Clinical Chemist and Research Associate at Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Mexico.
Dr. Carlos J. Quintal Novelo is a Research Associate B at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). He holds a Ph.D. in natural products chemistry from the Scientific Research Center of Yucatán, where he studied the anticancer properties of plants used in Mayan traditional medicine. His work focuses on isolating bioactive compounds, conducting cytotoxic and antiproliferative assays, and performing molecular docking studies. Dr. Quintal Novelo has authored over 14 scientific publications, secured two patents for anticancer plant extracts, and contributed to epidemiological research on leukemia. He is a member of AMIPRONAT and an active mentor to young researchers in the fields of pharmacognosy and hematology.
🎓 Educational Background:
Dr. Carlos J. Quintal Novelo is a Mexican scientist whose academic path reflects dedication to the exploration of medicinal plants and natural products. He studied Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biology at the Faculty of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Yucatán. Driven by curiosity about traditional medicine, he pursued both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. at the Scientific Research Center of Yucatán. During his doctoral studies, he focused on uncovering the anticancer potential of plants used in Mayan traditional medicine, laying the foundation for a career at the intersection of cultural heritage and modern science.
Profile:
Professional Experience:
Dr. Carlos J. Quintal Novelo has built a multidisciplinary career at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) as a Research Associate B and Clinical Chemist. He has led and contributed to diverse research projects investigating bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and marine organisms native to the Yucatán Peninsula. His professional experience includes the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites, evaluation of their cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities in cell culture, and molecular docking studies to understand their therapeutic potential. Additionally, he has participated in epidemiological studies of leukemia and other cancers, expanding his expertise beyond laboratory science into public health research. Dr. Quintal Novelo’s work has resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications and two patents on plant-derived anticancer extracts, demonstrating his commitment to translating natural products research into practical health applications. He also contributes as a mentor, training students and young researchers in laboratory techniques and scientific investigation within clinical and academic settings.
Research and Innovations:
Throughout his career, Dr. Quintal Novelo has specialized in natural products chemistry, isolation of bioactive compounds, and evaluation of their therapeutic properties. His work encompasses cell culture bioassays—including cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antioxidant studies—as well as molecular docking of semi-synthetic derivatives derived from plants. Notably, he has contributed to projects characterizing the chemical and biological profiles of macroalgae and medicinal plants, and has also engaged in epidemiological research to understand the patterns of leukemia among adult patients in Mexico.
Scientific Contributions:
Dr. Quintal Novelo has authored and co-authored more than 14 peer-reviewed publications in respected journals such as Natural Product Research, Tetrahedron Letters, and Biomedical Research International. His studies have received over 130 citations, reflecting growing recognition of his contributions to drug discovery from natural sources. He has also secured two patents for plant extracts with anticancer properties, underscoring his commitment to translating research into innovative therapies.
Areas of Expertise:
His expertise spans natural products, secondary metabolites, semi-synthetic derivatives, antioxidants, and cytotoxic assays, as well as epidemiological profiling of hematologic cancers. This multidisciplinary approach bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and public health impact.
Recognition and Professional Affiliations:
Dr. Quintal Novelo is a member of the Mexican Association for Research in Natural Products (AMIPRONAT). His research achievements have contributed to elevating the profile of Mexican science in the global search for new therapeutic agents derived from nature.
Publications:
1️⃣ Semi-Synthetic Derivatives from a Lupane-Type Triterpene Isolated from Phoradendron wattii with Anti-Leukemia Activity
Natural Product Communications, 2025
2️⃣ Mayan Medicinal Plants Bignonia potosina and Thouinia paucidentata Demonstrate Anti-Infective Properties Against the Priority Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Plants, 2024
3️⃣ A Morinda royoc Root Extract and Fractions Exhibit Antigiardial Activity without Affecting Cell Viability
Iranian Journal of Parasitology, 2022
4️⃣ Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Activity of Thiazole Derivatives of Ochraceolide A
Natural Product Research, 2022
5️⃣ Hepatoprotective Effect of a Fucoidan Extract from Sargassum fluitans Borgesen Against CCl₄-Induced Toxicity in Rats
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2020
6️⃣ Enzymatic Protein Hydrolysates and Ultrafiltered Peptide Fractions from Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Bean with In Vitro Antidiabetic Potential
Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society, 2019
7️⃣ A Sargassum fluitans Borgesen Ethanol Extract Exhibits a Hepatoprotective Effect In Vivo in Acute and Chronic Liver Damage Models
BioMed Research International, 2018