Dr. Akram Fallah is a prominent expert in Iranian Traditional Medicine and Chinese Medicine, with over 25 years of experience in private practice in Tehran. She holds a PhD in Iranian Traditional Medicine (2021-2024) and a General Doctorate from Iran University of Medical Science (1985-1992). Additionally, Dr. Fallah completed an International Diploma in Acupuncture from Beijing (2010-2011). Her research contributions include essays on “Mix and Match in Traditional Medicine” and the comparative study of wind concepts in Iranian and Chinese medicine. She also holds certifications in Cosmetic Acupuncture and Advanced Leech Therapy.

Abstract

Traditional North American Indigenous Medicine is a holistic, relational, and story-based system of healing that emphasizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, spirit, and community. Drawing from primarily Cherokee and Lakota traditions, the presenter has interviewed traditional healing elders who teach that healing is not simply about treating symptoms but involves restoring balance and harmony within the individual and between the individual and their environment. Indigenous Medicine’s foundation rests on relationships—with the earth, ancestors, animals, and other people—and recognizes that stories, ceremonies, and rituals have therapeutic power, capable of changing illness outcomes and guiding personal transformation. According to the healing elders interviewed, traditional Indigenous Medicine harnesses spiritual and communal resources, viewing disease as both a physical and spiritual imbalance. Healing often involves engaging with elders, medicine people, sweat lodges, vision quests, herbal medicines, and specific ceremonies that help realign life forces. Stories—especially those told during healing rituals—play a central role, helping the patient re-narrate their experience and create meaning from hardship or illness. The healing elders interviewed were in favor of integrating Indigenous principles with western medical practices, not as an alternative but as a complementary approach for cases where conventional medicine. They described some seemingly miraculous recoveries, especially some who were chronically ill or deemed untreatable, as evidence of the efficacy of Indigenous Medicine. Ultimately, they regarded traditional Indigenous Medicine as vital for “whole person” healing, offering pathways to recovery, resilience, and thriving beyond disease.

Abstract

The use of phytopharmaceuticals has risen due to the perception that natural medications are safer than their synthetic counterparts. This trend has been fueled by the abundance of market-driven information promoting natural products. Recent insights into the many targets and complexities of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as well as its role in maintaining homeostasis, have led to a renewed interest in cannabinoids beyond the primary  ones  for  potential  drug  development.
However, a significant challenge in utilizing natural
products for preventive medicine and disease treatment is their bioavailability, and cannabis products face this issue as well. Therefore, there is a need to enhance bioavailability while minimizing any harmful effects linked to cannabinoid delivery. Introducing one or more fluorine atoms into these molecules can notably influence their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.
Several fluorinated cannabinol compounds were created first through an electrophilic fluorination process. This resulted in the formation of two mono-fluorinated aromatic ring products, a difluorinated aromatic ring product and four new oxidized polyfluorinated cyclohexadienones. Two of these are difluorinated isomers and two are trifluorinated isomers Additionally, difluoromethoxy (OCF2H) and trifluoromethoxy (OCF3) fluorinated cannabinol triflates, along with cannabinol triflate and carboxy difluoromethylated cannabinol structural motifs, were successfully synthesized. All of the resulting products were effectively isolated and thoroughly characterized using spectroscopy. Plans for future research are underway to explore the structure–activity relationships and biological properties of these compounds.
Research interests encompass cannabinoid synthetic chemistry, organic synthesis, and development and mechanistic investigations, complemented by a proficiency in synthesis, photochemical and coupling processes, transition metal catalysis, photophysical studies, and spectroscopic techniques. My research motto is to find ways to benefit humanity.

Abstract

Medicinal plants are well recognized for their health benefits as well as their impact on sustainable agricultural systems. Their knowledge and use have declined over the years due to the use of synthetic medication for primary health care and lack of documentation of indigenous knowledge and awareness of their importance. Furthermore, their contribution to the agriculture output is relatively small compared to food crops and the biggest challenge is that most of them are not yet commercialized. However, during COVID-19 pandemic, many countries were on lockdown and enforced strict quarantine protocols. As a result, most communities relied on traditional medicinal practices as their primary healthcare source for treatment and prevention of ailments. Therefore, medicinal plants gained popularity but as a gap in literature, most were not documented and scientifically analyzed for their effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of this study is to document medicinal plants, and the concoctions used during the pandemic. Moreover, to scientifically conduct essays to validate their effectiveness with a goal of new drug discovery of plant-based drugs with no synthetic chemicals and less side effects. The study will follow a mixed method approach using Participatory Rapid Appraisal methods and quantitative analysis of biochemicals and bioassays. Furthermore, metabolomics and phytochemicals will be studied because they can improve human health. Moreover, the study forms part of bioprospecting research with community engagement, improving green spaces and product development.