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GRODNO, 20 September (BelTA) – Grodno scientists are working on new natural remedies for diabetes and obesity, BelTA learned from Lilia Nadolnik, the director of the Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds at the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences.

The Grodno-based institute is hosting the third international conference Metabolic Syndrome: Experiment, Clinical Picture, and Therapy from 20 to 22 September.

“This is one of the most crucial fields of research in human health. People across the globe are facing the problem of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, insulin resistance, overweight and obesity, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. As biochemists, we are interested in exploring the mechanisms and causes of such disorders. Herbal remedies for certain diseases can give us the answer,” Lilia Nadolnik remarked. The conference in Grodno is meant to unite scientists and practitioners in solving this problem.

The institute has developed a number of innovative medicines to treat and prevent complications of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The scientists have also come up with preparations for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease which is common among those affected by the metabolic syndrome. “We are working in a field which is very relevant nowadays: the development of technologies producing medicines based on natural biologically active compounds. For instance, we have extracted berberine from the milk thistle. This is a good preparation to treat liver dysfunctions. We have also isolated betulin from the bark of birch, which is used for diabetes care. We are studying a number of compounds extracted from herbal raw material to treat pathologies related to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular dysfunctions,” Lilia Nadolnik remarked.

A roundtable discussion dedicated to the concept of the Union State program Metabolism will take place during the conference. Partaking in the discussion will be a delegation from Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy. There are plans to carry out a number of activities to produce medicines from herbal raw material, from devising a plant growth technology to manufacturing highly effective preparations and equipment.

The participants of the conference are set to discuss a wide range of problems: pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome, obesity and its role in the development of the metabolic syndrome, diagnosis, and therapy. Another matter on the agenda will be the metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and their complications. The scientists will also discuss injuries of liver and pancreas in patients with the metabolic syndrome. A special section will be dedicated to the youth science. An exhibition will be arranged to display new medicines for the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome.