Trial lecture - time and place
20.11.2024, 10.15, Helga Engs hus: Auditorium 2
Natural products used as active principles and lead compounds in antimalarial medication
Conferral summary
Nastaran Moussavi har forsket på biologisk aktive forbindelser fra planter for å bidra til å løse globale helseutfordringer, spesielt i behandlingen av hjernesykdommer som epilepsi og Alzheimers sykdom. Gjennom sitt arbeid har hun identifisert naturstoffer som kan utvikles til legemidler. Avhandlingen kombinerer innsikter fra tradisjonell medisin med moderne vitenskap på en måte som muliggjør nye effektive og helhetlige behandlinger for komplekse sykdommer som påvirker millioner av mennesker verden over.
Main research findings
The dissertation offers valuable insights into how bioactive compounds from the plant realm could address global health challenges, particularly in the treatment of brain diseases. By scientifically validating traditional uses of plants, the research suggests new potential pathways for combating complex conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, where currently available treatments often fall short.
Securidaca longepedunculata, used in African medicine, was studied for its antiepileptic properties. The research identified key compounds that could potentially be developed into new drugs for managing epilepsy. The findings also contribute to our understanding of brain dysfunction by addressing the plants´ effects on GABAA-receptors.
Sideritis scardica, commonly used in the Balkans, was shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, which could support the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This plant exemplifies the complexity of natural remedies, with multiple bioactive compounds showing various biological effects in assays. This broad spectrum of activities enables a multi-targeted approach for tackling diseases with multifactorial causes.
Overall, the dissertation brings the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants as a resource into scientific exploration, bridging traditional medicine with modern science toward more effective and holistic treatments of conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy that affect millions worldwide.