KazNU Scientists Develop Domestic Pharmaceutical Substances: Innovative Research Based on Natural and Synthetic Compounds

At Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, a comprehensive scientific program is being implemented aimed at developing domestic pharmaceutical substances and medicinal products. The research focuses on creating safe and effective medicines based on natural and synthetic biologically active compounds. The primary goal of the program is to strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical security, reduce import dependence, and enhance the scientific and technological capacity of the national pharmaceutical industry.

Currently, a significant portion of active pharmaceutical ingredients is imported from abroad, which affects the competitiveness of the domestic pharmaceutical sector. In response, KazNU scientists are developing next-generation medicines by combining local plant raw materials with modern methods of organic synthesis. The program is carried out within the framework of the priority scientific direction “Life and Health Sciences.”

Within the project, comprehensive studies are being conducted on medicinal plants growing in the southern regions of Kazakhstan that possess high pharmacological potential. These include Maclura pomifera, Tribulus terrestris, Galega officinalis, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Salvia sclarea L., and Origanum tyttanthum Gontsch. The flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and essential oils contained in these plants exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

The research team employs advanced extraction technologies, including ultrasonic extraction, supercritical CO₂ extraction, and lyophilization. These methods enable efficient isolation of biologically active substances, preservation of their natural activity, and minimization of toxic solvent use. The quality of the obtained extracts is evaluated in accordance with pharmacopeial standards using physicochemical and microbiological analyses.

One of the key areas of the program is the synthesis of heterocyclic amine derivatives. In particular, esters of the piperidine series and their complexes with β-cyclodextrin have been obtained. Such complexes improve the solubility of active substances, enhance their bioavailability, and prolong therapeutic effects, which is especially important for poorly water-soluble compounds. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of the newly synthesized compounds are assessed through comprehensive pharmacological studies.

Special attention is given to the principles of green chemistry. Silver, copper, and zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using plant extracts. This environmentally friendly approach makes it possible to obtain biologically active nanomaterials without the use of toxic reagents. The morphology, size, and dispersity of nanoparticles are studied using modern analytical techniques, and their antibacterial activity is experimentally evaluated.

In addition, hydrogel carriers are being developed based on the most active substances. These nanocomposite systems ensure controlled release of medicinal compounds and increase the stability of therapeutic effects. Such technologies open new opportunities in combating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

The collection, drying, and storage of plant raw materials are carried out in accordance with international GACP standards. Quality indicators—including moisture content, ash value, and the presence of heavy metals and radionuclides—are monitored in compliance with regulatory requirements. Spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and titrimetric methods are used to determine chemical composition.

The project has an interdisciplinary character, involving specialists in organic chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and nanotechnology. Scientists of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at KazNU have extensive experience in compound synthesis, structural analysis, and biological activity assessment, ensuring the high scientific level of the research.

The scientific novelty of the program lies in integrating natural extracts, synthetic heterocyclic compounds, and nanomaterials into a unified system for developing next-generation dosage forms. This comprehensive approach establishes a new technological level for the domestic pharmaceutical industry. Research findings are planned to be published in international scientific journals and protected by patents.

Expected outcomes include the development of new pharmaceutical substances, confirmation of their safety and efficacy, preparation of technological regulations, and creation of dosage forms ready for industrial implementation. The program contributes to the advancement of the national healthcare system and the strengthening of Kazakhstan’s export potential.

Overall, this scientific initiative represents a strategically important contribution to ensuring pharmaceutical independence, training scientific personnel, and advancing the pharmaceutical industry. The combination of rational use of natural resources and modern synthetic methods elevates domestic science to a new qualitative level.