Status of medicinal and aromatic plants in Papua New Guinea: a review.
- Author:
Rai PP.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Medicinal;
Aromatic;
Plants;
Traditional medicine;
Herbal industry;
Biodiversity.
- From:
Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences
2014;12(2):66-80
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have a long history of use rooted in local cultures and traditions due to a range of their pharmaceutical, cosmetic, perfumery, dietary and nutritional applications. The medicinal and aromatic plants play a significant role in ensuring health security of millions of people globally. Although a very large segment of the population in Papua New Guinea (PNG) meets its healthcare needs through herbal medicines and products, very little has been done to develop this sector. It is argued that exploitation of MAPs as a source of livelihood is no longer a viable option due to population pressure, over exploitation, conflict of interests in land use and impact of climate change. Nevertheless global demand for herbal supplements and remedies is very high, and given the unique biodiversity and thousands of plants species growing in PNG this sector deserves special attention and effort to promote medicinal and aromatic plants through cultivation supported by adequate research, development and extension activities in order to ensure their better conservation and utilization in trade and industry. Due to geographical location and remoteness, access to health services is limited in several parts of PNG. The use of medicinal plants and traditional medicine is widespread among these communities, thus presenting both challenges and opportunities. PNG has one of the lowest health indicators in the Pacific. The question is how best MAPs can be utilized for improving the health conditions? This paper attempts to assess the current status of production, utilization and commercial prospects of medicinal and aromatic plants in PNG and identify future needs of conservation and opportunities for their development.
