ICMR BULLETIN VOL. 29-No.-4 & 5-APRIL-MAY-1999.pdf

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ICMR
BULLETIN
Vol. 29, No. 4 & 5

April-May, 1999

ALLIUMS AS FOOD FOR HEALTHY LIFE
Nutrient interventions are receiving attention as pro­
phylactic measures to reduce the incidence of cancer
and mutation-related diseases1*3. Plant constituents, par­
ticularly vegetables and fruits are rich in components
with antioxidant properties1,4. These substances pre­
vent DNA damage implicated in cancer causation s*6.
Members of allium family are reported to have antimutagenic properties and other therapeutic values7,8. In India,
garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa varcepa)
are used extensively in cooking and so their antimutagenic properties are of-considerable interest and im­
portance in the prevention of certain types of cancer.

A

Alliums in Traditional Medicine
An Egyptian medical papyrus, known as the “Codex
Elsers” dating back to 1500 BC, gives description of
over 20 garlic preparations which were used to treat a
wide variety of complaints like headache, body weakness
and throat infections. The Charaka Samhita (1 st century
AD), the Ayurvedic treatise, also describes the curative
properties of onion and garlic. Alliums were claimed
to possess diuretic properties, aid in digestion, act as
heart stimulant, improve eye sight and alleviate rheumatic
problems. The Greek military physician, Discorides,
has recommended the use of onion and garlic as medicine
for infectious diseases and non communicable diseases.
Garlic is still employed in Ayurveda and other traditional

systems of medicine like Unani and Tibbi both as
prophylactic and therapeutic agents for several diseases
including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, duodenabulcer
and dyspepsia9.

Flavours and Chemistry
Alliums are mostly popular for their flavour which
is characteristic of sulphur containing compounds, formed
directly either by crushing or following a chemical
reaction10. There are species-specific differences in Allium
with regard to the quantity and quality of their specific
flavour precursors, S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulphoxides.
The non volatile precursors release volatile sulphur
compounds through allinase activity and chemical
degradation11,12. The resultant products are called
thiosulphinates which are a combination of sulphides,
disulphides and trisulphides. These thiosulphinates which
are pungent and unstable, are directly responsible for
the characteristic flavour of onion and garlic13. The tear­
inducing principle of onion is the result of interaction
of allinase with cysteine sulphoxide. Leeks (Allium
porrum) and shallots (Allium schoenoprasum L) contain
this chemical whereas, this is absent in garlic. Allium
(S-allyl-L-cysteine sulphoxide) in garlic is the precursor
of allium which is the main garlic flavour14. Ohsumi et
a/14,15 succeeded in producing an interspecific hybrid
between onion and garlic by the nascent embryo rescue

Division of Publication & Information, ICMR, New Delhi - 110029

technique. The hybrid plant produced S-l-propenylL-cysteine sulphoxide, allium and S-methyl-L-cysteine
sulphoxide in the bulb. The sliced hybrid bulb had an
odour resembling a mixture of onion and garlic15.

Medicinal Properties of Alliums
Lipici Lowering Properties
Extensive studies have been carried out to investigate
the potential of garlic to lower serum lipids; garlic being
used as juice, as oil in capsule form, *nd in the raw
form upto 10-50 g16. Various studies have shown that
around 10% reduction in serum cholesterol can be
achieved by taking garlic in various forms17. Most of
the human trials have revealed a positive effect of garlic
intake on serum low density lipoprotein. A review by
Agarwal18 on a series of trials employing Kwai dried
garlic extract for 3-16 wk at a rate of 600-900 .mg/wk
suggested reduction in cholesterol ranging from 6 to
22%. The levels of triglycerides were also lowered.
Garlic supplementation is also reported to increase high
density lipoproteins which can scavenge the small density
lipoproteins in plasma and prevent atherosclerosis.
Metaanalysis of the results from 28 studies on patients
with hypercholesterolaemia revealed on an average 9%
reduction in choltsterol19. A metaanalysis of 16 trials
indicated a 12% average reduction in cholesterol20. Neil
et al2' in a double blind randomised trial on 115
individuals with hyperlipidaemia, using dried garlic
tablets at a dose of 30 mg thrice daily, found that garlic
was less effective in reducing total cholesterol than had
been suggested by previous metaanalysis. The intake
of alliums through diet or in any form must be continued
for at least 2-3 months. The lowered lipid levels may,
however, rise once the intake is discontinued. During
the initial period following garlic intake a slight increase
in lipid levels may be seen which could be due to the
mobilisation of lipid deposits from tissues to extra cellular
fluids16.

Effect on Platelet Aggregation
Increased platelet activity is an associated factor in
atherosclerosis and thrombogenesis and platelet
aggregation is a risk factor for heart disease. Both onion
and garlic have been reported to possess platelet
aggregation inhibitor factor22. Cooking procedures like
frying or boiling do not alter the activity of this factor16.
Evidence exists to suggest that the addition of fried
onion (about 50-70 g) to the food can reverse the platelet

44

aggregation after consumption of a fat rich meal. Onion
oil is reported to possess greater antiplatelet activity as
compared to garlic oil9. This inhibition of platelet activity
is due to the interference with prostaglandin biosynthesis
through inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase23 and lipooxygenase with inhibition of thromboxane synthesis and
arachidonic acid uptake by the platelets24.

Ajoene present in garlic is presumed to have an
antiaggregatory effect on blood platelets. It is reported
to interact with platelet Ilb-IIla complexes. This ac­
tion is mediated by platelet membrane G proteins25. In
a placebo controlled double blind trial 800 mg of dried
garlic powder was given to humans for four weeks.
Spontaneous aggregation disappeared and the plasma
viscosity decreased by 3.2% with a 9.5% decrease in
diastolic blood pressure26. A randomised placebo con­
trolled double blind study with garlic extract failed to
demonstrate an effect on platelet aggregation and se- I
rum thromboxane levels27. There seems to be variation
due to the method of preparation of garlic extract/powder.

In a ten month study on moderately hypercholesterolaemic men administered aged garlic extract
daily, platelet adhession to fibrinogen was reduced by
30% as compared to the placebo group. A trend to­
wards decreased susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxi­
dation was also noted in the garlic group28.
In another study by Goldman et aP9, the antiplatelet
activity of onion was correlated to the concentrations
of organosulphur compounds. These authors have sug­
gested that genotype and bulb sulphur content should
be taken into account in studies assessing the antiplatelet
activity of onion.

Effect on Fibrinogen and Blood Coagulation

Chutani and Bordia30 observed fibrinolytic activity
due to garlic intake in a study of 20 patients with
ischaemic heart disease. Enhanced fibrinolysis was also
observed in a group of healthy medical students fed 10 g
of fresh garlic daily for 2 months31.
The effects of garlic and onion consumption on
fibrinogen levels, clotting time and fibrinolytic activity
have been studied in humans. In an epidemiological study
in the Jain community in India, it was observed that
subjects who never ate garlic/onion had higher plasma
fibrinogen levels, shorter clotting time and lower
fibrinolytic activity32.

Antimicrobial Effects of Allium

Antibacterial activity

The antibacterial properties of garlic are well known.
It is active against both Gram positive and negative bacteria
while onion is effective only against Gram positive bac­
teria”. The effect is attributed to the allium34 and ajoene35
present in garlic. These two compounds have the poten­
tial to oxidise SH groups in bacteria34’35.
Antifungal activity
Many fungal pathogens are believed to be sensitive
to the aqueous extract of garlic. Its antidermatophytic
activity is comparable with that of Ketoconazole36. Its
use for otomycosis caused by Aspergillus was shown to
be superior to that of pharmaceutical preparations37. The
observed antifungal activity is due to sulphide compo­
nents or ajoene present in garlic. Extracts of onion were
found to suppress fungal growth to a lesser extent than
those of garlic.

Antiviral activity
Viruses have been reported to be deactivated by garlic.
Some of the viruses which are sensitive to garlic are herpes
simplex type I and II, vaccinia, vesicular stomatitis and
human rhinovirus. The antiviral activity of garlic has
been attributed to ajoene, allium, allylmethyl thiosulphinate
and methyl allyl thiosulphinate36.

Antiaging Activity
Garlic is thought to retard ageing, prolong life span,
and improve learning and spatial memory39. Ageing is
associated with the degeneration of tissues and organs
due to free radical mediated injuries to the cells. Oxida­
tive damage is reduced by garlic which therefore affords
protection to tissues against degenerative disorders. The
free radical scavenging property of garlic is due to its
rich content of sulphur containing chemicals40. Garlic
extract was able to scavenge exogenously generated
hydroxyl radicals. Even after the garlic extract was heated
to 100°C for 60 min there was only 10% reduction in its
activity41.

Anticancer Activity

Currently, the nonnutrient components of diet are
receiving attention for their ability to protect against certain
types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources
of these agents42. Epidemiological evidence demonstrates

an inverse correlation between intake of a«ium vegetables
and the risk of stomach cancer43'44. Most cancers are
likely to originate as a consequence of series of muta­
tional events and hence protection against mutations could
be beneficial at the late as well as early stages of cancer
development. Consumption of vegetables, containing antimutagenic compounds, may reduce the risk of muta­
tions and thereby the risk of cancer43.

There are reports documenting the tumour inhibit­
ing activity of the oils of the garlic and onion, and other
sulphur components of alliums against chemical carcino­
gens induced tumours in experimental animals45.
A recent study reports that topical application of diallyl
sulphide (DAS) afforded protection against polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon induced mouse skin carcinogen­
esis46. One mechanism through which alliums may in­
hibit tumourigenesis could be by inhibiting the forma­
tion of DNA-carcinogen adducts47. Diallyl disulphide
(DADS) significantly inhibited the growth of H-ras
oncogene transformed tumours in nude mice. This inhi­
bition was correlated with the inhibition of P H-ras
membrane association in the tumour tissue48.
NIN Studies

Studied were undertaken at the National Institute of
Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad to evaluate the antimutagenic
potential of garlic and onion fed through diets to rats
followed by carcinogen exposure and assessment of uri­
nary Mutagenicity by Salmonella!A 98 and TA 100 with
and without activation system (S9).

The drug metabolising enzymes play a vital role in
the detoxification and metabolic activation of xenobiotics.
The balance between these enzymes determine the ulti­
mate toxicity of chemical carcinogens. Therefore, at the
end of the experimental period, the levels of two detoxi­
fication enzymes were measured to evaluate the effect
of feeding of garlic on the activities of the two enzymes
in rat tissues. Any increase in the levels of these en­
zymes would indicate the protective nature of garlic49.

Wistar rats aged 8-10 wk were divided into various
groups and fed, garlic (0.1,0.5,1 %) or onion (1 and 5%)
containing diet for one month. The food intake of the
animals was recorded every week throughout the study,
while the body weights were recorded at the beginning
and end of the experiment. After 1 month of feeding
garlic/onion diet, the carcinogen treatment groups received
a single intraperitoneal dose of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) or
3-methylcholanthrene (3 MC) in groundnut oil. The
45

mutagen content of urine collected 24 h after adminis­
tration of carcinogens was estimated by the short term
Ames assay.
There was no difference in the weekly food intake
between the control rats and groups given garlic/onion
containing diet. Similarly, no difference in the final body
weight of the animals was noted due to garlic/onion feeding50-5’.

dependent reduction was observed. On the other hand,
in TA 100, a dose dependent reduction in mutagenesis
was noted in the presence of metabolic activation sys­
tem, whereas in the absence of activation systejji, all the
three doses of garlic feeding showed similar inhibitory
effect51.

Effect of Garlic Feeding

The rats which received carcinogen showed signifi­
cantly higher urinary excretion of mutagens, while those
fed garlic or standard casein based diet did not show
mutagenic substances in the urne.

There was a signifcant reduction in the urinary ex­
cretion of mutagens in the BP exposed rats fed garlic as
indicated by a decreased number of revertants in both
TA 98 and TA 100 strains in the presence and absence
of metabolic activation system (S9: 9000 g liver super­
natant). The BP treated animals fed 0.5 and 1% garlic
showed maximum inhibitory effect in TA 98 strain whereas
with respect to TA 100 strain all the three levels of gar­
lic feeding resulted in similar extent of inhibition (Figs
la and lb).

*p<0.05

G : Garlic

BP : Benzo(a)pyrene

-S9 : Without activation system +S9 : With activation system

Fig.lb. Reversion frequency in S.typhimurium TA 100 with
garlic feeding

Effect of Onion Feeding

Onion feeding at 1 and 5% inhibited the formation
and excretion of urinary mutagens as indicated by de­
creased frequency of revertants with TA 98 and TA 100
strains of Salmonella typhimurium treated with urine ex­
tracts of rats exposed to BP and fed onion. Similar
observations were made in the presence and absence of
activation system along with urine extracts (Figs 2a and
2b). The urinary mutagen levels in rats given onion con­
taining diet and treated with 3 MC were significantly
lower than 3 MC treated rats given control diet without
onion. However, no differences were noted in 3 MC
treated groups fed 1 or 5% onion50.
*p<0.05

G : Garlic

BP : Benzo(a)pyrene

-S9 : Without activation system +S9 : With activation system

Fig.la. Reversion frequency in S.typhimurium TA98 with
garlic feeding

In TA 98 strain with and without metabolic activa­
tion, there was significant reduction in the frequency of
revertants in the urine of rats treated with 3 MC and given
a diet containing 0.1, 0.5 and 1% garlic. However, the
results with all the three doses were similar and no dose

46

Effect on Enzymes
Stimulation of the activity of liver cytosolic glu­
tathione-S-transferase was seen on garlic feeding. The
activity of quinone reductase in liver and lung microsomes
was elevated in animals fed garlic containing diets. Tissue
detoxification enzymes inhibit the activation of oxida­
tive pathways of xenobiotics which results in toxic
metabolites binding to DNA and manifesting as muta­
tions52*53.

Experimental evidence exists to show that alliums
can afford protection against development of neoplasia
through various mechanisms. The epidemiological studies
have also established the protective effect of garlic. In
Shandong Province of China where garlic consumption
is about 20 g/day, the reported evidence of death due to
gastric cancer is 3.4/100,000 population whereas in an­
other area where little or no garlic is eaten, the death
rate due to gastric cancer is as high as 40/100,000 popu­
lation54.

Conclusions

*P<0.001

ON : Onion

BP : Benio(»)pyrene

-S9 : Without activation system

+S9 : With activation system

Fig.2a. Reversion frequency in S.typhimurium TA98 with
onion feeding

S9 : Without activation system* +S9 : With activation system

Fig.2b. Reversion frequency in S.typhimurium TA 100 with
onion feeding

The reduction in the excretion of carcinogen derived
mutagens due to garlic/onion feeding to rats suggested
that one of the steps involved in tumourigenesis could
be countered by protective substances. Enhancement in
the levels of tissue detoxification enzymes could be another
important mechanism through which these dietary agents
could confer their protective effects. The antimutagenic
effect was observed even at low levels (0.1 and 0.5%) of
garlic. These correspond to 100 and 500 mg of garlic/
100 g of diet, which can be easily consumed through
diet.

The data on the effects of alliums, particularly gar­
lic, suggest that consumption of these vegetables is ben­
eficial. Since studies conducted atNIN have shown that
cooking (boiling and frying) does not alter the antimu­
tagenic properties of garlic, it may be liberally incorpo­
rated in the diet. In addition, onions can also be eaten as
salad. In the West, vegetables of the genus allium and
their oils are used in seasonings, salad dressing and sauces.
Although advances in modern medicine are able to meet
the challenges posed by non communicable diseases, the
control of such problems through prevention may be cost
effective. This could be achieved by adopting a sensible
life-style including dietary changes. Diets rich in some
of these protective agents may confer excellent benefi­
cial effects. Adequate intake of nonnutrients along with
nutrients is useful in disease prevention but on no ac­
count should these be substituted for medicines prescribed
by phyScians for treating any disorder. They can be used
as supplement but not as substitutes for disease manage­
ment.
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This write-up has been contributed by Dr. K. Polasa, Asstt.
Director and Dr. K. Krishnaswamy, Director, National
Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.

ICMR NEWS
The following meetings of various technical groups/
committees of the Council were held:
Meetings of the Task Forces (TFs)ZProject Review
Committees (PRCs)ZExpert Groups (EGs)ZProject
Advisory Group (PRG)ZConsuItative Group held at
New Delhi:
PRC on Pharmacology

March 16, 1999

TF on Suicidal Behaviour

March 19, 1999

PRG of the Division of
Reproductive Health and
Nutrition

March 24-25, 1999

EG on Environmental Carcinogen
Testing Units

April 6, 1999

TF on Health Hazards of
Pan Masala and Tobacco

April 12, 1999

PRC for Proposals under
Non communicable Diseases

April 28, 1999

TF on Application of Remote
Sensing and Geographical
Information System in Health

April 29, 1999

Consultative Group meeting on
Control of Neonatal Tetanus

April 29, 1999

Meeting of Experts and
Investigators on Traditional
Remedies for Diabetes Mellitus

May 3, 1999

Participation of ICMR Scientists in Scientific Events:

Dr. R.S. Yadav, Assistant Director and Officer-inCharge, Field Station of the Malaria Research Centre,
Delhi, at Nadiad, participated in the MIM African Ma­
laria Conference at Durban (March 14-18, 1999).
Dr. R.S. Paranjape, Dy. Director and Officer-in-Charge
and Dr. R.R. Gangakhedkar, Sr. Research Officer, National
AIDS Research Institute (NARI), Pune, participated in
the Workshop on AIDS Research at Paris (March 15-22,
1999).

49

Dr. L. Singotam, Dy. Director, National Institute of
Nutrition, Hyderabad, participated in the Ninth Annual
International Conference on Scanning Microscopies
“Scanning 99” at Chicago (April 11-14, 1999).
Dr. C.N. Paramasivan, Dy. Director (Sr. Grade),
Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, participated in
a WHO Regional Training Workshop on Laboratory
Methods for TB Control at Jakarta (April 16-25, 1999).
Dr. R.S. Tewari, Director, Regional Medical Research
Centre for Tribals, Jabalpur, participated in the Ninth
Annual Public Health Forum: Poverty, Inequality and
Health at London (April 18-23, 1999).
Dr. N.K. Ganguly, Director-General, ICMR, partici­
pated in the Twenty Fourth Session of the WHO SouthEast Asia Advisory Committee on Health Research at
Yangon (April 20-23, 1999).

Dr. Y.N. Prasanna, Research Officer, and Officer-inCharge, Field Station of the National Institute of Virology
(NIV), Pune, at Bangalore, participated in the Eighth Con­
sultation of Virologists from WHO South East Asia Re­
gional (SEAR) Polio Lab Network and in the Sixth SEAR
EPI Technology Consultative Group meeting on Vaccine
Preventable Diseases at Dhaka (May 2-6, 1999).
Dr. N.K. Ganguly, D.G., ICMR, Dr. M.D. Gupte,
Director, Institute for Research in Medical Statistics,
Chennai; Dr. D.A. Gadkari, Director, NIV, Pune; Dr. R.S.

Paranjape, NARI, Pune; and Dr. Sekhar Chakrabarti,
Deputy Director (Sr. Grade), National Institute of Cholera
and Enteric Diseases, Calcutta, participated in the
Workshop on New Concepts in HIV Vaccine Development
at Bethesda (May 3-5, 1999). Dr. Chakrabarti also
participated in the Johns Hopkins-Fogarty Satellite Vaccine
meeting at Bethesda (May 7, 1999).
Dr. P.K. Das, Director, Vector Control Research
Centre, Pondicherry, participated in the Intercountry Con­
sultative meeting on Alternative Approaches to Vector
Control at Yangon (May 4-7, 1999).
Dr. A.H. Bandivedkar, Research Officer, Institute for
Research in Reproduction, Mumbai, participated in the
Tenth World Congress on Human Reproduction at Sal­
vador (May 4-8, 1999).

Workshops:
A ICMR/WHO Workshop on “Research and Health V
Care Priorities in Geriatric Medicine and Ageing” was
organised at New Delhi (March 16-18, 1999).

A ICMR/WHO Workshop on “Ethical Issues in Bio­
medical Research” was organized at New Delhi (March
22-24, 1999).
A Workshop on “Laboratory Diagnosis of Leptospiro­
sis” was organized at Port Blair for 3 weeks (from April 29,
1999).

COUNCIL’S TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR 1999-2000
Leprosy

•

At the Central JALMA Institute for Leprosy, Agra:
•

Training Course for Medical Officers Working under
the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (April
and September, 1999).

Reproductive Biology

Nutrition

At the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad:
•

M.Sc. in Applied Nutrition (June 1,1999-February 28,
2000).

•

Postgraduate Certificate Course in Nutrition (Decem­
ber 1, 1999-February 28,2000).

At the Institute for Research in Reproduction, Mumbai:
•

Training Course in Molecular Techniques in Ovarian
Function (September 27-October 2, 1999).

•

Training Course on Cytological Detection of Repro­
ductive Tract Infections (December 13-17, 1999).

Endocrinology

At the National Institute ofNutrition,, Hyderabad:
50

Annual Certificate Course on Endocrinological
Techniques and their Application (August 1 September 15, 1999).

Laboratory Animal Technology

At the National Centre for Laboratory Animal Science,
National Institute ofNutrition, Hyderabad:

•

Training Course for Laboratory Animal Technicians
(June 14-July30, 1999).

•

Training Course for Laboratory Animal Supervisors
(September I-November 30, 1999).

•

Training Course in Field Epidemiology (November,
1999).

Medical Entomology:

Haematology

At the Vector Control Research Centre, Pondicherry:

At the Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai:

Postgraduate Diploma Course in Medical Entomology
(from July 1999).

•

Biomedical Statistics

•

Training Course in Transfusion Medicine for Blood
Bank Medical Officers (August 31-October 29,1999).

•

Training Course in Blood Group Serology and Blood
Bank Methodology for Blood Bank Technicians
(August 31-September 30, 1999).

•

Training Course in Advanced Haematology and
Immunohaematology (October 11-29,1999).

At the Institutefor Research in Medical Statistics, Chennai:

Basic Course in Statistics for Medical Officers (July
1999).

•

INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH

AWARDS AND PRIZES 1997
The Indian Council of Medical Research invites nominations/applications from Indian scientists for its various
prizes and awards in the field of biomedical sciences. Details of the awards/prizes, as also the format for application
may be seen in the following pages. They may also be obtained from the Director-General, Indian Council of Medical
Research, (Indo-Foreign Cell), Post Box No. 4911, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029.

Nominations/completed applications should reach this office on or before 31st August, 1999.

DETAILED INFORMATION
1.

Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize (Value : Rs.5,000)

This prize will be awarded annually to a senior research worker of more than ten years standing for work of
outstanding merit in any subject in the field of biomedical science, including clinical research. The term “Clinical
Research” implies research into the mechanism and causation of disease, including its prevention and Sure. The
criteria for award of the prize are the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by a
worker in a particular field in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown
sustained activity in research.

The selection for this prize is made one year in advance.
*2.

Dr.P.N.Raju Oration Award (Value : Rs.5,000)

This prize will be awarded in alternate years, to an eminent scientist, preferably a medical* person, for his/her
work in any subject of national importance in the field of medicine or public health. The subject will be notified
at the time of advertisement.
*3.

Sandoz Oration Award for Research in Cancer (Value : Rs.2,500)

This prize and medal will be awarded in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out
on a particular aspect of cancer. The eminence is to be judged on the basis of his/her contributions to cancer
research which should have been recognised nationally and internationally and helped towards control, prevention
and cure of cancer.
* A wards which will not be given for 1997.
51

*4.

Dr.Y.S.Narayana Rao Oration Award in Microbiology (Value: Rs.4,000)

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of
Microbiology. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge
contributed by a worker in microbiology in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and KSs shown
sustained activity in research.
*5.

Chaturvedi Kalawati Jagmohan Das Memorial Award (Value: Rs.2,000)

This prize and a gold medal will be awarded once in three years, to an eminent scientist, preferably a medical person,
for his/her work in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value
of addition to existing knowledge contributed by a worker in cardiovascular diseases in which he/she has been actively
engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity in research.
Dr.Kamala Menon Medical Research Award (Value : Rs.5,000)

6.

This prize will be awarded to an eminent scientist, preferably a medical person, for outstanding contribution made
in the field of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics respectively in alternate years. The criterion for award of the prize is
the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by a worker on a subject in which he/she has been
actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity in research. The award for 1997 will be in the
field of ‘PAEDIATRICS’.
Kshanika Oration Award to a Woman Scientist for Research in the field of Biomedical Sciences (Value :
Rs.5,000)

7.

This prize will be given annually to an eminent woman scientist for outstanding work carried out in any branch of
biomedical science, contributing to the alleviation of human suffering. The criterion for award of this prize is the sig­
nificance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by her in any field of biomedical sciences in which she
has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity in research.

*8.

Dr.M.K-Seshadri Prize in the field of Practice of Community Medicine (Value: Rs.10,000)

This prize and a gold medal will be awarded in alternate years, to an eminent scientist or institution whose original
work has led to useful inventions in or otherwise significantly contributed to the practice of Community Medicine.

M.N.Sen Oration Award for Practice of Medicine (Value: Rs.5,000)

9.

This prize will be given once in three years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of
Practice of Medicine (Clinical, Laboratory or Therapeutic). The criterion for award of the prize is the significance
and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by a worker to the practice of medicine in which he/she has been
actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity in research.
10.

JALMA Trust Fund Oration Award in the field of Leprosy (Value : Rs.5,000)

This prize (and a medal) will be given annually to an eminent scientist for outstanding research in the field of Lep­
rosy. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by
a worker on any aspect of leprosy in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown
sustained activity in research.
11.

Dr.J.B.Srivastav Oration Award in the field of Virology (Value: Rs.10,000)

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of
Virology. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed
by a worker in virology in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained
activity in research. _____________________________________________________________________________________
* Awards which will not be given for 1997.

52

ft|

12.

ICMR Prize for Biomedical Research for Scientists belonging to Under-privileged Communities (Value: Rs.10,000)

This prize will be given annually to an eminent scientist for his/her outstanding contributions in any field of biomedical
sciences. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by
a worker in the particular field in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained
activity in research. This prize will be awarded to scientists belonging to under-privileged communities.

13.

ICMR Prize for Biomedical Research conducted in Under-developed Areas (Value : Rs.10,000)

This prize will be awarded annually to an eminent scientist for his/her outstanding contributions in any field of biomedical
sciences. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of biomedical research carried out by a worker based
in under-developed parts of the country, or for work carried out in under-developed parts of the country over a period
of five years preceding the year for which the award is to be given.
*14.

BGRC Silver Jubilee Oration Award (Value : Rs.5,000):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of Haematology/
Immunohaematology. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge
contributed by a worker in this speciality in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown
sustained activity in research.
15.

SmtSwaran Kanta Dingley Oration Award (Value = Rs.10,000):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding contribution in the field of Reproductive
Biology. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by
a worker in the field of reproductive biology in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown
sustained activity in research.

16.

Dr.M.O.T.Iyengar Memorial Award (Value = Rs.4,000):

This prize will be given annually to an eminent scientist for outstanding contribution in the fields of Malaria, Filariasis,
Plague or Medical Entomology. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing
knowledge contributed by a worker in any of the fields of malaria, filariasis, plague or medical entomology in which he/she
has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustain# activity in research.
*17.

Pro£B.K.Aikat Oration Award (Value = Rs.3,000):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of Tropical
Diseases. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by
a worker in tropical diseases in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity
in research.
18.

Dr.Vidya Sagar Award (Value = Rs.5,000):

This prize, will be awarded in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding contributions made in the field of
Mental Health. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed
by a worker in mental health in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity
in research.
19.

Amrut Mody-Unichem Prize (Value = Rs.10,000):

This prize will be given to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of Cardiology & Neu­
rology, and Gastroenterology (in alternate years). The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value qf
addition to existing knowledge contributed by a worker on a subject in which he/she has been actively engaged over a
number of years and has shown sustained activity in research. The award for 1997 will be in the field of‘GASTROEN­
TEROLOGY’.

* Awards which will not be given for 1997.

53

20.

Am rut Mody-Un ichem Prize (Value = Rs.10,000):

This prize will be given to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of Maternal & Child Health,
and Chest Diseases in alternate years. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing
knowledge contributed by a worker on the subject in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years-and has
shown sustained activity in research. The award for 1997 will be in the field of “MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH”.
21.

Chaturvedi Ghanshyam Das Jaigopal Memorial Award (Value = Rs.3,000):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding work carried out in the field of Immu­
nology. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge contributed by a
worker on the subject in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity in
research.
*22.

Lala Ram Chand Kandhari Award (Value = Rs.5,000):

This award will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding research in the fields of Dermatology
and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing
knowledge contributed by a worker on the subject in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has
shown sustained activity in research.
23.

Dr.Prem Nath Wahi Award for Cytology and Preventive Oncology (Value = Rs30,000):

This award will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist for outstanding contribution in the field of Basic and/
or Clinical Cytology, and/or Preventive Oncology. The criterion for award is the significance and value of addition to
existing knowledge contributed by a worker on the subject in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years
and has shown sustained activity in research.
24.

Dr.D.N.Prasad Memorial Oration Award (Value = Rs.20,000):

This award (and a medal) will be given in alternate years, to an Indian scientist for significant contribution to research in
the field of Pharmacology, carried out in India, as evidenced by research papers and innovations. The criteria for award will
be the significance and value of addition to existing knowledge in research in pharmacology.
*25.

Prof.Surindar Mohan Marwah Award (Value = Rs.25,000):

This award will be given once in 2 years to an Indian scientist for significant contribution in the field of Geriatrics, through
sustained research in India on the problems of the aged as evidenced by research papers in science publications. The subject
matter could be biomedical or psychosocial research on problems of the aged, both basic and applied.

Prize/Award for scientists Above 45 years of age on January 1st of the current year
26.

Smt.Pushpa Sriramachari Award (Value = Rs.5,000):

This prize and a silver medal will be given in alternate years, to individuals for outstanding contribution to research
on “Pathology and Pathophysiology - Clinical or Experimental”. The individual should be an established scientist
above the age of 45 years and should have made a comprehensive and significant original contribution in unravelling the
understanding and the nature, evolution or prevention of any human disease entity.

Prizes/Awards for young scientists Below 40 years of age on January 1st of the current year
27.

Shakuntala Amir Chand Prizes (Four in Number of value = Rs.1,500 each) :

These four prizes will be awarded annually to the best published research work in any subject in the field of biomedical
science including clinical research. The term ‘Clinical Research’ covers research into the mechanism and causation of

* Awards which will not be given for 1997.
54

disease and its prevention and cure, and includes work on patients in hospitals, field studies in epidemiology and social
medicine, and observations in general practice.

Both medical as well as non-medical graduates are eligible for award of the prize. The prizes are awarded to Indian
nationals for work done in any institution in India. Work started in India but completed abroad will not be acceptable.

Papers published in Indian or foreign journals in the previous two years will be considered for award of these prizes in
the current year.
*28.

Raja Ravi Sher Singh of Kalsia Memorial Cancer Research Award (Value = Rs.2,000):

This prize will be awarded in alternate years, to a .scientist for outstanding work done in the experimental or clinical
aspects of cancer or in the organisation and conduct of any service or service-cum-research programme in cancer
prevention and treatment. For the prize to be awarded in the current year the work carried out in the previous year will
be considered.

29.

Dr.V.N.Patwardhan Prize in Nutritional Sciences (Value = Rs.7,000):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to an eminent scientist, for outstanding work carried out in India on funda­
mental, clinical or field studies in Nutritional Sciences. The criterion for award of prize is the contribution of a worker
to nutritional sciences in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and has shown sustained activity
in research.
30.

Tilak Venkoba Rao Award (Value = Rs.1,000):-'

This prize will be given to an eminent scientist for research in the field of Psychological Medicine and Reproductive
Physiology respectively in alternate years. The criterion for the award is the significance of contribution to existing knowl­
edge by a worker who has been actively engaged in research on the subject over a number of years. The award for 1997
will be in the field of “REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY’. .

*31.

Dr.T.Ramachandra Rao Award (Value = Rs.3,000):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to a scientist below the age of 40 years for his/her outstanding contribution
made in the field of Medical Entomology. The criterion for award of theorize is the significance and value of addition to
existing knowledge contributed by a worker in this speciality in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of
years and has shown sustained activity in research.

32.

Dr.C.G.S.Iyer Oration Award (Value = Rs.1,500):

This prize will be given in alternate years, to a scientist below the age of 40 years for his/her outstanding contribution
made in the field of Leprosy. The criterion for award of the prize is the significance and value of addition to existing
knowledge contributed by a worker in this speciality in which he/she has been actively engaged over a number of years and
has shown sustained activity in research.

*33.

Dr.Dharamvir Datta Memorial Oration Award (Value = Rs.3,000):

This award will be given in alternate years, to a scientist (medical or non-medical) below 40 years of age for work
carried out in the last 5 years in India in the'field of Liver Diseases. The criteria include significance and value of addition
to existing knowledge contributed by a worker in this speciality, with special reference to application of findings to clinical
hepatology.
*34.

Prof.B.C.Srivastava Foundation Award (Value = Rs.5,000):

This award will be given in alternate years, to a scientist below the age of 40 years for work in the field of
Community Medicine in medical colleges/recognised institutions. The criterion for the award is the significance
of research contributions to the practice of community medicine by a worker.
* Awards which will not be given for 1997.

55

35.

Smt. Kamal Satbir Award (Value = Rs.5,000):

This award will be given annually to individuals for outstanding contribution to research on non-tuberculous Chest Diseases,
especially Respiratory Allergy and Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases, pertaining to mechanism and causation of the diseases.
their prevention and/or management..
The work to be assessed would be the research carried out in India and published in scientific journals during the three years
preceding the year for which the award is to be. given.
36.

Major General Saheb Singh Sokhey Award (Value = Rs. 10,000):

This award will be given annually to a scientist below the age of 40 years for his/her outstanding contribution in the field
of Communicable Diseases depending upon its significance and value in terms of addition to existing knowledge contributed
by thefworker in that field. The facets of work to be considered could be basic or applied research which add to the knowledge
on the mechanism and causation of communicable diseases, their prevention and/or their management. The work to be assessed
would be the research carried out in India and published in scientific journals, during the 3 years preceding the year for which
the award is to be given.
37.

Dr.H.B.Dingley Memorial Award (Value = Rs.5,000):

This award will be given annually to individuals for outstanding contribution to research in the field of Paediatrics by
Indian scientists below the age of 40 years. The work-to be assessed would be research work carried out in India and published
in scientific journals during the 3 years preceding the year for which the award is to be given.

Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Centenary Award for Excellence in
Biomedical Research (Value : Rs. 1.00 lakh)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centenary Award for excellence in biomedical research was instituted in the year
1991 -92 as part of the Dr. Ambedkar Birth Centenary Celebrations. The award, of value rupees one lakh,
is to be awarded in alternate years, for excellence in any field of biomedical research, as evidenced by
scientific publications in internationally recognised journals, and contribution to advancement of knowledge
and/or improvements in medical practices, health programmes, etc. This Award is open to all age groups.

Direct applications are not accepted for this Award. Only nominations by certain categories of people will
be considered. Details are available in a separate brochure, which is available on request.
HOW TO APPLY

Applications/nominations should provide the names and other particulars of the candidates for award of the prizes
to the Council in the prescribed proforma.
Five copies (Ten copies in the case of the Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize) of each of the following documents will
have to be sent with the application:-

1.

The proforma for application/nomination with the details duly completed.

2.

A note giving full details of the outstanding research contribution of the nominee or applicant which makes him/
her worthy of the award.

3.

A short biographical sketch of the candidate.

4.

A list of papers published by the candidate giving details of those published in Indian and foreign journals sepa­
rately, and also indicating whether the journals are indexed or not.

5.

Five reprints each of five recent significant papers published on the subject of the award by the applicant/nominee (for the Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize, ten reprints of each paper are required).

.

The applications for Shakuntala Amir Chand Prize should be sent along with ten copies each of the following
documents.

56

1.

The proforma for application/nomination with the details duly completed.

2.

Reprints of the papers submitted for the prize.

3.

A note giving details of research work done by the candidate.

4.

A list of papers published giving details of those published in Indian and foreign journals separately, and also
indicating whether the journals are indexed or not.

5.

A short biographical sketch of the candidate.

Nomination for Dr.B.R.Ambcdkar Centenary Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research
should be in the separate format prescribed. Direct applications will not be entertained for this
Award.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ICMR AWARDS/PRIZES

1.

Only work published in scientific (scholarly) journals will be considered for ICMR Awards.

2.

Normally work done during the preceding five years on the subject will be considered (except where otherwise
indicated, under “Detailed information on the ICMR prizes/awards”.

3.

If a scientist has received an ICMR award for a particular subject, the same material will not be considered for another
ICMR award or the same award in a subsequent year, unless there is evidence that additional work have been done.
As such, those applicants/nominees who have received an ICMR award previously, should clearly indicate the ad­
ditional work done by them and substantiate the same with reprints of subsequent publications.

4.

Only, applications/nominations which are complete in all respects will be considered. Five sets of documents (10
in case of Basanti Devi and Shakuntala Amir Chand Prizes) should be submitted, each set containing one copy
of the documents indicated in the section “How to Apply”. If sets received arc not complete, the application/
nomination will not be considered.

5.

Applicants/Nominees need not provide “No Objection Certificates” from co-authors (since 1990 onwards). How­
ever, in the event of any dispute, the onus will be on the applicant/nominee/recipient of an ICMR Award or
Prize, and ICMR will not be responsible for any such dispute arising out of counter claims.

6.

The nominations/applications complete in all respects and with all the required documents should reach the Council
not later than 31st August, 1999, for ICMR Awards/Prizes for the year 1997.

JOINT APPLICATIONS
In the case of joint applications/publications, the prizes shall be divided between the applicants/authors in such
proportion as the .Selection Board may decide. The role of the individual who applies for the prize should be clearly
indicated so as to make it easy to determine whether major part of the work has been done by that person. A certificate from
the senior author that the candidate applying for the award has himself/herself made significant contribution to the research
work for which his/her paper is being recommended for the award should also be submitted along with the application.
FORMAT FOR FURNISHING RELEVANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THE NOMINEE/APPLICANT

Name of Award Applied for

1.

Name of the Nominee/Applicant:

2.

Date of birth and age as on 1st January of the year for which the award is being given

3.

Academic qualifications beginning with the Bachelor’s degree

4.

Present employment and posts held previously

5.

Details of outstanding research achievements during the last five years

6.

Whether the achievements have been recognised/awarded by any learned Society/Institution

7.

Number of scientific papers published, and reprints of those papers to be considered for the present application

57

8.

Subject of research work presented for the award

9.

Whether you have received earlier any award for the same work or paper. If so:(i) Name (ii) Year (iii) Value of
award and (iv) Exact caption of work for which the Prize was awarded

10.

Give names and designations of all the joint authors, if any, on the work/paper(s) submitted for the*award

11.

State whether for the same work/paper(s) any of the joint authors have received any award. If so, give the names
of all the authors, the name of the prize awarded, year of award and its value

12.

If you are a joint author, state precisely what has been your individual contribution to' the work

13.

State whether you have applied for any other award for the same or any other work. If so, state the name of the
award and the subject of work submitted for the award

14.

(i) List of papers, if any, submitted earlier for any other award; and
(ii) List of papers published subsequently and now submitted for consideration of the award:

15.

Address for correspondence:(Please also give telephone, fax and e-mail numbers)

NOTE: Applicants for the the ICMR Prize for Biomedical Research for scientists belonging to Under-privileged
Communities should provide attested Caste/Community Certificates.

LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH BOARD

The Defence Research &• Development Organisation (DRDO), New Delhi, has established a
Life Sciences Research Board (LSRB) to promote original, imaginative research in various dis­
ciplines of Life Sciences. The aim of the LSRB is to expand and strengthen the knowledge base
of Life Sciences in the country by utilizing and networking of national resources of knowledge,
know-how, expertise, facilities and infrastructure.
The LSRB supports research proposals from non-Defence institutions in various areas of Life
Sciences eg biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, physiology, bioengineering, biotechnology,
specialized high altitude agriculture, food science & technology, etc. Innovative ideas and proposals
from young scientists will be encouraged. For further information, please write to The Secretary,
Life Sciences Research Board, DRDO Hqs, ‘B’ Wing, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi-110011.

EDITORIAL BOARD
Chairman
Dr. N.K. Ganguly
Director-General

Members
Dr. Padam Singh
Dr. Lal it Kant
Dr. Bela Shah
Dr. V. Muthuswamy

Editor
Dr. N. Medappa
Printed and Published by Shri J.N. Mathur for the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
at the ICMR Offset Press, New Delhi-110 029
R.N. 21813/71

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