Renowned Pakistani scientist Prof Dr Bina Siddiqui underscored the vast medicinal and agricultural potential of natural products during a compelling lecture held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK). The event, organized under the UNESCO Chair on Medicinal and Bio-Organic Natural Product Chemistry, attracted a diverse audience of students, researchers, and academics.
In her lecture titled “Exciting Chemistry and Therapeutic/Pesticidal Potential of Natural Products,” Prof Siddiqui shed light on the significant role nature plays in modern drug development and sustainable agriculture. She emphasized that natural compounds—extracted from plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms—are foundational to many breakthrough therapies, especially in the fight against cancer and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
“More than 70 percent of the anti-cancer drugs currently in use are either natural products or structurally derived from them,” said Prof. Siddiqui. “This illustrates nature’s unparalleled contribution to modern medicine.”
Referencing World Health Organization (WHO) data, she pointed out that approximately 7 million people die annually from various forms of cancer. In this context, natural sources have proven to be a critical reservoir of bioactive molecules, with nearly 30 plant species already identified for their clinically significant anti-cancer properties—many of which are undergoing trials.
Beyond medicine, Prof Siddiqui highlighted the relevance of natural products in agriculture, particularly in organic farming. “Neem oil, for example, is a powerful and eco-friendly insect repellent,” she noted, adding that over half of the globally approved chemical substances in the last four to five decades have come from natural origins.
She also introduced Neem Plus, a processed formulation derived from neem seeds, which boosts plant growth and fruit yield while offering effective protection against pests and nematodes. “Such neem-based products are not only potent but also align with sustainable agricultural practices,” she said.
Prof Siddiqui concluded by noting that while the therapeutic promise of medicinal plants is well-established, the path from discovery to application is both challenging and time-intensive. “It demands meticulous research to isolate pure compounds and overcome hurdles in production and supply,” she said.
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The lecture served as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of nature in science and innovation, and the need for continued investment in natural product research for the benefit of human health and environmental sustainability.