Carla Holandino

Biography and Expertise of Carla Holandino

Professor Carla Holandino stands at the forefront of integrative health research and policy in Latin America. As a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), one of the region’s most prestigious academic institutions, she has dedicated her career to investigating the therapeutic potential of natural products, particularly in the challenging field of oncology. Her research delves into the development of innovative pharmaceutical formulations aimed at combating neoplasia, leveraging Brazil’s rich biodiversity as a source for new treatments.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Professor Holandino’s work provides crucial scientific validation for medicinal plants and homeopathic preparations, generating the robust data needed to support their inclusion in mainstream healthcare. Beyond the laboratory, she is a principal architect of institutional collaboration, having co-founded the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN). This initiative is a prime example of translating scientific knowledge into public policy, a core principle of the Gujarat Declaration.

Furthermore, the efforts of Carla Holandino in fostering international partnerships with institutions in India and Europe resonate deeply with the congress’s focus on South-South and global collaboration. Her work demonstrates a profound commitment to “Knowledge Diversity,” one of the key pillars of the congress motto, by creating platforms where different healing traditions and scientific methodologies can converge for the betterment of “Well-being Societies.”

Professional Career

Professor Carla Holandino‘s career is a synthesis of academic excellence, research management, and policy advocacy. At the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), she progressed into leadership roles, shaping her research field and the landscape of integrative medicine in Brazil. Her work demonstrates a commitment to building institutional capacity and fostering new scientists.

Her roles at the intersection of science, education, and public service have enabled her to drive change, from securing research funding to establishing international networks that amplify Brazil’s scientific contributions.

• Full Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ): Leads research groups, mentors graduate and postgraduate students, and teaches advanced courses in pharmaceutical sciences.
• University Coordinator of R&D Laboratories: For over two decades, she has managed pharmaceutical science laboratories, securing funding from public and private agencies for cutting-edge research.
• Co-founder, Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN): Co-founded a national platform uniting academic institutions with government bodies and international partners to promote evidence-informed integrative health policies.
• Director of International Office Affairs, Pharmacy College (UFRJ): Led international research and academic projects with institutions in India, Italy, and Switzerland, fostering global scientific exchange.
• Board Member, Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee (2004-2023): For nearly two decades, provided expert guidance for the official compendium standardizing homeopathic medicines in Brazil, co-authoring its Third Edition.

Academic Dedication and Influence

While a formal list of degrees tells part of a story, the academic stature of Professor Carla Holandino is best understood through her profound and lasting contributions to science, education, and institutional development. Her position as a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is the culmination of a career defined by rigorous research, prolific publication, and dedicated mentorship. This role signifies the highest level of academic achievement in the Brazilian system, recognizing her as an authority in her field.

Her academic focus is centered on the intersection of pharmacognosy, cell biology, and pharmaceutical technology. She has cultivated a specialized expertise in evaluating the biological activity of natural products and homeopathic formulations, employing advanced cellular and molecular techniques. Consequently, her academic work provides the critical link between traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and the modern scientific evidence required for their safe and effective use in clinical settings.

Beyond her personal research, Professor Holandino has made a significant academic impact as an educator and a builder of scientific infrastructure. She has guided countless students, shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists in Brazil. Furthermore, her role as a co-author of the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia stands as a major academic contribution, solidifying the scientific and regulatory standards for a key modality within the country’s national integrative health policy.

Pioneering Research and Impactful Publications

Professor Carla Holandino is a prolific researcher whose work addresses critical global health challenges through the lens of natural products and integrative medicine. Her primary research program focuses on the discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical agents from natural sources for the treatment of cancer. This work is particularly significant as it seeks to identify compounds that can offer higher efficacy and lower toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapies, a major goal in modern oncology.

A second major pillar of her research is dedicated to the scientific investigation of homeopathy. Recognizing the need for a stronger evidence base, she has been a tireless advocate for securing funding and establishing rigorous research protocols in this area. Her investigations explore the mechanisms of action of homeopathic preparations, contributing valuable data to a field often marked by debate. Therefore, her work helps to build a more complete and nuanced understanding of this therapeutic modality.

As the Principal Investigator on numerous grants from the Brazilian Government and international agencies, Carla Holandino has successfully led complex research projects from conception to publication. Her extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed journals serves as a testament to her scientific productivity and her commitment to disseminating knowledge. These publications are crucial for informing the scientific community, guiding clinical practice, and shaping public health policies based on solid evidence, fully aligning with the principles of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

National and International Leadership in Integrative Health

Professor Carla Holandino‘s contributions to science and public health are recognized through her sustained leadership in influential national and international bodies. While traditional awards mark singular achievements, her long-term appointments to key committees and her role in founding major consortiums reflect a deeper, more continuous form of peer recognition. These positions of trust and responsibility underscore her status as a leading authority in her field.

Her nearly two-decade-long service on the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee, for instance, is a profound acknowledgment of her expertise by the national regulatory authorities. This role is not merely honorary; it involves shaping the standards that ensure the quality and safety of medicines for the entire population. This work demonstrates a commitment to public welfare that is a hallmark of a distinguished scientific career.

Similarly, her central role in establishing the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN) represents a landmark achievement in organizing and amplifying the voice of the academic community in policy-making. The respect she commands from peers at the Brazilian Health Ministry, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and international bodies like the International Society for Traditional Complementary & Integrative Medicine Research (ISCMR) is a clear recognition of her leadership, integrity, and scientific vision. Her influence is thus a living award, demonstrated through the impactful institutions she helps build and guide.

Connect with Professor Holandino

For a more in-depth look at the academic and research contributions of Professor Carla Holandino, her official profiles provide comprehensive information, including a full list of publications and project involvement. These platforms offer valuable insights into her pioneering work in pharmaceutical sciences and integrative health.

Lattes Curriculum (Official Brazilian Academic CV): View Full Academic Profile

ORCID Profile: View Publications and Identifiers