The department aims to conduct the following studies and research:
A comprehensive survey of wild plant species, classifying them, determining their distribution, availability, and rarity in various Yemeni environments.
Conducting scientific experiments on medicinal plants to develop medicines, in line with the policy of localizing the pharmaceutical industry.
Conducting agricultural research on Yemeni medicinal plants, developing and adapting some international medicinal plants.
Integrating traditional practices and treatments whose benefits have been scientifically proven and subjected to clinical trials into the country's comprehensive health programs.
Extracting flavor, aroma, and color enhancers from plants growing in Yemen for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Encouraging the perfume industry using plants.
Collecting and documenting Yemeni expertise in herbal medicine.
Establishing a herbarium and museum of medicinal and aromatic plants, housing all herbs used in traditional medicine.
Collecting and preserving endangered Yemeni genetic resources.
Organizing, promoting, and developing scientific research in Yemeni traditional medicine across all its fields.
Directing scientific research in traditional medicine to evaluate and refine traditional medical practices and methods in light of modern science.
Linking traditional medicine research to the country's public health policy and its health, cultural, and social needs.
This section includes six research units:
1- Plant Classification and Herbarium Unit
This unit aims to:
Survey, inventory, and classify the vegetation cover in the Yemeni governorates, document it, and prepare floristic atlases in Arabic and English that include all plant species in different environments and regions, identify their distribution, and classify them into types (wild, cultivated, medicinal, economic, poisonous, endemic, introduced, and invasive) (trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, annuals, biennials, perennials, evergreens, and deciduous).
Survey, inventory, and classify medicinal and aromatic plants in the Yemeni governorates, document them, and prepare floristic atlases in Arabic and English that include (family name, genus, species, botanical description, habitat and geographical distribution, flowering period, plant organ used, active medicinal chemical, importance, and medicinal use) for each medicinal plant species.
Establish a comprehensive database analyzing the current state of vegetation cover, including the scientific name of the plant species (Latin), plant type (tree – (Shrubby-herbaceous), flowering period, economic importance, geographical affiliation.
Collecting and preserving plant samples to create a national herbarium encompassing most Yemeni plants and developing a sound database to serve researchers and specialists.
2- Chemistry and Taxonomy Unit
This unit specializes in the following:
Collecting and documenting medicinal plants and herbs in Yemen and identifying their chemical constituents.
Analyzing Yemeni medicinal and aromatic plants to identify their active ingredients, extract and purify these substances, and determine their chemical composition.
Isolating and identifying chemical compounds as active ingredients for use in medicines or as raw materials for pharmaceutical manufacturing in final production.
Preparing and establishing standards for Yemeni medicinal plants as a foundation for creating a Yemeni herbal pharmacopoeia.
Studying, classifying, and documenting Yemeni medicinal and aromatic plants according to geographical regions.
Preparing atlases of Yemeni medicinal and aromatic plants and poisonous plants.
3- Microbiology and Parasitology Unit
This unit specializes in the following:
Understanding the effects of plant extracts or active ingredients on living organisms. Microbiology.
Isolation and identification of microorganisms and parasites that cause various diseases in humans and animals.
Determining the effect of extracts or pure active ingredients on microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites by conducting experiments on cultures in vitro or within laboratory animals infected with bacteria.
Performing antibiotic sensitivity tests and antimicrobial activity tests for various plant extracts and compounds of plant origin.
Studying the properties of Yemeni medicinal plants and their extracts in stimulating and suppressing the immune system.
Studying the effect of plant extracts and pure active ingredients on cancer cells and healthy cells in vitro.
4- Biological and Toxicological Studies Unit
Conducting toxicological studies to ensure the safety of herbal medicines and identify side effects.
Conducting biological studies of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of medicinal and aromatic plants to determine the effect of plant extracts or active ingredients in their crude or pure form on laboratory animals and isolated animal tissues. This aims to confirm their efficacy in light of their use in traditional medicine and to determine their pharmacological properties. These experiments are conducted concurrently with the steps of Separating the active ingredients from these plants.
Studying the side effects of plant extracts or active ingredients by conducting toxicological studies to ensure drug safety and determining the LD50 (lethal dose) of 50% of the animals under study.
5- Pharmaceutical and Aromatic Preparations Unit
This unit offers training and research programs designed to acquire advanced specialized knowledge and skills in pharmacology, phytotherapy, and herbal medicine. The unit's programs also aim to prepare qualified professionals capable of using the best scientific methods for the production and manufacturing of pharmaceutical and aromatic preparations.
6- Production and Post-Harvest Handling Unit
This unit aims to prepare scientifically competent professionals capable of increasing the productivity of medicinal and aromatic plants under optimal agricultural conditions, achieving a high-quality yield of active ingredients, and developing the best harvesting, storage, handling, export, and post-harvest handling methods. This unit also offers programs for producing medicinal and aromatic plants using organic and biodynamic farming methods. Additionally, this unit develops programs for pest, disease, and weed control.
