MFU Launches International Training on Herbal Bioactive Compound Analysis and Applied Product Development

The Medicinal Plants Innovation Center (MPIC) at Mae Fah Luang University has launched a 7-day international intensive training programme titled, ‘Herbal Bioactive Analysis and Applied Product Development Programme.’ This initiative is one of the flagship activities under the broader " FMFC International Training Programme" (Innovative Farmers, Traditional Medicines, Healthy Foods, and Cosmetics). 

Running from 20–26 July 2026 at the Pre-Clinic Building (M3), the programme provides a rigorous laboratory framework for systematically evaluating the bioactivity of herbal compounds, from molecular mechanisms through to applied product development. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rawiwan Charoensup, Director of MPIC, leads the project as the Principal Investigator.

The programme integrates chemical composition analysis via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and systems-level approaches, including proteomics, antiviral screening, and metabolomics with network pharmacology. It also covers antibacterial evaluation using Agar Diffusion, MIC, and MBC methods, as well as MTT-based cytotoxicity testing, all adhering to international standards such as CLSI/EUCAST, THP, WHO, and USP guidelines.

The opening ceremony was held on 20 July 2026 and presided over by Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rawiwan Charoensup formally welcomed the 16 international participants joining from Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

Throughout the week, participants work in four distinct groups, with each team assigned a specific target medicinal plant for hands-on laboratory sessions. These sessions cover chemical composition analysis using HPLC and HP-TLC, antiviral and antidiabetic bioactivity screening, antibacterial testing, and cytotoxicity evaluation to determine cell viability and IC50 values. The training will culminate in a final group project presentation that links raw lab data to commercial product concepts.  The programme also serves as a platform to connect researchers and personnel from the health-food, cosmetic, and traditional-medicine industries across Asia. By sharing expertise and exchanging experiences, the initiative contributes to academic networking and future collaborations in the fields of medicinal plants and natural-product development.

Ultimately, the project serves as a clear example of MPIC’s mission to translate the heritage of traditional medicine into a safe, standardised, and evidence-based products for traditional medicine, functional food, and cosmetics industries. This align seamlessly with MFU’s broader mission to transform academic knowledge into practical solutions for society. Furthermore, this international initiative reflects MFU’s ongoing efforts to position the university as a premier regional hub for herbal research and product innovation.