Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
07:37
An Integrated Raman Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry Platform to Study Single-Cell Drug Uptake, Metabolism, and Effects
Published on: January 9, 2020
[JSPS-NRCT Core university program on natural medicine in pharmaceutical sciences]
Ikuo Saiki1, Mikako Yamazaki, Kinzo Matsumoto
1Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural medicine, University of Toyama, Japan. byosei@inm.u-toyama.ac.jp
Summary
This international research program focuses on natural medicine within pharmaceutical sciences. It unites Japanese and Thai institutions to explore natural products for treating age-related diseases, allergies, cancer, and infections.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Natural Medicine Research
- International Cooperation
Context:
- The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) support this collaborative initiative.
- Core universities include the Institute of Natural Medicine at University of Toyama (Japan), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), and Chulabhorn Research Institute (Thailand).
- The program involves 20 member institutions across Japan and Thailand.
Purpose:
- To conduct cooperative research focused on natural medicine in pharmaceutical sciences.
- To foster international scientific collaboration between Japan and Thailand.
- To advance knowledge on natural products for therapeutic applications.
Summary:
- The JSPS-NRCT Core University Program facilitates international research on natural medicine.
- Five key research areas include age-related diseases, allergy/cancer, hepatitis/infectious diseases, natural product synthesis/bioactivity, and Thai medicinal plant molecular biology.
- The program promotes sharing of academic and scientific knowledge on natural medicines.
Impact:
- Strengthens international research networks in natural medicine.
- Facilitates the discovery and development of novel therapeutics from natural sources.
- Enhances understanding of Thai medicinal plants and their components.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Production of Pharmaceuticals
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under sterile, tightly...
01:25Drug Regulation
Drug regulation encompasses the management of drug usage by evaluating its safety and efficacy through assessments conducted by regulatory authorities. Regrettably, the history of drug regulation is marred by several catastrophic events. One such incident is the Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, in which the toxic compound diethyl glycol was included in a sweet-tasting medication, leading to numerous fatalities. This event prompted the enactment of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under...
01:26Drug Discovery: Overview
Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...
01:26Pharmaceutical Equivalents
As defined by regulatory standards, pharmaceutical equivalents require generic drug products to have identical dosage forms and chemically identical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). They must adhere to compendial or applicable standards for potency, content uniformity, disintegration times, and dissolution rates. In the case of modified-release dosage forms, variations in drug content are permissible as long as the delivered amount remains consistent with the innovator drug product.
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...