Salk Institute to StudyNative Plants for Drugs

M.A. Dworkin

The renowned Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego is working alongside Native Americans to discover the genetic depths of medicinal plants in the areas of weight loss, allergies, asthma and headaches in the name of potentially commercializing them as medicines.  

The researchers are working extensively at the Medicinal Plants Nursery at the San Diego Botanic Garden, growing and studying native California plants traditionally used to treat all sorts of illnesses.

Dr. Jonas Salk (1914-1995) developed the vaccine for polio. He lent his name and reputation to the Salk Institute which carries on his work of developing cutting-edge medicines and making break-through discoveries in the field of aging and plant biology.

The work that is ongoing today at the sophisticated Salk Laboratories involves rudimentary pharmaceutical development strategies, namely those having to do with medicinal herbs. 

“We have co-evolved with all of these medicinal plants,” said Salk Institute Biologist Dr. Todd Michael. “I mean, plants produce these things probably to protect themselves, but also maybe because they make their animal counterparts happy.” 

Some specimens which Dr. Michael and his co-worker Dr. Ben Neiman are focusing on include ephedra, which has a history of being used to treat syphilis, weight loss, allergies, asthma and headaches; artemisa, used to treat malaria; and yerba santa, which Salk biologists are investigating for its potential foundation in a neurological drug for Alzheimer’s Disease. 

In the case of the latter two, Native Americans have used these herbs traditionally as medicine, and they are collaborating with the Salk Institute in studying them for the depth of their medicinal properties.

“The goal of translating the work into clinical trials and commercial pharmaceutical products is a circular ecosystem in economic terms,” said Dr. Neiman. “Since the more drugs that can be developed, the more Tribal Nations in and around San Diego County, and any of the natural landscapes where these plants thrive, can be rewarded and protected.”   

The work being done by the Salk Institute is attracting national attention, with nurseries and institutes around the country sending cuttings, seeds, and plants to further the Salk efforts.