Global Experts Gather in Oxford for Annual Botanicals Conference

The conference is set for April 7-10 at the Oxford Conference Center. Researchers and organizations have scheduled some 180 presentations during sessions co-hosted by NCNPR and the International Society of Ethnopharmacology.

More than 400 people from 30 countries and all seven continents are expected to attend.

"What began as a small workshop has blossomed into a world-class scientific meeting," said Ikhlas Khan, NCNPR director and research professor of biomolecular sciences. "This impactful event transforms our small town into a global hub for botanical supplement research."

Attendees can look forward to presentations and discussions concerning the use of artificial intelligence to develop safer, more effective supplements, Khan said.

One session of particular interest will examine quality and safety issues surrounding ashwagandha.

"Despite centuries of traditional use, ashwagandha-based supplements have been banned in several European countries, sparking considerable debate," Khan said. "This timely session will bring together experts from India and Europe – along with U.S. regulators and scientists – to find amicable, scientific solutions for this contentious topic."

International scientists, policymakers and leaders will come together to learn from one other, exchanging ideas and research findings related to the development, testing, regulation and selling of the natural plant ingredients in dietary supplements.

"ICSB fosters vital dialogue between industry and regulators, and – crucially – facilitates long-lasting collaborations among international experts," said Amar Chittiboyina, NCNPR associate director and research professor of biomolecular sciences. "Clinicians, service members and the public rely on these resources and expertise to ensure product quality and safety."

Besides research universities from around the world, conference participants are expected from the World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Consortium for Health and Military Performance, United States Pharmacopeia, Eurofins and the United Natural Products Alliance.

The National Center for Natural Products Research, housed in the School of Pharmacy, was established in 1995 to discover, develop and commercialize natural products that have promise as pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. The center partnered in 2001 with the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition to develop methods and standards for botanical formulations sold as dietary supplements.

Both the center's research and the annual conference it hosts are important to help ensure the quality and safety of dietary supplements, Khan said.

"Over the years it has developed into an ICSB community," he said. "Everyone looks forward to seeing each other."

Top: More than 400 scientists, policymakers and industry leaders from 30 countries are set to gather in Oxford for the 23rd annual International Conference on Science of Botanicals, set for April 7-10. The conference will feature some 180 presentations on topics ranging from the quality and safety of ashwagandha to the use of artificial intelligence to develop safer, more effective supplements. Illustration by Stefanie Goodwiller/University Marketing and Communications