Phytochemistry and Herbal Medicine

The Phytochemistry and Herbal Medicine program focuses on cutting-edge research and technological innovations in herbal medicine, plant-based drug development, and botanical supplements for human and animal health. We study the bioactivity of extracts or active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) derived from Taiwan-grown Formosan or Western medicinal plants to decipher their novel nutraceutical and medical effects and modes of action for animal or human health care. This program also includes metabolic engineering research and technologies to understand the biosynthesis or production of key bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, anticipating enhancement of their agricultural traits. Integrate “omics” technological platforms—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, immunomics, and metabolomics are launched to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of botanical drugs or APIs in animal/human disease control or to unravel phytochemical biosynthetic pathways in medicinal plants. Additionally, we explore secondary metabolite interactions across kingdoms, e.g., between plant, animal, insect, and/or microbial species to address global warming-associated agricultural or disease-related challenges. Our long-term goal is to develop frontier biotechnologies for sustainable medicinal plant resources and API production beneficial for agricultural and biomedical applications.