Plants have been the primary source of medical-therapeutic treatment for mankind throughout the ages and have provided the fundamental basis for the scientific development of modern drug therapy. Plants may be interpreted, in fact, as a chemistry laboratory as they synthesize a terrific number of different compounds (primary and secondary metabolites) which constitute the so-called “phytocomplex”.

According to the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), “Phytotherapy is the science-based medicinal use of plants and preparations derived from them, in the treatment, alleviation and / or prevention of disease or injury, according to recognised standards of quality, safety and efficacy” (www.escop.com).

The remarkable role played by herbal medicinal products led to the establishment in 1992 of the Italian Society of Phytotherapy (Società Italiana di Fitoterapia, S.I.Fit.), which operates with multiple purposes: 1) it promotes the use of plant-based compounds within modern medicine; 2) it encourages the process of transition from empirical phytotherapy to a phytotherapy supported by scientific evidence; and 3) it supports scientific research on medicinal plants and their dissemination.

Every year, S.I.Fit. organizes the Italian Phytotherapy Congress where distinguished phytotherapy experts present and debate on various cutting-edge topics. This year’s event was held from the 20th to 22nd of May in the founding city of the society (Siena, Italy) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Italian Society of Phytotherapy.
The publishing house Teknoscienze (Tks Publisher) was invited to the event by Dr. Marco Biagi, S.I.Fit. secretary-general.

The 30th Italian Congress on Phytotherapy focused on the fundamental role that plant-based products have in the scientific evidence-based medicine. Notably, phytocomplexes were articulated in their three main cores: the pharmaceutical, the dietary supplement, and the cosmetic. The role of research in all these three aspects of phytotherapy, in both human and veterinary dual guises, was deeply discussed.

The conference attendees and speakers were academic researchers, industrial manufacturers, and pharmacists, showing that there must exists also a solid communication and collaboration between universities and companies in order to give the phytotherapy product its due recognition.

Professor Daniela Giachetti, President of S.I.Fit., during her heartfelt opening remarks at the 30th Italian Congress on Phytotherapy, pointed out the great change that phytotherapy has experienced over these years. Phytotherapy has been considered for a long time a pharmacotherapy niche and, as such, needed to be defended from the wrongly denigration perpetuated by the synthetic pharmaceutical chemistry. Nowadays, phytotherapy is again appraised as a valid treatment and prevention method and, as it is greatly appreciated by the consumers, it is now a market sector where all companies want to be present (especially food companies). Next, Prof. Giachetti emphasized how the role of S.I.Fit. has changed as a result of the evolution of phytotherapy and underlined the pivotal importance of scientific research to elevate medicinal plants beyond fashion and marketing. Finally, the President conveyed her satisfaction in welcoming so many scientific societies and institutions that have always been close and collaborative, sharing with S.I.Fit. the desire to promote the proper use of plant products.

The congress proceeded with two leading keynote speakers in the phytotherapeutic world: Prof. Carlo Bicchi, who analyzed the change of plant product investigation over the past 30 years with a masterful fusion of science and art, using for instance the painting “Swans Reflecting Elephants” by artist Salvador Dalí to explain the concept of chirality; Prof. Luisa Pistelli, who described the different methods that can be exploited to select plant material during phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, from the most traditional ones (random harvesting) to the most innovative and ecological approaches (hydroponic and aeroponic).

During the three-day congress, several topics were covered: probiotics, peppermint, hydroxy anthracene, medicinal fungi. But also, the interaction between phytotherapies, the importance of regulation, and the role of the pharmacist.
A mention to the recent pandemic could not be ignored and was addressed with presentations on the antiviral activity of quercetin and ginseng applications for the long COVID.

Great focus was also given to cannabis in its different components (CBD, THC, secondary metabolites). Therapeutic cannabis and its cumbersome process of production and prescription was also discussed.

During these rich days, a great attention was also given to the S.I.Fit Youth Group, with oral presentations based on both the studies carried out by young researchers and the finalist contributions to the Taddei Award (named after the founder of S.I.FIT, Professor Italo Taddei), a prize that is awarded to the author of the thesis considered to be of greatest scientific interest.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Paolo Governa, coordinator of the Youth Group. He explained that the group, established in 2008 under the leadership of Dr. Marco Biagi, is responsible for the relationship between the Society and the users of the website www.sifit.org and the several specialized forums in which S.I.Fit. is called upon to respond. “Coordinating the Youth Group is an activity that I carry out with pride and passion. It is a prestigious task that comes with a lot of responsibilities, but it is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience” he revealed. He then added “The biggest challenge of all is attempting to ensure that the activities carried out by the Youth Group are appealing and constantly evolving. My incessant efforts are devoted to planning and organizing scientific events. Fortunately, I can rely on the help of the new Scientific Committee as a very important support and source of new ideas. In fact, we have recently expanded the event portfolio by including seminars, master classes, and also a new summer school based on phytotherapy, medicinal plants and natural products.”

Among the many activities carried out by the Youth Group, the S.I.Fit. Young Researchers Project (SYRP) certainly represents one of their most successful initiatives. The SYRP has now reached its twelfth edition and provides scientific and training meetings, aiming at fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences among young researchers from Italian universities and research institutes from the phytotherapy field.

For more info: www.sifit.org

Silvia Achilli
Assistant Editor, TKS Publisher