Professor of Pharmacognosy
Education:
- Ph.D. Ohio State University 1972
- B.S.Ph. Ohio State University 1967
Appointment(s):
- Associate Dean Emeritus for Research and Graduate Programs
- Professor Emeritus of Pharmacognosy
- Research Professor Emeritus in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Interests:
Dr. Hufford has concentrated much of his effort on antibiotic discovery through the development of an antimicrobial screening program that is representative of common human pathogens including bacteria and fungi. Dr. Hufford has focused a major effort on the evaluation of antibiotic activity from higher plants. More recently, he has concentrated on the discovery of prototype antifungal antibiotics effective against opportunistic infections commonly found in the AIDS patient. Significant efforts are being devoted to the discovery of new agents for systemic Candida and Cryptococcus infections.
Another major research interest includes the utilization of fungi as predictors of mammalian drug metabolites. In addition to utilizing microorganisms as models for predicting mammalian drug metabolites, Dr. Hufford has also conducted studies to utilize microorganisms to effect specific changes in structures of biologically active substances. He is also interested in herbal remedies (botanical dietary supplements) which dates back to his early years in Pharmacognosy at Ohio State and continues to this day. He currently teaches information about herbs to undergraduate pharmacy students.