Naturals are Safer And Effective

Medicinal plants and herbs contribute a great deal to the health care system in Africa. These are based on knowledge transmitted as folklore from generation to generation. About 10 percent of the plant species of the world are estimated to be found in southern Africa. But only a few have been commercially exploited based on scientific research. The number of scientific publications as well as patent applications is also increasing.

These medicinal plants are available in the local markets. These markets are part of the informal economy. The people largely depend on these markets for buying them to meet their health care needs. The market for medicinal plants is becoming organized into becoming a part of the formal economy with increasing commercialization. The demand for these products from the industries has increased with the increasing consumer demand locally among the more affluent. Export too of some of these medicinal plants has increased. Natural remedies are gaining acceptance and increased popularity globally. These medicinal plants are used by cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries for production locally as well as globally. Often these are also based on the traditional knowledge about their use. This information is based on what are reported in field documentation and research in African countries which are now widespread. These documentation and researches are the main source of information on the indigenous knowledge, folklore medicine and traditional knowledge of the people of Africa, particularly the tribal peoples who have vast knowledge on these plants.

The traditional plant knowledge of southern African people is a source for the development of products. There is a rise in research activities. The recent trend indicates that there is a rush for documenting such knowledge. These ethno-medicinals are marketed globally. Hoodia gordonii is a tender plant from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa that has grabbed global attention. This has become popular as an appetite suppressant. It is marketed in many forms such as pills, capsules, and shakes. The pure Hoodia gordonii liquid is said to be more powerful than the pills and capsules.

The increasing global market for these products based on medicinal plants from African countries also improves the prospects of export earnings. This could contribute to rise of income levels of the poor in these countries. But the increased collection of these medicinal plants also could lead to the risk of overexploitation of these plants in their natural habitats. To make it sustainable, scientific extraction methods and conservation management practices are to be adopted.