The 1st Herbal Research Webinar Series 2025 was conducted by the Herbal Research Group, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on 26th February 2025 via Zoom. Professor Clara Bik-San Lau, from the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, was invited as the guest speaker for the event. Professor Clara gave an insightful talk on “Modernised Research Approach in the Development of Herbal Medicines”, which received some 50 participants including staff, students and alumni from PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Faculty of Science, Academy of Brunei Studies, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Faculty of Integrated Technologies, School of Business & Economics of Universiti Brunei Darussalam as well as IBTE Agro-technology and Applied Science Campus, Ministry of Health, local hospitals and companies, University of Hong Kong, HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kuala Lumpur RCMP, Northern Marianas College, and Almarisah Madani University.
This webinar given by Professor Clara focused on applying a scientific approach to rationalize herbal medicines research, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, for its modernization and increased global acceptance. Professor Clara shared her 30-year journey in pharmacognosy, emphasizing key steps in herbal medicine research: authentication, chemical quality control, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy.
It was highlighted that authentication is crucial to avoid working with the wrong plant species, using methods like microscopic characteristics, chemical analysis, and molecular analysis. Chemical quality control involves extraction, identification, and quantification of chemical constituents, stressing the importance of bioactive markers that reflect biological activity.
Additionally, the talk brought to light that pharmacological studies, including in vitro and animal models, are essential for verifying biological activities, with a focus on cancer research. The complexity of herbal medicines was emphasized due to their multi-component and multi-targeted nature, where turmeric was used as an example. The development of innovative Chinese herbal formulas for cancer treatment, such as a four-herb formula with anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects, was also discussed.
Clinical efficacy was addressed through the lens of evidence-based herbal medicine, emphasizing the importance of randomized control double-blind studies. Professor Clara shared a case study on Andrographis paniculata for oesophagal cancer that demonstrated the process from preclinical studies to clinical trials, showing promising results in tumour volume reduction and improved survival rates.
The webinar also touched on bioavailability, safety, and herb-drug interactions, advocating for research into beneficial herb-drug combinations, particularly in cancer management. to conclude the webinar, Professor highlighted the need for a systematic approach in herbal medicines research to facilitate modernization and increase global acceptance.
A group photo was taken following that before the event proceeded with an intriguing question and answer session with Professor Clara. Unlike our previous webinars, we are sorry to share that the recording of the webinar will not be shared publicly due to privacy and copyright reasons.
