Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Their Role in Sustainable Economic Development

PRESENTER: CHARAH T. WATSON

Jamaica’s Medicinal Plants

Jamaica's rich biological diversity makes it 5th in 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.

Research and Development Process

Identification of plant

(used Folklore medicine)

Scientific ResearchIdentification of bioactive

properties, isolation of bioactive compounds, in vivo and in vitro trails

Protection & Publication (Academic

publications, patents)

Product R & D activities

ProductionWealth

Creation and Economic

Development

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.

Research on Jamaica’s Medicinal Plants

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,

Asmasol for bronchial asthma and

Canavert for 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

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.

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

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, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical industry

in Jamaica, and the economic development of the country on a whole

Jamaica’s Economic Outlook

Population 2,709,300 2011

GDP $15,069,767,442 (USD) 2011

GDP growth 1.2% 2011

Inflation 7.2% 2011

Debt 139% of GDP

GDP per citizen = $5,562 (USD)

Unemployment 14.3%

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

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

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