Personalizing natural therapies through genetic testing

I presented this original study on Genomic Natural Therapies, at the International Congress of the Romanian Society of Apitherapy, Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy (SRAFA) and the International Federation of Apitherapy (IFA), which took place in Bucharest, between May 16-19, 2025.

This study explores the integration of genetic testing into natural therapies such as apitherapy, phytotherapy, aromatherapy, dietary therapy, and homeopathy to personalize treatments based on each individual's genetic profile. It proposes an evidence-based approach that correlates genetic background with the therapeutic effectiveness of natural remedies. 

Materials and Methods: The paper analyzes recent studies on pharmacogenetics and nutrigenomics, assessing the potential to extend these principles to natural therapies. It examines relevant genetic polymorphisms (e.g., GST, SOD2, CYP) that influence the metabolism of bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants, essential oils, and apicultural products. The methodology includes a review of scientific literature, identification of relevant genetic biomarkers, and the formulation of a conceptual model for genetic testing applied to natural medicine. 

Results: The analysis reveals that genetic variability affects the absorption, metabolism, and efficacy of natural compounds, which may explain why some therapies work better for certain individuals and less effectively for others. By applying genetic tests, individual profiles can be identified to adjust the dosage and combinations of natural remedies. For example, individuals with polymorphisms in CYP genes may metabolize essential oils more slowly, requiring adjustments in concentration and frequency of administration. 

Conclusion: Genetic personalization of natural therapies has the potential to revolutionize integrative medicine by offering more effective and safer treatments. The implementation of genetic testing in therapeutic practice could contribute to the scientific validation of natural therapies and the development of a new standard of evidence-based natural medicine. Further studies and interdisciplinary collaborations are needed to transform this vision into a clinically applicable model.