Alfredo C. Santos, Dr.

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(August 15 1900 - April 11, 1990)
Place of Birth: Santa Cruz, Manila
Specialization: An accomplished academic in the fields of pharmacy and
chemistry, he focused on phytochemistry, the study of chemicals derived
from plants. He pioneered studies in the isolation and elucidation (or
identifying the chemical structure) of chemical components from
indigenous Philippine plants.
When he was conferred: Dr. Santos eventually joined the ranks of the
Philippines’ National Scientists under the directive of former President
Ferdinand Marcos in 1978.
Achievements/Contributions: Dr. Santos was an educator. He held various positions in the University
of the Philippines (UP) from 1920 to 1965, including Dean of the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Santos was
also one of the founding members of the Philippine Academy of Sciences and Humanities, under what
was then called the National Science Development Board. In addition, he helped in advancing research
initiatives at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Research Center and the National Institute of Science
and Technology (NAST)
Educational Background:
● BS in Pharmacy, University of the Philippines
● Doctorate in Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas
● Doctorate in Philosophy, Westfälische Wilhelms Universitat Munster – 1929
Honors and Awards:
● 1931 – Anacleto del Rosario Gold Medal
● 1953 – Outstanding Pharmacist Researcher of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Association
● 1954 – Magsaysay’s Distinguished Service Star
● 1973 – PhilAAS Outstanding Scientist Award
Research Interests: Is a noted researcher in the chemistry of natural products, in particular the isolation
and elucidation of the phaeantharine and other alkaloids from Philippine medical plants.
Research Involvement: One of the first Filipinos to take a scientific approach to unlocking the medical
potential of plants in the Philippines. Dr. Santos devoted much of his time, energy, and career to
studying the chemistry of Philippine medicinal plants.
Research Project: Dr. Santos had over 50 publications on pharmaceutical chemistry and related studies
under his name, both in local and international academic journals.