Int’l conference at CSIR-IIIM highlights efficacy, safety of plant-based medicines

Jammu, Feb 18: The inaugural International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Phytopharmaceuticals and the 11th International Congress of the Society for Ethnopharmacology concluded on Sunday at CSIR-IIIM here. The event, jointly organized by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, and the Society for Ethnopharmacology, India (Jammu Chapter), provided a platform for extensive discussions and collaborations on cutting-edge research in traditional medicines and phytopharmaceuticals.
The conference, inaugurated on February 16 by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Vice President, CSIR, witnessed the participation of distinguished scientists, technologists, policymakers, industrialists, academicians, clinicians, and researchers from India and abroad, including the USA, Malaysia, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, and Ghana.
In the valedictory session, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of Government Medical College, Jammu, hailed the conference as a pivotal forum for fostering collaborations among traditional healers, researchers, scientists, and policymakers. He emphasized the potential of plant-based medicines and phytopharmaceuticals in the global healthcare arena, underscoring the significance of research collaborations with institutions like CSIR-IIIM.
Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal and Dean of Government Medical College, Rajouri, highlighted the growing recognition of plant-based medicines for their efficacy, safety, and increased consumer preference for non-synthetic drugs.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, emphasized the institute’s commitment to scientific study and validation of phytopharmaceuticals. He reiterated the importance of leveraging traditional knowledge and methodologies in medical systems and ethnopharmacology to drive innovation in drug development.
The conference featured around 20 scientific sessions covering various themes, including the development of phytopharmaceutical drugs, evidence-based validation of traditional medicine, and regulatory aspects. Several awards were presented for outstanding research contributions, recognizing the efforts of young scientists and researchers.
Dr Gurleen Kour conducted the proceedings, and Dr Parsoon Gupta extended the formal vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the event.