JSS University, Mysore and the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and other Developing Countries will look at possible collaborative research in herbal and plant medicines as part of its drug discovery focus agenda. These could cover promising medicinal plants and herbs besides assessment of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of fruits and vegetables.

At the concluded two-day joint international meet on herbal drug discovery , innovations and applications held at the JSS University, had scientists representing 30 countries including India to present their findings to control and treat infectious and life style disorders besides skin conditions like psoriasis.

“The  scope for mutual research in herbal medicine is vast. With modern medicine experts looking at a holistic approach, the opportunity for collaboration with international research centres would only accelerate development of efficacious drugs and treatment modalities, said Dr B Suresh, vice chancellor, JSS University.

The University  has been associated with international universities like Howard, USA, Khan Kaen Thailand and La Trobe, Australia to study on tropical diseases and ascertain the varieties of flora in the tribal region of the Niligiri hills which helps to prevent lifestyle disorders like diabetes and hypertension.

Researchers from the developing world who highlighted the advances pointed out that 80 per cent of the global population utilized herbal medicine and 90 per cent of them were from rural households. This was because it was both effective and affordable.

Margaret Dhabangi, Molecular Biologist-Biotechnology of Uganda Industrial Research Institute said that despite increasing preference for herbal medicine, scientific evidence is limited. But in Uganda case of herbal medicine with an efficacious herbal concoction against streptococus pneumonia, assertions about its efficacy promoted the primary health centres in the country to use the same.

According to Dr Nurul Izza Nordin, researcher from Malaysia there was ample proof on the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action of the ginger species Halia Bara, or Zingiber officinale Roscoe var. rubrum (ZOR), on key immune-pathogenic mechanisms relevant to psoriasis. “There are experimental evidence on the potent anti-inflammatory properties of ZOR and for potential mechanisms of action in ameliorating psoriasis.”

Vaneet Kaur, from NAM S&T Centre said that green tea, curcumin, Resveratrol in grapes are known to arrest tumors.

“There is need for infrastructure and skilled expertise. India does not lack this, pointed out Dr V Prakash, former director, CFTRI and director, research, innovation & development of JSS Mahavidyapeetha.  Discovery of drug molecules requires inclusive involvement of pharmacy students and faculty which would enable international collaborations .

According to Dr H V Raghunandan, deputy director – academics, JSS University, Mysore and convener of the two-day joint international training workshop, there is considerable prospects to advance research. We already have several projects on hand and there are ongoing initiatives.

The research ensued findings that the tribal population of the Nilgiri hills are found not to have reported incidences of hypertension and diabetes. The University is now keen to take this observation forward and research on the food habits of the tribal population in the region who are known to mainly consume edible roots, herbs and plants of medicinal value.

According to Dr DBA Narayana, pharma consultant the platform is expected to see more developments and with new regulations on the anvil to permit botanical-based drugs or phyto-pharmaceuticals would enable companies to prove safety, quality and efficacy scientifically.