Background and General Information
The African continent boasts high biodiversity, high levels of floral endemism, and great cultural and plant use diversity. African Traditional Medicine (ATM) is based on a broad application ethnomedicinal knowledge, including the use of medicinal plants and other indigenous resources that date back millennia. It continues to be an important source of health care which should complement modern medicine and increase access to care particularly in resource-constrained communities across the continent.
The GA aims to foster the scientific development of African medicinal plant research by establishing and supporting the African Research Network (ARN) as a working group which builds capacity on the continent and creates a platform for international research networking and knowledge exchange, thus advancing the goals of GA.
As a working group of the GA, we will provide a regular platform for scientific exchange by establishing a sustainable communication channel between the network members and organizing regular scientific symposia during the annual conference.
Mission statement and goals of the Working Group
The Mission of the African Research Network (ARN) Working Group of the GA is to foster intra-Africa and international collaborations, knowledge exchange and capacity building to advance research and development in the field of natural products.
To achieve this mission, the following specific goals are pursued:
- Providing a regular platform for scientific exchange by organizing symposia, during the annual conference where African researchers can present their recent research work.
- Promoting Training workshops organized by different African scientists/research institutions for young researchers in varying regions of Africa.
- Facilitating joint proposals for collaborative research projects initiated by network members.
- Creating a common knowledge platform on which researchers can interact and collaborate.
Join the Network
Join our LinkedIn group African Research Network on Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research by GA and ISE.
Upcoming Events
Further information will soon be published.
Past Events
Ethnoveterinary Phytomedicine:
Perspectives from Africa and abroad
29. November, 2024, 3.00 – 6.00 PM (CET), online
Join us for an engaging E-seminar event focused on the theme of ethnoveterinary medicine, where traditional knowledge meets contemporary veterinary practices. Ethnoveterinary medicine, the traditional practice of using plants and natural remedies to treat animal ailments, has been an integral part of livestock management in many cultures for centuries. In this E-seminar, we will delve into the rich tapestry of ethnoveterinary practices from around the world, exploring indigenous knowledge systems and traditional healing methods passed down through generations. Through interactive discussions and expert presentations, participants will gain insights into the diverse array of plants, herbs, and holistic approaches used in ethnoveterinary care.
Key topics to be covered include:
- Traditional Ethnoveterinary Practices: Discovering the cultural significance and historical roots of ethnoveterinary medicine in various communities.
- Plant-Based Remedies: Exploring the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants and herbs commonly used in ethnoveterinary treatments.
- Integrative Approaches: Learning about the integration of ethnoveterinary practices with modern veterinary medicine and the potential benefits of a holistic approach to animal healthcare.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Discussing the socioeconomic impact of ethnoveterinary practices on rural communities and their role in promoting sustainable livestock management.
- Future Perspectives: Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in ethnoveterinary research, education, and advocacy.
Whether you are a veterinarian, researcher, student, or simply interested in learning more about ethnoveterinary medicine, this E-seminar offers a unique opportunity to broaden your understanding and engage with experts in the field. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the untapped potential of traditional wisdom in animal healthcare.
eSeminar: Regulation of Natural Products – a Global Challenge: Africa
20 November 2024, 1:30-3:00 pm CEST / 2:30-4 pm CAT, online
Background
In continuation of the GA-eSeminar series “Regulation of Natural Products – a Global Challenge” a next episode, focusing on the regulation and registration of herbal medicinal products (HMP) in African countries is organized by the Society for Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research (GA) in collaboration with PharmaConnect Africa NPC and The Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA).
The eSeminar aims to provide a platform for regulators from selected African countries to share insights and reflect on the current state of registration and regulation of HMP in their respective countries.
Objective
To influence policymaking and promote the development and commercialization of high-quality traditional medicines and herbal medicinal products (HMPs) in Africa by engaging regulators, researchers, traditional healers, herbalists and industry stakeholders.
In particular:
- To understand the regulatory frameworks governing natural products in selected African countries
- To identify challenges and opportunities in the regulation of natural products.
- To facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among regulators and stakeholders.
- To explore future directions for the regulation of natural products in Africa
This eSeminar is offered free of charge.
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Next Pre-Congress Workshop of the GA African Research Network 13th July 2024 in Kraków, Poland
The 5th edition of the African Research Workshop will take place in Kraków, Poland on Saturday, 13th July 2024, prior to the International Congress on Natural Products Research 72nd International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA).
A Keynote Lecture is presented by Prof. David Katerere (Tshwane University of Technology, Dept of Pharmaceutical Science, South Africa). His lecture will focus on
“African herbal medicines – opportunities and challenges of developing herbal medicinal products in Africa”.
Afterwards, African researchers can present their research findings in short talks during the on-site event and discuss the findings with colleagues and peers.
Submit your abstract for a short talk (12 min) here. Research topics should focus on Traditional African Medicine in the areas:
Contributions should focus on natural products research of Traditional African Medicine in the areas:
• Ethnopharmacology
• Clinical research
• Pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms
• Phytochemistry
Contributions reporting clinical research conducted on African natural products are especially welcome!
eSeminar “Clinical Testing of Herbal Medicinal Preparations in Africa”
April 30, 2024 | 5 pm CEST/CAT
The African Research Network of the Society for Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research (GA) and the PharmaConnect Africa (PCA) has co-organized a webinar on “Clinical Testing of Herbal Medicinal Preparations in Africa”.
In this eSeminar we discovered the journey of HMPs from preclinical research to phase III clinical trial design, and discussed the unique challenges and opportunities in this field:
Prof. Sylvin Ouedraogo (IRSS, Burkina Faso):
Unveiling the preclinical dataset of a herbal treatment for sickle cell disease.
Dr. Merlin Willcox (University of Southampton, UK):
A step-by-step guide on developing a phase III clinical trial design
Prof. Motlalepula Matsabisa (University of the Free State, South Africa):
Insights into the challenges and opportunities of clinical testing of HMPs in Africa.
e-Seminar: Medicinal plants and industry: An African bench to shelf perspective
In collaboration with the International Society for Ethnopharmacology (ISE) and the newly-formed African Phytomedicine Scientific Society (APSS), the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) has organized an eSeminar on the African perspective of the role of the medicinal plant industry in the commercialization of natural products.
On November 17th, 2023, Mrs Gill Whittington Banda (CEO of Zuplex Botanicals), Mrs Portia Matamela (Founder of Letago pharmaceuticals) and Mrs Bianca Payne Fibrich (Co-founder of Blyde Botanics) have presented their approach to the promotion of medicinal plant science and the challenges and opportunities facing those who are interested in exploring the realm of natural product commercialization.
Summer School on “Ethnopharmacological relevance: from bench to shelf, including intellectual property and bioprospecting acts“
The summer school on “Ethnopharmacological relevance: from bench to shelf, including intellectual property and bioprospecting acts“ took place from 15-19th May 2023 at the Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria in South Africa.
The summer school was hosted by the University of Pretoria and the Leipzig University with financial support from the Volkswagen Foundation. The Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), in addition, sponsored the participation of four African early career researchers via travel grants.
Aim of this training session was to equip young scientists from Europe and Africa with the knowledge and know-how of steering their natural product research towards successful commercialization.
Lectures covered aspects of field studies, in vitro/pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, lectures on Intellectual property rights, bioprospecting acts and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants were included as essential considerations in the commercialization process.
A special focus was laid on the importance of quality control and standardization of medicinal plant products as regulations on herbal products have recently gained more awareness.
Participants in the Summer School
African Research Pre-Congress Symposium (ARS): “Traditional Nature-based African Medicine” on the 28th August 2022
The 4th edition of the African Research Workshop was held in Thessaloniki, Greece on 28th August 2022 as a hybrid pre-congress of the 70th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA).
The symposium was chaired by Dr. Cica vissiennon (Leipzig University), Prof. Namrita Lall (University of Pretoria) and Dr. Emelia Oppong Bekoe (University of Ghana). The pre-conference kicked off with an impulse lecture on the development of Apivirine, an antiviral phytomedicine used in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 in patients without signs of severity. Findings provide scientific evidence that apivirine can contribute to remission in patients with covid without severe symptoms. This impulse lecture was followed by a series of six shorts lectures which provided the audience with a wide range of scientific studies on African medicinal plants (South African, Guinean, Ghanaian, Angolan etc.), which enriched the session. During this session, awareness was raised on the importance of properly documenting popular medicinal plants, through their botanical description, their use, quality control and especially the provision of scientific evidence of their effect. Then, a series of five virtual “flash talks” revealed the research outcomes of young African scientists. The session was concluded after future perspectives for the African Research Network were discussed.
Participants in the Pre-Congress Symposium 2022
Panel discussion: Key Challenges for Natural Products Research – Perspectives from African Scientists.
Date: 07 September 2021, 12:00- 13:30 CEST, zoom meeting
Moderators: Prof. Namrita Lall (University of Pretoria, South Africa) and Dr. Cica Vissiennon (Leipzig University, Germany)
The main purpose of this panel discussion relating to
(1) intellectual property, bioprospecting and
(2) funding was to gain different perspectives and opinions.
The session was opened with an impulse lecture from Dr. K. K. Nyirenda on the “Nutraceutical Potential of Fadogia ancylantha, Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights”. The panellists then proceeded to provide their statements and shared insights on bioprospecting permits and intellectual property, this also included some discussions on challenges experienced by African Researchers such as funding, equipment, and skills shortages.
Expert panel:
- Emelia Oppong Bekoe (University of Ghana School of Pharmacy)
- Prof Sami Khalid (University of Science and Technology, Sudan)
- Namrita Lall (University of Pretoria, South Africa)
- Alyce Ntabanzi (Makerere University, Uganda)
- Prof Learnmore Kambizi (Cape Pennsula University of Technology, South Africa)
- Will Coetsee (Botanica, South Africa)
- Portia Matamela (Letago Pharmaceuticals, South Africa)
- Prof Naglaa Saad (Ain Shams University, Egypt & City University College of Ajman, United Arab Emirates)
- Godwin Anywar (Makerere University, Uganda)
The discussions created the possibility for takeaways and possible solutions to questions posed during interaction with the audience and viewers. Please click the button for a summary on the main takeaways.
Panel Discussion 2022
Workshop 2021
Our second African Research Workshop took place on 18 April 2021, during the 20th International Congress of the International Society of Ethnopharmacology as a virtual event.
At the beginning of the workshop an impulse lecture by Dr. Bertrand Graz, Fondation Antenna, Switzerland, introduced the concept of “Reverse Pharmacology as an approach to scientifically validate traditional medicine”.
The following short lecture session provided an overview on diverse topics related to natural products research
After a coffee break Dr. Emerson F. Queiroz, University of Geneva, Switzerland) highlighted the potential of interdisciplinary collaborations in his keynote lectures on “Innovative strategies for the efficient isolation of natural products and discovery of potential new leads” where he demonstrated three examples of successful of international collaborative projects.
Prof. Namrita Lall (University of Pretoria, South Africa) concluded the event with an inspiring lecture on “Regulatory aspects and challenges for the commercialization of natural products”.
The workshop was organized jointly by the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Products Research (GA) and the International Society of Ethnopharmacology (ISE).
One of our participants, Dr. Anna-Mari Reid (University of Pretoria, South Africa) has summarized her impressions on the workshop here.
The second African Research Workshop took place online.
First African Research Workshop
The First African Research Workshop on medicinal plant and natural products research took place in Innsbruck on 01 September 2019.
