Scientific Program

Day 1 :

Keynote Forum

Elvira Gaspar

New University of Lisbon, Portugal

Keynote: Effects of cooking process on the chemical composition and functional properties of sweet potato

Time : 10:00-10:40

Biography:

Elvira Gaspar has completed her PhD from New University of Lisbon in 1994. Elvira Gaspar currently working as a assistant professor in the New University of Lisbon is well known for her research in areas of Analytical and green chemistry. She completed her Doctoral research working at Faculty of Sciences and Technology in University of Lisbon. Since 1984, she has been Regent and Professor of different disciplines of Chemistry Department of Faculty of Science and Technology of New University of Lisbon including Organic Chemistry, Chemical Information and Documentation. She is also serving as a member of Scientific Board of Brazilian publication: Orbital - The Electronic Journal of Chemistry. Elvira has been active many of the well known chemical societies and associations. She has also worked for a start up, Airmarkers a new medical screening methodologies company, proof of concept.

Abstract:

Worldwide, sweet potato is considered the sixth most important food crop. Alongside with its nutritional value, it is also recognized as a healthy and functional food due to the bioactive compounds present in its chemical composition. Lira is a variety of sweet potato cultivated in south Portugal, Aljezur. It is considered a product of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) due to its distinctive features, longstanding tradition of cultivation and the fact that it is grown in a specific region of production.

The consumption of sweet potato is essentially undertaken after being cooked. The characteristic aroma is chemically dominated by the presence of furan derived compounds produced by Maillard reaction. This work involved the qualitative and quantitative study of aroma composition in order to compare the effect of cooking processes – baking, boiling and microwaving – on chemical composition and some functional properties of sweet potato.

Using headspace (HS) and direct immersion (DI) solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) analysis, 2-furaldeyde, 2-acetylfuran, benzaldehyde, 5-methylfurfural, phenylacetaldehyde and furfuryl alcohol were identified in the aromas of cooked Lira sweet potato. Differences of composition and content were shown to be dependent on the cooking process.

The study illustrates how food processing may change chemical composition of food.  Because humans are what they eat, the study contributes to verify how cooking choices may influence human health and well-being.

 

Keynote Forum

Nial DeMena

CEO, Manna Molecular Science, USA

Keynote: Practical considerations in product commercialization using natural cannabinoids

Time : 10:40-11:20

Biography:

Starting in 2012, Nial C. DeMena founded several successful cannabis related enterprises, including but not limited to, most notably, Manna Molecular Science, a biotechnology company formed in Massachusetts in 2015 that focuses on new delivery technologies in cannabis therapeutics using novel automated 3d printers. In one full year of commercial operations, Manna Molecular Science is selling thousands of transdermal patches in seven states and has deals to expand operations into three more as well as internationally. He has horizontally shifted the expertise of former scientists of prominent academic and commercial fame from the pharmaceutical transdermal industry into cannabis under his direction at Manna.

 

Abstract:

Transdermal delivery system is defined as self-contained, discrete dosage forms which, when applied to intact skin deliver the drugs through the skin at a controlled rate into systemic circulation.

The Stratum  Corneum,  the  first  strata  of  skin,  comprises  approximately  10-25  layers  of  dead,  flattened,  occlusive  skin  cells  comprised  of  Keratin  with  protein  deposits,  e.g.  corneocytes, that  pose  the  rate-limiting  step  in  percutaneous  absorption  for  Transdermal  drugs. The product composition of Cannabis evolved medicines are medicated adhesive, solid state matrix, backing film, adhesive, drug or API, functional excipients, release liner. However, the process of manufacturing of Cannabis evolved medicines are Standardization through compound in Standard Procedures.

Keynote Forum

Manal Mortady

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt

Keynote: Antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxic activities of bioactive compounds isolated from Pittosporum eugenioides

Time : 11:40-12:20

Biography:

Manal Mortady is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) from 2017 to till now. She had done her PhD in Organic Chemistry at Cairo University. Manal is a member at Egyptian Society of Natural Toxins and also a member in other 9 societies. She published 30 research papers. She is editorial board member for International Journals of : The Public Science Framework and The Journal of Harmonized Research Publications.

Abstract:

Our study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of methanolic, ethyl acetate extracts and pure isolates of P. eugenioides against brine shrimps and HepG-2 cell lines using MTT assay. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to detect the phytochemical constituents in the methanol extract; as well as its total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) for the tested extracts were performed. Furthermore, TFC of the plant extracts was ranged from 32.40 to 310.15 mg RE / g dry extract and TPC of the tested extracts was ranged from 212.59 to 840.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract. Moreover the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was ranged from 185 to 567.33 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated qualitatively using DPPH method, thus revealed that the butanol extract record the strongest and potent free radical scavenging one among the tested extracts with SC50 value of 26.38 μg/ml. Ten compounds were isolated from the n-butanol extract of P. eugenioides, they were identified as; 3-O-[α - L- arabinofuranosyl - (1→3) - α - L - rhamnopyranosyl (1→2) - α - L- arabinopyranosyl ] hederagenin) 1), 3 β - 4β - 15, 16, 22 - trihydroxy olean 12-en-17 oic acid (2), rutin (3),  isoquercitrin (4),  Eudesmine (5), (2S,3S,4E,6S,7R,8R,9S,11E,13S, 14S,15R)- 7,8,9,14,15-pentaacetoxy-3-(benzoyloxy)-6-hydroxyjatropha-4,11-diene (6), β- Amyrin (7), limonene (8), α pinene (9) and kanesulone A (10). Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed the promising free radical scavenging activity SC50 value of 1.28, 3.21, 5.40 and 7.09μg/ml, respectively. Also, compounds 1-10 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps (Artemia salina L.). In, conclusion P. eugenioides leaves showed a potent antioxidant & cytotoxic activities that guided to be useful for developing the plant for potential therapeutic liver cancer treatments.

 

  • Separation and Purification of Natural Compounds

Session Introduction

Gaurav Rajauria

UCD, Ireland

Title: Seaweed: A promising natural source of multifunctional molecule for therapeutic applications

Time : 12:20-12:50

Speaker
Biography:

Gaurav Rajauria is a Natural Product Chemist at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. His primary research interest aims at mining and characterizing functional ingredients from underutilized marine resources and food waste-streams. One of his research interests relate to the investigation of greener extraction techniques for bioactives from natural sources. His research also focuses on improving quality of meat, milk, eggs and other farm animal products by formulating animal diets with functional ingredients. He has edited books in food science, his patented technology has garnered attention nationally (Irish Research Council) and internationally (MIT, USA). His research is published in various books and peer-reviewed journals, and is regularly presented at national and international conferences. He is a member of Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and Phytochemical Society of Europe.

 

Abstract:

Seaweed or macroalgae are fast gaining a reputation as untapped potential sustainable source of bioactive compounds. They harbor some highly valuable compounds such as phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, carrageenan, ulvan and fucoidan which are exclusive to seaweed only. These bioactive have shown multiple health beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative, ant-tumor, anti-viral and anti-oxidant activities in both “in vitro” and “in vivo” systems. However, for successful analysis of these bioactives an integrated approach for characterization is required. This study explored step by step characterization (extraction, screening, purification and structure elucidation) of some exclusive bioactive phlorotannins and fucoxanthin together with their potential antioxidant activity from Himanthalia elongata seaweed. Phlorotannins (polyphenol) were extracted with aqueous methanol and the crude extract was purified with liquid–liquid partition followed by column chromatography and solid phase extraction. Fucoxanthin (lipid) was extracted with low polarity solvents (n-hexane, diethyl ether and chloroform) and the crude extract was purified with preparative thin layer chromatography. The quantification of both purified compounds were carried out by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP–HPLC) coupled to a diode array detector (DAD), while their Identification was performed by LCDAD-ESI-MS/MS. Quantitative analysis revealed the recovery of 394.1±4.33 µg/g phloroglucinol and 434.1±2.13 µg/g fucoxanthin. The fragmentation pattern confirmed that the purified fractions contained phlorotannins (m/z 125 [M-H-CO]¯) and fucoxanthin (m/z 641 [M+H-H2O]+) as the major compounds respectively. Antioxidant activity results revealed that phlorotannins exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher DPPH scavenging capacity (EC50; 14.5±0.57 mg/g) than the ascorbic acid (EC50; 35.8±0.59 mg/g) while fucoxanthin showed statistically similar (p>0.05) DPPH scavenging capacity (EC50: 12.9±1.04 μg/mL) as the commercial fucoxanthin (EC50: 13.4±1.08 μg/mL). The promising results of phlorotannin and fucoxanthin purity, recovery and antioxidant activity can constitute a new move in the understanding of the health benefits of seaweed, and can be considered as substantial alternate for functional ingredients in food and medicinal preparations.

 

  • Natural Compounds 2018for various diseases

Session Introduction

Anil Kumar Saksena

KGMU, India

Title: Anti-arthritic activity of Boswellia serrata extract in complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Objectives:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease that affects the multiple joints in symmetric pattern. The worldwide prevalence of RA is about 1% while in India it is approximately 0.75%. The current therapy for RA includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and some recently developed biologic agents but all of these are associated with adverse effects. Some herbal drugs such as Boswellia serrata has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. So in order to develop a safer alternative therapy for RA, we planned this study to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in rats.

Results: BSE at dose 180 mg/kg showed significant improvement in body weight and decrease in ankle diameter, paw thickness and arthritic index (p<0.05), however, there was insignificant change in paw volume (p=0.056). This improvement was comparable with Indomethacin. The level of TNF-α did not show any significant change (p=0.076). Histopathological results also exhibited reduction in inflammatory parameters.  

Conclusion: BSE might have a usefulness as an adjunct to conventional therapy of RA.

 

  • Importance of Natural Compounds in Medicine

Session Introduction

Diana Marie Dummer

Independent Consultant at Natural Products Industry, USA

Title: Can You Pronounce It? Natural Compounds in Daily Life are Better Alternatives to Synthetic Ones

Time : 14:20- 14:50

Speaker
Biography:

Master Herbalist, Nutritionist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Educational Trainer, Public Speaker, Product Advisor and Material Development; Business Manager and Health Consultant for Natural Products Companies & the Emerging Cannabis World

For the last quarter of a century, Diana has been passionately involved in all things natural. From being an educator and Master Herbalist to living off the grid for eight years, Diana is astutely aware of the natural world, while at the same time acting as a communication bridge between consumers and natural products. Her motto has always been “Food is Medicine;” and while supporting local farmer’s markets and organic farming, she has dedicated herself to educating consumers about healthier choices in what they consume and what they believe. Diana’s unique life experiences, education, and communication skills have given her the keen ability to take complex scientific information and present it in a way that is highly digestible.

Abstract:

The presentation will focus on natural medicines:  Plant Medicine, Natural Supplements, and Organic Foods.  Daily management and prevention for acute and chronic conditions will be addressed.  The presentation includes informative slides, a pronunciation of ”Notice This on Labels” lesson, and a Smile-For-Health Session.

The advantages to natural compounds vs. synthetic ones will be discussed.  This will include the simple, non-invasive and effective non-toxic use of natural compounds for nutritional support and whole body maintenance.  Emphasis will be placed on the effective, accessible, economical, and safe use, with minimal interactions, of these natural compounds vs. synthetic ones; safe for humankind, animals, water, earth and air.

Specific examples of herbal medicines and supplements for the following common ailments will be included:  Inflammatory conditions, digestive and respiratory disorders, mental health maladies and stress. 

Additional measures will be emphasized:  The 5 Best Daily Natural Medicines for maintenance and prevention.  The presentation concludes with A Smile Session.

 

  • Herbal Drug and Pharmacology Market

Session Introduction

Dr. Christina Marrongelli

Adjunct Professor

Title: Developing and Marketing Botanical Drugs in the United States

Time : 14:50-15:20

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Christina Marrongelli is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy with a BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Doctorate of Pharmacy.  Marrongelli has cross expertise in botanical discovery and development, business, regulatory affairs, and clinical services.  She achieved advanced training in dietary supplement quality control and conducted research in drug discovery to drug development of natural products leading to a patent position in conjunction with the National Center for Natural Product Research.  Marrongelli holds appointments as Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, serves as Chair for the Naturopathic Doctors Formulary Council for the Maryland Board of Physicians and is an advisory member of several laboratory and public health working groups. Please contact at Marronge@musc.edu.

 

Abstract:

The United States has the largest pharmaceutical market in the world, as well as strong demand for the use of botanicals as medicine.  However, only two botanical drugs are currently approved for use in the USA, Veregen® (sinecatechins) and Mytesi™ (crofelemer).  Why is there such a discord?  The United States historical use of plants as drugs is unique.  The cultivation of tobacco to the growth of the new nation during the era of mislabeling, adulteration and unintended addiction have all contributed to shaping its regulatory policies and perceptions of botanicals far differently than other countries.  Unlike other countries, the United States has no separate regulatory category for traditional or herbal medicines.  Instead, these products are considered crude drugs which may be developed as either a food (includes dietary supplements), a drug, medical device, or cosmetic.  This cross-cultural confusion is worthy of exploration for those wishing to enter the US marketplace.

The speaker will present to the attendee throughout the presentation an understanding of the culture and history of the American market to understand hidden barriers for product approval of botanicals as drugs as well as consumer expectations and demands of botanicals. Furthermore, the participant will understand the regulatory paths for development of a botanical product based on the four US guiding principles for classification: Intention of Use, Route of Administration, Formulation, and Risk.  Graphs will assist the learner to quickly differentiate characteristics of regulatory categories emphasizing dietary supplements, standard single chemical entity drugs, and heterogeneous botanical drugs.  Unique chemistry and manufacturing controls of each classification will be discussed, focusing on those required of heterogeneous drug products under the Guidance for Industry Botanical Drugs issued by the FDA in 2004 and revised in 2016.

  • Workshop

Session Introduction

Diana Marie Dummer

Natural Product Industry, USA

Title: The Bliss System: The ABC's of Endocannabinoids, Phytocannabinoids, Cannabis and Chocolate!

Time : 15:40- 16:20

Speaker
Biography:

Master Herbalist, Nutritionist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Educational Trainer, Public Speaker, Product Advisor and Material Development; Business Manager and Health Consultant for Natural Products Companies & the Emerging Cannabis World

For the last quarter of a century, Diana has been passionately involved in all things natural. From being an educator and Master Herbalist to living off the grid for eight years, Diana is astutely aware of the natural world, while at the same time acting as a communication bridge between consumers and natural products. Her motto has always been “Food is Medicine;” and while supporting local farmer’s markets and organic farming, she has dedicated herself to educating consumers about healthier choices in what they consume and what they believe. Diana’s unique life experiences, education, and communication skills have given her the keen ability to take complex scientific information and present it in a way that is highly digestible.

Abstract:

In this workshop, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, basic understandings of its role in human physiology and its contribution towards health and homeostasis of the body will be discussed.   Though only recently discovered, history has displayed the workings of it via treatments of this system with plant therapeutics.  Phytocannabinoids and their service to the endocannabinoid system are explained.

Preclinical trials over the past four decades have found that the cannabinoids show promise as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, neuroprotectant, anxiolytic, just to name a few. Further mention of these natural compounds and their actions will be explored.  New data, current findings and phyto-therapies of Cannabis spp., cacao, and other botanicals, and exogenous compounds will be presented. 

  • Young Researchers Forum

Session Introduction

Shobhit Srivastava

ERA University, India

Title: Efficacy of Curcuma longa extract on inflammatory biomarkers and anti-oxidant enzyme levels in Osteoarthritis of knee

Time : 16:20-16:45

Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a progressively debilitating, inflammatory disorder of synovial joints. As knee is the most affected synovial joint, the maximum research has been carried out on osteoarthritis of knee (KOA). Long term therapy with NSAIDs/Steroids is used for the treatment of KOA, but, due to the associated serious side effect of these drugs, the alternative system of therapies are need of hour. Hence, we planned to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Curcuma longa (CL) extract in the patients of KOA.

Results: The study has proved that long term therapy of KOA with CL extract as an adjuvant with diclofenac provides significant (p<0.05) improvement in pain and relief in discomfort as analysed through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).

There was improvement in the level of anti-inflammatory biomarker IL-10 and MMP-9 as compared to placebo. Further, the level of antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase and Catalase also showed improvement in CL extract group as compared to placebo group. Similarly, Uric acid levels also showed significant reduction (p<0.05) in CL extract group as compared to placebo group.

Conclusion: The improvement in WOMAC and VAS may be subjective; however, the levels of biomarkers are certain objective parameters which confirm the status of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of CL extract in KOA patients. 

  • Posters

Session Introduction

Ping Chin Lee

Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia

Title: Anti-Parasitic Activity of Malaysianfern
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Gleichenia truncate (Willd.) is a fern and is known for its traditional used to alleviate fever among the indigenous communities in Asia.  This study evaluated the crude extracts of this fern for anti-parasitic activity. The leaves of G. truncate were collected and grounded a powder.  It was then soaked overnight in 99.9% (v/v) methanol, at a ratio of 1:5 (v/v). The extracts were filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator to yield concentrated crude methanolic extract of the plant. The crude methanolic extract was tested on growth inhibitory assay using Plasmodium falciparum, an agent causing malaria. We have used a murine malarial infection model to perform the assay. G. truncate methanolic extract showed growth inhibitory activity against the parasite P. falciparum. Further fractionation and purification of the extract had suggested the presence of p-coumaric acid methyl ester. The finding provide scientific basis for the

ethnomedicinal use of G. truncate to treat malaria.

Manal Mortady hamed

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt

Title: The biological activity of Conocarpus erectus extracts and their applications as cytotoxic agents
Speaker
Biography:

Manal Mortady is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) from 2017 to till now. She had done her PhD in Organic Chemistry at Cairo University. Manal is a member at Egyptian Society of Natural Toxins and also a member in other 9 societies. She published 30 research papers. She is editorial board member for International Journals of : The Public Science Framework and The Journal of Harmonized Research Publications.

Abstract:

Essential oils are found to have multiple active components which can show in vitro cytotoxic action against various cancerous cell lines. This study reports the in vitro cytotoxic effects of the essential oil from Conocarpus erectus (Combretaceae) growing wild in Egypt. Water-distilled essential oil of C. erectus was examined for its cytotoxic effects using a modified brine shrimp and MTT assays. Fresh leaves aerial part of C. erectus was subjected to hydro distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatusvolatile to obtain its volatile oil. Cytotoxicity of the essential oil was measured against HepG2 cancer cells and brine shrimps larva. The essential oil 50% cytotoxic concentrations were found to be 33µg/ml and 8.7µg/ml against brine shrimp and human liver carcinoma HepG2 cell line, respectively; thus the volatile oil displayed good cytotoxic action against the human tumor cell line. Moreover, C. erectus methanol extract was very effective; it exhibited cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp larva within IC50 value of 15µg/ml. The investigation from GC Mass, led to the identification of 12 constituents, representing 97.53% of the total oil, of which  the major chemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry as being rich in 3-(2,2 dimethylpropylid ene)bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4-dione (3) (67.12%), (decanoic acid derevatives (11) (7.77%), 22-tritetracontanone (12) (6.03%), 1-octanol, 2-butyl- (2) (5.51%) and oleic acid (6) (4.33%). This is the first report on anticancer potential and separation of essential oils from C. erectus.  The findings of this study necessitate the need for further consideration of this essential oil in anti-neoplastic chemotherapy.

Key words: Conocarpus erectus, cytotoxicity, HepG2 cells, MTT assay, volatile oil, phytochemistry

Day 2 :

Keynote Forum

Radhakrishnan Krishnan Nair

CEO, State Medicinal Plants Board, India

Keynote: Relevance of Ethnomedicine with special reference to Kerala State,India

Time : 14:00-14:45

Biography:

Krishnan Nair Radhakrishnan had his BSc and MSc degrees in first class in Botany from the University of Kerala, conferred honorary Doctor of Science by the Open International University for Complimentary Medicines, Colombo, Srilanka, for significant achievements in the field of humanitarian studies, obtained certificate in Business English (BEC 2) of the Cambridge University, U.K. He started his research carrier as Junior Research Fellow in the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Ethnobiology (AICRPE) sponsored by the Department of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India at Regional Research Institute (Drug Research) Thiruvananthapuram during 1988-1992. Presently he is the Chief Executive Officer in Charge since August 2016. He had published 24 scientific papers in various International / National journels and books. In addition he had also 8 popular articles to his credit and 1 patent and involved in 6 projects. He is a Life member and Executive Committee member of 18 professional bodies. Some of the notable ones are Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT), Calicut, and Fellow IAAT (FIAT) and former Executive Council Member, Society of Ethnobotanists (SEB) Lucknow, and Fellow (FES) and Nodal Officer for Kerala, Kerala Academy of Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, formerly Joint Secretary , National Institute of Ecology, New Delhi, National Environmental Science Academy (NESA), New Delhi, Fellow, International Benevolent Research Forum (FIBR) Nagpur, Zoroastrain College, Mumbai, Life member Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA International) Tokyo, Japan, Thiruvananthapuram chapter, Association for Plant Taxonomy(APT) Lucknow and India International Friendship Society, New Delhi.

Abstract:

Not Yet Submitted

  • B2B Meetings & Networking Lunch: 12:00- 13:00 @ Food & More