Universitas Nasional (UNAS), in collaboration with the Center for Botanicals and Chronic Diseases (CBCD) and Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA, successfully held the 2nd International Conference on Natural Products and Chronic Diseases (IC-NCD) 2024. The conference took place in a hybrid format, both online and onsite at the UNAS Auditorium, Jakarta, on Wednesday and Thursday, October 30–31, 2024.
The conference brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and discuss innovations and challenges related to using natural products in managing chronic diseases. It aimed to foster collaboration and sustainable solutions through knowledge exchange and professional networking. IC-NCD 2024 also highlighted the importance of mentorship opportunities and multi-sectoral engagement—academia, industry, and policy sectors—in translating scientific discoveries into practical applications.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Ir. Nonon Saribanon, M.Si., Chair of the IC-NCD 2024 Organizing Committee, welcomed the speakers and participants. She emphasized this year’s focus on the bioactive potential of natural compounds to improve quality of life while aligning with the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Through scientific sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, IC-NCD 2024 seeks to cultivate a collaborative spirit and empower us to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community,” said Dr. Nonon.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ernawati Sinaga, M.S., Apt., Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation at UNAS, expressed appreciation for the collaboration that made the conference possible. “IC-NCD 2024 is the result of a strong partnership among UNAS, CBCD Indonesia, and Rutgers University,” she noted.
This year’s theme, “Natural Products for Quality of Life, Good Health, and Well-Being Towards Achieving the SDGs”, addresses the increasing global interest in harnessing nature’s potential to improve health outcomes and sustainable development. “Natural products have played a vital role in human health and wellness for centuries—from traditional medicine to modern pharmaceuticals,” said Prof. Erna. “At this conference, experts from various disciplines will share their insights, highlighting the latest research and innovations in the field.”
Day One Highlights
The first day featured opening remarks followed by keynote and plenary sessions. Among the prominent speakers were:
- Prof. Dr. Ilya Raskin, Rutgers University, USA
- Dr. Joseph M. Betz, Former Director, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, USA – “Scientific and Regulatory Challenges to Research on Traditional Medicines, Dietary Supplements, and Other Health Foods”
- Dr. Paula N. Brown, Director of Applied Research, Natural Health & Food Products, BCIT, Canada – “Sustainable Supply Chains and Regulatory Compliance for Botanicals”
- Prof. Vyacheslav Dushenkov, The City University of New York, USA – “Pricing Nature: The True Value of Biodiversity”
- Prof. Dr. dr. Muhammad Irsan Saleh, M.Biomed., Universitas Sriwijaya – “Karamunting (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa): An Abandoned Plant with Anti-Diabetic Potential”
- Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., Universitas Sumatera Utara – “Vernonia amygdalina Delile: A Natural Solution in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer”
Day Two Highlights
On the second day, plenary sessions continued with presentations by:
- Dr. Ir. Nonon Saribanon, M.Si., UNAS – “Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by the Donggo Ele Tribe in West Nusa Tenggara”
- Prof. Dr. Syamsudin, M.Biomed., Apt., Universitas Pancasila – “Application of Fucoidan from Sargassum sp. for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment”.
- Prof. Dr. Saidbeg Satorov, Medical Social Institute of Tajikistan – “Pharmacognostic Properties of Endemic Ferula Species in Tajikistan”
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Shah, Pharm.D., M.Phil., Ph.D., Hazara University, Pakistan – “Green Preparation of Berberine-Rich Extract and Its Pharmacological Evaluation”
- Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Khamsah Suryati Mohd, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia – “Stingless Bee Propolis: Untapped Resources for the Pharmaceutical and Agro-Based Industries – Standardization Challenges”
Parallel Sessions and Training Certificate Award
In addition to the plenary sessions, IC-NCD 2024 featured parallel oral presentations held in both online and offline formats. These sessions were moderated by Dr. Vivitri Dewi Prasasty, M.Si., Dr. Fitriah Basalamah, M.Si., and Astri Rozanah Siregar, S.Pd., S.Si., M.Si. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to capacity-building trainees from UNAS, Universitas Pancasila, and Universitas Sriwijaya. These participants completed a research training program collaboratively organized by UNAS and Rutgers University to strengthen research competencies.
