Mapping Herbal Trials on WHO-ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov

Herbal medicine is steadily moving from traditional knowledge systems into evidence-based global healthcare. As botanical products, plant-derived compounds, and multi-herb formulations enter formal clinical evaluation, the ability to systematically track and interpret herbal trials becomes essential for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals alike. Two of the most authoritative sources for such data are the World Health Organization’s international registry network and the largest publicly accessible clinical trial database in the world.

This course focuses on building practical skills to map herbal clinical trials using WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov, enabling participants to convert scattered trial records into meaningful research intelligence.

Why Mapping Herbal Trials Matters

Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, herbal interventions often vary in composition, standardization, dosage, and regulatory classification. Trials may be registered under different terminologies such as botanical extracts, phytochemicals, traditional medicine, or nutraceuticals. Without structured mapping, valuable evidence remains fragmented and underutilized.

By systematically mapping herbal trials across global registries, researchers can identify trends, uncover research gaps, evaluate methodological quality, and understand how traditional remedies are being clinically validated worldwide.

Navigating Global Clinical Trial Registries

Participants begin by learning how to efficiently navigate WHO-ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov. While both platforms aim to promote transparency, they differ in structure, search logic, data fields, and regional coverage. Understanding these differences is critical when locating herbal trials that may be registered under diverse keywords, intervention types, or therapeutic indications.

The course emphasizes smart search strategies, use of advanced filters, and recognition of registry-specific nuances that affect herbal trial visibility.

Understanding Herbal Trials Data

Once trials are identified, the focus shifts to interpretation. Herbal studies often include complex interventions such as standardized extracts, multi-component formulations, or plant-derived bioactives. Participants learn how to assess trial objectives, study design, participant populations, outcome measures, and intervention descriptions with a critical research lens.

Special attention is given to identifying challenges unique to herbal trials, including variability in botanical naming, formulation details, and outcome standardization.

Data Extraction Techniques

Accurate data extraction is the foundation of reliable analysis. This course explores practical techniques to extract relevant variables such as trial phase, indication, dosage form, study status, sponsor type, geographic distribution, and outcome endpoints.

Participants learn how to structure extracted data in a way that supports downstream analysis, literature reviews, meta-research, and strategic decision-making.

Data Analysis and Mapping for Research

The final stage focuses on transforming raw registry data into actionable insights. By mapping herbal trials across conditions, regions, and development stages, participants gain a clearer picture of the global herbal research landscape.

This analytical approach supports applications such as identifying under-researched botanicals, benchmarking trial maturity, aligning preclinical research with clinical evidence, and informing regulatory or product development strategies.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for researchers, clinical professionals, regulatory teams, herbal product developers, and students who want to work confidently with real-world clinical trial data. It bridges the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern clinical research infrastructure.

By mastering the process of mapping herbal trials on WHO-ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov, participants gain a powerful skill set that strengthens research credibility, supports evidence-based herbal innovation, and contributes to the responsible integration of botanicals into global healthcare systems.

Dr Pravin Badhe
Founder and CEO of Swalife Biotech Pvt Ltd India/Ireland