The Center for Botanicals and Chronic Diseases (CBCD) was established in Tajikistan in 2014 and expanded to include Indonesia in 2020. The Center’s funding is provided by the US National Institutes of Health. CBCD integrates, in a culturally sensitive way, intensive training in western science with strong knowledge of traditional botanical medicines. Its goal is to develop a sustainable mechanism for preparing graduate and postdoctoral-level scientists who can merge these two systems for the benefit of participating countries. CBCD focuses on inflammation-associated chronic diseases and disorders, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, and intestinal and neurological disorders.
CBCD is closely linked to the existing US-based NIH T32 training program in Botanical Approaches to Combat Metabolic Syndrome. In addition, CBCD is affiliated with the Global Institute for BioExploration (GIBEX) dedicated to transferring expertise and technologies that enable developing countries to ethically explore biodiversity for natural product-based medicines.