The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine successfully hosted a guest lecture entitled “From Jungle to Pharmacy: Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Compounds with Beneficial Pharmacological Activities,” delivered by Prof. Ts. Dr. Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. The lecture discussed the potential of natural bioactive compounds in the development of modern medicine, particularly in medical and veterinary medicine fields.
In his remarks, Prof. Agung Budiyanto, DVM., M.P., Ph.D., stated that the topic was highly engaging and would provide numerous opportunities for all participants to understand the development of natural medicine research and its future development opportunities.
In his presentation, Prof. Zainul explained that nature is the primary source of various bioactive compounds with highly beneficial pharmacological activities. Several compounds such as ivermectin, curcumin, and morphine demonstrate that many modern medicines, including veterinary drugs, are derived from natural products. In addition to discussing the use of natural medicines, he also highlighted the challenges of using crude extracts compared to pure bioactive compounds.
The event was interactive, the participants enthutiastically discussed the development of herbal medicines based on scientific evidence, particularly in addressing the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and the need for new therapies in the veterinary field.
Through this activity, it is hoped that the students can broaden their insights and knowledge regarding the use of natural resources as materials for developing modern medicines and understand the importance of a scientific approach that is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Especially in SDGs 3 Good Health and Well-being through the development of safer and research-based medicines, as well as SDGs 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by increasing research innovation related to bioactive compounds from natural resources, and SDGs 15 Life on Land by increasing awareness regarding the importance of conservation and sustainable exploration of biological resources. This event also supports SDGs 17 as it strengthen education partnership betwen faculty of veterinary medicine UGM and Universiti Malaya Sabah.
