integrating crop science with health-promoting biochemical innovations. Her educational background reflects her dedication to merging agricultural productivity with food science to enhance nutritional and functional values of crops.

Experience

Dr. Yu-Young Lee has built a distinguished career as a scientist at the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea, where she has contributed extensively to crop quality research and evaluation. Her role encompasses investigating natural compounds in crops and developing methods to enhance their nutritional and functional properties. She has conducted international research as an invited scientist at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and at the Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory at USDA-ARS, gaining global perspectives on agricultural and nutritional sciences. Her research extends across multiple crops, including soybeans, oats, wheat, rice, and peanuts, where she explores bioactive compounds and their potential benefits for human health. She has led and collaborated on numerous projects focusing on food quality, safety, and functionality, establishing herself as a trusted authority in agricultural biochemistry and crop research. Her professional journey reflects a balance of national service and global collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Yu-Young Lee’s outstanding contributions to agricultural science and natural product chemistry have earned her recognition within Korea and internationally. Her invited appointments as a visiting scientist at world-renowned institutions such as Tufts University and the USDA-ARS underscore her respected position in the global research community. She has received honors through research collaborations and publications in high-impact journals, reflecting her strong academic and scientific reputation. Her work on enhancing soybean, oat, and rice quality with bioactive compounds has been widely acknowledged for its originality and relevance to both food science and human health. She has been instrumental in developing innovative methodologies for analyzing crop quality, which has advanced national agricultural programs. By bridging crop science and nutrition, her work has supported food security initiatives while improving the value of staple crops. Her career stands as a testament to her dedication, excellence, and the impact of her scientific endeavors.

Research Focus

Dr. Lee’s research focuses on the chemistry of natural products and their application in improving crop quality and human health. She investigates bioactive compounds such as tocochromanols, avenanthramides, polyphenols, and triterpenes, aiming to enhance the nutritional and functional value of staple crops. Her studies span multiple crops, including soybeans, oats, rice, wheat, and peanuts, where she analyzes their biochemical properties, antioxidant potential, and biological effects. A key aspect of her work is developing functional foods through biochemical enrichment, such as tocochromanol-enhanced soybeans and germinated oat extracts with neuroprotective effects. She also explores food processing methods, post-harvest improvements, and crop germplasm evaluation to optimize both quality and safety. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates agricultural science, plant biochemistry, and nutritional research, making her contributions vital to global health and food security. By linking agricultural outputs with human well-being, she pioneers innovative strategies for functional crop development and sustainable food systems.

 

Publications

 

Title: Standardization of Germinated Oat Extracts and Their Neuroprotective Effects Against Aβ1-42 Induced Cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells
Year: 2025

Title: Oat Extract Avenanthramide-C Reverses Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation Decline in Tg2576 Mice
Year: 2021

Title: Oat (Avena sativa) Extract against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Human Keratinocytes
Year: 2021

Title: Influences of hydrothermal and pressure treatments on compositional and hydration properties of wheat bran and dough mixing properties of whole wheat meal
Year: 2021

Title: Development of Nano Soy Milk through Sensory Attributes and Consumer Acceptability
Year: 2021

Title: Avenanthramide-C Restores Impaired Plasticity and Cognition in Alzheimer’s Disease Model Mice
Year: 2020

Title: Oat germination and ultrafiltration process improves the polyphenol and avenanthramide contents with protective effect in oxidative damaged HepG2 cells
Year: 2019

Title: Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of rice cooked with different proportions of black soybeans and cooking methods
Year: 2018

Title: Assessment of microbial safety and quality changes of brown and white cooked rice treated with atmospheric pressure plasma
Year: 2018

Title: Black soybeans protect human keratinocytes from oxidative stress-induced cell death
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Dr. Yu-Young Lee is a pioneering agricultural scientist whose expertise in natural product chemistry, crop quality enhancement, and functional food development continues to make a profound impact on global agriculture and human nutrition.

Adekunle Ojatula | PhytoMedicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adekunle Ojatula | PhytoMedicine | Best Researcher Award

Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology | Nigeria

Dr. Adekunle Orimisan Ojatula is a distinguished Nigerian academic and researcher specializing in Phytomedicine with expertise in herbal medicine, ethnobotany, and natural product research. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. Dr. Ojatula’s scholarly journey is rooted in his passion for the therapeutic applications of medicinal plants and the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern drug discovery approaches. His research spans ethnomedicinal surveys, phytochemistry, biomolecular characterization, safety assessments of herbal preparations, and the standardization of herbal drugs for global health sustainability. He has contributed significantly to curriculum innovation in herbal sciences and remains dedicated to bridging traditional medicine with contemporary biomedical research. Beyond academia, he consults for herbal clinics, delivers public lectures, and mentors postgraduate students, making impactful contributions to healthcare, education, and national development through his academic excellence and professional service.

Profile

Google scholar

Education

Dr. Adekunle Ojatula pursued his academic training across prestigious Nigerian institutions, building a strong foundation in plant sciences and herbal medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he graduated with distinction as the best student in his class. Driven by his interest in phytomedicine, he proceeded to the University of Benin, where he obtained his Master of Science in Phytomedicine, focusing on the phytochemical evaluation of medicinal plants with aphrodisiac properties. He further advanced his studies at the same university, where he completed his Ph.D. in Phytomedicine with a dissertation on the bioactivity and safety assessment of Pausinystalia yohimbe root extract, demonstrating its pharmacological and reproductive health significance. His academic path reflects a consistent dedication to herbal medicine research, emphasizing the interplay between indigenous knowledge systems and modern biomedical applications. This solid educational background underpins his expertise as a teacher, researcher, and consultant.

Experience

Dr. Adekunle Ojatula’s professional career demonstrates a steady rise through academia, research, and consultancy. At Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, he has served in diverse roles, from Lecturer II to Senior Lecturer, contributing to teaching, curriculum design, and departmental leadership. He has coordinated seminars, supervised postgraduate students, and provided academic guidance in the Botany program. His administrative contributions include coordinating SIWES, unit headship in Botany, and course advisement, ensuring quality student development. Beyond the university, he has engaged in herbal clinical training and consultancy, offering evidence-based approaches to traditional medicine at clinics such as Pax Herbal and Eureka Herbal Clinic. His involvement in professional societies broadens his collaborative reach, while his public lectures and national-level academic proposals showcase his commitment to advancing herbal sciences in Nigeria. Dr. Ojatula’s multifaceted experience highlights his academic rigor, leadership, and passion for integrating research with societal and health impacts.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Adekunle Ojatula’s academic brilliance and professional contributions have been recognized through notable awards and honors. During his undergraduate studies, he received the Distinction Merit Award as the Best Graduating Student in Botany, a testament to his dedication and intellectual excellence. He has also been honored by student bodies, such as the Botany Graduating Students of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, who recognized his mentorship and academic impact with an Award of Honour. In addition, he has been acknowledged for his outstanding service to the academic community through Certificates of Excellence in Reviewing, reflecting his critical role in ensuring quality scholarly publications. His achievements extend beyond accolades, as he has also attracted competitive research grants, most notably from TETFund, supporting groundbreaking studies on herbal plants for reproductive health. These distinctions not only validate his individual excellence but also highlight his broader contribution to advancing knowledge in herbal medicine.

Research Focus

Dr. Adekunle Ojatula’s research focus is firmly centered on phytomedicine, with particular emphasis on drug discovery, formulation, and development from natural plant sources. He integrates ethnobotanical knowledge with modern scientific methods to validate the therapeutic applications of herbal plants, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and standardization. His work involves phytochemical screening, biomolecular characterization, bioactivity studies, and toxicity assessments of medicinal plants, especially those with reproductive and cardiovascular health benefits. A strong advocate of indigenous knowledge systems, he documents and investigates the ethnomedicinal practices of communities, contributing to both cultural preservation and biomedical advancement. His analytical expertise extends to microscopic studies and herbal drug formulation, bridging traditional practices with global pharmaceutical standards. By addressing issues of quality, safety, and efficacy in herbal medicine, his research contributes to modernizing the field while supporting national healthcare systems. His studies have wide-reaching implications for natural drug innovation, health sustainability, and economic development.

 

Publications

 

Title: Aphrodisiac potentials of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille methanol root extract in male Wistar rats
Year: 2020
Citation: 11

Title: Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction among the Ilaje people of Ondo State, Nigeria
Year: 2015
Citation: 11

Title: Developmental botanic: A case study on chromatographic determination of phytocompounds in the roots of Anthocleista nobilis (G. Don.) as pro-fertility
Year: 2021
Citation: 10

Title: Spermatogenic efficacy of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille roots in male rats
Year: 2020
Citation: 10

Title: Preliminary Assessment of Acute and 14–Days Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille Methanol Root Extract on Experimental Rats
Year: 2020
Citation: 7

Title: Biomolecules and Phytominerals Profiling of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille Root Extract
Year: 2019
Citation: 6

Title: Effects of Pausinystalia yohimbe Methanol Root Extract on Some Cardiovascular and Haematological Variables in Wistar Rats
Year: 2019
Citation: 6

Title: In-vitro Studies on the Herbal Plant Microdesmis keayana Methanol Leaves Extract Phytocomponents by GC-MS Analysis: A Further Evidence for its Phytomedicinal Potentials
Year: 2023
Citation: 5

Conclusion

Dr. Adekunle Orimisan Ojatula is a visionary scholar in phytomedicine whose contributions in herbal drug discovery, ethnomedicine, and academic innovation continue to bridge indigenous knowledge with global biomedical science, making him an outstanding figure in research, teaching, and professional service.