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On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. (local time in India), the executive team from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, led by Assoc. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, MUPY Dean, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Pattamapan Lomarat, Deputy Dean for Planning and Quality Development, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanika Pathomwichaiwat, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, alongside the researchers from the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation participated in the International Conference on Advances in Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Research in Context to Indian Ocean Region (Ensuring Trade, Sustainability, and Global Transformation); (IORA-AMAR 2025) held from February, 4-6, 2025, by the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in Lucknow, India. IORA-AMAR 2025 was also organized in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Rim Association-Regional Centre for Science Technology Transfer (IORA-RCSTT), which served as the Coordination Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ICCMP). The conference is supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The conference was one of the activities organized by the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which consisted of representatives from 23 member countries and 9 dialogue partners. The IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (IORA-RCSTT) operates under the supervision of the IORA Secretariat and the IORA Council of Ministers. This organization is an intergovernmental regional body with various sub-networks in different fields. This particular activity was part of the IORA-RCSTT: Medicinal Plant Network, which focuses on promoting collaboration in the development of medicinal plants. Given that most IORA member countries possess diverse natural resources in the form of medicinal plants and have a strong foundation in traditional and alternative medicine, this initiative aims to enhance cooperation in this area.
The IORA-AMAR conference featured keynote and plenary lectures delivered by representatives from member countries, as well as poster and oral presentations by researchers from network countries. Besides, the conference was attended by over 1,000 participants from more than 20 countries. This event was honored to have Ms. Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary (Oceania & Indo-Pacific), Ministry of External Affairs, Republic of India, deliver the opening remarks. Additionally, senior executives from CIMAP, including Prof. Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi (Director) and Prof. Dr. Anirban Pal (Coordinator & Chief Scientist), also presented reports on the conference.
On this occasion, Associate Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan participated as a Keynote Speaker and a judge for academic presentations. Additionally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanika Pathomwichaiwat, in collaboration with researchers from Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, presented research on the development of the medicinal plant Cissus quadrangularis (Phet Sangkat) as a potential treatment for osteoporosis.
This international conference aimed to support the dissemination of knowledge and scientific advancements among researchers, academics, and industry experts worldwide. It also served as a platform for exchanging research findings, innovations, and new insights in relevant fields through academic lectures, discussions, and presentations. Additionally, the conference provided a crucial venue for collaboration and networking, particularly among countries in the Indian Ocean region. The key focus areas included research, technological development, and the commercial trade of medicinal plants and related products within the region. Furthermore, a key highlight of this event was the opportunity to exchange knowledge on the current status of the medicinal plant industry in each member country and to showcase the global achievements of CSIR-CIMAP—a world-renowned institute specializing in end-to-end medicinal plant development. CSIR-CIMAP focused particularly on aromatic plants, such as lemongrass, mint, and lavender.
Strongly and consistently supported by the Government of India for decades, CSIR-CIMAP operates with a clear mission and a unified research effort to build an herbal-based economy, helping local populations escape poverty. Twenty years ago, lemongrass cultivation in India was minimal. However, through targeted research, CSIR-CIMAP has successfully developed new plant varieties, optimized cultivation techniques, improved harvesting and extraction processes, and formulated commercial products. These advancements have enabled the establishment of a thriving herbal industry, significantly transforming India’s economy. Today, India is the world’s largest exporter of lemongrass essential oil, holding approximately 80% of the global market share. This multi-billion-dollar industry has provided a stable source of income for farmers across India, with the government overseeing regulations and the private sector driving commercialization.
Last but not least, this international conference aimed to bring together eminent scholars, researchers, and industry experts from around the world to share cutting-edge research, innovations, and insights in the field. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and presentations, the conference served as a dynamic platform for collaboration and networking, particularly among the nations within the Indian Ocean Region. It also determined to accelerate the research and knowledge sharing in the area of traditional medicine, phytochemistry, biotechnology trade and IPR through highly effective talks, engaging panel discussions, and oral and poster presentations. The program gathered the scholars, scientists, students, professionals and industry with a broad base of knowledge, diagnostic skills, and understanding of different concepts of traditional medicine and phytochemistry. Major highlights were research, technology development, trade and commerce of medicinal plants and their products in Indian Ocean Region.
Moreover, their global engagement also supported the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries; and Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
