Dr Uma Devi invented the ‘universal potentiator’ after 14 years of research. The potentiator is a concentrated solution that enhances the potency of a material, thereby prolonging its life and use. Uma Devi, who is a PhD in botany and teaches at the Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam College of Women in Sivakasi, explains: “This product increases the performance capacity of any substance made of atoms. It serves two segments – health and food, and chemical applications like, for instance, petrol and LPG.”

A few quick sprays of the solution on the product does the trick.

For instance, the potentiator will increase fuel performance by 60 per cent if the petrol is sprayed upon with this solution, she says.

About 14 variations/types of this product have been developed, for which four patents have been applied, said Devi.

She said the Siddha drug manufacturing licence has been obtained for this product from the state drug licensing authority.

“Its applications are broader than we think,” says Uma Devi, whose father, Dr T Umakanthan encouraged her to take up research that will benefit lives - plant and animal, alike. Dr Umakanthan is deputy director, animal disease intelligence unit at Virudhunagar.

The potentiator benefits all – from humans and animals to plants.”

“Its application is being explored in cancer research,” said Uma Devi, adding, “the invention has a revolutionary potential.”

Citing an interesting example, she explained how the potentiator was put to use on dogs at a shelter in the Dindigul district. The shelter, which is home to 500 injured and abandoned dogs, is short of funds, and the potentiator has worked miracles in healing the animals and cutting costs.

Uma Devi, who hails from Virudhunagar, has authored several research articles, the most prominent among them being ‘Recent Technologies in Crop Improvement’.