National Center for Natural Products Research

WHAT WE DO

The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) is at the forefront of harnessing the power of nature, ensuring quality, safety, and driving innovation in natural product research and development.

Leading innovation in natural products research

At NCNPR, our dedicated team of multidisciplinary experts is committed to advancing the science of natural products, delivering impactful solutions for human health, agrochemical development, and responsible insect management.
Researcher inspects sample

One of a kind research center

Founded in 1995 at the University of Mississippi, NCNPR is the nation's premier university-affiliated research center dedicated to natural product innovation. 

We collaborate with regulatory agencies, academia, and industry partners to conduct comprehensive natural products research, encompassing taxonomy, plant physiology, pharmacognosy, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity.

Clinical researchers

Setting the standard

Our work, ranging from developing immune-boosting dietary supplements to identifying harmful ingredients in commercial products, aims to create innovative solutions for human health, ensure the safety of natural products, and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

As an FDA Center of Excellence, we have participated in training hundreds of FDA field inspectors, setting the standard for natural product analysis and regulatory compliance. Our partnerships with the USDA and FDA are instrumental in promoting responsible quality control and authentication of natural products.

Scientist during experiment

Legacy of excellence

We are committed to serving as the leading research and education hub for advancing the scientific understanding and therapeutic potential of natural products through cutting-edge research, collaboration, training, and product development.

Advancing the science of natural products

At NCNPR, we have been setting the stage for decades to ensure the safety and effectiveness of natural products through groundbreaking research and rigorous standards. Our efforts have shaped the future of natural products in significant ways, from the establishment of industry-leading safety protocols to the development of life-changing natural products.

 

Recent findings from NCNPR

The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at 30: A Legacy of Pioneering Research in Natural Products and Dietary Supplements

Over the past three decades, NCNPR has made significant strides in the field of natural products research. Learn more about our history, legacy, and the impact of our work through this publication.

Label Accuracy and Quality of Select Weight-Loss Dietary Supplements Sold on or near US Military Bases

This study investigated the safety and labeling accuracy of weight-loss dietary supplements sold at or near U.S. military bases. The scientists found that 36% of the products contained hidden ingredients not listed on the labels, highlighting the need for improved quality control.

A Moisture Differential Technique for Extraction and Maintenance of Imported Fire Ant Colonies under Laboratory Conditions

A recent study introduced a moisture differential technique for extracting and maintaining Imported Fire Ant (IFA) colonies in laboratory conditions. By using a moisture gradient in test tubes, this method improved colony mass recovery by 52% compared to traditional methods and supported better survival rates, making it ideal for behavioral bioassays and long-term colony maintenance.

World-class facilities

Thad Cochran Research Center exterior

Unparalleled resources

At NCNPR, we are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge instruments that enable groundbreaking research in natural products. From NMR spectrometers and mass spectrometers to specialized laboratories for plant cultivation and clinical trials, our facilities support every stage of product development and research.

Meet the Department

Ikhlas Khan

Ikhlas Khan

  • Director, the National Center for Natural Products Research; Distinguished Professor;Research Professor of Pharmacognosy; Program Director for Federal Drug Administration Program; and Research Professor and Coordinator for Natural Products Research in the
Amar Chittiboyina

Amar Chittiboyina

  • Principal Scientist and Associate Director of the National Center for Natural Products Research and Research Professor in BioMolecular Sciences
Hoda Ahmed

Hoda Ahmed

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Nessma Ahmed

Nessma Ahmed

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Manal Alhusban

Manal Alhusban

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Abbas Ali

Abbas Ali

  • Principal Scientist in the National Center for Natural Products Research
Syed Kashif Ali

Syed Kashif Ali

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Zulfiqar Ali

Zulfiqar Ali

  • Principal Scientist
Suresh Annam

Suresh Annam

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Bharathi Avula

Bharathi Avula

  • Principal Scientist
Fadime Aydogan

Fadime Aydogan

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Premalatha Balachandran

Premalatha Balachandran

  • Principal Scientist
Maria Bennett

Maria Bennett

  • Principal R&D Chemist
Joseph Brummett

Joseph Brummett

  • R&D Data Analyst
HEESUNG Chae

HEESUNG Chae

  • Research Scientist
Suman Chandra

Suman Chandra

  • Principal Scientist/Research Production Manager in NCNPR and Research Professor of BioMolecular Sciences
Robert Cooper

Robert Cooper

  • Research Technician
Mohammad Daghestani

Mohammad Daghestani

  • Principal Research and Development Chemist
Gray Dale

Gray Dale

  • Research Associate
Olivia Dale

Olivia Dale

  • Principal Research & Development Biologist
Amiee Dickerson

Amiee Dickerson

  • Assistant To the Director for Marketing & Business Development
Steve Duke

Steve Duke

  • Research Professor, Temporary
Minh-Dao Duong

Minh-Dao Duong

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mahmoud Elsohly

Mahmoud Elsohly

  • Research Professor in the National Center for Natural Products Research and Professor of Pharmaceutics
Qin Feng

Qin Feng

  • Principal Research & Development Biologist
Rebecca Ford

Rebecca Ford

  • Research and Development Biologist
Ginson George

Ginson George

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Deborah Gochfeld

Deborah Gochfeld

  • Principal Scientist in National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Professor of Environmental Toxicology in Biomolecular Sciences and Adjunct Professor of Biology
Bill Gurley

Bill Gurley

  • Principal Scientist in NCNPR and Affiliate Professor of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery
Cathy Gurley

Cathy Gurley

  • Principal R&D Biologist
Mona Haron

Mona Haron

  • Senior Research Scientist
H M T Herath

H M T Herath

  • Principal Scientist
Islam Husain

Islam Husain

  • Research Scientist
Muhammad Ilias

Muhammad Ilias

  • Research Professor in the National Center for Natural Products Research
Lal Parana Jayaratna

Lal Parana Jayaratna

  • Principal R&D Botanist
Kumar Katragunta

Kumar Katragunta

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Shabana Khan

Shabana Khan

  • Principal Scientist in the National Center for Natural Products Research and Research Professor in Pharmacognosy
Amanda Klenke

Amanda Klenke

  • R & D Botanist
Hari Babu Kothapalli

Hari Babu Kothapalli

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Pankul Kotwal

Pankul Kotwal

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Josimar Kulkamp

Josimar Kulkamp

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Hemant Lata

Hemant Lata

  • Principal Scientist and Research Professor in BioMolecular Sciences
Joseph Lee

Joseph Lee

  • Senior R&D Chemist
Xing Li

Xing Li

  • Principal Scientist in the National Center for Natural Products Research and Research Professor in Pharmacognosy
Chandrani Majumdar

Chandrani Majumdar

  • Principal Research and Development Chemist
Jennifer Michael

Jennifer Michael

  • Staff Assistant
Julie Mikell

Julie Mikell

  • Principal Research & Development Chemist
Nisha Mishra

Nisha Mishra

  • Senior R&D Biologist
Zehedina Nabi

Zehedina Nabi

  • Senior Research Scientist
N Nanayakkara

N Nanayakkara

  • Research Professor in the National Center for Natural Products Research
Michael Neal

Michael Neal

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ahmed Osman

Ahmed Osman

  • Principal Scientist
Meirambek Ospanov

Meirambek Ospanov

  • R & D Chemist
Pankaj Pandey

Pankaj Pandey

  • Research Scientist
Iffat Parveen

Iffat Parveen

  • Senior Research Scientist
Maddy Phillips

Maddy Phillips

  • Research Nurse
Nirmal Pugh

Nirmal Pugh

  • Principal Scientist
Mohamed Radwan

Mohamed Radwan

  • Principal Scientist in NCNPR and Research Professor of BioMolecular Sciences
Junaid Rehman

Junaid Rehman

  • Senior Research Scientist
Aqeela Sehrish

Aqeela Sehrish

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Farhan Mahmood Shah

Farhan Mahmood Shah

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
FNU Kashif Shamim

FNU Kashif Shamim

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Jeff Solomon

Jeff Solomon

  • Research Associate
Kiran Kumar Tatapudi

Kiran Kumar Tatapudi

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Jennifer Taylor

Jennifer Taylor

  • Project Coordinator
Natascha Techen

Natascha Techen

  • Principal Scientist
John Trott

John Trott

  • Principal R&D Biologist
Alex Vinson

Alex Vinson

  • R&D Chemist
Larry Walker

Larry Walker

  • Director Emeritus, National Center for Natural Products Research; Research Professor Emeritus, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Professor Emeritus, Pharmacology; and Associate Director Emeritus for Basic Research University of Mississippi Ca
Amira Wanas

Amira Wanas

  • Senior Research Scientist
Yanhong Wang

Yanhong Wang

  • Principal Scientist
JING Xi

JING Xi

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ryan Yates

Ryan Yates

  • Principal Scientist, NCNPR
Sultan Zahiruddin

Sultan Zahiruddin

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Jin Zhang

Jin Zhang

  • Research Scientist
Jianping Zhao

Jianping Zhao

  • Senior Research Scientist
Yu-Dong Zhou

Yu-Dong Zhou

  • Principal Scientist
Fazila Zulfiqar

Fazila Zulfiqar

  • Principal R&D Chemist

NCNPR research news

A pot of medicinal herbs with a marker identifying it as ashwaganda grows in a greenhouse.
Research News

OXFORD, Miss. – Two University of Mississippi researchers are seeking to find out why three Nordic countries are attempting to ban ashwagandha.