SIPAM-7: International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

Context

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine practices for healthcare.

Medicinal plants continue to be used to treat numerous diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and depression, in both developed and developing countries.

According to the WHO, medicinal plants are accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate primary healthcare sources for over 80% of the global population.

The international market for herbal products is estimated at $62 billion and could reach $5 trillion by 2050.

Interestingly, the lack of effective drugs to combat COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic drove many scientists to explore medicinal plants used in traditional medicine across various cultures to assess their effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This was reflected in an increasing number of scientific publications over the past two years.

Even today, with the successful discovery of vaccines against this virus, many countries, particularly in the developing world, continue research on medicinal plants to prevent/cure COVID-19 using a sustainable approach.

Multifunctional MAPs remain a crucial component of healthcare systems for both humans and livestock in many developing countries.

The growing global demand for natural and environmentally friendly products highlights the significant potential of BioCommerce to strengthen national economies and rural livelihoods.

The use of medicinal plants could also advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly by ending poverty and protecting the planet.

Seven SDGs can be addressed by relying on traditional ethnobotanical knowledge:

(1) No poverty

(2) Zero hunger

(3) Good health and well-being

(12) Responsible consumption and production

(13) Climate action

(15) Life on land

(17) Partnerships for the goals

Interest in MAPs is growing globally.

However, the adaptation of medicinal and aromatic plants to global challenges must be addressed.

The competitiveness and sustainability of value chains for cultivated or wild plants used for medicinal and cosmetic products are often under pressure.

Research and development of MAPs through domestication, improvement, and innovation in cultivation techniques are key factors for competitiveness and adaptation to environmental changes, particularly climate change.

Given issues of desertification, water resources, and climate change, developing MAP cultivation instead of other water-intensive crops will help better manage limited natural resources and provide significant additional income, especially for women.

In many challenging regions, women, traditionally responsible for crops and land-related work, are particularly vulnerable due to the unequal distribution of roles, resources, and power between women and men.

Following the SIPAM-1 to SIPAM-6 editions, organized by the Arid Regions Research Institute (IRA) in collaboration with national and international partners, which have become platforms for communication and exchange of experiences for renowned scientists, young researchers, traditional health practitioners, NGOs, policymakers, farmers, government agencies, and industries working on various aspects of medicinal and aromatic plants worldwide.

The Seventh International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (SIPAM-7) will be held in Djerba (Tunisia), from April 11 to 13, 2025.

The scientific program of SIPAM-7 covers all aspects of MAPs, including phytochemistry and bioactivity of natural products, plant-based functional foods, innovative extraction processes, pharmacology, cosmetics, and toxicology of MAPs, as well as herbal medicines.

SIPAM-7 represents a real opportunity for collaboration and networking for future research, particularly in promoting and developing medicinal and aromatic plants for one health.

Themes