Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Pang-Chui Shaw
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
Keynote: Molecular authentication of medicinal materials and their products
Time : 10:00-10:35 AM
Biography:
Pang-Chui Shaw obtained his Ph.D degree from Imperial College, University of London, UK in 1987. He is now director of Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and professor of School of Life Sciences. He also serves as Chairman of the Endangered Species Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong SAR. His research focuses on the quality control and pharmacological study of Chinese medicinal materials. He is a pioneer in developing molecular protocols for the authentication of Chinese medicinal materials. He has published more than 200 refereed articles, two books and has obtained four USA and four Chinese patents.
Abstract:
DNA sequences provide a rich source of material for species identification. We have recently established the first Medicinal Materials DNA Barcode Database (MMDBD) in the world which contains over 1,600 medicinal and related species recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China and the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. We have also established standard DNA barcodes for the identification of medicinal species used in South China for Chinese ‘cooling’ beverage and for the differentiation of easily confused herbs retailed in the market. Molecular authentication is usually regarded as unsuitable for herbal decoctions and medicinal granules, as DNA is highly degraded. We set forth to investigate the availability of DNA in decoctions of Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and P. quinquefolius (American ginseng). We have shown: (1) Sample pulverization before boiling improved PCR detection. (2) Prolonged boiling increased the DNA concentration but decreased the intactness of DNA. (3) Ginseng could be differentiated from American ginseng by multiplex PCR. (4) Individual herbs in the decoctions with prolonged boiling time were identified by amplifying short DNA fragments. We also demonstrated the presence of DNA in a number of animal and plant medicinal granules and they could be amplified by species-specific primers.
Keynote Forum
Ain Raal
University of Tartu, Estonia
Keynote: Vitamin C Bombs: the Myths and Reality
Time : 10:35-11:10 AM
Biography:
Ain Raal has graduated as a Pharmacist at the University of Tartu (Estonia), and has completed his PhD at the Institute of Chemistry and Pharmacy of Leningrad (Soviet Union). He is the Head of the Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Estonia, and the Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy of the same Institute. He has published 80 scientific papers in international scientific journals indexed by the Web of Science, Scopus and other databases, more than 130 conference abstracts, as well as 22 textbooks, monographs, handbooks and popular-scientific books such as ‘Pharmacognosy’ and ‘Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants of the World’.
Abstract:
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, the deficiency of which leads to scurvy, accompanied with osteoporosis and severe anemia. During the Leningrad Blockade (1941-1944), the scientists worked to extract vitamin C from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles to cure and prevent the outbreaks of scurvy. Since 1930, it was believed that leaves of cowslip (Primula veris L.) contain up to 5.9% ascorbic acid and one leaf was enough to fulfill the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Such enormous content of ascorbic acid could be the result of titrimetric assay technique used in those days. In the present study, the content of ascorbic acid was determined by slightly modified European Pharmacopoeia HPLC method for quantification of related substances in ascorbic acid. Actually, the content of ascorbic acid in P. sylvestris needles was just from 0.0005% to 0.0067% in dry material. In fresh cowslip, leaves were collected with weekly interval with the content of ascorbic acid varied from 1.2 to 2.4%. The recommended daily intake should be 20-30 fresh cowslip leaves. Spinach, parsley and rucola are poor sources of vitamin C; practically unreal amount of their fresh salad (300-500 g) can fulfill the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Commercial orange juices contain ascorbic acid from 9-50 mg/100 ml, depending on producer one to five glasses of juice could fulfill the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. On chromatograms of Goji berries (Lycium spp.), we were not able to identify the peak of ascorbic acid.
Keynote Forum
Jin-Feng Hu
Chair and Professor, Fudan University, China
Keynote: Novel bioactive naturally-occurring compounds from the rare and endangered plants endemic to china
Time : 11:30-12:05 PM
Biography:
Jin-Feng Hu received his PhD from Lanzhou University in 1996. He was a Post-doctoral fellow in Hans-Knoell-Institute for Natural Products Research (Germany), Department of Pharmacognosy at the University of Mississippi, and Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation/The Scripps Research Institute. He left his position as a Principal Scientist in Natural Products Chemistry from Sequoia Sciences, Inc. (USA) in 2006, and since then has been a Full Professor at East China Normal University and Chair of the Department of Natural Products, the Pharmacy School at Fudan University. He has published over 130 scientific papers, reviews, book chapters, and patents
Abstract:
Over the past decades, the global biodiversity has continued to decline. The threats to the terrestrial plant species have increased under anthropogenic activities and other massive ecological change impacts. The situation is much more serious in China, the third (after Brazil and Colombia) richest countries regarding plant biodiversity in the world. It was not until 1992 that the first volume of the China Plant Red Data Book (CPRDB) was published. The second volume of the CPRDB is currently under preparation and will contain hundreds of additional endangered plants. Nevertheless, plant-derived natural products have continued to play a significant role in the drug discovery and development process. The opportunity for identifying new chemical entities (NCEs) for emerging diseases depends on a diversity of drug producing species. Recently, several statistical surveys unveiled that the rare and endangered plants have proven to be better sources for drug discovery than other botanic sources. There is an urgent need to investigate the rare and endangered plant species endemic to China. Our group has launched a new era to systematically identify bioactive/novel natural products from plants in the CPRDB. The selected rare and endangered plant species were generally collected from the remote Mountain areas, and have never been chemically or pharmacologically investigated. Due to the difficult collection of the mass-limited plant materials, studies on the secondary metabolites of the plant associated endophytes would provide a promising solution. We and our collaborators are conducting individual projects related to this overall research goal.rnrn
- Sessions: Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry | Herbal Drugs and Formulations & Herbal System of Medicine | Drugs from Natural Sources & Crude Drugs and Plant Products | Toxicology Studies of Plant Products & Aromatic Plants
Location: Hotel Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Ibirapuera
Session Introduction
Patricia Dias Fernandes
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Title: Wound-Healing activity of two Brazilian species
Time : 11:35-12:00 PM
Biography:
Patricia Dias Fernandes has completed his PhD at Institute of Medical Biochemistry from Federal university of Rio de Janeiro. She is the titular professor of Pharmacology and head of the Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry from Institute of Biomedical Sciences, in UFRJ. Has published more than 70 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy.
Abstract:
Wound healing after damage to the skin involves a complex interplay between many cellular players of the skin. The search for new treatments or drugs that could improve healing in diabetic patients continues to be a goal in medicine. Copaiba oil constitutes one of the most important renewable sources of natural remedy for populations of the Amazon region. Nowadays, copaiba oil can be found in drugstores and markets all over Brazil. Tibouchina granulosa (“quaresmeira”) is an ornamental plant used for treatment of inflammatory conditions. Our objectives were to evaluate the wound healing effects of oilresin (OR) of Copaifera paupera and lyophilized infusion of T. granulosa (ITG) in diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of alloxan. Excision wounds (10 mm diameter) were done in anesthetized mice. During 14 consecutive days mice were locally treated with ITG or OR (100, 150 or 200 mg/kg) or collagenase (100U/kg). Photos were obtained from each lesion and areas were calculated by imageJ at days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14. Tissue samples around the wound were collected for histological procedures (days 7 and 14) or cytokine measurements (3, 7, 10). Results indicate that OR and ITG retracts the wounds in a dose-dependent manner, with almost totally retraction at 7th day. Histological images demonstrated that all treated-groups have a better resolution than positive-control group and cytokines levels were higher than collagenase-group. Our data comprobate the healing effect of Copaiba oilresin and T. granulosa infusion offering new options for treatment of wounds in diabetic patients.
Fabio Boylan
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Title: Alkaloids from Rutaceae: Multipurpose drugs?
Time : 12:00-12:25 PM
Biography:
Fabio Boylan studied Pharmacy at Rio de Janeiro Federal University, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From February 1996 to February 1998, he was Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculdade de Farmacia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His Master project "Phylogenetic Trends within Lamiiflorae" was sponsored by CNPq, a Brazilian Governmental Agency for 1.5 years and he got the degree after being evaluated by Dr. Otto Richard Gottlieb. His Ph.D. project "Chemical and Pharmacological Studies on Raphiodon echinus and Marsypianthes chamaedrys" was sponsored by CAPES, another Brazilian Governmental Agency. In several years he was awarded with grants from FAPERJ (Rio de Janeiro Research Supporting Agency) and FINEP in 2003 when he had the opportunity to chair the XII Italian-Latin-American Conference on Ethnomedicine. Also in 2003 he was awarded with a special grant from CNPq due to his scientific collaboration to the Brazilian Science. Fabio stepped up as a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1998. In 2006, he started his sabbatical year in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, TCD, where he further served as a research coordinator from 2007-2008 and now is a full time lecturer in Pharmacognosy. He acts an ad hoc reviewer for the following scientific journals: Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, Brazilian Journal of Medicinal Plants, Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Phytochemistry, Iheringia Zoologia (Section Botany), Phytotherapy Research, Current Medicinal Chemistry, African Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Abstract:
In recent years my research group has focused on alkaloids isolated from Choisya species, plants originally from Mexico that have been collected in Dublin, Ireland. Three species, named Choisya ternata, Choisya Aztec-Pearl and Choisya ternata var. Sundance were evaluated. Both volatile and non-volative alkaloids were investigated. Compounds present in the essential oil extracted from C. ternata, were identified and a new minor compound, named ternanthrin, had its structure established by means of mass spectroscopy confirmed by NMR analysis after its synthesis. Ternanthrin and its synthetic intermediates as well as the essential oil possessed antinociceptive activity in different models. Also ternanthrin and its derivatives were analysed in relation to their central nervous system activity and results indicated that they could act as anxiolytic and antidepressants. They were also investigated as anti ulcer agents to which they showed better results than the current medicines available. In relation to the non-volatile alkaloids, from Choisya ternata, we were able to isolate and identify the structure of a new alkaloid named choisyaternatine, a quinoline alkaloid. Other known quinoline alkaloids were also isolated and identified, tecleamaniensine A, anhydroevoxine, skimmianine, choisyine, isobalfourodine. These alkaloids were quantified in the three species. Studies of antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity were performed for the different plant species as well as for the isolated alkaloids to try and map their importance within each activity. All in all, we could observe that these compounds possess a high level of pharmacological importance that could allow their exploitation to be applied to different medical conditions.
Fazlin M. Fauzi
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Title: Understanding the mode-of-action of Cassia auriculata via in silico and in vivo studies and its evaluation as a long term therapy for type II diabetes
Time : 12:25-12:50 PM
Biography:
Fazlin Mohd-Fauzi has completed his MSc(Res) Chemoinformatics from University of Sheffield, UK, PhD from University of Cambridge, UK and BSc Pharmacy studies from Curtin University. She is the Lecturer of Pharmacognosy Department of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Abstract:
One of the long term complications of current oral anti-diabetic drugs is their damage to the immune system. Given the medical need in this area, in the current work we investigated the Ayurvedic anti-diabetic treatment Cassia auriculata (CA) in order to understand its mode-of-action (MOA) via combined cheminformatics and in vivo biological readouts, and to assess its potential therapeutic effect in the immunometabolic system. To this end, the synergism between 10 polyphenolic constituents of CA in modulating insulin and immunoprotective pathways were studied. In silico target prediction was first employed to predict the probability of the polyphenols interacting with key protein targets related to insulin signaling, based on a model trained on known bioactivity data and chemical similarity considerations. CA was furthermore subjected to in vivo studies where induced T2DM rats were treated with CA for 28 days and expression of genes relating to gluconeogenesis (PKC-1,G6PC), glucose transport (GLUT-2, GLUT-4), insulin sensitivity (INS-1, PEPCK), cytokine genes (IL-6,IFN-γ,TNF-α,NF-κb,PPAR-γ) and inflammatory markers (CRP) were measured. In the in silico study, with the exception of Catechin, all other polyphenols are predicted to modulate key targets of insulin signaling such as PI3K and PPAR with a high probability value. These results were corroborated by in vivo studies, where CA-treated rats shows reduced serum glucose and HbA1c, increased plasma level of C-peptide and insulin compared to control. Additionally, increased glucose transport, reduced gluconeogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation were observed, thus improving peripheral utilization of glucose and insulin sensitivity in the tissues. Furthermore, reduction in inflammatory cytokines by CA improves insulin signaling and reduces cellular damage. Hence, the therapeutic and protective effect of CA in T2DM can be better understood with the current study by a combination of in silico and in vivo analyses.
Manavalan R et.al
RVS College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, India
Title: Antiatherosclerotic, hypolipidemic activities of ethanolic extract of corchorus aestuans l. leaves on atherosclerotic induced albino wistar rats
Time : 13:40-14:05 PM
Biography:
Manavaln R has completed his PhD from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani) Rajasthan, India. He is the Professor and Research Director at RVS College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He has published more than 150 research papers in reputed journals. He has produced 31 PhD’s in Pharmacy.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, resulting from the abnormalities of lipid metabolism, is one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. In this present study, ethanolic extract of Corchorus aestuans L. (EECA) leaves were evaluated for antiatherosclerotic and hypolipidemic activities against high fat diet induced atherosclerosis in male Wistar rats. The experimental animals were divided into five groups, each having six animals. Group one served as normal control, group two received atherogenic diet (AD) (10 g cholesterol, 5 g sodium cholate, and 100 g hydrogenated vegetable oil in 1000 g standard laboratory chow), remaining three groups three, four and five received AD along with standard drug atorvastatin (10 mg/kg b.w p.o) and EECA (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w p.o) respectively for 90 days. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and atherogenic index (AI) were measured. EECA significantly decreased the levels of TC, TG, LDL, VLDL as well as atherogenic index and significantly increased the levels of HDL in dose-dependent manner. This study indicates that ethanolic extract of Corchorus aestuans L. possesses hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects and could be beneficial in the management of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Rachelle P. Mendoza
De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, Philippines
Title: In vitro Cytotoxic potential of Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) against HT-29, MCF-7 and HDFn cell lines
Time : 14:05-14:30 PM
Biography:
Rachelle P. Mendoza has completed her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the age of 22 from University of the Philippines, College of Pharmacy, and her Doctor of Medicine at the age of 27 from De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, College of Medicine. She is currently the Associate Director of the Center for Biopharmaceutical Research, and has served as principal investigator of several bioavailability and Phase 1 clinical trials. She is also an Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine of De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, where she is also involved in several on-going basic science research.
Abstract:
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) tubers and leaves have been used widely as foodstuff and as remedy for urinary ailments, muscle pain, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have investigated on isolating active components for their anti-cancer potential against melanoma, cervical cancer and colon cancer. In this study, the cytotoxicity potential of hexane, methanol and DCM extracts of yacon leaves was assessed against MCF-7 (breast cancer), HT-29 (colon cancer) and HDFn (normal human dermal fibroblast) cell lines by using AlamarBlue assay. Results showed significant reduction in cellular viability of MCF-7 cell lines caused by hexane, methanol and DCM extracts in a dose dependent manner, with DCM being the most potent. The DCM extract also produced significant cytotoxic activity against HT-29 cells, with IC50 lower than 5-fluorouracil. Effect on HDFn showed that three yacon extracts produced significantly lower cytotoxicity compared to drug controls with the DCM extract showing the least toxicity. These results are very promising for discovering anti-cancer molecule in yacon leaves.
Rosine Chougouo Kengne
Université des Montagnes, Cameroon
Title: Development of a suppositoires pilot batch of leaves and stems of Artemisia annua grown in Cameroon
Time : 14:30-14:55 PM
Biography:
Chougouo Kengne R.D has completed her PhD; She is a Pharmacist Officer and Researcher (CER) at the University Mountain Cameroon. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Malaria is the most deadly disease that concerns mostly African children under the age of five. Its difficult treatment because of drug resistance to conventional molecules leads to the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) recommended by WHO. Several studies, for instance those of Chougouo and al. showed that the infusion of A. annua is more efficient than ACT after 7 days of treatment, but hardly accepted by children mostly those under 2 years old because of the quantity to administer. The present study is to put in place a more acceptable dosage form for children suppositories made from A. annua grown in Cameroon. To evaluate its quality, the powder of leaves and stems of A. annua has been submitted to physicochemical analysis. The particle size conducted by the sieve method and laser diffraction. Artemisinin, determined by TLC - densitometry, then read through MESURIM software. Entire flavonoids titrated by Aluminum chloride. The formula of medicines established and suppositories submitted to pharmacotechnical tests. The powder obtained, of bitter taste, greyish-green, with characteristic odor (camphor), is homogeneous with 56,37 % of particles in the sieve of diameter over or equal to 63 μm. The artemisinin and entire flavonoids contents are respectively of 5 mg/g and 0,43 mg equivalent to quercetin per Gramm of dry matter. 250 mg suppositories of active principle have been made knowing that, 1g of A. annua powder moves 0,72 g of Suppocire C. They are dark-green, shiny, smooth, barrel-shaped. Their average weight is 2,15 g, disintegration time 8 min 16 s, the fusion point 35,7 ËšC. The made A. annua suppositories, are in conformity with european pharmacopoeia. The suppositories will contributed to a better treatment of malaria among children.
Rosine Chougouo Kengne
Université des Montagnes, Cameroon
Title: Study of repellent effect of essential oil extract from the leaves of Artemisia annua cultivated in Cameroon and in Luxemburg
Time : 14:55-15:20 PM
Biography:
Chougouo Kengne R.D has completed her PhD; she is a Pharmacist Officer and Researcher (CER) at the University Mountain Cameroon. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Introduction: Artemisia annua is an annual plant from Chinis origin well known for its medicinal value due to its diverse chemical composition in 2010. CHOUGOUO showed that A. annua cultivated in Cameroon is rich in essential oil and in 2012; DOMUM demonstrated the larvicidal antibacterial and antifungal properties of A. annua of Cameroon. In the continuation of these works, we want to investigate the repulsive effect which could be used in malaria prevention.
Materials and methods: The essential oil of Artemisia annua of Cameroon and that of Luxemburg were obtained by hydro-distillation of dry leaves of Artemisia annua from the two countries. In order to determine their repulsive activities, two methods were used:
- One of the standard W.H.O (night catch on exposed human legs)
- Cage tests (Bigoga models).
All our methods were validated and the results analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel.
Results and discussion: The turnover of the extraction of the two essential oils gave 0.16%. The repulsive activity was evaluated at the concentration of 0, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 part per million (ppm). After the application of the two types of oil by the two methods, we observed that the two plants are very repulsive as from 50 ppm up to 400 ppm. The time of protection is in an average of 3 hours, but this reduces as the essential oil is diluted.
Conclusion: Essential oil extract from the leaves of Artemisia annua cultivated in Cameroon and in Luxemburg have similar repulsive properties on adult Anopheles gambiae.
Farid A. Badria
Mansoura University, Egypt
Title: Natural products as human aldose reductase inhibitors
Biography:
Farid A Badria has done PhD (Microbial Transformation) from the University of Mississippi, USA and 2 Masters of Science from Mansoura and Minnesota Universities. TWAS-ARO, Regional Prize in “Public Understanding and Popularization of Science (2013), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Gold Medal (2011); Outstanding Arab Scholar, Kuwait (2000); Khawrazmi International Award, Iran (2000), are just some of the awards he received. He has submitted 43 patents to the Egyptian Academy of Sciences, of which 16 had been granted final certificates with intellectual protection for 20 years. With over 100 publications, he continues to lead research projects on: developing new therapy for liver disorders, arthritis, skin disorders, and biomarkers for cancer.
Abstract:
Aldose reductase (AR) has been a drug target because of its involvement in the development of secondary complications of diabetes including cataract. Although numerous synthetic AR inhibitors (ARI) have been tested and shown to inhibit the enzyme, clinically synthetic ARIs have not been very successful. Therefore, evaluating natural sources for ARI potential may lead to the development of safer and more effective agents against diabetic complications. In the present study we have assessed the inhibition of AR using natural products both in vitro and in lens organ. Bioguided fractionation assays were used for inhibition against both rat lens and purified recombinant human AR. Out of 68 tested plant extracts only 7 were able to inhibit rat lens and recombinant human AR. Quercetin, Kaempferol and Ellagic acid is promising naturally occurring are potent inhibitors of AR and suggest that exploring the therapeutic value of natural ingredients that people can incorporate into everyday life may be an effective approach in the management of diabetic complications.
Maryam Alband
UCL School of Pharmacy, UK
Title: Assessment of adhesion response to 3D printed materials for ophthalmic device development
Biography:
Alband M has completed her MPharma degree with first class honours in 2013 at UCL School of Pharmacy, London. Following her registration as a fully qualified Pharmacist at Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, she returned to UCL to undertake a PhD in Translational Sciences and Pharmaceutics. Her work involved the development of a novel medical implant funded by a prestigious NIHR grant that has led to the award of an international travel grant.
Abstract:
Introduction: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment worldwide. Glaucoma surgical devices fail due to a scarring response those results in fibrous encapsulation surrounding the device preventing aqueous humor drainage. 3D printing technology has the potential to develop personalized ophthalmic devices or organs with improved cost effectiveness and productivity. Limited experimental data exists as to the biocompatibility response of 3D printed photopolymers. We performed cell adhesion and protein adsorption studies of 3D printed photopolymers compared to materials used in current ophthalmic devices (Silicone, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)) to assess 3D printed materials as a potential route for ophthalmic device development. Methods: 3D printed materials (n=6) were developed using a high-resolution, desktop stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer and compared to materials used in current ophthalmic devices. Protein adsorption was quantified using a micro bicinchoninic acid (Micro BCA) assay and fluorescein-conjugated bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) adsorption. Cell adhesion (monocytes, fibroblasts) was assessed using alamar blue, CyQUANT and live/dead assays. Data were compared using a two-tailed unpaired t-Test. Results: 3D printed materials demonstrated low cell adhesion and protein adsorption. Results were similar to those found with materials used in current ophthalmic devices (P>0.05). However it was noted that 3D printed materials demonstrated increased cytotoxicity (P<0.05). Conclusion: 3D printed photopolymer materials demonstrated a similar biocompatibility response to currently used materials and may allow for the development of customisable ophthalmic devices or organs. Subsequent testing will determine the adhesion response to 3D printed materials containing anti-scarring agents.
Anuja Bhardwaj
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, India
Title: Aqueous extracts of Ganoderma lucidum modulates high-altitude induced stress: An adaptogenic animal model
Biography:
Anuja Bhardwaj is a PhD. Scholar under the supervision of Dr. Kshipra Misra, Scientist ’F’/HOD, Chemistry Division (Phytochemistry) at DEFENCE INSTITUTE OF PHYSIOLOGY & ALLIED SCIENCES (DIPAS), DRDO, India. Her thesis work is on "Bio-guided fractionation of Ganoderma lucidum". She holds M. Phil. Degree in Life Sciences. She has accomplished her post-graduation (M.Sc.) from Amity University, Noida, India, in the discipline of biotechnology. During graduation, Medical laboratory technology was her discipline. She was awarded CSIR-fellowship in the year 2011 in life sciences.
Abstract:
Significant number of people travel to high altitude (HA) for occupation or recreation, exposing themselves to hypoxia and associated risk of acute mountain sickness and seldom, high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. Exposure to HA often leads to cellular oxidative damage that disrupts normal physiology of the body. Acclimatization to such oxidative challenge requires a relatively longer period of time. Therefore, adaptogens as nutraceuticals or dietary supplements may be found beneficial in attenuating and/or preventing oxidative damage associated with HA. Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is one such medicinal mushroom revered for its profound health benefits like antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial and anti-tumorigenic properties being a hub of various bioactive compounds. Thus, a dose-dependent study was carried out to evaluate adaptogenic potential of aqueous extract of G. lucidum mycelium (GLM) against HA-induced hypoxic stress using cold, hypoxia and restraint (C-H-R) model. Experimental animals were exposed to cold (5°C) and hypoxia (428 mmHg) equivalent to an altitude of 4572m under restraint state. GLM was administered orally at doses of 50, 100 and 150mg/kg body weight to overnight fasted animal groups prior to exposure. The time taken to reach termination point i.e. rectal temperature at 23ï‚°C was used as a measure of endurance. After exposure, antioxidant and stress markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (MDA), etc. levels were investigated in tissue homogenates along with hematological parameters. GLM at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight demonstrated maximum adaptogenic activity as indicated by decreased MDA and LDH levels.
Abubakar H
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Nigeria
Title: Department of elements present in adansonia digitata (Baobab) using nigeria nuclear mresearch reactor (Nirr-1) instrumental neutron activation analysis technique
Biography:
Will update soon.
Abstract:
Hundred years in Africa Adansonia Digitala (Baobab) leave is been used as a local soap, and scientifically is multipurpose tree which offers protection and provide food, clothing and medicine as well as raw material for many useful items, the fruit. Pulp, seeds, flowers, roots, leaves, and bark of the plants are edible and have been studied by scientist for their useful interest. This paper will focus, on the leave for elemental analysis using the Nigerian Nuclear. Research Reaction (NIRR-1) using instrumental neutron Activation Analysis Technique. The Reactor is a compact, multi elements analyzer and low power nuclear facility, and is adopt tank in pull in structure and is operate at 31kw ne/sec, is useful for analyzing materials for Agriculture, medicine and any other Biological or Geological materials, from the results obtained are : A1, 23 ± 03ppm, Ba, 13±0.03, Ca, 28±0.6, Mg, 31±09, mn, 27±0.4, Na, 14± 0.16, K, 10 ± .02 Fe, 11±04, and Zn 15± 05, respectively.
Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro
Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
Title: Twelve years of studies in Larvicidal and Deterrent activities against Aedes aegypti mosquito using Brazilian Plants
Biography:
Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro has completed his PhD at the age of 25 years from São Paulo University (USP, Brazil) and postdoctoral studies from IACR-Rothamsted. She is the professor of Fundamental Chemistry Department of Federal University of Pernambuco (Brazil Northeast). She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
In 2004 the first publication of our group showed a mortality and deterrent effect promoted in presence of NaCl in Aedes aegypti oviposition sites. In 2009, we studied the activities of essential oil of Piper marginatum as deterrent and larvicidal effect. The same studies were performed to essential oils from Alpinia purpurata, Croton rhamnifolioides, Commiphora leptophloeos and Etlingera elatior. Recently, we used electrophysiology technique (EAD) to identify compounds responsible to deterrent effect in oils, and provide evidences of their effect in oviposition bioassays. (E)-Caryophyllene, α-Humulene, dodecanal and n-dodecanol were proved deterrent compounds by our group, they were identified by EAD and tested in oviposition bioassays. It is rewarding to present the results obtained in the last 12 years in the 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry & Natural Productsan international meeting.
J F F Weber
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Title: Oligostilbenoids from dipterocarps: isolation, synthesis and biogenesis
Biography:
Will be updated soon.
Abstract:
Oligostilbenes are natural polyphenols deriving from the condensation of oxygenated E-stilbene units. Given the number of reactive centres, a large number of oligomeric species have been described, from dimers to octamers. These compounds display significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties as well as significant cytotoxicity. Their distribution is restricted to a few families only, including the Dipterocarpaceae (dominant timber trees in Southeast Asia). In these plants, oligostilbenes derive solely from resveratrol. Over the last decade, we undertook to investigate in detail the chemistry of chengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii), one of the most valuable members of this family. Using semi-automated HPLC-based isolation procedures, eighteen compounds including two new dimers (heimiols A & B) and three new tetramers (heimiols C-E) were isolated and their structures elucidated by conventional spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR. Eventually, we devised a dereplication approach solely based on MSn using a 3D ion trap mass spectrometer. This method has the advantage of eliminating the dependence on chromatographic data and thus improves its portability. We were able to clearly discriminate tetrameric diastereoisomers differing by a single stereocentre. This approach was used for dereplicating the leaf and bark extracts of that tree species. In order to better understand the oligostilbenes biogenesis, we examined their biomimetic synthesis. Using one-electron oxidants we were able to obtain dimers in a regio- and stereoselective manner. Upon varying the metal oxidant (AgOAc, CuBr2, FeCl3.6H2O, FeCl3.6H2O/NaI, PbO2, VOF3), the solvent (over the whole range of polarities), and the oxygenated substitution pattern of the starting material, stilbenoid oligomers with totally different carbon skeletons were obtained. By looking at these results combined with all those from the literature, we could explain the determinism of the type of skeleton produced with the aid of hard and soft acid/base concepts in conjunction with stable noncovalent Ï€ stacking of the stilbene precursors. Quantum mechanics (density functional theory, DFT) provided much support to this theory and further hinted at a radical-neutral mechanism against the conventional wisdom. We further considered the formation of tetrameric species and were able to explain their stereochemistry from specific ï°-stacking of ï¥-viniferin precursor units. Again, DFT modeling supported our hypotheses.
Yue-Wei Guo
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Title: Exploring for new secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential from the mangroves of southern coast of China
Biography:
Will be updated soon.
Abstract:
The secondary metabolites found in Mangroves represent an extremely rich source of novel chemical diversity for academic drug discovery and chemical biology programs. It is particularly true that the mangroves from Southern Coast of China are very prolific producers of bioactive natural products.Our group at SIMM has long been engaged in the searching for novel secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential from Chinese mangrove plants.2 In collaboration with biologists and pharmacologists at SIMM, many mangroves were chemically investigated and numerous novel isolates obtained were pharmacologically screened for activity in a variety of cell-based and pure enzyme assays designed to identify promising lead compounds for the development of drugs in the therapy of human diseases.3 This presentation will discuss examples of bioactive metabolites (structures and activities) from our recent discovery efforts.
Chougouo Kengne R D
Université des Montagnes, France
Title: Development of antimalaria capsules of Artemisia annua L.: A plant grown in Cameroon
Biography:
Will be Updated soon.
Abstract:
For several decades, the tea from Artemisia annua has been used as an antimalarial drug. Previous studies indicate that its activity is associated with the presence of a large number of active chemical substances including artemisinin, flavonoids, and essential oils. The use of the tea is effective in clinical trials, although it is inconvenient for patients because of its bitter taste, chemical instability and the large volume required to be taken. This study aims at addressing organoleptic problems of herbal tea to enhance compliance, acceptability and stability of antimalarial drug. First, the ways of producing encapsulated forms from the plant were found out. Many tests were performed on the dry powder of leaves and stems. These included studying organoleptic characteristics, residual moist, ability to hydrate and to compact, the fluidity and the granulometric profile. The artemisinin was determined by a thin layer chromatography / densitometry. Total flavonoids was assessed through a spectrophometer. The capsules were produced in alignment with user acceptability. Other additional control tests were performed on the final product. The powder from these plant parts is grey-green with a characteristic of attractive odor, bitter taste, homogenous, fine and hygroscopic. The residual moist (5.07%); the artemisinin contents (0.5% (m/m)) and the flavonoids (0.43 mg) equivalent of quercetin/g of dry matter. The resulting capsules (250 mg of active principle and 7.5 mg of magnesium stearate as the lubricant) shines and has white-blue color. The average weight (253.7 ± 2.53 g) and the decomposition time < 5 minutes. The water and artemisinin contents kept intact for 30 days after manufacture. The Artemisia annua-based antimalarial capsule developed meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The dosage form solves the organoleptic problems of herbal tea, thus improving compliance, acceptability and stability of artemisinin. Key words: Malaria, Artemisia annua, Capsules.
Domko D F
Université des Montagnes, France
Title: Development of a suppositories pilot batch of leaves and stems of Artemisia annua grown in Cameroon
Biography:
Will be updated soon.
Abstract:
Malaria is the most deadly disease that concerns mostly African children under the age of five. Its difficult treatment because of drug resistance to conventional molecules leads to the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) recommended by WHO. Several studies, for instance those of Chougouo and al. showed that the infusion of A. annua is more efficient than ACT after 7 days of treatment, but hardly accepted by children mostly those under 2 years old because of the quantity to administer. The present study is to put in place a more acceptable dosage form for children suppositories made from A. annua grown in Cameroon. To evaluate its quality, the powder of leaves and stems of A. annua has been submitted to physicochemical analysis. The particle size conducted by the sieve method and laser diffraction. Artemisinin, determined by TLC - densitometry, then read through MESURIM software. Entire flavonoids titrated by Aluminum chloride. The formula of medicines established and suppositories submitted to pharmacotechnical tests. The powder obtained, of bitter taste, greyish-green, with characteristic odor (camphor), is homogeneous with 56,37 % of particles in the sieve of diameter over or equal to 63 μm. The artemisinin and entire flavonoids contents are respectively of 5 mg/g and 0,43 mg equivalent to quercetin per Gramm of dry matter. 250 mg suppositories of active principle have been made knowing that, 1g of A. annua powder moves 0,72 g of Suppocire C. They are dark-green, shiny, smooth, barrel-shaped. Their average weight is 2,15 g, disintegration time 8 min 16 s, the fusion point 35,7 ˚C. The made A. annua suppositories, are in conformity with european pharmacopoeia. The suppositories will contributed to a better treatment of malaria among children.
Yalda Shokoohinia
Kermanshah University of Medical sciences, Iran.
Title: Isolation of novel polyacetylenes from Echinophora cinerea and investigation of their cytotoxicity on PC3, SKNMC and MCF-7 cell lines
Biography:
Yalda Shokoohinia has completed her Pharm D in 2005 and her PhD in 2011 both from Isfahan University of medical sciences. She started as an assistant professor in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2011 and awarded as associate professor in 2015. She has been the head of department of Pharmacognosy & Biotechnology from 2013 to 2015. She has beenalso head of continuous medical education of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences from 2015. She has published more than 34 articles indexed in ISI web of science, Pubmed, Scopus , etc and has supervised more than 30 theses of Pharm D and MSc students.
Abstract:
Introduction: Echinophora cinerea belongs to Apiaceae family. Its aerial parts are used as vegetables and seasoned yogurt and cheese, and for the treatment of digestive disorders in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari. Despite the traditional use and dietary and pharmacological studies on Echinophora spp, no attempt has been made to isolate secondary metabolites of its non-polar (acetone) extract. So phytochemical investigation seems to be necessary to use this plant in a better manner. Methods: Powdered aerial parts of the plant were macerated with acetone and concentrated extract was fractionated on RP-18 sorbent using mixture of methanol and water with decreasing polarity. The resulting fractions were analyzed by NMR and promising fractions were refractionated and purified using normal phase column chromatography and reversed and normal phase preparative HPLC analyses and structures of pure compounds were determined by HNMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY spectra and Mass analysis. Results: After extraction, column chromatography and HPLC purification of acetone extract, three novel skeleton polyacetylene compounds (echinophorin A-C) were resulted. Cell cytotoxicity of pure compounds was evaluated by MTT assay on MCF-7, SKNMC and PC3 cell line. Echinophorin A and B show significant cytotoxicity effect on PC3 and SKNMC cell line and IC50 of these compounds are 23 and 25 µg/ml on PC3 repectively. Conclusion: Regarding novel skeleton constituents of E.cinerea, this plant could be a good source of potential medicinal natural products. Considering the fact that polyacetylenes are natural protective compounds, this plant could utilized as an antioxidant agent.
Alberto Alcibiades Salazar Granara
Universidad de San Martin de Porres (USMP), Peru
Title: Peruvian medicinal plants-uses and biological effects from Maytenus macrocarpa (Chuchuhuasi) and Jatropha curcas (Piñón blanco)
Biography:
Alberto Alcibiades Salazar Granara is a Physician and has completed his PhD in Medicine and MSc in Pharmacology in the USMP, also, has a postdoctoral study in the Universidade de Sao Paulo School of Medicine, and the Universidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital Clinicas de Porto Alegre. He is the director of Center of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacology (USMP). He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals, his interests are the studied the Peruvian medicinal plants, also, in discover off-label effect from the common drugs, likewise, the pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic highlight markers in Peruvian population.
Abstract:
Peru has the fifth highest biodiversity of any country worldwide. It also has one of top number of species of plants with medicinal properties commonly used by the population. Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq, also known as “chuchuhuasiâ€, and Jatropha curcas Linn, also known “piñon blanco†are medicinal plant from the Amazonian of Peru. These plants are recognized by the Peruvian traditional medicine for this reason, empirically, these plant are commonly used to relieve symptoms related to gastrointestinal system, colds and rheumatic complains and others. This presentation is a review of the studies of the biological effects from these Peruvian medicinal plants, focused in the toxicity, efficacy, and pharmacology interaction. To explore toxicity, it is explored lethal doses 50 and neurobehavioral patterns; also, it is shown damage in organs and systems. To explore efficacy, focused in the evaluation on the nociception, analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory effect, anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, neurobehavioral profile, cardiac effect, and gastrointestinal motility. Finally, it is shown the pharmacological interaction between common drugs like the analgesics, prokinetics, antidiarrheals, anti-depressives and anti-psychotics with these medicinal plants.
Mae Genevieve G Cheung
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Title: The Anti-obesity effects of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of blumea balsamifera on diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats
Biography:
The paper is authored by Fourth year Pharmacy students of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Pharmacy in Manila, Philippines. They were advised by Faculty members from the same university. The research paper had been presented for defense on December 2015 in the afore mentionedinstitution
Abstract:
Previous in vitro study conducted on Blumea balsamifera leaf extract proved that it has a strong anti-obesity potential by inhibiting adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Blumea balsamifera aqueous (BBAE) and ethanolic (BBEE) leaf extracts in managing obesity of diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats. Induction of obesity was done by feeding the groups with a high fat diet (HFD) for 21 days with the exception of one group that received a standard diet (SD). Administration of the treatment was given for 24 days via oral gavage with the following doses: 300mg/kg BBAE and BBEE, 600mg/kg BBAE and BBEE, and 21.6mg/kg Orlistat. The Lee’s index and lipid profile of the groups were compared during the post induction and post treatment period. 600mg/kg dose of BBAE and BBEE had greatly lowered the Lee’s index among the other doses. 300 mg/Kg dose BBEE, 600 mg/Kg BBAE, and 300 mg/kg BBAE lowered the total cholesterol level, LDL level, and VLDL and total triglyceride level respectively. The extracts, however, lowered the HDL level which was also exhibited by the standard drug, Orlistat.
Hartmut Derendorf
University of Florida, Gainesville
Title: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of natural compounds
Biography:
Will be updated soon.
Abstract:
It is necessary for the rational use of any drug to have a good understanding of the concentrations that will be achieved in the body after its administration. Of particular interest is the question of bioavailability to assess to what degree and how fast the therapeutic agent is absorbed. Whereas there is usually detailed information available about the pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics of chemical drugs, this is usually not the case for natural compounds. However, in principle the same concepts apply since only with a good characterization of pharmacokinetics (‘what the body does to the drug’) and pharmacodynamics (‘what the drug does to the body’) it is possible to optimize the therapeutic use of the agent. Knowledge of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics is essential for the correct in-vivo interpretation of in-vitro activities that are sometimes the basis of therapeutic claims. Of particular interest is the question of bioavailability to assess to what degree and how fast compounds are absorbed after administration of natural compounds. Of further interest is the elucidation of metabolic pathways (yielding potentially new active compounds), and the assessment of elimination routes and their kinetics. These data become an important issue to link data from pharmacological assays and clinical effects. Establishing the pharmacological basis for efficacy of natural compounds is a constant challenge due to their complex composition and the ever-increasing list of their putatively active constituents. In vitro assays normally are cheap and relatively easy to perform, but the relevance of the findings is based on a sufficient concentration of active constituents at the site of the action. Thus, these data become an important issue to link data from pharmacological assays and clinical effects. With increasing knowledge of putatively active compounds and availability of highly selective and sensitive analytical methods for certain natural compounds an increasing amount of data on bioavailability and pharmacokinectics have been reported recently. One common problem in the assessment of pharmacokinetic properties of natural products is that frequently the pharmacologically active agents are not known. This presents a dilemma since without clearly identified target compounds it does not make much sense to measure concentrations of the product ingredients. Only if a correlation exists between the concentration of an active component of a natural product and its efficacy and/or safety, pharmacokinetic studies of individual chemical entities are warranted. If this is not possible, an alternative approach for the characterization of natural compounds is the use of pharmacodynamic surrogates, which should be quantifiable and correlate with the therapeutic outcome. These surrogates allow evaluating the overall activity of a complex biological mixture and compare different products. Results from these pharmacodynamic studies may then also be helpful to identify the active ingredients and obtain a better scientific understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms. These studies will lead to appropriate criteria, which can be used to evaluate different natural products and their dosage forms and help to advance the field of herbal medicine from empirical experience to a more rational and safer pharmacotherapy. This presentation summarizes data available on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of some commonly used natural compounds. Pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies that have been conducted for some of the more important or widely used natural products are critically evaluated. A good understanding of their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability is essential in designing rational dosage regimens. Furthermore, various drug interactions are discussed which show that caution should be exercised when combining phytopharmaceuticals with chemical derived active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo
Aggeu Magalhães Research Institute/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
Title: The prospection of essential oils as chemotherapeutic agents against Trypanosomatid parasites
Biography:
Regina Figueiredo is a research leader at the Microbiology department in Aggeu Magalhães Research Institute. She obtained her PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from Oswaldo Cruz Institute in 2000. Her Lab focuses on the prospection of natural products such as essential oils, plant extracts, lectins, lichens compounds against pathogenic microorganisms, including Trypanosomatids protozoa as Trypanosoma cruzi and the different species of Leishmania. She is also interested in study the mechanisms of cell death induced by drugs on parasitic Trypanosomatids.
Abstract:
The essential oils from aromatic plants commonly used in traditional medicine, have been proven to be promissory against pathogenic microorganisms. In the last years we have investigated the activity of essential oils (EOs) from medicinal plants of Northeast of Brazil against the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania sp., the causative agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC-MS. The EOs from Lippia sidoides Cham, Ocimmum gratissimum were evaluated for both trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities, whereas Lippia origanoides, Chenopodium abromsioides, Justicia pectorales and Vitex agnus-castus were tested only against Trypanosoma cruzi. Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. and Ocimum gratissimum were evaluated against Leishmania chagasi. The most prevalent chemical constituents of these essential oils were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. All essential oils tested demonstrated an inhibitory effect on parasites growth and survival with no significant cytotoxic effects in mammalian cells. The most effective EOs were investigated for their mechanism of action. Although the severity of treatments on parasite morphology and physiology was dependent on the EOs used, drastic morphological and physiological changes could be observed in all EO-treated parasites. Taken together, our results point towards the use of these essential oils as potential chemotherapeutic agent against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania.
Mohammad Azadbakht
Mazandaran University of medical sciences, Iran
Title: Appetite efficacy of Gentiana olivieri in children with loss of appetite
Biography:
He has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Isfahan University of medical sciences . He is the director of about 120 thesis (pharmacy.medicine,MSc,. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.
Abstract:
Globally, malnutrition is the major cause of mortality, especially in developing countries. Improper or inadequate food intake is one of the main causes of malnutrition. Low- food-intake and malnutrition is not only cause growth impairment but it can also cause numerous problems. Initially, low-food-intake reduces the weight, and then it can cause growth failure in children. Malnutrition is the biggest cause of death in children, and loss of appetite is the most important factor affecting malnutrition in children. Thinking over the importance of proper nutrition in child’s growth and lack of proper appetizer in pharmaceutical market, preparing an effective herbal product to increase appetite in children suffering from growth failure and malnutrition was considered. The gentiopicroside was isolated from yellow gentian by PTLC and identified by FT-IR and GC-MS. The amount of this substance in Aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Gentiana olivieri Griseb plant was determined by HPLC and its bitterness value (5.3318) was measured. The plant’s root extract was used to prepare hydroalcoholic product (2.5%) and it appetizing effect was evaluated in children at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 1 month. Beside Variables such as weight, height, waist, consumed calories, and hunger VAS score, liver enzymes fluctuations and some blood biochemistry tests were also monitored. Amount of Gentiopicroside substance in the aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts was found to be 120.8, 91.5 and 586.6 ppm respectively.The product was found to have very significant effect on weight, food intake and VAS score, compared with placebo.
Biography:
Will be Updated soon.
Abstract:
Plants are used by people to alleviate certain ailments and trusted to have healing potentials since the beginning of civilization. Herbal plants referred to as traditional medicine were characterized as different types of unscientific knowledge systems cultivated over generations of herbal use. Since the Philippines has an ample amount of resources, particularly in the rural areas, the researchers prefer to conduct further ethnobotanical studies specifically at San Jorge, Western Samar where individuals rely on natural resources. The study aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical survey on the traditional plants used by the people of San Jorge, Western Samar to document their knowledge on traditional medicines and their application in order to promote better understanding on the proper usage of medicinal plants. The descriptive method of research was used in this study using Snowball sampling method. The information was gathered through questionnaires which was substantiated by personal and informal interviews in order to gather additional information. The desired information was focused on the belief and practices on the use of medicinal plants and the data gathered was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The study was conducted in ten (10) selected barangays in San Jorge, Western Samar, making use of a four hundred seven (407) respondents in a span of ten days survey. Results of the study showed that majority of the respondents are still using herbal plants, revealing the close relation of man to his culture. Fifty (50) medicinal plants have been reported by the respondents belonging to 32 families. Ten (10) out of fifty were pointed out as the most frequently used medicinal plants by getting the mean of Frequency Index result. Additional data were obtained as to how the respondents diagnose their common diseases, how they prepare the different plants as their source of medicine based on their beliefs. The study revealed that the people of San Jorge Western Samar continuously cultivate and still believed in the healing potentials of medicinal plants because there plants are still their major source of cure.