Our natural product discovery programs utilize bioactive natural products as an advanced starting point for discovery. These are �pre-validated by nature�, having been optimized for interaction with biological macromolecules through evolutionary selection processes.  Embedded in these bioactive natural products are a number of diverse, chiral functional groups which are potential sites for protein binding. This diverse source of novel, active agents serve as leads/scaffolds for elaboration into desperately needed efficacious drugs for a multitude of disease indications.  We begin with Ayurvedic medicine research, clinical experiences, observations or available data on actual use in patients as a starting point. We use principles of systems biology where holistic yet rational analysis is done to address multiple therapeutic requirements. Since safety of the materials is already established from traditional use track record, we undertake pharmaceutical development, safety validation and pharmacodynamic studies in parallel to controlled clinical studies. Thus, drug discovery based on Ayurveda follows a 'Reverse Pharmacology' path from Clinics to Laboratories.  We aim to reconfigure products into chemical hybrid �Molecular Legos� and to screen the deck of diverse compounds against targets. A significant disadvantage of natural products is the draconian organic synthesis/medicinal chemistry effort required for commercialization. In many cases, the availability of the natural-product compound is not sufficient for various biological assays, thereby limiting their exploration. We offer unique and elegant solutions to these twin challenges by bringing together structure guided drug design and hybrid molecule synthesis.

Natural products for drug discovery and development: Inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Mother Nature reverse pharmacology and systems approaches for chemical biology, drug discovery, and development

248th National Meeting (2014)

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