Nature's pharmacological potential covered in Professor Ara Kirakosyan's lecture at YSU

Traditional approaches to drug discovery need to be reconsidered. What are the limitations of the "one drug, one target" concept, and how do plants defend themselves against pathogenic microorganisms? These questions and other unexplored aspects of natural pharmacology were addressed by scientist Ara Kirakosyan, Chief Science Officer at US-based Pure Green Pharmaceuticals, during a lecture at the YSU Faculty of Biology.

YSU alumnus Ara Kirakosyan discussed current challenges in obtaining biologically active compounds from natural sources, studying their properties and applying them in pharmaceuticals.

New challenges in pharmaceuticals and nature's "intelligence"

The speaker noted that although a significant proportion of modern medicines are derived from natural sources, discovering new drug compounds remains challenging. In particular, the traditional "one drug, one target" approach is not always effective.

According to Kirakosyan, plants have their own defense mechanisms against microorganisms, while many plant compounds exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant activity.

"What I want to emphasize here is this: although many phytochemicals exhibit antimicrobial activity, none of them has been developed into a registered antibiotic. That is a fact," Kirakosyan stressed.

Functional metabolomics and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES)

The lecture particularly emphasized functional metabolomics and network pharmacology, which help researchers uncover the complex chemical systems found in plants and understand the mechanisms underlying their biological effects.

The professor also presented research on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). These systems form through specific molar ratios of primary metabolites, including sugars, organic acids, and amino acids, and can retain and protect biologically active plant compounds in solution.

The use of NADES opens up new opportunities for green chemistry and the efficient extraction of natural compounds. The lecture also addressed development prospects for personalized medicine.

Expanding scientific cooperation

The meeting, attended by students, researchers and lecturers of YSU Faculty of Biology, concluded with a question-and-answer session. Participants discussed potential avenues for joint research, engaging young scientists and expanding cooperation through international grant programs.

Nature still holds many such undiscovered secrets, and interdisciplinary, innovative research may hold the key to unlocking them.