Qatar- Conference to study medicinal herbs in Islamic texts begins

With an aim to develop an interdisciplinary framework for the study of herbal medicine in Qatar, the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) is organising a two-day conference titled 'Wild, Medical Plants, Islamic Knowledge and Botanical Preservation in Qatar and the Gulf: An Interdisciplinary Approach.
The conference, started yesterday in collaboration with the Quranic Botanic Garden (QBG) at Qatar Foundation (QF), aimed to provide an opportunity to plan an interdisciplinary approach to study medicinal herbs, including those mentioned in the Holy Quran and other sacred Islamic texts. It also aimed to raise awareness on the importance of traditional herbs in the modern medical context. The opening session was attended by CAS Dean Dr Rashid Al Kuwari, CHSS Director Dr Kaltham Al Ghanim, QBG Director Ms Fatima Al-Khulaifi, Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Prof Ali Al-Qaradaghi and CHSS researchers, as well as CAS faculty and students.
The programme agenda featured five sessions and many presentations delivered by Prof Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Professor at QU College of Medicine Dr Serhiy Souchelnytskyi, Professor of Organic Chemistry at CAS Chemistry and Earth Sciences Department Prof Hala Al-Easa, QU Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) Research Assistant Professor Dr J Jed Brown, and Professor of Organic Chemistry and Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies, Research and External Relations at the University of Nizwa, Oman Prof Ahmed Al-Harasi.
They presented on 'The study of Medical Plants in Islam, 'Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Cancer, 'Qatar's Natural Pharmacy, 'Comparative study of the chemical composition of the halophyte species native to the Arabian Gulf, and 'Medical uses of Frankincense, Luban.
A sideline exhibition featured information booths on medicinal plants and their seeds and leaves, as well as the medicinal plant products.
Dr Rashid Al Kuwari said: 'This conference brings together experts from various fields to highlight the importance of medical and pharmaceutical research in studying the enormous possibility of using wild plants in Qatar and the region to produce medicines to treat diseases, including cancer. We look forward to the fruitful results that will emanate from the discussions and bring hope to millions of patients for a safe and affordable 'Made in Qatar medicine.
'The conference aims to develop an interdisciplinary framework for the study of herbal medicine in Qatar and the Gulf region. The results will contribute to designing future interdisciplinary projects that involve faculty from QU colleges of Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Sharia and Islamic Studies, said Dr Kaltham Al-Ghanim.

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