Bettina Monika Ruppelt

Biography and Expertise of Bettina Monika Ruppelt

Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt has dedicated her career to exploring the vast therapeutic potential of Brazil’s native flora. As the coordinator of the Laboratory of Pre-clinical Pharmacognosy at the Federal Fluminense University, she champions a research agenda that bridges ethnobotanical knowledge with cutting-edge pharmacological science. Her work is driven by a clear mission: to generate robust scientific evidence that supports the safe and effective use of medicinal plants within Brazil’s national public health system, the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Her expertise directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” Professor Ruppelt’s investigations into traditional plant-based remedies, such as those used for snakebites and inflammatory conditions, transform local wisdom into globally relevant scientific data. Consequently, her contributions are a prime example of Thematic Axis 2.2, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems,” as she provides the foundational evidence needed for policymakers and clinicians to confidently incorporate phytotherapy into primary care protocols.

Furthermore, her research resonates with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for scientific validation and sustainability. By focusing on native Brazilian species, Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the development of sustainable health solutions. This approach reinforces the congress’s commitment to Planetary Health, showcasing how valuing and studying traditional medicine can lead to holistic well-being for both people and the environment.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt is marked by a profound and lasting commitment to the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), where she has been a cornerstone of the Faculty of Pharmacy since 1993. Her career showcases a seamless integration of teaching, research, and administrative leadership, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in Brazilian pharmacology.

Over three decades, she has progressed through the academic ranks, mentoring new generations of pharmacists and scientists while simultaneously building a world-class research program. Her leadership extends beyond the laboratory, as she actively shapes the direction of her department and contributes to national health policy. This sustained dedication demonstrates a career focused on institutional growth and public service.

• 2022 – Present: Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal Fluminense University (UFF).
• 1993 – Present: Full Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), advancing from earlier faculty positions.
• Current: Coordinator of the Laboratory of Pre-clinical Pharmacognosy, Federal Fluminense University (UFF).

Academic Qualifications

Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt‘s academic background provides the multidisciplinary expertise required to navigate the complex intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Her comprehensive education, primarily at the prestigious Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), laid a rigorous foundation for her pioneering research in the pharmacology of natural products.

This diverse training equipped her with a unique perspective, allowing her to understand a medicinal plant from its chemical composition to its physiological effects and therapeutic application. Her academic journey reflects a deliberate path toward specialization, culminating in a doctoral degree that solidified her focus on discovering new therapeutic agents from nature.

• 1996: PhD in Chemistry of Natural Products, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
• 1992: Degree in Industrial Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
• 1991: Master of Science in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
• 1988: Specialization in Pharmacology of Natural Products, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE).
• 1988: Degree in Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

Research and Publications

The research program led by Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt is centered on the ethnopharmacological validation of Brazilian medicinal plants. Her laboratory employs rigorous pre-clinical models to investigate the therapeutic properties of native species, particularly focusing on their anti-inflammatory, antivenom, and central nervous system activities. This work is crucial for translating traditional knowledge into evidence-based treatments that can address significant public health challenges.

Her publications in high-impact scientific journals demonstrate the quality and relevance of her findings. For instance, a recent study in Toxins detailed the potential of Sida rhombifolia L. to neutralize the muscle-damaging effects of venom from the Bothrops jararacussu pit viper, a discovery with direct clinical implications. Another key area of her research involves the genus Kalanchoe. Her work, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, has shed light on the anxiolytic, sedative, and topical anti-inflammatory effects of compounds derived from these plants.

Through this systematic approach, Professor Ruppelt not only validates traditional uses but also uncovers the mechanisms of action behind these natural remedies. This body of work provides the scientific foundation required for the development of new phytotherapeutic drugs and contributes significantly to Thematic Axis 2.3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health,” by offering evidence-informed solutions for pressing health issues.

Awards and Recognitions

The significant impact of Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt’s work has been formally recognized through prestigious awards that highlight both its scientific innovation and its societal relevance. These honors underscore her ability to conduct research that not only advances academic knowledge but also delivers tangible benefits to communities and contributes to social development.

These accolades reflect a career dedicated to public service, celebrating her efforts to translate laboratory discoveries into practical health solutions and her commitment to community engagement through extension projects. They serve as a testament to the value of her research in promoting public health and innovation in Brazil.

• 2022: UFF Award for Excellence in Innovation for Social Development – This award recognized the profound social impact of her research, acknowledging its potential to improve public health outcomes through the development of accessible and evidence-based phytotherapies.
• 2011: Vote of Praise from the Legislative Assembly of the State of Paraná – This honor was bestowed in recognition of her valuable contributions through an extension project focused on medicinal plants, highlighting her dedication to public education and community outreach.

Board and Committee Activities

Beyond her academic and research responsibilities, Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt plays an active role in shaping the landscape of integrative health and pharmaceutical standards in Brazil. Her participation in key national committees demonstrates her leadership and influence in the field, allowing her to contribute her deep expertise to the development of regulations and best practices.

These strategic roles place her at the center of national dialogues on traditional and complementary medicine, where she helps ensure that policies are grounded in scientific evidence. Her involvement is instrumental in advancing the formal integration of phytotherapy into the country’s healthcare framework.

• Member of the Thematic Committee on Medicinal Plants of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia: In this capacity, she contributes to establishing the official standards for quality, safety, and efficacy of medicinal plants and phytotherapeutic products in Brazil.
• Member of the Thematic Committee on Natural Products of the Brazilian Academic Consortium of Integrative Health (CABSIN): Her work with CABSIN, a key partner in organizing the 3rd WCTCIM, involves fostering research, education, and the integration of natural products within Brazil’s integrative health practices.

Connect with Professor Ruppelt

To further explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Professor Bettina Monika Ruppelt, you can access her detailed academic profiles and publication records through the following platforms. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of her research projects, scientific articles, and ongoing activities in the field of pharmacognosy and integrative medicine.

Lattes Curriculum: View Full Academic CV

UFF Graduate Program Profile: View UFF Faculty Profile

Google Scholar: View Publications and Citations