Mission and Area of Focus

CENAP's goals closely parallel several of Florida International University's five strategic themes. In particular, the Center focuses on human health. Natural products are irreplaceable source of medicines. This is true in the developed world, where 25% of prescription medicines trace their origin to plants and is especially true in developing countries, where most people rely on plant medicines as their primary therapeutic agents. Second, CENAP is tied closely to the University's environmental theme. Maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable harvest of plant and animal resources is crucial to the continued utilization of natural products. Third, CENAP will clearly take an international focus. The tropics are rich sources of secondary products. In addition, Florida's rich ethnic makeup and proximity to Latin America provides opportunities not found elsewhere. Studies of natural products require multi-discipline research teams. Ethnobotanists and anthropologists collect data on traditional uses of natural products and consider the cultural context of their uses. Systematic biologists identify the source of natural products. Molecular biologists and pharmacognocists determine the mode of action of secondary compounds. Chemists isolate and identify the active components of these compounds. CENAP will create an environment for cross-discipline interaction and will facilitate joint-funding activities.

The Center's objectives include the following: A. Research -Identify natural products used in healing -Quantify bioactivity of natural product extracts -Identify, characterize, and quantify secondary compounds from natural products using standard methods -Develop new analytical methods to identify, characterize, quantify, secondary compounds from natural products -Identify action mechanisms of these secondary compounds -Investigate the potential health effects of natural products -Examine the ecological and evolutionary distribution and role of natural products in nature -Determine the sustainability of harvesting biological resources B. Public Service -Inform the public on the safety and efficacy of herbal products through popular publications -Consult with the herbal industry on the chemistry and biology of natural products -Present public seminars on botanicals and plant-derived medicines -Train graduate students in the study of natural products -Train undergraduates, particularly pre-med students, in the role of natural products in health systems -Train foreign students and professionals in botanical medicines -Offer CPE (Continuing Pharmacy Education) and CME (Continuing Medical Education) courses in the use and efficacy of herbal medicines