Professor Cory Harris, a scientist whose expertise in botany, ethnobotany and pharmacology earned him the prestigious Natural Health Products Research Society 2024 Neil Towers Award, explores how traditional plant medicines interact with our bodies, blending Indigenous knowledge with modern science to push the boundaries of natural health
Harris’s research focuses on native Canadian plants and their medicinal properties, particularly those that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that influence pain, mood and inflammation.
While cannabis is the best-known plant in this field, Harris studies other species, such as alkylamide-rich plants, which have similar but non-intoxicating effects. These compounds, found in plants traditionally used as “cure-alls,” don’t produce a high like THC but may offer pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits. “We are uncovering the potential of these plants to offer alternative treatments for conditions like anxiety and chronic pain,” he says.
This research is crucial as it opens doors to options for those who may not respond well to conventional pharmaceuticals.
One of Harris’s key insights? “No two plants are identical.”Unlike mass-produced pharmaceuticals, natural medicines vary based on how they’re grown, prepared and used. This complexity makes research challenging, but also more meaningful.
“People have used these plants for centuries,” Harris says. “Now, science is catching up to explain why they work.” His interdisciplinary approach combines insights from chemistry, biology and Indigenous knowledge, to ensure that traditional remedies are studied ethically and effectively.
A hallmark of Harris’s work is his commitment to collaboration. Harris has partnered with Indigenous communities to align his research with real-world needs. His current projects are more focused on partnerships with communities, the public and non-profit sectors, and industry in Canada and abroad. These collaborations have advanced research on cannabis and natural health products and contributed to his receiving the Neil Towers Award.
For Harris, receiving the Towers Award is more than a professional milestone — it’s a deeply personal honour. Neil Towers was his undergraduate research supervisor, the person who first sparked his interest in natural health products. Years later, the very first recipient of the award would be his PhD adviser, Professor John Arnason. “It’s an honour to stand alongside them,” Harris says, reflecting on the mentors who shaped his path.
Looking ahead, Harris envisions a health-care system where traditional and modern medicine coexist, like in China, where hospitals integrate both. “Traditional medicine should not be viewed as a lesser option but as a complementary approach to health care,” he says. “Most Canadians already use alternative medicines. The challenge is making sure they’re safe, especially when mixed with prescriptions.”
Harris is also deeply committed to education and mentorship. He encourages his students to explore their interests and contribute to the field. “I believe in empowering the next generation of scientists,” he says. “Their fresh perspectives are vital for tackling the complex health issues we face today. They also push my research in directions I’d never expect. For instance, one student studying ayahuasca traditions in Brazil inspired a new international collaboration.”
Harris’s upcoming projects include studying ayahuasca and Indigenous tobacco snuffs, exploring both their chemistry and cultural significance. He’s also investigating why plants produce toxins, research that could unlock new understandings of plant evolution.
As we continue to explore the potential of plants in medicine, Harris’s contributions will undoubtedly inspire future discoveries and foster a deeper appreciation for the wisdom embedded in traditional practices.
Read more