Potentials of Some Nigerian Herbs and Spice as Source of Pharmaceutical Raw Materials: Opportunity for Global Market Competitiveness

Abstract

Food has been seen and known to be the very basis of human health and wellbeing since time immemorial. Also, ancient history and tradition, has helped to emphasize the benefits of herbs and spices in traditional medicine. Advancement in biomedical technology has led to the duty in science to study and review the interface between foods and medicines, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Scientific supports for the health benefits of medicinal plants particularly herbs and spices, have led to increased consumer demands for some herbs and spices creating huge international demands and market. However, despite the huge resources of these raw materials in Nigeria and Africa, they remain an almost insignificant player in the global spice market. The interface between Nigerian plant products and resources used as food, herbs and spices on one hand and their potential for development as a competitive source of pharmaceutical raw material for nutraceutical industry and the global market of herb and spices on other hand, is discussed.