Spices and Medicine

An interdisciplinary UCL initiative focusing on the use of potent substances across time, cultures, and contexts.

UCL Spices and Medicine is an interdisciplinary initiative that aims to showcase research relating to the interface between food, medicine, and culture to the present day and its relevance across different academic fields and to foster collaborations with institutions and communities interested in exploring botanical traditions. We are based at the UCL School of Pharmacy in Brunswick Square, London.

We are pleased to announce the UCL School of Pharmacy ‘Spices and Medicine Symposium and Peter Bradley Lecture 2025’!

Spices and Medicines Symposium

with the Peter Bradley Lecture 2025

Hybrid event:

Online and In-person: Christopher Ingold Building, Chemistry Lecture Theatre

20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ

Please join us for a lively afternoon of talks, poster presentations, and panel discussions with networking and discussions.

Full programme details (12/06/2025)

1330 - 1400: Arrival
1400 - 1445: Short Lectures

Dr Rachael Frost (Liverpool John Moores University): 'What is the evidence base for over the counter products for depression, anxiety and insomnia? A comprehensive scoping review'

Dr Banaz Jalil (School of Pharmacy, UCL): 'Are the capsules dissolving? The quality of Lavandula herbal medicinal products and its impact on managing anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders'

1445 - 1530: Peter Bradley Lecture

Peter Bradley Lecture by Prof Silke Cameron: 'Japanese Kampo Medicine Today – Can It Help to Solve Our Healthcare Challenges?'

Prof Silke Cameroon, PD Dr. Med., M.A. 1990-1992 - Study of Medicine RWTH Aachen and 1992-1997 - LMU Munich. 1998 - M.A. in German Literature, History of Art and Psychiatry. 1999 - Ph.D. in Medicine. 2000 - 2002 Post doctorate: Kitastato Institute for Oriental Medicine and Keio University, Tokyo, Japan. Grant of the Alexander von Humboldt Society and the JSPS. Medical Doctor and Research Associate 2002-2010, since 2010 - Senior MD, University of Göttingen.

1545 - 1700: Round Table Discussions (Herbal Medicines Who cares?') Chaired by Prof Michael Heinrich and Dr Banaz Jalil

Round Table Discussions (Confirmed Panel members: Prof Silke Cameron, Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel, Dr Anthony Booker, Dr Rachel Frost, Dr Chris Etheridge and Dr Banaz Jalil)

1700 - 1800: Reception

Organisers: Prof Michael Heinrich, Dr Banaz Jalil and Fiona Marquet

Peter Bradley (1937–2021) was a dedicated figure in the field of herbal medicine. Peter developed a passion for the science of herbal medicines in the 1980s and joined the BHMA Board. Peter served as Chairman between 2010 and 2013 and never retired from the Board. His most significant legacy was authoring and producing the two volumes of the British Herbal Compendium (1992, 2006), which remains a cornerstone of BHMA’s scientific work. Peter was also a leading contributor to the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), co-chairing scientific committees and acting as editor-in-chief for over 60 monographs. This meticulous research and writing underpinned many of the accepted efficacy claims for herbal medicines across Europe. His passion, scientific rigor, and commitment to the highest standards have left an enduring impact on herbal medicine.