Medicinal Plant Trade Research Articles

Potential of marketing medicinal plants in Uttarakhand

There is a large population all over the world who are dependent on medicinal plants for their primary healthcare needs. According to WHO, the international market of herbal products is estimated to be of the tune of US $62 billion which is poised to grow to US $5 trillion by the year 2050. The share of India is less than 1% in the world medicinal plant trade. Uttarakhand with its unique geographical location and rich heritage of traditional use of medicinal plants promises a good future, thus moving towards the ambitious goal of becoming a herbal state. There exists established markets in the state but is lacking in the field of marketing these produce. Steps like value addition, creating brand identity, product certification and a strong MIS (market information services) will help in effective marketing of state’s medicinal produce at national and global level.

Ethnobotanical evaluation of some plant resources in Northern part of Pakistan

An ethnobotanical study on the medicinal and economic plants of Malam Jabba valley, District Swat was conducted with the aims of documenting the inventory of medicinal plants, examinining the current status of the medicinal plants trade and investigating the linkages in the market chain starting from collectors to consumers. The survey reported 50 species of plants belonging to 33 families as ethnobotanically important. These species are used as drugs for treating diseases in traditional system of medicine. The detailed local uses, recipe preparation along with their local names and diseases treated were recorded for each species. Market survey revealed that the structure of medicinal plant trade is complex and heterogeneous, involving many players. The collectors are often not aware of the high market prices and medicinal values, and most of the collected material is sold to local middlemen at a very low price. There was an increase of 3 to 5 folds in prices from collectors to the national market. Training in sustainable harvesting and post harvesting of wild medicinal plant resource, trade monitoring, equitable sharing of benefits of wild resources, improved control on harvesting and trade for the conservation of resources, enhancement of cultivation efforts, future research into trade in wild harvested plants, community participation in natural resource management and value addition in the herbal products to maximize the benefits are recommended.

Herbs and Traders in Transit: Border Regimes and the Contemporary Trans-Himalayan Trade in Tibetan Medicinal Plants

This article discusses the contemporary cross-border trade in medicinal plants between Nepal and Tibet. As Tibetan pharmacy extensively relies on raw materials not native to Tibet, long-distance trade in medicinal materials is not a new phenomenon. However, with the recent creation of a Tibetan medicine industry in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the increasing demand for herbs from India and Nepal, the contemporary herb trade is facing new challenges. Surging trade volumes, notions of patient safety, growing ecological concerns, and the current political situation in Tibet have led to increased efforts at rendering legible and controlling the transit of traders and herbs across the border. The ethnographic account of a Tibetan plant trader’s business trip to Nepal serves as a starting point for a discussion of these efforts and the traders’ tactical manoeuvres to deal with them. The notion of ‘border regimes’ is introduced to analyse the regulations, their implementation and side-effects that condition the current situation.

A preliminary survey of mycological and fumonisin and aflatoxin contamination of African traditional herbal medicines sold in South Africa

Traditional medicine is an important aspect of healthcare delivery in South Africa and is used by at least 70% of the country's population. The trade in medicinal plants is a multi-million rand business which is a major driver for rural economies. However, the conditions in which these plant products are transported and stored make them prone to fungal contamination which results in economic losses to the traders and pose potential health hazards to consumers. Of major concern is the possible presence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins. This study assessed fungal and mycotoxin contamination of African herbal products sold in Cape Town and Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) in South Africa. Of the 16 samples analyzed, 15 were contaminated with at least one of these three fungal genera: Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Fumonisin B(1) was present in 13 of the samples in quantities ranging from 14 to 139 microg/kg (detection limit 5 microg/kg). None of the samples was contaminated with aflatoxigenic fungi or aflatoxin (detection limit 0.5 microg/kg). This is the first study to report on mycological and mycotoxin contamination of commercial traditional African medicines in South Africa. There is a need to expand the study to other urban centers to gain enough insight into this problem and then to intervene with measures that can protect the public from potential harm.

Sustainability aspects of commercial medicinal plant harvesting in Suriname

The commercial harvest of herbal medicine to meet the growing urban demand has become an environmentally destructive activity in many countries. Non-sustainable harvesting not only threatens the survival of medicinal plant species, but also the people that depend on them. In Suriname, the urbanization of Maroons has created a lively trade in medicinal plants, but little is known on the ecological effects of this trade. To find out whether this commercial harvest was a destructive activity, we carried out a market survey and followed commercial extractors into the forest to look for signs of overharvesting. We analyzed our results from three perspectives: the market, the harvesters and the post-harvest survival of the particular plants. Of the 249 commercial species, less than half was harvested exclusively from the wild. Most extraction took place in secondary forest or man-made vegetation close to the capital. Leaves were the main product. Apart from a few primary forest-based species (e.g., Begonia glabra), we found little evidence for declining resources. Maroons were actively cultivating and managing wild plants. Our three-way analysis enabled us to distinguish between species without sustainability problems (abundant, domesticated, cultivated, limited market value, disturbance species or surviving harvest) and species with conservation priorities. This study illustrates that the increased commercialization of medicinal plants due to urbanization does not invariably lead to declining resources and species loss. With its low population density and market dominated by disturbance species, Suriname offers good possibilities for sustainable medicinal plant extraction.

South African traditional medicinal plant trade—Challenges in regulating quality, safety and efficacy

Based on the long history of medicinal plant use, users of traditional medicines accept that they are safe for human consumption. However, the absence of regulation of the medicinal plant trade in aspects such as collection, processing and storage provides no such guarantee. Environmental pollution, misidentification and adulteration provides further grounds for concern. The potential adverse effects of South African traditional medicines are not well documented. There are only a few investigations of mutagenic properties and heavy metal contamination. In the absence of regulatory controls, the safety and quality of medicinal plants vary considerably. The current comprehension and future challenges regarding quality, safety and efficacy of South African traditional medicine are discussed.

The Medicinal Plant Trade in Suriname

Medicinal plant markets provide not only a snapshot of a country’s medicinal flora, but also of the importance of herbal medicine among its inhabitants and their concerns about health and illness. During a market survey in 2006, we collected data on the diversity, source, and volume of plants being sold and exported, and the preferences of urban consumers in Suriname. More than 245 species of medicinal plants were sold at the markets of Paramaribo. The annual value of the domestic and export market was estimated to be worth over US$ 1.5 million. Prices of medicinal products were determined by resource scarcity, processing costs, distance to harvesting sites, and local demand. The growing numbers of urban Maroons with their cultural beliefs regarding health and illness, and their strong family ties to the interior are the moving force behind the commercialization of herbal medicine in Suriname.

LEVANTAMENTO DAS PLANTAS MEDICINAIS CULTIVADAS E COMERCIALIZADAS POR HORTICULTORES NO MUNICÍPIO DE ITUVERAVA-SP

On the survey of the use and the trade of medicinal plants is necessary in first place differentiate many category of the yield. Some plants are traded such as, usually in dryness full kind or pulverized, others come like extracts, others like distils oils or express and finally many of them are traded on the one chemical component defined kind. Then, the present work, has like achievement to rise all the varieties of medicinal plants cultivated and traded by market gardeners of the municipal district Ituverava-SP. Were visited 15 market gardens, which of them were applied a questionary to the responsible of the same, in period from July to August/2006.Among the cultivated plants, the kinds quotations are: Mint(Hortela), Watercress(Agriao), Balm-mint (Erva-cidreira),” Capim-limao”, Cabbage (Couve),” Belladona”,” Picao”,” Mentrasso””, Erva Santa-maria”,” Boldo”,” Alfavaca”,” Canforim”, Basil( Manjericao), Wormwood ( Losna),Rosemary( Alecrim), Saffron (Acafrao).Mint was the plant that showed higher eminence between the quotations above, being this cultivated and traded in 13 of 15 market garden studied. All of the market gardeners didn’t know how to answer, surely, the question about the utility of each plant traded, what shows the importance for information about the such subject. In agreement with the gained figures, could decide that the information about the medicinal plant’s cultivation are of huge importance for the community, being that the same are cultivated and commercialized by the market gardeners of the municipal district Ituverava-SP, with eminence for mint.

QUALITY OF CHAMOMILE TEAS - ESSENTIAL OIL CONTENT AND ITS COMPOSITION

Chamomile, a medicinal plant, with a history going back to the time of Egyptian pharaohs, is used in phytotherapy today and, unequivocally, will be used in the future. In the world market, the dry plant flowers, Chamomillae flos, are an important medicinal plant trade item. The annual consumption of chamomile flowers is several thousands of tons. GC analyses of the dry chamomile flowers of different origin, obtained from the commercially available teas, has demonstrated considerable variance in medically effective components. In addition, the constituents of chamomile essential oil differ from those of chamomile teas. Quality is important in the use of the flowers for tea production and for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, as shown by dissimilar pharmacodynamic effects. INTRODUCTION In the story of Peter Rabbit, a young rabbit named Peter develops a classic case of indigestion after eating his way through Mr. MacGregor's garden and barely surviving a frightening chase by the farmer before finding his way safely home. To cure the indigestion, his wise mother treats Peter with a cup of chamomile tea and puts him straight to bed. The chamomile tea referred to in this tale is brewed from the flowers of the chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) plant (syn. camomile). This, the chamomile flower, was sacred to the ancient Egyptians and Romans and indeed, revered so much by the Egyptians that they consecrated the flower to their gods and dedicated the blossom to the Sun - the highest of all honors within their culture. Although generally considered a weed in Europe, the curative power was known historically used in traditional medicinal practices of various countries for many years. The popularity of chamomile grew throughout the Middle Ages, a time when people turned to chamomile as a remedy for numerous medicinal complaints, including nausea, nervousness, child ailments, skin diseases, and other similar afflictions. Recent and on- going research identifying specific anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiallergenic, and sedative properties of chamomile have validated the long held reputation of the plant and appear to be contributing to the popularity of this herb. Common on many family tables throughout Europe, chamomile tea offers a delicate flavor with a fruity aroma reminiscent of apples. Of course, the flavor of chamomile tea depends mainly upon elusive aromas of the flowers that are dependent on the characteristic quantity and composition of the essential oil. Today, most health stores, pharmacies and groceries offer a wide variety of chamomile teas produced by various tea companies. The raw chamomile used for processing of these teas originates from a number of different localities and sources (Salamon and Danielovic, 1998) and raises a question about the quality of the teas and remedies listed in the European Pharmacopoeia (Schilcher, 2005). The present research investigated qualitative-quantitative characteristics encountered in chamomile raw material used for herbal tea production and commonly sold in the market stores or chains in Slovakia.

Prioritization and Conservation of Himalayan Medicinal Plants: <i>Angelica glauca</i> Edgew. as a case study

The present study broadly supports the need for conservation initiatives for Himalayan medicinal plants. An approach is set up for prioritization grading of the importance of medicinal plants that is based upon the knowledge of local communities about the species. The study of Himalayan medicinal plants in general and Angelica glauca Edgew. in particular reveals that the utilization pattern, traditional knowledge base and trade of medicinal plants show trends that are not ideal for sustainability in the Indian Himalaya. The research attempts to integrate the analysis of several aspects of Himalayan trade in medicinal plants to reveal the threat to the plants and to suggest ways to overcome the problem.

Size-class prevalence of bulbous and perennial herbs sold in the Johannesburg medicinal plant markets between 1995 and 2001

Commercial harvesting of perennial herbs and geophytes for the medicinal plant trade has resulted in significant levels of resource depletion for several of the species concerned. One way to quantify the impacts is to estimate the number of bulbs harvested annually. Using records of bulb diameters sold in the Witwatersrand traditional medicinal plant markets between 1995 and 2001, the diameter size-classes most prevalent in the markets were ascertained. Thereafter, the number of ‘individual equivalents’ was estimated, i.e. the number of individual bulbs harvested annually equivalent in size to the mean diameter of the bulbs known to be traded. The estimates obtained include scenarios for bulbs of different diameters (reflecting the modal frequencies). The results showed there to be a significant decrease in the modal diameter of Eucomis autumnalis bulbs prevalent in the markets between 1995 and 2001 from 8 cm to 4 cm respectively. The diameters of Drimia spp. bulbs, the most popular species in the Witwatersrand markets, were also decreasing, but the differences were not significant by 2001. Scenarios for the number of Drimia spp. bulbs estimated to be sold to the Witwatersrand TM shops in 1995 ranged from 270 618 to 552 022 bulbs per annum. Gatherers are harvesting smaller and smaller bulbs over time and this is not sustainable at current rates, especially if more smaller bulbs are sold. It is thus clear that cultivation is necessary to mitigate the effects of further exploitation.

Unsustainable collection and unfair trade? Uncovering and assessing assumptions regarding Central Himalayan medicinal plant conservation

The trade in medicinal plants for herbal remedies is large and probably increasing. The trade has attracted the attention of scientists and development planners interested in the impact on plant populations and the potential to improve rural livelihoods through community based management and conservation. This has resulted in a large number of publications and development activities, ranging from small NGO projects to new government policies. Through a review of 119 references from Nepal, 4 common assumptions regarding the medicinal plant collection and trade have been identified: I. The commercial medicinal plant resource base is becoming ever more degraded as a consequence of collection; II. The medicinal plants are an open-access resource; III. Cultivation can contribute to conservation of commercially collected medicinal plant species; and IV. Medicinal plant harvesters are cheated by middlemen. The frequency of the assumptions is documented, their empirical support is evaluated, and the consequences of their presence for conservation and rural livelihoods are discussed. It is concluded that the empirical backing for the assumptions is weak, and that some reviewed references use logically flawed argumentation. It is argued that the assumptions are leading to misguided conservation efforts, and an inclusive approach to conservation of commercial central Himalayan medicinal plant species is briefly outlined.

Ruscus aculeatus Trade in Turkey: Is It Sustainable?

Due to Turkey's rich floral diversity, plants in Turkey have been subjected to studies for many years. In addition, it has been known that trade in medicinal plants mainly exist by harvesting directly from nature. If this is done in great quantities, then it will surely disturb the balance of the nature.

Nepal's conservation policy options for commercial medicinal plant harvesting: stakeholder views

There is a huge annual trade in Himalayan medicinal plants but only limited information on their sustainable use and conservation. The aim of this paper is to investigate if sustainable commercial medicinal plant management is promoted by forest policy formation and implementation in Nepal. Data was obtained through 175 semi-structured interviews with persons from five stakeholder groups involved in commercial alpine medicinal plant exploitation and conservation in Nepal: harvesters, traders, District Forest Office staff, staff at departments and ministerial level of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, and international and local NGOs and donors. The emphasis was on recording respondents' views on the official mechanisms regulating harvest of alpine commercial medicinal plants. It was found that current approaches to non-timber forest policy formation and implementation need to be revised if objectives of conservation and sustainable management are to be achieved. Identified problems include exclusion of harvesters from the policy formation process and widespread agreement among respondents that current collection permits and bans do not strongly affect resource utilization.

A Typology of Economic Agents in the Himalayan Plant Trade

Hundreds of plant species are harvested in the Himalaya and traded at local, regional, and international levels. Recent studies indicate that the annual trade in medicinal plants and related products from the Himalaya amounts to thousands of tons of roots, rhizomes, tubers, fruits, leaves, etc, with an annual value of millions of USD. It is difficult, however, to analyze and understand trade and markets on the basis of available studies, as these do not employ common terminology or methodology. The present paper aims to enhance understanding of the Himalayan plant trade by developing a typology of economic agents. The typology is based on fieldwork conducted in Nepal and India, including interviews with 639 harvesters, 149 traders and 143 wholesalers involved in trade with medicinal plants. These are the 3 main groups of economic agents distinguished. They are further divided into 6 sub-types and 13 specific types. Distinction among economic agents is made on the basis of key features. Basic data on agents are presented. The typology is developed to be applicable across the countries in the Himalayan range.

QUANTIFICATION OF THE TRADE IN MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN AND FROM NEPAL

QUANTIFICATION OF THE TRADE IN MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN AND FROM NEPAL

IMPACT OF CULTIVATION AND COLLECTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: GLOBAL TRENDS AND ISSUES

IMPACT OF CULTIVATION AND COLLECTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: GLOBAL TRENDS AND ISSUES

SUSTAINING THE HARVEST: CHALLENGES IN MAP PRODUCTION AND MARKETS

SUSTAINING THE HARVEST: CHALLENGES IN MAP PRODUCTION AND MARKETS

Valuation of Commercial Central Himalayan Medicinal Plants

This study estimates the national-level annual volume and value of commercial medicinal plant harvest in Nepal. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires administered to local medicinal plant traders (n=149) in 15 districts in Nepal and regional wholesalers (n=53) in India. The annual trade volume is estimated to range from 7000 to 27 000 tons, with 14 500 tons harvested in the case year 1997-1998. The corresponding annual export value, calculated using regional wholesaler purchasing prices in the main markets in India, is estimated at US dollars 7-30 million, with a value of US$16 million in 1997-1998. Around 10% of rural households are involved in commercial harvesting. Lower ecological zones dominate supplies in both volume and value terms; herbs constitute the most important life form in value terms. Around 36% of volume and 51% of value derive from destructive harvesting. It is argued that annual volume and value figures are likely to be conservative estimates. The implications of findings for Himalayan medicinal plant conservation and trade are briefly discussed.

Popular Use, Chemical Composition and Trade of Cerrado's Medicinal Plants (Goiás, Brazil)

This survey was done to register information of cerrado's medicinal plants sellers, who trade in downtown Anapolis (Brazil). The information obtained was pertaining to medicinal purposes, the most used portion of the plants, ecological lore and the best selling plants. A cluster analysis was performed to group the plants by medicinal use and by their chemical composition, obtained in the current literature. To verify if differences in chemical compounds correspond to differences in medicinal use, a Mantel test was applied to assess the correlation in those grouping. The results showed a low but significant correlation between medicinal use and chemical composition of the plants, nevertheless, there is still little published information on the pharmacological potential of cerrado's plant. Trade of cerrado's medicinal plants has local economic importance for a low income and illiterate population and the urbanization of the activity caused the loss of some traditional knowledge, like ecological information about the plants. A traveling salesman of medicinal plants (raizeiro) seems to have the most traditional lore, but he was not found to the interview. The excessive use of roots for medicinal purposes can be a threat to cerrado biome coupled with other human pressures in this ecosystem. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is endangered as much as the ecosystem that originated it.