Institute Josif Pančić - Research on conservation of medicinal plants and biodiversity

The Josif Pančić Institute is an exciting institution and, for the world outside of Serbia, a real "hidden". Therefore, in this blog we cover what they do, and its history. Institution that plays an important role in research and conservation of medicinal plants and biological diversity. The Josif Pančić Institute has a long history, their important doctors and their pioneering research on medicinal plants.

History:

The Josif Pančić Institute was founded in 1951 and has a remarkable history spanning decades. It is named after the prominent Serbian botanist Josif Pančić, who was known for his contributions to the science of plants and botany. The institute was established to honor his memory and continue the work of preserving the diversity of plants and exploring their medicinal properties.

Research areas:

The Josif Pančić Institute has a strong and competent staff that includes a significant number of doctors specializing in various fields. These doctors have solid knowledge and expertise in botany, pharmacology, and medical research. Their passion and commitment to understanding the medicinal properties of plants have made them driving forces in their research and contribute to the institute's reputation.

Research on medicinal plants:

The Josif Pančić Institute is a prominent player in medicinal plant research. They conduct extensive studies to identify, classify and explore the medicinal properties of various plant species. Their research aims to understand the potential therapeutic uses of plants in traditional medicine and modern drug development. By collaborating with other research institutes and universities, they contribute to promoting knowledge of medicinal plants both nationally and internationally.

Biodiversity conservation:

In addition to its research on medicinal plants, the Institute Josif Pančić is also engaged in the conservation of biological diversity. They work actively to map, preserve and protect threatened plant species and their habitats. By examining ecosystems and monitoring environmental changes, they contribute to developing strategies and methods to protect and preserve biological diversity.

Some areas that are worth highlighting and that are important for the future production of medicinal plants within the improvement of organic cultivation methods through the introduction of new methods:

• Use of products from the list of plant nutrients and soil improvers in the cultivation of medicinal plants (microbiological fertilizers: micro-organisms that promote plant growth and mycorrhizal fungi).
• Inclusion of medicinal plant species in the formation of "protective flower belts" as an important measure for the control of diseases, pests and weeds in important agricultural crops.
• Production of preparations based on medicinal plants for nutrition and protection of various agricultural crops, including medicinal plant cultures.
• Production of "compost teas" containing medicinal plants to promote the decomposition of waste from the production and processing of medicinal plants and obtain high quality compost.
• Development and spread of the use of biological measures in crop production as alternative protective measures against harmful organisms:
• Evaluation of the possibilities of using bacteria, fungi, insects, plant ingredients, auxin hormones, secondary metabolites to find effective natural formulations that can reduce the use of synthetic products in the cultivation of various agricultural crops.

Improvement of primary processing of medicinal plants:

• Drying methods for medicinal plant raw materials.

Distillation methods for essential oils.

The Josif Pančić Institute is an important institution in research and conservation of medicinal plants and biodiversity. With their long history, a distinguished staff of doctors and their pioneering research, they continue to contribute to the knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants and work to protect our planet's biodiversity.

Their commitment to preserving biodiversity and researching the therapeutic properties of plants has made them a significant player in the field.

A selection of their theses:

1. "Resource protection and efficiency utilization of the endangered functional plants originated in China and Serbia" (451-03-1202 / 2021-2024): This project aims to protect and efficiently utilize endangered functional plants from China and Serbia. By combining knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants, the aim is to promote the sustainable use and conservation of these valuable plant species.
2. "Conservation of European Biodiversity through Exploitation of Traditional Herbal Knowledge for the Development of Innovative Products, EthnoHerbs" (2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 / 2019-2023): This project focuses on the conservation of European biodiversity through the exploitation of traditional knowledge about herbs. By combining ethnobotany and modern research, the aim is to develop innovative products based on this knowledge.
3. "EcoStack: Stacking of ecosystem services: mechanisms and interactions for optimal crop protection, pollination enhancement, and productivity" (Grant 773554 / 2018-2023): This project investigates how to optimize crop protection, pollination and productivity by utilizing ecosystem services. By understanding the interplay between different organisms and their contribution to agriculture, the aim is to promote sustainable cultivation and protection of crops.

These are just some of the research projects that the Josif Pančić Institute is involved in. By conducting high-quality research and collaborating with other institutions, they contribute to increasing the knowledge of medicinal plants and their potential for medicinal use. Their work plays an important role in conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

You can find more information here:

Josif Pančić Institute