Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Reza F. Ghohestani
Texas Institute of Dermatology
USA
Keynote: Personalized Medicine: What's New ?
Time : 09:15-09:45
Biography:
Dr. Ghohestani completed his internship in surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, the Nation’s first hospital and one of the top 100 hospitals in U.S. He then did a residency in dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University, one of the top dermatology programs in the country. He obtained a master’s degree in Cutaneous Biology, Cosmetology, and Skin Pharmacology, and a Ph.D. in Skin Immunobiology from Claude Bernard University , one of the top Universities in France. He was mentored by professors Jean Thivolet, Alan Claudy, and Jean Francois Nicolas. Dr. Ghohestani then did a Molecular Biology fellowship at the Nice School of Medicine, Nice, France. Dr. Ghohestani served as the principal investigator and team leader for many years at various Academic Institutes. His research was funded by the National Institute of Health, the Dermatology Foundation, and the American Skin Association, among others. Dr. Ghohestani was on Faculty as an Assistant and then Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University (1998 – 2007) before moving to San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Ghohestani is a former Chief and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Ghohestani has been recently selected as a member of National Institute of Medicine and counsel to President. Dr. Ghohestani’s outstanding work and dedication to excellence have earned him numerous honors and peer recognitions including the American Skin Association Career Award, the Dermatology Foundation Career Award, the Charles Grupper Prize by the French Society of Dermatology, the Stelwagon Award for Best Publication by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the Commitment to Professionalism award by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Ghohestani is skilled in the art and science of skin care, dermatology and surgery. He continually searches for and implements the best treatment options for his patients. Dr. Ghohestani has published over 100 papers and abstracts in medical journals. He also served as the co-editor of the European Journal of Dermatology from 2001-2008. He speaks frequently to a variety of public and professional organizations.
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Namrita Lall
University of Pretoria
South Africa
Keynote: Green medicines and cosmeceuticals
Time : 10:30-12:30
Biography:
Namrita Lall has completed his Ph.D from the University of Pretoria and was a visiting scientist at the University of Illinois, Chicago and Kings College London. She has published more than 100 papers in reputed. She is also the co-inventor of 12 national and international patents. At only 45, this medicinal plant scientist at the University of Pretoria is ranked in the top 1% of the global Essential Science Indicators list of influential academics who write about pharmacology and toxicology. Earlier this year, she received the Order of Mapungubwe- South Africa’s highest honour - from President Jacob Zuma, in recognition of her research. She is a finalist in the 2014 National Science and Technology Forum Award in the category that recognises the outstanding contributions of researchers over the past 10 years.
Abstract:
South Africa has a wealthy supply of plants (about 23 500 species of higher plants). South African plants for various purposes such as infectious diseases, cancer, skin-hyperpigmentation problems, melasma, Periodontal diseases, and for ACNE problem have been scientifically investigated. Steady progress in evaluating potential medicinal plants for product development with dermatological importance has been made. \r\n\r\nA significant number of plants with potential inhibitory activity against Propionibacterium acnes are undergoing clinical studies. Colonization of this bacteria contribute to the etiology of the disease; ‘Acne vulgaris’ which is a most common skin disorder. Several agents which have been found to interfere with the transcription of genes encoding tyrosinase- protein, have been identified which are being considered to result in marketed product with application for skin-disorders such as melasma, skin-hyperpigmentation etc. There has not been any product for combating these problems thus far from South African plants. The sample formulated into a cream was applied on 25 healthy volunteers for skin-irritacy testing at an industry, “Future Cosmetics” in Pretoria. The sample did not show any irritacy effect, rather soothing effect was observed. The samples were further subjected to clinical studies and has been recommended for their use for melisma and skin-toning purposes. The research results have attracted a number of national and international Cosmeceutical companies who are willing to commercialise selected South African plant extracts and purified compounds emanated from our research. This is of important economic value because at present South African companies import cosmetic actives from overseas. The impact of research and development into local plants will therefore have huge spin-offs for both communities and cosmetic companies. \r\n