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 Central University of Kerala
20 September 2026

Dr. Padmesh Pandaram Pillai

Plant Metabolomics and Genomics Lab


Brief Profile

Dr. Padmesh P Pillai did M.Sc in Botany from University of Kerala, M.Tech in Biotechnology from Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai and PhD in Biotechnology from University of Kerala. He started his career in 1995 as Senior Scientific Assistant (on contract) at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, an autonomous institute under KSCSTE, Govt of Kerala. Since 1999 he was Scientist on regular service at JNTBGRI and for one year at Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Calicut (under work arrangement) before joining CUK in June 2016. 
He was rank holder in M.Sc, qualified CSIR-UGC Junior Research Fellowship (thrice), GATE and ARS-NET of ASRB, Govt of India. Completed 8 weeks M.Tech internship at Molecular Biology & Agriculture Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay.  He was awarded the Biotech industrial training fellowship from BCIL, Govt of India and completed six months industrial training at SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai. He was awarded young scientist award in Life Sciences by STEC, Govt of Kerala, in the 11th Kerala Science Congress. He has one Indian process patent sealed and published more than 45 research papers in peer reviewed International and National journals including book chapters. He had completed 15 research projects as PI/ Co-PI, funded by DBT, DST, NMPB, Govt of India and KBC, Govt of Kerala. Currently, he is mentor to the DST-TARE project of DST. He had formal collaborations with CSIR-NCL, Pune, RGCB, Thiruvananthapuram, Madras Christian College, Chennai, UAS, Bangalore, NIT-Calicut, M/s Natural Remedies Pvt Ltd., Bangalore and IISc, Bangalore. He had attended brainstorming meetings in the area of DNA fingerprinting, bioprospecting of natural resources and biodiversity characterization, on invitation from DBT, Govt of India. 
As Course Director, he had conducted two STTC’s of 2 week and 3 week durations, for PG students and teaching faculty in 2011 and 2015, funded by KBC, KSCSTE and DBT, Govt of India, respectively.

He had qualified the Patent Agent Examination conducted by the Patent Office, Government of India (May 2023) and registered as Patent Agent. Further, he has successfully completed one year PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights Law (PGDIPRL) from National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bengaluru in June 2025 under the PACE program. Also, he is listed in the Roll of Scientific Advisors (under Group 1: Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Food Technology) maintained by the O/o Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

45

Publications

16

Projects

7

Students

1

Courses Taught


...
Dr. Padmesh Pandaram Pillai
Associate Professor
Department of Genomic Science
  
  [email protected]
 Personal Website
 Vidwan Profile
Academic Identity
 Google Scholar ID
 ORCID
 Scopus ID
 Researcher ID

 Research

None

 Education

DegreeCollege NameYear Of Passing
Ph.D.University of Kerala2012
Post GraduationAnna University1995
Post GraduationUniversity of Kerala1992

 Experience

Employer NameDesignationStart FromEnd To
KSCSTE-Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, ThiruvananthapuramScientist19992016
KSCSTE-Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Calicut (under work arrangement)Scientist20152016
Central University of Kerala, KasaragodAssociate Professor2016

 Teaching & Research Guidance

    Level Of TeachingSubjects
    Post GraduateBiotechnology

 Recent and Major Publications

    1. Aswati Ravindranathan Nair, Harshitha Kaniyala, | Mudumbi Harsha Vardhan, Padmesh Pillai (2024). "Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in Umbelliferone (UMB) Producing Endophytic Fusarium oxysporum (ZzEF8) Following Epigenetic Modification". Journal of Basic Microbiology, https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.202400582

    2. Karuna Surendran, Siya Pradeep, Padmesh Pandaram Pillai (2024). "Comparative transcriptome and metabolite profiling reveal diverse pattern of CYP TS gene expression during corosolic acid biosynthesis in Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers". Plant Cell Reports, 43:122

    3. Padmesh P Pillai (2024). "The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023: a balancing act of rights and obligations". Current Science, 126 (5); 532-533

    4. Saranya G, Jiby M V, R. Aswati Nair , Padmesh P. Pillai, and C. Jayabaskaran (2023). "Expression and characterization of a novel PPO gene from Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var. pruriens involved in catecholamine pathway mediated synthesis of L-DOP". South African Journal of Botany, 158; 232-242

    5. Aswati Nair, Padmesh Pillai and Sharmila Raj (2023). "Protease Inhibitors (PI’s) : Candidate molecules for crop protection formulations against necrotrophs". Protein & Peptide Letters, 30; 13-24

    6. Harshitha K , Aswati R. Nair a, Padmesh Pandaram Pillai (2023). "Overview of bioactive metabolite(s) produced by endophytes and future perspectives on epigenetic modification/regulation of cryptic biosynthetic pathways". Phytochemistry Letters, 53 ; 116-131

    7. Manikantan Kuttappety , Karuna Surendran & Padmesh P Pillai (2023). "Influence of phytochemical and soil characteristics on composition of culturable endophyte from Zingiber zerumbet (L) Smith rhizome". Plant Science Today, 10(2); 08–19

    8. S William Decruse, P Padmesh Pillai, and K Manikantan (2022). "Analysis of Genetic Diversity Amongst Populations of Vanda Thwaitesii Hook.F. and Vanda Wightii Rchb.F., two notified Endangered Orchids of Western Ghats, India". J. Orchid Soc. India, 36; 65-73

    9. Somarajan L. Chippy , Vijayakumar T. Anju Vijay , Achuthan S. Hemanthakumar , Padmesh P. Pillai , Thankappan S. Preetha (2022). "Enhanced production of lupeol through elicitation in in vitro shoot cultures of snake grass (Clinacanthus nutans)". Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 14 (4); DOI:10.15835/nsb14411195

    10. Vidya VR, Gopika K, Hemanthakumar AS , Padmesh P, Preetha TS (2022). "Microrhizome induction in Kaempferia galanga L. using silver nanoparticles". International Journal of Botany Studies, 7(1); 39-45

    11. VR Vidya, Padmesh Pillai, TS Preetha (2022). "Comparative chemical profiling of essential oil components using GC-MS in micro, mini and mother rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga L.". Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, 13(1);188-199

    12. G.Saranya, D. Sruthi, K.S Jayakumar, M.V.Jiby, R.Aswati Nair, Padmesh P Pillai and C. Jayabaskaran (2021). "Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) of catecholamine pathway catalyzes the conversion of L-tyrosine to LDOPA in Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var.pruriens: An integrated pathway analysis using field grown and in vitro Cultures". Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 166 1032-1043

    13. Vidya VR, Hemanthakumar AS, Remesh Kumar CB Padmesh Pillai and Preetha TS (2021). "In vitro Microrhizome Induction and Essential Oil Production from Aromatic Ginger Kaempferia galanga L. An Economically Important Medicinal Herb". Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications, 14(4); 1591-1599

    14. G. Saranya , M.V. Jiby , K.S. Jayakumar , P. Padmesh Pillai , C. Jayabaskaran (2020). "L-DOPA synthesis in Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. is regulated by polyphenol oxidase and not CYP 450/tyrosine hydroxylase: An analysis of metabolic pathway using biochemical and molecular markers.". Phytochemistry, 178

    15. Anto M, Angala M, Jothish P S, Rameshkuma r K B, Padmesh P & Anilkumar C. (2020). "Population genetic structure of Garcinia imberti Bourd. an endangered endemic tree of southern Western Ghats, India". Plant Science Today, 7(3): 424-431

    16. Aswati Nair R, Keerthi D, Padmesh Pillai (2020). "Evidence for Methylerythritol pathway (MEP) contributions to zerumbone biosynthesis as revealed by expression analysis of regulatory genes and metabolic inhibitors studies". Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, https:// doi.org/ 10.1007/s11105-020-01202-5

    17. A.S Hemanthaku mar, T.S.Preetha, Padmesh Pillai and S.Seeni (2018). "Embryogenesis followed by enhanced micro-multiplication and eco-restoration of Calamus thwaitesii Becc.: an economic non- wood forest produce for strengthening agroforestry system". Agroforestry System, DOI 10.100 7/s1045 7-018- 0207-9

    18. Akshayavija yan, P. Padmesh pillai , A. S. Hemanthaku mar (2017). "Establishment of Adventitious and Hairy Root Cultures from in vitro Leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. for Corosolic Acid Production". Trends in Biosciences, 10(1) 441- 446

    19. Ganapathy G, Keerthi D, R. Aswati Nair, Padmesh Pillai (2016). "Correlation of Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and Tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL) activities to phenolics and curcuminoid content in ginger and its wild congener, Zingiber zerumbet following Pythium myriotylum infection". European Journal of Plant Pathology, DOI: 10.100 7/s1065 8- 016- 0865-2

    20. MG Chithra, GS Deepamol, AS Hemanthaku mar , P Padmesh and TS Preetha (2016). "Evaluation of phyto-components using FTIR Spectroscopy and antibacterial activities of Bioactive constituents from aerial parts of Clinacanthus nutans (Burn. F.) Lindau". World journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, DOI: 10.209 59/wjp ps2016 4-6375 Vol 5, Issue 4 1328 - 1335

    21. K J Lathankumar , A K Sreekala , K Manikandan , T S Preetha2and P Padmesh (2016). "Intravarietal diversity analysis of a Western Ghat Mangifera indica L. variety'Kottoorkonam' using ISSR markers". International Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 12(1) 85- 94

    22. T.S Preetha, A.S Hemanthaku mar, P.Padmesh and P.N Krishnan (2015). "Genetic uniformity analysis of cryopreserved in vitro plantlets of Kaempferia galangal L.- An endangered medicinal species in Tropical Asia". Indian Journal of Biotechnology, 14 425- 428

    23. Aswati Nair R, Geethu C, Sangwan A, Padmesh P (2015). "Sequence and Bioinformatic Analysis of Family 1 Glycoside Hydrolase (GH) 1 Gene from the Oomycete Pythium myriotylum Drechsler.". Appl Biochem Biotechnol., 176(3) 772- 781

    24. .S. Vineesh, R. Skaria, S. Mukunthaku mar, P.Padmesh and S.W. Decruze (2015). "Seed germination and cryostorage of Musa acuminata sub sp.burmanica from Western Ghats.". South African Journal of Botany, 100 158- 163

    25. Deepu Sivadas, Pandurangan A.G. and P. Padmesh (2015). "Seedling morphology of Lagerstroemia speciosa(L).Pers (Lythraceae) and its taxonomic significance". International journal of Current Research, 7(2): 1271 9- 1272 2

    26. Deepu Sivadas, Pandurangan A.G. and P. Padmesh (2015). "Reproductive phenology of Lagerstroemia speciosa (Lythraceae) in Southern Western Ghats, India". International Journal of Plant Animal and Environmental Sciences, 5(1) 128- 133

    27. Jayakumar KS, Sajan JS, Aswati Nair R, Padmesh Pillai P, Deepu S, Padmaja R, Agarwal A and Pandurangan AG (2014). "Corosolic acid content and SSR markers in Lagerstroemia speciosa L. Pers : a comparative analysis among populations across the Southern Western Ghats of India". Phytochemistry, 106 94- 103

    28. Keerthi D, Geethu C, Aswati Nair R, Padmesh Pillai (2014). "Metabolic profiling of Zingiber zerumbet following Pythium myriotylum infection: Investigations on the defensive role of the principal secondary metabolite, Zerumbone". Appl Biochem Biotechnol., 172(5) 2593 - 2603

    29. Akshaya Vijayan, P. Padmesh Pillai*, A.S Hemanthaku mar and P.N.Krishnan (2014). "Improved in vitro propagation, genetic stability and analysis of corosolic acid synthesis in regenerants of Lagerstoremia speciosa (L.)Pers. by HPLC and gene expression profiles". Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult, doi:10. 1007/s1 1240- 014- 0665-3

    30. T.S Preetha, A.S Hemannthak umar, P.Padmesh and P.N Krishnan (2014). "A high frequency microcloning protocol for subsequent cryopreservation in Kaempferia galanga L.: An endangered, over exploited medicinal plant in pharmaceutics". IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 4 (12): 16- 23

    31. Achutan Sudarshanan Hemanthaku mar, Thankappan Suvarna Preetha, Padmesh Pandaram Pillai, Peringatulli Narayanan Krishnan and Sooriamuthu Seeni (2014). "Micro-cloning of an economic rattan palm Calamus thwaitessi for eco-restoration programme.". Biologia, 69 (5) 618- 624

    32. Manikantan Kuttapetty, Padmesh P.Pillai*. Reji J.Varghese and Soorimuthu Seeni (2014). "Genetic diversity analysis in disjunct populations of Rhododendron arboreum from the temperate and tropical forests of Indian subcontinent corroborate Satpura hypothesis of species migration". Biologia, 69(3): 311- 322

    33. Padmesh Pillai P and Aswati Nair R (2014). "Hypericin biosynthesis in Hypericum hookerianum- Investigation on biochemical pathways using metabolite inhibitors and suppression subtractive hybridization". Comptes Rendus Biologies, 337 571– 580

    34. S Mukunthaku mar, P.Padmesh, P.S Vineesh, Reby Skaria, K Harikumar and P.N Krishnan (2013). "Genetic diversity and differentiation analysis among wild antecedents of banana (Musa acuminata Colla) using RAPD markers and differentiation analysis among wild antecedents of banana (Musa acuminate Colla) using RAPD markers.". Indian Journal of Biotechnology, 12: 493- 498

    35. C.G Sudha, T.V Sherina, V.P Anu Anand, J.V Reji, P.Padmesh and E.V Soniya (2012). "Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated transformation of the medicinal plant Decalepis arayalpathra and production of 2- hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde.". Plant Cell Tissue & Organ Culture, DOI 10.100 7/s1124 0-012- 0226-6

    36. P. Padmesh*, S. Mukunthaku mar, P.S Vineesh, Reby Skaria, K. Harikumar and P.N. Krishnan (2012). "Exploring wild genetic resources of Musa acuminata Colla distributed in the humid forests of southern Western Ghats of peninsular India using ISSR marker.". Plant Cell Reports, DOI 10.100 7/s0029 9-012- 1273-5

    37. P. Padmesh*, J.S Sajan, K Manikantan, K.S Jayakumar and A.Subramoniam (2012). "ISSR analysis reveals high intraspecific variation in Rauvolfia serpentina L.-A high value medicinal plant.". Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 40: 192- 197

    38. P. Padmesh*, J.S Sajan, K Manikantan, A.S Hemanthaku mar, A.G Pandurangan, P.N Krishnan and S.Seeni (2011). "Analysis of genetic diversity in Poeciloneuron pauciflorum Bedd.- An endemic tree species from the Western Ghats of India.". American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2 IF=0 416- 424

    39. P. Padmesh*, J.V Reji, C.Benedict Paul, S.Mukunthak umar, G.Praveen and S.Seeni (2008). "Analysis of genetic variability in two diploid Musa cultivars using RAPD". Biologia Plantarum, 53(4),711- 714

    40. C.Anil Kumar, C.R Chithra, S.Bindu and P.Padmesh (2008). "Seed germination and storage studies in Ficus Krishnae C.DC.". Indian Journal of Plant Physiology, 13(1),66-72

    41. S.Narasimha n, P.Padmesh and G.M.Nair (2006). "Assessment of genetic diversity in Coscinium fenestratum". Biologia Plantarum, 50(1),111- 113

    42. P. Padmesh*, J.V. Reji, M. Jinish Dhar and S. Seeni (2006). "Estimation of genetic diversity in varieties of Mucuna pruriens using RAPD.". Biologia Plantarum, 50(3),367- 372

    43. K.I.Asha, G.M.Nair, P.Padmesh, M.C.Nair and J.V.Reji (2006). "Interrelationships among species of Dioscorea revealed by morphological traits and RAPD markers.". Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources, 19(1),40-46

    44. K.K Sabu, P Padmesh and S Seeni (2001). "Estimation of active principle content and isozymes of Andrographis paniculata, an important medicinal plant of India". Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences (India), 23,637-647

    45. P.Padmesh, K.K Sabu, S.Seeni and P.Pushpanga dan (1999). "The application of RAPD in detecting genetic variability in Andrographis paniculata Nees, a potent hepatoprotective drug.". Current Science, 76(6)


 Group Members

 Available Positions

 Research Projects Undertaken

Project TitleProject TypeCommencement YearCompletion YearFunding Agency
Network project on RET medicinal plants – Ex-situ conservation and sustainable utilization in South and North East India(Co - PI)R & D20142014NBPM, Dept. of Ayush, Govt. of India
Development of scientifically validated nutraceuticals from selected medicinal plants of Western Ghats (Co-PI)R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
National programme on recovery of red- listed species (Coscinium fenestratum, Paphiopedilum druryi, Dialium travancoricum and Poiciloneuron pauciflorum) through application of biotechnological tools”R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
National Gene Bank for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants’ funded by. Period (Co - PI)R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Metabolic engineering of andrographolides accumulation in Andrographis paniculata Nees by modulation of the isoprenoid precursor pool with expression of plastidial Deoxy xylulose phosphate synthase anR & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Isolation and characterization of gene(s) involved in the regulatory step(s) leading to the biosynthesis of hypericin using transcript profiling technology (PI)R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Taxonomic data organization of wild species of Piper & Curcuma in India and DNA fingerprinting studies of selected endemic species(Co - PI)R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Chemical prospecting and DNA fingerprinting of Andrographis paniculata (Co - PI)R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Genotyping of biodiversity for conservation and prospecting of biological wealth in South-Western and North- Eastern parts of India (Co - PI)R & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Ex-situ conservation and characterization of vanishing wild Musa species of Southern Western Ghats (Co - PI)R & D20242024DST, Govt of India
Conservation and restoration of two endemic and critically endangered tree species (Syzygium gambleanum Rathakr. & Chithra and Syzygium rama-varmae (bourd.) Chithra from Agastyamalai biosphere reserveR & D20142014DBT, Govt of India
Biotechnological interventions for conservation and utilization of forestresources (PI) Network project with UAS, Bangalore as CoordinatorR & D20142015DBT, Govt of India
Conservation of Vanda thwaitisii, V. wightii, and Eulophia cullenii three endangered orchids of Western Ghats through micropropagation and restoration with tribal participationR & D20152015Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India
Bioproduction of galangal oil through microrhizomes in Kaempferia galangal L. (Mentor)R & D20192022DST-TARE
Transcript profiling of differentially expressed gene(s) involved in the downstream step(s) leading to artemisinin biosynthesis on GA3 Induction (Co-PI in collaboration with NIT-Calicut )R & D20122015Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE
Metabolic pathway analysis of L-Dopa synthesis in Mucuna pruriens L. by characterization of chatecholamine pathway with emphasis on modulation of tyrosine hydroxylase genes (with IISc)R & D20152018Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India

 Books / Chapters

  • Chapter(s) - Co-Author, (2024). Polyphenol Oxidases Function, wastewater remediation and biosensors, De Gruyter Germany, 978-3-11-103345-7

  • Chapter(s) - Co-Author, (2022). Phytochemical Genomics Plant Metabolomics and Medicinal Plant Genomics, Springer New York, 978-981-19-5778-9

  • Chapter(s) - Co-Author, (2022). Phytochemical Genomics Plant Metabolomics and Medicinal Plant Genomics, Springer New York, ISBN 978-981-19-5778-9

  • Chapter(s) - Co-Author, (2020). Bioprospecting of biodiversity for improvement of agronomic traits in plants, Springer New York, 978-981-15-5135-2

  • Chapter(s) - Co-Author, (2017). Bio-resources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology, Springer New York, 978-981-10-3571-5

    •  Miscellaneous

     Membership/Fellowship of other institutions/professionals societies : 
    Life Member : Society of Biological Chemists, India 
Life Member : Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources 
DRC Member, Department of Biotechnology & Microbiology, Kannur University
     Student related co-curricular, extension and field based activities and counseling.
     Contribution to corporate sector-management of the department and institution through participation in academic and administration,committees and responsibilities. 
    Deputy Registrar (Purchase & Research Project Cell) 
July 2018 - February 2020
     Other activities/Responsibilities : 
    HoD Department of Genomic Science 
April 2020 - April 2023
     Any other relevant information, if not given above :

     Contact

    Full Name
    		 Dr. Padmesh Pandaram Pillai
    Address
    		 Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod
    Telphone Number
    (With STD Code)
    PinCode
    		 671325