1ST Herbal Research Webinar Series 2024
Role of AI in Herbal Medicine: Identification of Medicinal Plants Species in Natural Environment – A Case Study from Borneo Region
Speaker: Dr Owais Ahmed Malik
The Herbal Research Group of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted its 1st Herbal Research Webinar Series 2024 on June 19, 2024, online via Zoom. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Owais Ahmed Malik, a Senior Assistant Professor from the School of Digital Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. His research focuses on data analytics, applied artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
The event commenced with an introductory speech by Assistant Lecturer Dr. May Goh, followed by welcoming remarks from the leader of the Herbal Research Group, Dk Dr. Nurolaini. The webinar featured an informative presentation by Dr. Owais Ahmed Malik, followed by a group photo session and a Q&A session. The webinar was attended by 50 participants, including staff and students from various faculties and departments of UBD, the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), and professors.
Dr. Owais began his presentation by providing a clear introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning terminologies. In brief, artificial intelligence is a broad field comprising machine learning, machine reasoning, and machine problem-solving methods. Machine learning, the most common technique, involves teaching a technology to mimic human behavior. This technology undergoes deep learning processes, allowing it to perform desired functions. A subset of deep learning models is large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, which use structured and unstructured data to draw conclusions or perform tasks.
Dr. Owais then discussed several roles of AI in modern healthcare. The first was the usage of AI for diagnostics and treatment planning. Examples include the use of AI algorithms in pathology to identify early-stage cancer cells, analyze medical imaging from X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, perform predictive analysis based on patient data regarding heart attack risk, and provide personalized treatment plans. Secondly, AI can be utilized for drug discovery and development, such as using AI to screen compounds from vast data libraries to identify those with desired therapeutic effects. In summary, the use of AI in modern healthcare is now common and has made many tasks easier to accomplish.
Dr. Owais further discussed the integration of AI in herbal medicine, dividing it into four distinct approaches. The first is the use of AI for data collection and analysis, enabling data mining, pattern recognition, knowledge integration, and prediction generation. The second is the identification and classification of medicinal plants, where AI can be trained to recognize images and analyze plant genomes. The third application involves drug discovery and development.
Dr. Owais also shared information about the UBD Plants App, which serves as a platform for identifying plants in Brunei Darussalam by uploading pictures into the software. Similar applications include Plant.id, Pl@ntNet, Knime, and DeepChem.
To summarize the seminar, machine learning’s reliability improves with more training as developers supply and utilize information effectively. Additionally, AI systems can have adverse effects and should not be fully relied upon.
As the webinar concluded, Dr. Nurolaini expressed her thanks to Dr. Owais SIJI4D for his informative presentation and to all participants for their active engagement. The session wrapped up with a group photo, followed by a Q&A session.
More details of the presentation can be accessed through the video presentation posted on our youtube page & website (1st Herbal Research Webinar Series 2024 – Dr Owais Ahmed Malik (youtube.com)