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Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Their Role in Sustainable Economic Development

PRESENTER: CHARAH T. WATSON. Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Their Role in Sustainable Economic Development . Jamaica’s Medicinal Plants .

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Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Their Role in Sustainable Economic Development

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  1. PRESENTER: CHARAH T. WATSON Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Their Role in Sustainable Economic Development

  2. Jamaica’s Medicinal Plants • Jamaica's rich biological diversity makes it 5thin the world in terms of endemism , with approximately 3,300 species of flowering plants here. According to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) about 923 of the known plants are endemic. • It is also said that of the 160 established medicinal plants, 84 can be found in Jamaica • Traditionally, there has been a strong dependency on medicinal plants to treat illness in Jamaica • In a 1992 report done by Tropical Metabolism Research Unit (TMRU) of the UWI, they report that 71% of their patients use herbal remedies before presentation to the medical service.

  3. Research and Development Process ScientificResearch Identification of bioactive properties, isolation of bioactive compounds, in vivo and in vitro trails Identification of plant (used Folklore medicine) Protection & Publication (Academic publications, patents) Product R & D activities Wealth Creation and Economic Development Production

  4. Research on Jamaica’s Medicinal Plants • Plant research in Jamaica dates back 139 years, but natural products research began in 1948 with the founding of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. • Since then scientists have tested the acumen of local bush doctors, studying hundreds of plants and testing for their for bioactivity or chemical compounds that remain stable during testing. • At least 334 plant species growing in Jamaica have been identified as having medicinal qualities.

  5. Ganja In 1987, pharmacology professor Manley West and Dr. Alfred Lockhart, successfully developed 3 pharmaceutical products from Cannabis sativa; Canasol for the treatment of glaucoma, Asmasolfor bronchial asthma and Canavertfor seasickness The research on the product was started in 1973, but it was not until late 1980s, that the research team was able to get the product in a marketable state for it to be commercialised. Approximately 30,000 units per year of Cannasol are sold annually

  6. Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) • At Central Jamaica's NCU, scientists have investigated the cancer fighting properties of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa. Researched have isolated a compound which has significant activity against lung and liver cancers. • Grace Kennedy has since partnered with NCU to produce a line of beverage capitalizing on the findings from the research.

  7. Ball Moss & Guinea Hen Weed Supports and enhances prostate health; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal Ball moss and its isolates demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo. It has demonstrated potential as chemo-therapeutic agent, and also a new chemo-preventative agent against several cancers, especially prostate cancer Anti-cancer; Boosts immune system; Regulates blood sugar Lawrence Williams and others have suggested that DTS and its derivatives is the compound present that is causing the anti-tumor effects and other biological activities that are observed in Guinea Hen Weed

  8. Current Research and Development Activities • Bio-Tech R&D Institute Limited launched December 2, 2010, has been established to facilitate research and development of biological materials, especially those of local origin, for wealth creation. • Jamaica’s medicinal plant resources, hold significant potential for the development of the pharmaceutical, cosmeceuticaland nutraceutical industry in Jamaica, and the economic development of the country on a whole

  9. Jamaica’s Economic Outlook Debt 139% of GDP GDP per citizen = $5,562 (USD) Unemployment 14.3%

  10. Potential of Nutraceutical Market • Nutraceuticals market accounts for <10% of global food industry • 2011 world nutraceuticals market worth $151 billion; • The global nutraceuticals market is projected to exceed US$243 billion by 2015. • A one percent (1%) share of the industry translates to US$2.43B or J$221.1B • ~ 36% of Jamaica’s $612 Billion Budget

  11. Economic Opportunity for Jamaica Exploitation of our plant resources will stimulate economic activity by: • Creating jobs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors • Promote non-traditional exports • Facilitate import substitution • Stimulate entrepreneurship, while driving the SME sector • We at Bio-Tech R&D Institute are confident that projected sales of J$17 B will be realized within 10 yrs • The overall market potential lies in excess of J$30 T • Progressive annual increases of 3% are expected

  12. Acknowledgements • Dr. Trevor Yee and The Natural Products Institute • The Hon. Dr. Henry Lowe • EHF Group of Companies (Bio-Tech R&D Institute, EHF Resources, Pelican Publishers and Eden Gardens) • The Bio-Technology Centre and Chemistry Department UWI • IHV- University of Maryland • The SRC And YOU

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