The Global Working Group of Experts on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the Context of Sports Values, Ethics, and Integrity — established under UNESCO — has completed its work.

Ukraine was represented in this unique expert format by Volodymyr Sekretnyi, Chair of the Therapeutic Use Committee of the National Anti-Doping Center (NADC) and Medical Director of the State Institution “Ukrainian Medical Center of Sports Medicine of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.”

As a result of the meetings, the international working group prepared and published the Global Guidelines and enhanced the digital platform that, for the first time at the international level, systematize information on plants with potential performance-enhancing effects and health risks for athletes.

In 2024–2025, the expert group — comprising 41 scientists and practitioners from all regions of the world — held over 40 working sessions and studied 160 plants. Of these, 42 were included in the final list and classified into three categories:

• Group I — Clear Effect: Contain active substances with proven physiological effects, many of which are included in the WADA Prohibited List.
• Group II — Potential Effect: Traditionally used to enhance performance but require further research.
• Group III — Unconfirmed Effect: Limited evidence of use in sport.

The UNESCO-published document also contains recommendations on the safe use of traditional remedies, highlights the risk of inadvertent doping, and stresses the need to check any herbal or plant-based supplements for prohibited substances.

The updated Guidelines and digital platform will be presented at the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties to the International Convention against Doping in Sport (UNESCO) and will serve as the basis for formal recognition during the Ministerial Platform at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

“We are proud that Volodymyr Sekretnyi — a highly qualified specialist engaged in global projects and initiatives under the auspices of UNESCO — works on the NADC team. This confirms that Ukraine has world-class experts and the high competence of our scientific and professional community. We work for integrity in sport, and our participation in such initiatives is a contribution to the global fight against doping. This is not only about protecting athletes’ health, but also about shaping global policy in the field of fair sport,” — emphasized NADC Director Sergii Popyk.

Working systematically — winning together!