From roots and leaves to lab results and market shelves – medicinal plants were in the limelight at the 9th International Conference of the Society for Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (Somped) in Gauteng. Global experts gathered to share how these plants are grown, researched, and turned into products, stressing both their healing power and their untapped economic promise.
Professor Olukemi Odukoya from the University of Lagos, a herbal research expert, educator, and president of Somped, and a survivor of three different cancers, emphasised that researchers and scientists need to do more research on developing medicine for cancer using our plants, as we have the potential to do so.
Building a medicinal brand
“Over the past nine years, our society has grown exponentially, and our conferences have become a beacon of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation,” Odukoya said.
Meanwhile, the plenary speaker, Professor David Katerere, research platform chair of pharmaceutical and biotechnology advancement at Tshwane University of Technology, highlighted the process of moving from bench to market.
“Somped specifically tailors its research towards the economic development of the people of Africa to address global issues, especially on phytomedicine and climate change,” he said.
Katerere noted that through his experience in product development, he has learned that there is a market for affordable products and that you cannot compete with big companies. He added, “Learning is on the streets.”
He emphasised that to build a brand through medicinal science, one needs to consider revenue models, different revenue streams, learn from practical experience, understand regulations, find local partners, and practice the art of selling.
“Don’t price yourself out of the market,” Katere advised.
Related stories
- In pictures: Indigenous medicinal plants take root in CT townships
- Growing cannabis for Mzansi’s evolving medicinal market
- Cultivating the future: Tips for growing medicinal cannabis
- Sibongile’s plant passion: Healing crops and feeding Mzansi
The rising demand for medicinal plants
Asanda Sokombela from the University of Limpopo presented a study on the influence of different coloured plastic mulch on soil chemical properties and soil enzyme activity under moringa oleifera.
She said there is a growing demand for medicinal plants; however, this could impact the environment. “Constant and frequent harvesting affects the population of these plant species,” Sokombela said.
Meanwhile, Professor Namrita Lall from the University of Pretoria, a leading scholar in the field of phytomedicine, gave insight into African traditional medicine, modern drugs and future opportunities.
She mentioned that some drugs containing African botanicals include:
- Hemoxin/Niprisa, derived from a polyherbal of Piper guineense, a plant commonly found in West Africa. It works by clocking the breakdown of blood clots.
- Curasite, a gel used in ulcer treatment and for wound healing, is made from a hydrogel containing three plant botanicals: Centella asiatica, Echinacea purpurea, and Sambucus nigra. This is common throughout tropical Africa.
Among many others, she mentioned Cape aloe (Xanthorrhoeaceae), noting that it is traditionally used as a laxative in Africa and Europe.
“It is thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties,” she said.
Lall also noted that a forex gel is used in the cosmetic industry as it is reported to contain over 130 medicinal agents known to possess varying biological activities.
She also explained that Artemisia herba-alba is well-used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, and diarrhoea.
READ NEXT: Lomati Sawmill sale secures jobs and growth in Mpumalanga
