Ricardo Tabach

Biography and Expertise of Ricardo Tabach

Dr. Ricardo Tabach is a central figure in the pharmacological study of natural products in Brazil. His career is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and the rigorous demands of contemporary scientific validation. As a Professor of Pharmacology, he investigates the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of plant-derived compounds, contributing essential data for their responsible use in public health. Consequently, his work is fundamental to building trust and credibility for traditional and complementary medicine.

His specialization in phytopharmacovigilance is particularly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on evidence-informed policy. This discipline, which involves monitoring the safety of herbal medicines after they are in use, directly supports the Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” The expertise of Ricardo Tabach ensures that the principles of the Gujarat Declaration—specifically the emphasis on science, evidence, and sustainability—are translated into practice. His research provides the safety data necessary for integrating TCIM modalities into national health systems securely and effectively, a key goal of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Beyond this, Professor Tabach’s position within the Brazilian scientific community strengthens the congress’s theme of South-South collaboration. His research leverages Brazil’s immense biodiversity, a prime example of harnessing local natural resources to address global health challenges. This approach showcases the “Knowledge Diversity” pillar of the congress motto, demonstrating how regional expertise can inform global health practices and promote well-being societies.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Dr. Ricardo Tabach integrates academic teaching, research, and participation in national committees. This allows him to influence integrative medicine by shaping education, generating evidence, and contributing to policy. His career is committed to institutionalizing the study of medicinal plants in Brazil’s leading academic centers.

Each professional appointment enhances the scientific understanding of traditional practices in Brazil. His work provides a powerful model for developing similar expertise elsewhere, particularly in nations rich in biodiversity.

• Professor of Pharmacology, Santo Amaro University (UNISA): In this core academic role, he is responsible for educating the next generation of health professionals on the principles of pharmacology, with a special emphasis on natural products and phytotherapy.
• Scientific Collaborator, Cebrid / Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP): His work with the Brazilian Center for Information on Psychotropic Drugs (Cebrid) involves researching plant-based compounds that affect the central nervous system, a critical area for mental health treatments.
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• Member, Integrative Medicine and Practices Center at UNIFESP: This position places Ricardo Tabach within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to integrating traditional and complementary practices into a major university health system, fostering clinical and academic collaboration.
• Coordinator, Planfavi and Maconhabrás Bulletins: He leads two influential national information systems. Planfavi focuses on phytopharmacovigilance, while Maconhabrás disseminates scientific information on medicinal cannabis, guiding both clinicians and the public.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Ricardo Tabach built his expertise upon a solid and specialized academic foundation in pharmacology. His advanced degrees provided him with the sophisticated research skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to rigorously investigate the complex interactions between natural compounds and human physiology. This formal training in the scientific method is what enables him to assess traditional remedies with objectivity and precision, ensuring that his conclusions are evidence-based and reliable.

His academic journey was concentrated at one of Brazil’s most respected institutions for health sciences, providing him with a robust network and access to cutting-edge research facilities. This background is crucial to his current standing as a leading authority in his field.

• Doctorate (PhD) in Pharmacology: This terminal degree represents the highest level of academic achievement. His doctoral research likely involved an in-depth, original investigation into the mechanisms of a specific medicinal plant or compound, contributing new knowledge to the scientific community.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacology: This degree provided specialized training in research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis in the context of pharmacology. His master’s thesis would have honed his ability to conduct focused scientific inquiry into medicinal plants.
• Specialization in Medicinal Plants and Phytopharmacovigilance: Throughout his postgraduate studies, Ricardo Tabach cultivated a deep focus on the unique challenges and opportunities of studying herbal medicines, particularly in the crucial area of safety monitoring.

Research and Publications

The research portfolio of Dr. Ricardo Tabach is centered on generating critical evidence for the safe and effective use of medicinal plants. His work addresses some of the most pressing questions in integrative medicine, from basic pharmacological mechanisms to large-scale public health surveillance. A cornerstone of his research is phytopharmacovigilance, a field he actively pioneers in Brazil through his coordination of the Planfavi bulletin. This work involves creating systems to collect and analyze reports of adverse effects associated with herbal medicines, providing real-world data that is essential for patient safety and regulatory decisions.

Furthermore, his leadership of the Maconhabrás bulletin places him at the forefront of medicinal cannabis research in Brazil. In this role, he synthesizes and disseminates the latest scientific findings on the therapeutic potential and risks of cannabis and its derivatives. This is a topic of immense global interest, and the work of Ricardo Tabach contributes to a balanced, evidence-based dialogue that can inform clinical practice and health policy.

His collaboration with Cebrid at UNIFESP also points to a significant research interest in psychotropic plants. This area of study is vital for developing new, non-synthetic treatments for mental health conditions, a major global public health challenge. Through his publications and research projects, Dr. Tabach consistently champions a science-first approach, ensuring that traditional knowledge is examined with the same rigor as conventional pharmacology. His efforts are thus indispensable for building a robust evidence base for TCIM, as called for by the WHO and the Gujarat Declaration.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Ricardo Tabach plays an influential role in shaping the landscape of integrative health in Brazil through his active participation in key committees and academic centers. These appointments reflect the trust and respect he has earned from his peers and position him to contribute directly to the strategic direction of research, education, and integration of TCIM at a national level. His committee work ensures that scientific rigor and a focus on public health remain central to the advancement of the field.

Through these collaborative efforts, he helps foster a cohesive and evidence-based approach to natural health products. His involvement is therefore crucial for translating research findings into tangible benefits for the healthcare system and society.

• Member, Natural Products Committee of the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN): As a member of this committee within the very organization hosting the 3rd WCTCIM, Ricardo Tabach contributes directly to the national strategy for research and implementation of natural products in integrative health.
• Member, Integrative Medicine and Practices Center at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP): His role in this center supports the development of interdisciplinary projects and the integration of evidence-based complementary practices within a leading academic medical institution.
• Scientific Collaborator, Brazilian Center for Information on Psychotropic Drugs (Cebrid): This long-standing collaboration at UNIFESP highlights his specialized expertise in the pharmacology of psychoactive plants and his commitment to research that can lead to new therapeutic options for neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Connect with Dr. Tabach

For more detailed information on the academic work, research, and publications of Dr. Ricardo Tabach, you can consult his official academic profiles. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of his contributions to pharmacology and integrative medicine in Brazil.

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Full Academic CV

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