Rachel Oliveira Castilho

Biography and Expertise of Rachel Castilho

Professor Rachel Castilho has established herself as a leading authority in the chemistry of natural products, with a career devoted to unlocking the therapeutic potential of Brazilian flora. At the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), she heads the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Homeopathy (GnosiaH), a dynamic environment where she mentors the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists. Her work systematically addresses the critical gap between traditional knowledge and evidence-based clinical application, a cornerstone of modern integrative medicine.

Her research aligns perfectly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Professor Castilho focuses on the bioprospecting of native plants, employing advanced phytochemical analysis to isolate and identify bioactive compounds. Beyond discovery, her group develops and validates rigorous analytical methods to standardize plant extracts. This process is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of herbal medicines, directly supporting the principles of the Gujarat Declaration and facilitating the integration of these products into formal healthcare systems.

Furthermore, the work of Rachel Castilho is a powerful example of leveraging “Knowledge Diversity” for public good. By documenting and scientifically validating the use of traditional remedies, she not only preserves cultural heritage but also creates opportunities for developing sustainable, locally sourced pharmaceutical products. Therefore, her contributions are vital for strengthening health sovereignty and promoting well-being societies, demonstrating a clear path from laboratory research to tangible public health impact.

Professional Career

Dr. Rachel Castilho’s career at UFMG since 2002 demonstrates a sustained commitment to academic excellence and scientific leadership. Progressing through ranks, she built a robust research program and assumed significant institutional responsibilities. Her work integrates teaching, research, and strategic project management, making her a central figure in Brazil’s pharmaceutical sciences community.

Her trajectory evolved from focused academic work to broader scientific leadership, influencing her specific field and her institution’s research direction. Her leadership now encompasses large-scale collaborative initiatives beyond her laboratory.

• 2019 – Present: Full Professor (Professor Titular): At UFMG, she holds the highest academic rank, leading advanced pharmacognosy research and shaping the curriculum for future pharmacists and scientists.
• 2002 – 2019: Adjunct to Associate Professor: Dr. Castilho established her laboratory, secured competitive research funding, and built a reputation for meticulous work on Brazilian medicinal plants.
• Institutional Leadership Roles:
  • Head of the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Homeopathy (GnosiaH): Directs all research, manages personnel, and oversees the scientific development of numerous graduate and postgraduate students.
  • Leader at the Center for Studies, Research and Development in Pharmaceutical Sciences (NEPDCFAR/UFMG): Contributes to its strategic vision and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration as a leader in this key research center.
  • Coordinator of the CuraÓrtese Network Project: Manages complex, multi-stakeholder projects developing new health technologies from natural sources.

Academic Qualifications

Professor Rachel Castilho built her career upon a solid, specialized academic foundation. Her educational path cultivated deep expertise in natural product chemistry, from core pharmaceutical training to advanced international postdoctoral research. This training provided theoretical knowledge and practical skills to pioneer research in a complex interdisciplinary field.

Each stage of her academic journey contributed a unique layer to her expertise. From foundational studies in pharmacy to highly specialized doctoral research and international collaboration, her qualifications reflect a commitment to scientific rigor and a global perspective on natural product science.

• 2013–2014: Postdoctoral Fellowship: Conducted at the prestigious Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany, this experience immersed her in a leading European research environment, allowing her to refine her analytical skills and build a lasting international network.
• 2001: Doctorate in Chemistry of Natural Products: Earned at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), a renowned hub for natural products research in Brazil. Her doctoral work provided her with specialized expertise in isolating, identifying, and characterizing bioactive plant compounds.
• 1998: Master’s Degree in Chemistry of Natural Products: Also completed at UFRJ, this degree deepened her research capabilities and laid the groundwork for her subsequent doctoral studies.
• 1995: Bachelor of Pharmacy: Received from the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), this degree provided her with a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, from drug development to clinical application, which remains foundational to her work today.

Research and Publications

The research by Rachel Castilho explores Brazil’s biodiversity for new therapeutic agents, establishing scientific standards for their use. Her work validates traditional medicines, a WHO priority, with high-impact publications contributing to pharmacognosy, analytical chemistry, and ethnopharmacology.

Her scholarly output comprehensively covers natural product science, from discovery to application, transforming traditional knowledge into reliable medical resources.

Standardization and Quality Control

Prof. Castilho develops robust analytical methods for herbal medicine quality control. Her publication, “Development and validation of an HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous quantification of five flavonoids in Arrabidaea chica Verlot extracts,” exemplifies this. These methods ensure consistent, potent products from Amazonian plants, crucial for clinical integration.

Bioprospecting and Pharmacological Validation

Professor Rachel Castilho investigates traditional plant uses for bioactive compounds. Her paper, “Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the biflavonoid podocarpusflavone-A from Podocarpus sellowii Klotzsch,” exemplifies this. Research isolates compounds from traditional remedies, proving therapeutic effects and validating healing practices.

Chemosystematics for Plant Authentication

Addressing herbal market adulteration, Dr. Castilho uses chemical fingerprinting. Her study, “The Chemosystematics of Neotropical Piper species: A new tool for the authentication of the Kava-Kava medicinal plant (Piper methysticum),” demonstrates how chemical analysis identifies and authenticates medicinal plants. Crucial for consumer safety and supply chain integrity.

Awards and Recognitions

The significant contributions of Professor Rachel Castilho to the field of pharmaceutical sciences have been formally recognized by major Brazilian scientific and professional institutions. These accolades reflect the high regard in which her peers hold her work and underscore her status as a leading researcher in the country. Such honors validate not only her personal dedication but also the growing importance of natural product research in addressing public health challenges.

These awards highlight her consistent excellence in research and her meaningful impact on the pharmaceutical profession. They serve as a clear indicator of her influence and leadership within the scientific community in Brazil.

• Level 2 Research Productivity Fellowship: Awarded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, CNPq), this is one of Brazil’s most prestigious continuous research grants. It is awarded competitively to scientists who have demonstrated a consistent and high-impact track record of publications and contributions to their field, marking Dr. Castilho as a nationally recognized scientific leader.
• “Honra ao Mérito” (Honor of Merit): Presented in 2019 by the Regional Pharmacy Council of Minas Gerais (Conselho Regional de Farmácia de Minas Gerais, CRF-MG), this award acknowledges her outstanding service and contributions to the pharmacy profession. It signifies the respect she has earned from her peers for her commitment to advancing pharmaceutical practice and science within her state.

Institutional Leadership and Academic Service

Beyond her personal research, Professor Rachel Castilho plays a vital role in shaping the academic and scientific landscape at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Her active participation in key institutional roles demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture, mentoring emerging scientists, and guiding the strategic direction of pharmaceutical education. Her leadership is integral to the success of several major academic and research initiatives.

Through these activities, she influences the development of new academic programs and collaborative research projects. This involvement ensures that her expertise contributes to the broader institutional mission of advancing scientific knowledge and training the next generation of leaders.

• Permanent Member of the Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences: In this capacity, Dr. Castilho is directly involved in the governance of one of UFMG’s key graduate programs. She participates in curriculum design, student selection and evaluation, and setting the program’s long-term strategic goals, thereby shaping the future of pharmaceutical research in Brazil.
• Leader in the Center for Studies, Research and Development in Pharmaceutical Sciences (NEPDCFAR/UFMG): Her leadership role in this important research center involves fostering a collaborative environment, guiding research priorities, and helping to secure resources for cutting-edge scientific projects.
• Coordinator of the CuraÓrtese Network: As coordinator of this network, she manages a complex, interdisciplinary research project focused on developing new health products. This position highlights her skill in project management and her ability to lead large-scale, collaborative scientific endeavors.

Connect with Dr. Castilho

To further explore the extensive research and academic contributions of Professor Rachel Castilho, several digital resources are available. These profiles provide a comprehensive overview of her scholarly work, publication history, and professional activities, offering a deeper insight into her impact on the field of pharmacognosy and natural product chemistry.

These platforms are essential for anyone wishing to engage with her scientific output or understand the full scope of her career. Therefore, they serve as valuable resources for students, researchers, and collaborators.

Lattes Curriculum: View on Lattes
The official and most comprehensive academic curriculum vitae for Brazilian researchers, detailing all publications, projects, and mentorship activities.

Google Scholar Profile: View on Google Scholar
An overview of her publications and their citation metrics, illustrating the scientific impact of her work.

UFMG Faculty Profile: View Official Profile
Her official page at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, confirming her position and areas of expertise.