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.

Email:
ncnpr@olemiss.edu
Office Location:
Thad Cochran Research Center, University, MS 38677
Phone:
662-915-1005

Research

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National Center for Natural Products Research

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.

Our Team

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.

About Us

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.

Our Partnerships

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.

Research + Impact

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.

We've been busy over the last 30 years.

- Pioneering research in sustainable agriculture
- Developing life-changing natural products
- Expert training as an FDA Center of Excellence
- Building comprehensive safety and quality control standards
- Innovative research in natural product pharmacology
- Cultivation of over 15,000 plant species
- Setting the benchmark for natural product analysis
- Training future generations of scientists

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

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.

More About Our Facilities

Meet the Department

NCNPR Directory

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