Tokyo University of Science
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Laboratory of Pharmacognosy
Professor Noriyasu Hadano

Research Themes

Exploring the Scientific Basis of Nature-Derived Medicines

Research Overview

With a mission to scientifically evaluate the efficacy of natural substances, our research is driven by the following four core perspectives:

1. Chemical Interaction Studies in Kampo Medicine
   Kampo medicine is uniquely prepared by decocting multiple medicinal herbs simultaneously. It is not merely a mixture of individual extracts. We believe this process triggers vital interactions between components. Our research aims to quantify changes in active ingredients to ensure efficacy and quality control, while fundamentally elucidating the chemical mechanisms of these interactions.

2. Exploring Active Components Based on Botanical Insights
   While medicinal plants have designated parts for therapeutic use, we investigate the scientific “why” behind these specific locations. We pay particular attention to the transition from flowers to fruits, where significant chemical fluctuations occur in response to seasonal changes.
   
3. Discovery of Bioactive Compounds from Functional Plants
   As part of our commitment to utilizing our medicinal botanical garden, we conduct extensive screenings to discover novel bioactive substances, with a focus on immunomodulators and anti-tumor agents.
   
4. Discovery of Bioactive Compounds from Functional Plants
   We aim to develop new therapeutics by chemically synthesizing glycans derived from novel glycoconjugates found in invertebrates. Glycans from parasites, in particular, often exhibit specific antigenicity in patient sera, holding great potential for the development of innovative diagnostic tools.
   

To support these diverse research initiatives, we rely on high-performance EYELA equipment, including eight rotary evaporators, two freeze dryers (FD-1 and FDU-1110), a constant temperature bath with magnetic stirrer (PSL-1400), and a centrifugal evaporator (CVE-3110) paired with a cold trap (UT-1000).

Why We Chose EYELA

The primary reason we choose EYELA is the familiarity and trust built since my student days. Beyond the ease of use, I am deeply grateful for their exceptional support—whether it is providing attentive maintenance for equipment over 30 years old or customizing new units for immediate, seamless integration into our specific workflows upon delivery.

User Feedback

Every piece of equipment continues to evolve, and I truly appreciate the designs tailored to university research environments—particularly the lighter and more streamlined profiles. Looking ahead, one area for potential improvement would be anti-condensation measures for rotary evaporators. I look forward to seeing future advancements in this specific functionality.