Ling Leng | Medicinal Plants | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ling Leng | Medicinal Plants | Best Researcher Award

Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine | China

Ling Leng is a dedicated researcher specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its application in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). With a Ph.D. from Tianjin University of TCM, her work bridges traditional remedies and modern biomedical science, aiming to develop innovative therapies for heart health. She has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of herbal medicines, particularly in atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Leng’s research integrates pharmacology, molecular biology, and nanotechnology, with a strong emphasis on translational medicine. Her publications in high-impact journals highlight her commitment to advancing evidence-based TCM interventions for global cardiovascular disease management.

Author Profile

Education 

Ling Leng earned her Ph.D. in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a focus on cardiovascular diseases from Tianjin University of TCM. Her academic journey emphasized a multidisciplinary approach, integrating pharmacognosy, molecular pharmacology, and pathophysiology to explore natural product-based therapeutics. She developed expertise in identifying bioactive compounds, elucidating molecular pathways, and applying advanced analytical techniques. Her training also covered research methodology, biostatistics, and clinical translation strategies, enabling her to bridge laboratory findings with practical healthcare applications. Through rigorous coursework and research projects, she gained comprehensive skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, forming a solid foundation for her impactful research career.

Professional Experience

Ling Leng has built an extensive research portfolio in TCM-based cardiovascular therapeutics. Her professional experience spans laboratory investigations, clinical research collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects. She has led and contributed to studies exploring herbal formulations, plant-derived nanoparticles, and natural compounds in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, she has been involved in designing experiments, managing research projects, and supervising junior researchers. Her collaborations with national and international partners have resulted in impactful publications. She also participates in peer review for scientific journals, contributing her expertise to maintain research quality in the field of pharmacology and TCM.

Awards and Recognition 

Ling Leng’s contributions to TCM and cardiovascular research have earned her recognition in both academic and professional circles. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Molecular Therapy, Phytomedicine, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrate her research excellence. She has been invited to collaborate on multiple multidisciplinary projects, reflecting her reputation as a trusted scientific partner. Her innovative work on plant-derived nanoparticles and cardioprotective herbal compounds has received attention in research forums and conferences. She has also been acknowledged by peers through invitations for journal reviewing and panel participation. These accolades reflect her standing as a leading figure in evidence-based TCM cardiovascular research.

Research Skills 

Ling Leng possesses advanced research skills spanning experimental pharmacology, natural product chemistry, molecular biology, and nanomedicine. She is proficient in cell and animal models of cardiovascular diseases, applying techniques to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis. She has expertise in isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds, as well as developing plant-derived extracellular vesicles for therapeutic applications. Her skills extend to pathway analysis, meta-analysis, and bioinformatics for mechanistic exploration. She is adept at integrating traditional medicinal theory with modern biomedical tools to design effective treatments. Her work emphasizes translational potential, bridging preclinical findings with clinical application to advance cardiovascular health.

Publications

Sui, Y., Sun, X., Liu, Q., Qi, G., Yang, Y., Zhang, X., Francis, O.B., Wang, Y., Liu, R., Li, X., Jiang, M., Wang, X., Zhu, Y., Yang, M., Li, R., Li, X., Zhang, H., Wang, Q., & Leng, L. (2025). “Morifructus-derived extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles regulate dyslipidemia and prevent atherosclerosis progression via miRNAs” in Phytomedicine.

Leng, L., Li, P., Liu, R., Francis, O.B., Song, S., Sui, Y., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., Sun, X., Miao, R., Yuan, Q., Li, X., Yang, W., Gao, X., & Wang, Q. (2025). “The main active components of Prunella vulgaris L. alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis via the NRF2/GPX4 pathway” in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Yang, Y., Owusu, F.B., Wu, H., Zhang, X., Li, R., Liu, Z., Zhang, S., Leng, L., & Wang, Q. (2025). “Mitochondria as therapeutic targets for natural products in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases” in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Miao, R., Guo, J., Huang, M., Ren, H., Liu, R., Sun, X., Francis, O.B., Wang, Q., Fang, S., & Leng, L. (2025). “Shengmai Yin alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibiting Calpains expression” in Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin.

Wei, J., Leng, L., Sui, Y., Song, S., Owusu, F.B., Li, X., Cao, Y., Li, P., Wang, H., Li, R., Yang, W., Gao, X., & Wang, Q. (2024). “Phenolic acids from Prunella vulgaris alleviate cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction partially by suppressing NLRP3 activation” in Phytotherapy Research.

Tong, W., Leng, L., Wang, Y., Guo, J., Owusu, F.B., Zhang, Y., Wang, F., Li, R., Li, Y., Chang, Y., Wang, Y., & Wang, Q. (2023). “Buyang huanwu decoction inhibits diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis via reduction of AMPK-Drp1-mitochondrial fission axis” in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Li, Y., Guo, R., Oduro, P.K., Sun, T., Chen, H., Yi, Y., Zeng, W., Wang, Q., Leng, L., Yang, L., & Zhang, J. (2022). “The relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis and rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis” in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

Conclusion 

Ling Leng’s career reflects a dedication to combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific rigor to address cardiovascular health challenges. Through her work at Tianjin University of TCM, she has contributed valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines and plant-derived nanoparticles. Her research not only advances the understanding of natural compounds but also opens new avenues for developing safer, more effective cardiovascular treatments. With a strong foundation in multidisciplinary research, a proven record of impactful publications, and ongoing collaborations, Dr. Leng continues to be a driving force in bridging TCM with global biomedical innovation for improved patient outcomes.

Miriam Patti | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Miriam Patti | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award

Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria | Italy

Miriam Patti is a research fellow at the Department of Agraria, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria. Her work focuses on ethnobotanical surveys, germination and domestication tests, and phytochemical analyses of Mediterranean plant species. She has conducted applied research in ethnobotany, biodiversity conservation, and urban greening through green wall design in Mediterranean contexts. She has presented her findings at international conferences and authored several peer‑reviewed publications. Her background also includes community‑focused work, such as cataloguing and preserving regional botanical heritage. Widely recognized for bridging traditional knowledge and urban sustainability, she continues to contribute towards conservation and ecological education in Southern Italy.

Author Profile

Orcid ID

Education

Miriam earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Sciences with a thesis on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ethnobotanical cultural heritage. The program included ethnobotanical survey work, species domestication trials, and phytochemical analysis of southern Italian endemic plants. Complementary certifications include C2-level English, Eipass, CLIL, SKILL certifications in interactive whiteboard, tablet, and coding, as well as professional training in food industry operation and GDPR compliance. Her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in food science and technology provided a foundation in plant biochemistry, nutritional science, and regulatory frameworks—supporting her interdisciplinary work in ethnobotany and sustainable urban greening.

Professional Experience

Miriam currently serves as Research Fellow at Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, leading a green walls design project adapted to Mediterranean urban contexts. During her Ph.D., she conducted ethnobotanical studies, domestication trials, and phytochemical characterization for Mediterranean species. She also acted as tutor for a cultural‑botanical digitization project with the Reggio Calabria Rotary Club, cataloguing heritage archives and engaging students in preservation efforts. Earlier she volunteered in civil service, supporting care for people with cognitive or psychophysical challenges. Her work integrates academic research, outreach, and community involvement, reflecting her broad professional engagement across horticultural science and cultural heritage preservation.

Awards and Recognition

Miriam Patti has achieved academic and professional recognition in plant sciences, particularly for her contributions to ethnobotany and sustainable urban ecology. She has been invited to international conferences for her green wall research and published extensively in reputable journals such as Buildings, Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Heliyon, and Plant Biosystems. Her Ph.D. was awarded with highest honors. She has contributed to edited volumes with Springer, and she was selected to present at high-profile botanical congresses in Italy and Portugal. Her interdisciplinary approach—combining traditional botanical knowledge and modern design—has earned her increasing visibility in academics and applied environmental planning.

Research Skills

Miriam Patti brings expertise in ethnobotanical survey methodology, germination and domestication trials of target species, phytochemical analysis, and habitat‑template design for green walls. She is skilled in botanical identification, field sampling, statistical data analysis, and ecological interpretation. Her interdisciplinary training covers food science, ethnobotany, biodiversity monitoring, and applied botanical conservation. She is adept at digitizing archives, coordinating community‑based heritage projects, and preparing scientific publications. She communicates fluently in English and Italian, and holds certifications in CLIL, ICT (interactive whiteboard, tablet, coding), demonstrating her capacity for educational innovation alongside botanical research.

Conclusion

Miriam Patti demonstrates a thoughtful combination of scientific excellence, cultural engagement, and applied ecology. Her research bridges ethnobotanical knowledge, biodiversity conservation, and urban sustainability through projects like green wall design and domestication of culturally significant plants. With strong publication credentials, community-driven outreach, and interdisciplinary training, she is a compelling candidate for academic and sustainability awards. Her innovative integration of traditional plant science with urban ecological design positions her to make significant future contributions to botanically informed planning and education. As her career advances, she is well poised to influence conservation policy, urban biodiversity, and cross-disciplinary research.

Publications

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., & Spampinato, G. (2025). A Habitat‑Template Approach to Green Wall Design in Mediterranean Cities. Buildings, 15(14), 2557.

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., Laface, V.L.A., & Spampinato, G. (2025). Ethnobotanical survey in the Graecanic Area of Calabria (Southern Italy): a treasure chest of biodiversity and traditions at risk of extinction. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 30.

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., & Spampinato, G. (2025). Ethnobotanical Knowledge in Calabria (Southern Italy): a summary review. Heliyon.

Patti, M., Aci, M.M., Tassone, M.T., & Musarella, C.M. (2025). A review of Opuntia ficus‑indica ethnobotany in Italy and North Africa. RJEES, 5.

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., Postiglione, S.M., et al. (2024). Ethnobotanical studies on the Tyrrhenian side of Aspromonte Massif (Southern Italy). Plant Biosystems.

Musarella, C.M., Patti, M., Laface, V.L.A., & Spampinato, G. (2024). An overview of ethnobotanical knowledge for enhancement of plant food and economies in Calabria region — case study. Vegetos.

MEVUNI SARADA JAYATHILAKA | Medicinal Plants | Best Researcher Award

Ms. MEVUNI SARADA JAYATHILAKA |Medicinal Plants | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Technology, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

Author Profile

Orcid ID
Google Scholar

Suitable for Best Researcher Award

Mevuni Sarada Jayathilaka is a strong candidate for a “Best Researcher” award based on her impressive academic credentials, research contributions, and dedication to sustainable agriculture. With a Master’s degree in Agricultural Systems & Engineering (GPA: 3.94) from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Resource Management and Technology from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, she has demonstrated exceptional academic performance. Her research focuses on critical areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, and abiotic stress in plants—topics that have significant global importance in addressing climate change and agricultural sustainability.

🎓 Education 

Mevuni Jayathilaka holds an MSc in Agricultural Systems & Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, maintaining a remarkable GPA of 3.94. Her thesis focused on alleviating copper toxicity using silicon and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in cucumber and tomato plants. She earned her BSc (Honors) in Agricultural Resource Management and Technology from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, graduating with First Class Honors (GPA 3.75). She specialized in Agricultural Engineering, integrating automation and precision agriculture. Additionally, she completed a Higher Diploma in Information Technology from the University of Colombo School of Computing, further strengthening her technical expertise. To support her teaching career, she successfully completed a Certificate Course in Professional Development in Higher Education at the University of Ruhuna. Her diverse educational background blends agricultural science with technology, allowing her to explore innovative, data-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and medicinal plant research.

💼  Professional Experience

Mevuni Jayathilaka is a Lecturer (Probationary) at the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Technology, where she teaches Biosystems Technology, mentors students, and supervises undergraduate research. Since her appointment in May 2020, she has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, student evaluations, and research in plant sciences and sustainable agriculture. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Temporary Demonstrator in the Department of Soil Science, conducting practical sessions and supporting research activities. She also gained industry experience as an Industrial Trainee at Dialog Axiata PLC, where she contributed to agriculture automation research, data analytics, and management reporting. Her research focuses on secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, food security, and precision agriculture. With expertise in IoT applications in agriculture and environmental stress tolerance in crops, she aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world agricultural sustainability.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Mevuni Jayathilaka has received several prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to sustainable agriculture and research. She was awarded the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) Scholarship in 2022 to pursue her MSc at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. In 2023, she achieved the Best Overall Solution for Net-Zero Emissions at the Sustainability EXPO, highlighting her expertise in climate-smart agriculture. Her academic excellence has also been acknowledged through multiple research grants and fellowships. Additionally, she has played a key role as an Editorial Assistant for the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment proceedings. Her research on medicinal plants, abiotic stress tolerance, and IoT-based smart farming solutions has been widely recognized at international conferences and academic forums. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing innovative and technology-driven solutions for sustainable food production and environmental conservation.

🌍Research skills Medicinal Plants

Mevuni Jayathilaka possesses strong research skills in plant science, sustainable agriculture, and biosystems technology. Her expertise includes the study of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, abiotic stress adaptation, and hydroponic cultivation. She has extensive experience in precision agriculture, integrating IoT-based solutions for climate-resilient farming systems. Mevuni is skilled in GIS and remote sensing applications for agricultural analysis, along with crop modeling techniques for yield optimization. Her data analysis proficiency includes programming in R and Python, allowing her to conduct complex statistical modeling for agricultural research. She is adept at experimental design, field trials, and laboratory techniques for soil and plant nutrient analysis. Additionally, she has expertise in sustainable irrigation strategies and soil fertility management. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional agriculture with modern technological advancements, enabling her to develop innovative, science-based solutions for global food security and environmental sustainability.

📖Publications

Growth and polyphenol content of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) under combined drought stress and salicylic acid treatment
  • Authors: MS Jayathilaka, S Subasinghe, KMW Rajawatta, KHT Karunarathna

  • Journal: Discover Plants

  • Year: 2025

Growth and Yield Performances of Ipomea aquatica (Water Spinach) as Affected by Different Liquid Fertilizers in Static Solution Culture
  • Authors: S Upamalika, SIS De Silva, MS Jayathilaka, KMW Rajawatta, W Hewage, …

  • Journal: University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka

  • Year: 2023

INHOUSE CULTIVATION OF Withania somnifera (ASHAWANGHA) USING HYDROPONICS
  • Authors: MS Jayathilaka, S Subasinghe, KMW Rajawatta, KHT Karunarathne

  • Journal: Not specified

  • Year: 2023

Investigation on the Issues of Protected House Farmers’ Sub Agricultural Sector in Sri Lanka. A Case Study of Farmers in Matara District, Southern Province Sri Lanka.
  • Authors: MS Jayathilaka, HAC Priyankara, BCS Ranasinghe

  • Journal: University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka

  • Year: 2022

Investigation of the Potential to Introduce Internet of Things (IoT) Based Micro-Climate Controlling System for Salad Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Conventional Protected Houses
  • Authors: MS Jayathilaka, K Adikaram, H Kumarasinghe, GY Jayasinghe

  • Journal: Sri Lankan Journal of Agriculture and Ecosystems

  • Year: 2022