Introduction to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Africa

Abstract

Natural substances of plant origin, have been used by man from the very early times of civilizations. Traditional Medicine (TM), a heritage of Africa, is still servicing approx. 80% of the population of this huge continent comprizing 55 countries, 800 languages and an unmeasurable wealth of plant diversity. The continent with a varied flora of an estimated 68,000 plant species is home to about 35,000 endemic species (Cunningham A, African medicinal plants. Setting priorities at the interface between conservation. UNESCO, Paris, 1993), growing in seven centers of endemism. Africa's not yet fully explored medicinal plant resources frequently come into the forefront of interest. The recent upsurge is witnessed by the fact that ca. 60% of all recent publications on African medicinal plants, appeared during the last decade. There is a tremendous potential for developing new crops and new products. Research into MAPs seem to offer a nearly unlimited scope for exploration. The ongoing screening for the biological activity of MAPs is also broad and covers several important health related aspects including antimalarial and other antiprotozoal products, anti- proliferative potential, anti- inflammatory and analgesic activities, anti- diabetes activity antioxidant activity and activity on the reproductive cardiovascular and central nervous systems, etc. Despite of this marked recent increase, Africa is lagging behind Europe and Asia in terms of the number of products that have been commercialized and the percentage of flora utilized for international trade. The growing demand on resources, however, has resulted, in some cases, the overexploitation, the occasional local disappearance of favored sources of botanicals and have reduced the diversity of species. By elaborating international and national standards of sustainability, these dangers should be either eased or eradicated. Domestication of wild- crafted species can also contribute to preserve the genetic resources and to reduce the sometimes imminent threats of extinction. The recent initiative to develop national and ultimately an African Herbal Pharmacopoeia is likely to mark an important milestone in meeting quality, safety and efficacy standards both in African and international perspectives. NR - 50 PU - SPRINGER PI - DORDRECHT PA - PO BOX 17, 3300 AA DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS