Pakistan possesses a remarkable abundance of medicinal plants, exceeding 400 distinct varieties, according to prominent Pakistani scientist Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman.
Speaking at a special lecture titled ‘Some Exciting Developments in Natural Product Chemistry and Higher Education’ at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, he noted that Pakistan’s eight diverse climatic zones support an estimated 6,000 plant species.
The H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry at the University of Karachi has amassed approximately 6,000 extracts from 2,200 plants across these regions, creating the largest such collection in the area. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS and UNESCO Chair Holder, also spoke at the Thursday event, which drew a large audience of students, researchers, and faculty.
Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, highlighted the groundbreaking research conducted under his guidance on bioactive substances derived from native medicinal plants. He emphasized that the H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry is recognized for its work in natural product chemistry and holds 6,000 natural substances and extracts sourced from 2,200 plants gathered across Pakistan.
Shifting to neuroscience, he mentioned that epilepsy affects 50 to 60 million individuals worldwide, with causes ranging from genetic factors and birth defects to severe head injuries, ischemic damage, and tumors. He shared information on the advancement of promising anti-epileptic substances with significant therapeutic possibilities.
He also explained the molecular mechanisms behind memory storage and discussed notable research on various brain disorders. Additionally, he described synthetic approaches to the anti-cancer medications Velbe and Oncovin. Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman concluded by outlining how his policies as Federal Minister of Science and Technology and Founding Chairman of the Higher Education Commission reshaped higher education in Pakistan. A question-and-answer session followed the lecture.