National Seminar on “Herbs for Holistic Health”-20.12.2016

 

Medicinal plants have been acknowledged and are extremely valued all over the world as prosperous source of bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of ailments.  In this view the Department of Zoology and the Department of Home Science with Food Biotechnology, Fatima College, Madurai in collaboration with Lakshmi Seva Sangam, Gandhigram Trust organised a National Seminar on “Herbs for Holistic Health” on 20 Dec, 2016.  The seminar was inaugurated by Dr.Mathew Dan, Senior Scientist, Plant Genetic Resource Division, Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala.  He addressed the participants on “Conservation and Sustainable utilization of Medicinal Plants” and highlighted on endangered plant species and its conservation strategies. The plenary session was presided by Dr.Hannah Rachel Vasanthi, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University. She delivered a lecture on “Herbal Remedies for Metabolic disorders” and stated the role and importance of medicinal plants in preventing degenerative diseases. Dr.A.Rohini B.S.M.S and Dr. P.Sivaranjani B.A.M.S from Lakshmi Seva Sangam focussed on “Home Remedies from Plant Resources” and benefited the participants with free medical consultation (Siddha). To inculcate awareness on herbal medicines they have exhibited various herbal products for sale. Students, research scholars and faculty members from various colleges participated and presented their research findings. The participants opinioned that the seminar was a golden opportunity for them to acquaint with medicinal plants. On the whole the seminar was a great success in enabling the participants to gain in-depth knowledge on preserving medicinal plants and to make the best use of commonly available medicinal plants effectively.