Bharat Aggarwal

Bharat B. Aggarwal is an Indian-American biochemist known for his research on the anti-cancer properties of turmeric and curcumin. He was a professor in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Early Life and Education

Bharat Aggarwal was born in India. He completed his undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Delhi. He then moved to the United States to pursue his graduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Career

Aggarwal began his career as a researcher at the Genentech biotechnology company, where he worked on the development of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). He later joined the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he focused on the study of natural products, particularly turmeric and its active component, curcumin.

Research

Aggarwal's research has primarily focused on the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of natural compounds. His work on curcumin has been widely cited and has contributed to the growing interest in the potential health benefits of turmeric. He has published numerous articles in scientific journals and has been a frequent speaker at international conferences.

Controversies

In recent years, Aggarwal's research has come under scrutiny. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted an investigation into allegations of scientific misconduct, which led to the retraction of several of his published papers. Despite these controversies, Aggarwal continues to be a prominent figure in the field of natural product research.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Aggarwal has received several awards and honors for his contributions to biochemistry and cancer research. These include the Ranbaxy Research Award and the American Association for Cancer Research's Bruce F. Cain Memorial Award.

Personal Life

Bharat Aggarwal resides in Houston, Texas. He is married and has two children.

See Also

• Curcumin
• Turmeric
• University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Tumor necrosis factor