Alice, Benzene, and Coffee: The ABCs of Ecopharmacognosy

Abstract

The sesquicentennial celebrations of the publication of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and the structure of benzene offer a unique opportunity to develop a contemporary interpretation of aspects of Alice's adventures, illuminate the symbolism of benzene, and contextualize both with the globalization of coffee, transitioning to how the philosophy and sustainable practices of ecopharmacognosy may be applied to modulating approaches to the quality, safety, efficacy, and consistency (QSEC) of traditional medicines and dietary supplements through technology integration, thereby improving patient-centered health care.

Natural Products, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the Quintuple Helix

“…260,261 In previous discussions of the production of traditional medicines and dietary supplements, one of the major concerns from a patient perspective was traceability. 5,230,262 Among these concerns have included questions regarding the point of origin, the age of the plant material, from where, when, and how it was grown and acquired, when it was processed, how it has moved up the value chain from farm (or forest) to store shelf, and how it was distributed to reach the point of sale. Patients have been demanding traceability, transparency, and sustainability certifications in these products for a long time.…”

“…The term "cyberecoethnopharmacolomics" (CEEPO) was proposed as an integration of ecopharmacognosy 230,262 with many disciplines and technologies to promote philosophies and practices which engender a holistic, highly interactive approach to natural product development. For example, opportunities are seen between sustainability and economics, sponsoring commercial development, and aiming to encourage greener processes and products on behalf of the patient, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.…”

“…296 The term “eco-innovation” and the business aspects “eco-entrepreneurship” have been suggested to encapsulate these activities 296 ; for natural products it is ecopharmacognosy. 230,262 How these interactions of the 5 subsystems (the helices) operate for natural product development is proposed, based on an existing model. 301…”

“…296 The term "eco-innovation" and the business aspects "eco-entrepreneurship" have been suggested to encapsulate these activities 296 ; for natural products it is ecopharmacognosy. 230,262 How these interactions of the 5 subsystems (the helices) operate for natural product development is proposed, based on an existing model. 301 In the education system, the focus is on the development of the "human capital", comprised of the teachers, the students, scientists, and the academic entrepreneurs who generate, through creative thought and action, the research knowledge of natural products.…”