Past research has included the molecular biology of cannabinoid receptors, brain and ovarian cancer, as well as clinical investigations, immunological studies and chemical analysis on various medicinal plants. Dr. Spelman was also the first researcher to identify cannabinoid-like molecules in the plant genus Zanthoxylum. International research has included the analysis of nutrient levels in teenage women in West Africa, working with children with neurological disorders in Central America and researching medicinal plants active against malaria in Paris. He is an adjunct assistant professor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, an adjunct professor of botanical medicine at National College of Natural Medicine and a distinguished lecturer at MUIH. Dr. Spelman has advised the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and provided expert testimony to the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate, as well as advised McCormick & Company on new product development and the Jamaican government’s Scientific Research Council. Most recently, he has joined HRI, the scientific advisory board which advises the Oregon Health Authority on Medical Marijuana. Dr. Spelman is currently a consultant specializing in laboratory, regulatory, cGMP issues, new product development and research initiatives.

2017 Presentations by Kevin Spelman
INTENSIVE:  THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 ~ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
"Cannabis as a Therapeutic Tool"
Cannabis has taken the nation by storm. Twenty-eight states (and D.C.) have either medical or recreational laws on the books. Yet there is still much mythology on the endocannabinoid system (many medical school curriculums still neglect to teach the ECS), the chemistry and the pharmacology of cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD. This intensive will start with an overview of the endocannabinoid system, go into the chemistry of Cannabis and move on to viable therapeutics.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 ~ 9:00 am - 10:30 am  
"Metabolic Syndrome: A Mitochondrial Etiology?"
While many in the medical field still consider the etiology of metabolic syndrome to be obesity, inactivity and insulin resistance, there may be a more insidious cause—mitochondrial toxins. This lecture will focus on the metabolic syndrome research that points at the mitochondria as playing a causative role in metabolic syndrome. This lecture will also provide an excellent precursor to the Botanicals for CFS/SEID/ME.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 ~ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm  
"Botanicals for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease" 
The National Academy of Sciences has estimated that up to 2.5 million Americans suffer from Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While many physicians still believe this pathophysiological state is psychosomatic, there is a substantial evidence-base to show that these patients have neurological, immunological and autonomic variations out of the norm. We will examine the physiology of SEID/ME/CFS and look at the use of botanicals and nutraceuticals for the potential treatment of SEID/ME/C.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 ~ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm  
"Organ Reserve, Preserving Functional Capacity; Aging Gracefully
Aging is generally associated with degenerative decline. Much evidence from lifestyle and dietary studies in the past decade however, challenges this association. Dietary differences are associated with significant differences in the development of disease and longevity. The Organ Reserve construct--the amount of functional capacity of each organ--suggests that bodily processes can maintain competence for extended periods of time depending on preserving and maintaining organ function.

© 2018 NorthWest Herb Symposium