 Dr.
Somsak Ruchirawat received his
B.Sc. (Hons) in chemistry in 1966
from University of Liverpool, and
was subsqeuently awarded a Ph.D. in
organic chemistry in 1969 from the
same university under a Colombo Plan
scholarship. After a year as a lecturer
in the Department
of Chemistry, Mahidol University,
he was awarded a SEATO fellowship
to carry out research at Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) as a
postdoctoral fellow, followed by another
appointment at Boston University as
a research associate supported by
the National Cancer Institute (NCI),
USA. His main research interests have
focussed on the chemistry of nitrogen
heterocycles in general and the chemistry
and biology of alkaloids in particular.
His initial work involved finding
laboratory models to explain the mechanisms
in the biosynthesis of alkaloids.
He was also interested in the synthesis
and synthetic applications of Reissert
compounds. This research work culminated
in the development of a new method
for the synthesis of Reissert compounds.
This method was considered to be the
method of choice for the synthesis
of these compounds. Subsequent work
was devoted to the synthesis of different
classes of alkaloids. Another line
of his research involved the study
of the bioactive natural products
from Thai plants.
Dr. Somsak has collaborated extensively
with other scientists in various disciplines.
Some of these projects include: The
study of the cyanogenic glycosides
from cassava, (in collaboration with Professor
Montri Chulavatnatol) was supported
by USAID, the Chulabhorn Research
Institute (CRI) and Mahidol
University (MU) through the Institute
of Science and Technology for Research
and Development. This work resulted
in the isolation and structure determination
of new glycosides. Various sulphonamide
derivatives have been synthesized
for testing as potential candidates
for male infertility drugs (in collaboratiion
with Dr.
Chumpol Pholpramool). This work
was also supported by USAID/ISRAEL,
CRI and MU. The compounds successfully
synthesized were used to shed some
light on the mechanism of the action
of sulphonamide on infertility. In
collaboration with Professor
Kavi Ratanabanangkoon, a project
on development and production of immunochemical
reagents for the detection of amphetamine
derivatives (amphetamines and "Ecstacy")
is in progress. This work is supported
by MU, CRI and NSTDA. A method for
the synthesis of mefloquine, an antimalarial
drug, was developed and the synthesis
of other related compounds has been
successfully accomplished. A very
potent antimalarial drug has been
found and is currently under application
for patent rights by MU and CRI (in
collaboration with Dr.
Jutamaad Satayavivad). Many praziquantel
derivatives have been successfully
synthesized and some of these compounds
remain to be tested for the treatment
of liver-fluke infestation (in collaboration
with Professors
Stitaya Sirisinha and Witaya
Thamavit). The investigation of Gloriosa superba led to the
isolation and structure determination
of colchcine and derivatives. The
cytotoxic properties of these compounds
on various cancer cell lines as well
as the cholangiocarcinoma cell line
are being investigated (in collaboration
with Professor Stitaya Sirisinha and
Dr. Phanipa Chumsri). The last three
projects wrer supported by MU and
CRI.
Dr. Somsak is enthusiastic and optimistic
about his future research undertakings.
His future research plans will concentrate
on the syntheses and the reactions
of various alkaloids and oxygen heterocycles.
Investigations of bioactive natural
products will continue with the hope
of finding new therapeutic agents
form Thai medicinal plants. It is
anticipated that endeavors along these
lines will not only result in the
upgrading of the research capability
of Thai scientists but also the possibillity
of finding new drug leads or interesting
biologicals products.
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