Abstract:

Natural products have long been central to pharmaceutical development, playing key roles in the fight against cancer, infectious diseases, and other global health challenges. Between 1980 and 2019, natural compounds contributed to 75% of small-molecule anticancer drugs, 55% of antibacterial drugs, and 83% of anti-Alzheimer’s drugs, among others. As the global demand for these life-saving treatments continues to grow, there are immense opportunities to advance research in this field. The market for botanical and plant-derived drugs surged from US$29.4 billion in 2017 to US$39.6 billion in 2022, and the global herbal medicine market is projected to reach US$279.8 billion by 2028. Beyond medicine, products such as nutraceuticals, food preservation, cosmetics, and agriculture crop protectants are also experiencing rapid growth with the nutraceutical market alone valued at US$591 billion in 2024. This seminar will delve into how natural products—particularly those from plants, microbes, and marine organisms continue to offer exciting solutions for both health and industry.