Fatma U Afifi-Yazar
The University of Jordan, Jordan
Keynote: J Pharmacogn Nat Prod
Throughout the ages, humans have relied on nature-derived products for their basic needs; including medicines. A look back in the history of human civilizations reveals that -in particular- terrestrial plants have been used in form of folkloric medicines since ancient times. In spite of the development of several approaches and advanced techniques for drug discovery, natural products resisted and remained as a diverse and unique source for innumerable bioactive compounds in the treatment of various human diseases (chronic, infectious, new emerging Diseases) through the 20th and first decade of the 21st century. This presentation aims to shed light on the importance of herbal drugs, ethnopharmacology and traditional knowledge in transition from the folkloric medicine to the evidence based traditional medicine and drug discovery. Some examples will be given from Jordan, a small country with scarce vegetation, in search of plant-based new, safe and affordable drugs in management of diabetes and in treatment of breast cancer, conditions reaching alarming proportions both in Jordan and globally.
Fatma U Afifi-Yazar is the Professor of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry and has obtained her Dr. Nat. Sci. from ETH Zurich (Switzerland) in 1977. Since 1982, she works at University of Jordan (UJ), School of Pharmacy where she teaches and supervises MSc and PhD students and holds administrative positions (Dept. Head, Dean). She has published more than 125 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of reputed journals. Her research projects were granted institutionally, governmentally and internationally. She received the “Distinguished Researcher Award” from the UJ for three successive years: 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Email: fatueafi@ju.edu.jo
Journal of Pharmacognosy & Natural Products received 606 citations as per Google Scholar report
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