Salimuzzaman Siddiqui

Infobox_Scientist
name = Prof Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui


image_width =
caption =
birth_date = birth date|df=yes|1897|10|19
birth_place = Lucknow, British India
death_date = death date and age|df=yes|1994|4|14|1897|10|19
death_place = Karachi, Pakistan
residence =
citizenship =
nationality = i
ethnicity =
field = Organic chemistry
work_institution = PCSIR, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, Karachi University
alma_mater = Aligarh University
doctoral_advisor = Julius Von Bram
doctoral_students = Atta ur Rahman
known_for = Natural products research, chemical constituents of Neem
author_abbreviation_bot =
author_abbreviation_zoo =
prizes = Fellow of the Royal Society, "Hilal-e-Imtiaz", MBE, Pride of Performance, "Sitara-e-Imtiaz", "Tamgha-e-Pakistan"
religion = Islam
footnotes =

Prof Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui (Urdu سلیم الزّماںصدّیقی; pronounced|səliːmʊzəmã sɪðiqi) (19 October 1897 - 14 April 1994) was a leading Pakistani scientist in natural products chemistry. He is credited for pioneering the isolation of unique chemical compounds from the Neem ("Azadirachta indica"), Rauwolfia, and various other flora. As the founder director of H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, he revolutionised the research on pharmacology of various domestic plants found in South Asia to extract novel chemical substances of medicinal importance.Akhtar (1996), pp. 400-417] In addition to his scientific talents, Siddiqui was also a painter, a poet, and a great connoisseur of music. His paintings were exhibited in Germany, India, and Pakistan.

Early life

Siddiqui was born in Subeha (Barabanki District) near Lucknow on 19 October 1897. He received his early education from Lucknow, both in the Urdu and Persian languages, and soon developed interest in literature, poetry, and calligraphy from his father Sheikh Muhammad Zaman. After completing his matriculation, he joined the Calcutta School of Arts, and became a pupil of Rabindranath Tagore, the founder of the famous Bengal School of painting. He graduated in Philosophy and Persian language, from M.A.O College (that would later become Aligarh University) in 1919.

In 1920, Siddiqui proceeded to University College London to read medicine. However, after one year of pre-medical studies, he moved to Frankfurt University in 1921 to read chemistry. In 1924, he married his German classmate, Ethel Wilhelmina Schneeman. He received Doctor of Philosophy under the supervision of Prof Julius Von Bram in 1927.

On his return, he established the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbi Research Institute at the Tibbia College Delhi, under the guidance of Hakim Ajmal Khan. He was appointed its first Director. However, soon after the death of Hakim Ajmal Khan, Siddiqui left the post. In 1940, he joined Indian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research where he worked until 1951 when he migrated to Pakistan on the request of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan.Sandilvi, A.N. (2003). [http://www.dawn.com/weekly/science/archive/030412/science5.htm Salimuzzaman Siddiqui: pioneer of scientific research in Pakistan] . Daily Dawn. 12 April 2003. Retrieved on 19 July 2007.]

Pioneering research

Siddiqui's first breakthrough in research came when he successfully isolated an antiarrhythmic agent in 1931 [Siddiqui and Siddiqui (1931). pp. 667-680.] from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina. He named the newly discovered chemical compound as "Ajmaline", after his mentor Hakim Ajmal Khan who was one of the illustrious practitioners of Unani system of medicine in South Asia. Later on, Siddiqui also extracted other alkaloids from Rauwolfia serpentina that included "Ajmalinine", "Ajmalicine" (C₂₁H₂₄N₂O₃), "Isoajmaline", "Neoajmaline", "Serpentine" and "Serpentinine". Many of these are still used worldwide for treatment of mental disorders and cardiovascular ailments, especially as antiarrhythmic agents in Brugada syndrome. [Hong, Brugada, et al (2004)]

Discoveries from Neem

Siddiqui was the first scientist to bring the anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral constituents of the Neem tree to the attention of natural products chemists. In 1942, he extracted three bitter compounds from neem oil, which he named as "nimbin", "nimbinin", and "nimbidin" respectively. [Ganguli (2002). p. 1304] The process involved extracting the water insoluble components with ether, petrol ether, ethyl acetate and dilute alcohol. The provisional naming was "nimbin" (sulphur-free crystalline product with melting point at 205 °C, empirical composition C₇H₁₀O₂), "nimbinin" (with similar principle, melting at 192 °C), and "nimbidin" (cream-coloured containing amorphous sulphur, melting at 90–100 °C). Siddiqui identified "nimbidin" as the main active anti-bacterial ingredient, and the highest yielding bitter component in the neem oil. [Siddiqui (1942). pp. 278–279] These compounds are stable and found in substantial quantities in the Neem. They also serve as natural insecticides.Sidhu et al (2004), pp. 69-75.]

In acknowledgement of these revolutionary discoveries, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1946.

In his later career, Siddiqui continued to discover and isolate numerous unique anti-bacterial compounds from various parts (leaves, bark, etc.) of the Neem [Ara, Siddiqui et al. (1989). pp. 343-345] and other plants. [Siddiqui et al (1989)] He had more than 50 chemical compounds patented in his name in addition to those discovered as a result of his joint research with other colleagues and students. [ [http://www.iccs.edu/patentsIccs.html List of Patents] at [http://www.iccs.edu/ ICCS] website. Retrieved on 8 June 2008.] Most of these discoveries still remain vital natural ingredients of various medicines [Hong, Brugada, et al (2004)] as well as biopesticides.

Research leadership

After the emergence of Pakistan in 1947, Siddiqui was entrusted by the Government of Pakistan in 1951 to organise scientific research activities. In 1953,he founded the Pakistan Academy of Sciences as a non-political think tank of distinguished scientists in the country. [He remained President of the Academy between 1967-69. (See [http://www.paspk.org/former.htm List of past Presidents of PAS] . Retrieved on 5 June 2008.] During the same year, he also established the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) in Karachi. The aim of PCSIR was to support the industrial infrastructure through research and development. The regional laboratories of the institution were located in Dhaka, Rajshahi and Chittagong (East Pakistan), and in Lahore and Peshawar (West Pakistan). In recognition of his scientific leadership, Frankfurt University granted him the degree of D.Med. "Honoris causa" in 1958. Also in 1958, the Government of Pakistan awarded him with "Tamgha-e-Pakistan". In 1960, he became the President of Pan-Indian Ocean Science Association. The next year, in 1961, Siddiqui was made Fellow of the Royal Society, following which he was given the "Sitara-e-Imtiaz" for distinguished merit in the fields of science and medicine, in 1962. Siddiqui remained the director and chairman of PCSIR until the time of his retirement in 1966. In that year, the President of Pakistan awarded him the Pride of Performance Medal for the respectable completion of his service.

In 1967, Siddiqui was invited by University of Karachi to set up a Postgraduate Institute of Chemistry in affiliation with the Department of Chemistry. He was designated as the institute's Founder Director, whereas the additional research staff was provided by PCSIR. [ [http://www.urbanpk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11147 Karachi: Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry] at [http://www.urbanpk.com UrbanPK] . Retrieved on 5 june 2008.] In 1976, the institute was offered a generous donation from Hussain Jamal Foundation, as a result of which it was renamed as Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry. In due time, Siddiqui transformed the institute into a distinguished centre of international excellence in the field of chemistry and natural products. In March 1975, he headed the National Commission for Indigenous Medicines [ [http://www.myhomeopathic.com/html/Homeopathy_in_Pakistan/ Homeopathic in Pakistan] . Retrieved on 5 June 2008.] His tireless efforts for the promotion of science and technology earned him "Hilal-e-Imtiaz" by the Government of Pakistan in 1980. In 1983, he played a major role in the establishment of the Third World Academy of Sciences and became its Founding Fellow. [ [http://users.ictp.it/~twas/mbrs/FormerMembers.html List of former members of The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World] . Retrieved on 5 June 2008.] He remained the director of the Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry until 1990. Later on, he continued research in his personal laboratory.

Death and legacy

Siddiqui died on 14 April 1994 due to cardiac arrest after a brief illness in Karachi. He was buried in the Karachi University Graveyard. Despite his death, the academic and research institutes that he founded during more than 65 years of his research career are still contributing to the international level research in natural products chemistry.

As a person of multiple talents, Siddiqui was also a refined poet, musician, and a painter. In August 1924, he held his first international exhibition of paintings in Frankfurt. Later in 1927, his works of art were exhibited at the Uzielli Gallery, Frankfurt. During his stay in Germany, he also translated Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry into Urdu, which was published in the journal of Jamia Millia Islamia. Though, his passion for arts was superseded by the enthusiasm in scientific research, he continued to patronise arts and culture. In 1966, he was at the forefront for setting up the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts in Karachi. [ [http://www.bitsonline.net/takhtiart/artists_institute02.html Central Institute of Arts and Crafts] . at Takhti Exhibitions. Retrieved on 5 June 2008.] He also compiled a selection of poetry of Mir Taqi Mir into "Intekhab-e-Meer". In 1983, he published a portfolio collection of charcoal drawings from 1920 to 1950s.

On 14 April 1999, the Pakistan Post, as part of its 'Scientists of Pakistan' series, issued a commemorative stamp to honour the contributions and services of Siddiqui. [ [http://www.pakpost.gov.pk/philately/stamps99/salimuzzaman.html Introduction] at [http://www.pakpost.gov.pk/ Pakistan Post] website. Retrieved on 5 June 2008.] In the same year, the street leading to PCSIR Laboratories Complex in Karachi was named as "Shahrah-e-Dr. Salim-uz-Zaman Siddiqui". Siddiqui was also remembered by his students and colleagues, many of whom continued to dedicate their international research and publications to his memory. [Ali et al (1995). p. 12.] In 2002, a research article was published in the journal Tetrahedron in which, authors Faizi and Naz dedicated their break-through research to the memory of Siddiqui, their mentor. [Faizi and Naz (2002). p. 6185.]

Awards and honours

Siddiqui was a founder-member of the Indian and Pakistan Academies of Sciences, and later a founder member of the international body the Third World Academy of Sciences. The following are the honours he received, in reverse chronological order:
* Gold medal of the Soviet Academy of Sciences
* "Hilal-e-Imtiaz", 1980
* President of Pakistan's Pride of Performance Medal, 1966
* "Sitara-e-Imtiaz", 1962
* Fellow of the Royal Society, 1961
* President, Pan-Indian Ocean Science Association, 1960
* "Tamgha-e-Pakistan", 1958
* D. Med. "Honoris causa" from the Frankfurt University, 1958
* Foundation Fellow, Pakistan Academy of Sciences, 1953
* MBE in 1946.

Notes

References

* Akhtar, M. (1996). [http://www.jstor.org/pss/770217 Salimuzzaman Siddiqui] . "Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society". 42, November. pp. 400-17.
* Ali, S.S., Khan, K.M., Echner, H., Voelter, H.C.W., Hasan, M., and Rahman, A. (1995). [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/109740705/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 Two new Protecting Groups for the Guanidino Function of arginine] . "Journal für Praktische Chemie/Chemiker-Zeitung". 337(1). pp. 12-17.
* Ara, I., Siddiqui, B.S., Faizi, S., and Siddiqui, S. (1989). [http://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/article.asp?doi=P19890000343 Structurally novel diterpenoid constituents from the stem bark of Azadirachta indica(meliaceae)] . "Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions". 1. pp. 343-45.
* Faizi, S. and Naz, A. (2002). [http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0040402002006154 Jafrine, a novel and labile β-carboline alkaloid from the flowers of Tagetes patula] . "Tetrahedron". 58(31), 29 July. pp. 6185-97.
* Ganguli, S. (2002). [http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/jun102002/1303.pdf Neem: A therapeutic for all seasons] . "Current Science". 82(11), June. p. 1304
* Hong, K., Brugada, J., et al (2004). [http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/110/19/3023 Value of Electrocardiographic Parameters and Ajmaline Test in the Diagnosis of Brugada Syndrome Caused by SCN5A Mutations] . "Circulation". 110. pp. 3023-27.
* Siddiqui, S. and Siddiqui, R.H. (1931). "Journal of the Indian Chemical Society". 8. pp. 667-80.
* Siddiqui, S. (1942). A note on isolation of three new bitter principles from the neem oil. "Current Science". 11. pp. 278–79.
* Siddiqui, S., Begum, S., Siddiqui, B.S. and Hafeez, F. (1989). [http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jnprdf/1989/52/i01/f-pdf/f_np50061a006.pdf Kanerin and 12, 13-Dihydroursolic Acid, Two New Pentacyclic Triterpenes from the Leaves of Nerium oleander] . "Journal of Natural Products". 12(1). pp. 57-62
* Sidhu, O.P., Kumar, V., and Behl, H.M. (2004). Variability in triterpenoids (nimbin and salanin) composition of neem among different provenances of India. "Industrial Crops and Products". 19(1). pp. 69-75.

See also

* Atta ur Rahman
* H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry

External links

* [http://www.ensf-ngo.org/prizes.php Announcement of the first Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Prize in chemical sciences, from April 2010] by [http://www.ensf-ngo.org/index.php The Emerging Nations Science Foundation]
* [http://www.pakpost.gov.pk/philately/stamps99/salimuzzaman.html Commemorative Stamp] issued by Pakistan Post
* [http://www.southasianmedia.net/profile/pakistan/pk_leadingpersonalities_science.cfm Profile at South-Asian Media]
* [http://www.geocities.com/jamshedt/Salim.htm Dr. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui] at GeoCities

Persondata
NAME=Siddiqui, Salimuzzaman
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Siddiqui, Salim-uz-Zaman
SHORT DESCRIPTION=Natural products chemist, scientist, painter, poet
DATE OF BIRTH=19 October 1897
PLACE OF BIRTH=Lucknow, British India
DATE OF DEATH=14 April 1994
PLACE OF DEATH=Karachi, Pakistan