PRESENTER: CHARAH T. WATSON
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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.
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It is also said that of the 160 established medicinal plants, 84 can be found in Jamaica
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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.
Identification of
plant
(used Folklore medicine)
Scientific Research
Identification of bioactive properties,
isolation of bioactive compounds, in
vivo and in vitro trails
Protection &
Publication
(Academic
publications, patents)
Product R & D activities
Wealth Creation
and Economic
Development
Production
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.
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

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.
Supports and enhances prostate health; antioxidant, antiinflammatory, 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 chemopreventative 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
•
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
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%

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
Exploitation of our plant resources will stimulate economic activity by:
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Creating jobs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors
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Promote non-traditional exports
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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

Dr. Trevor Yee and The Natural Products Institute
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The Hon. Dr. Henry Lowe
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EHF Group of Companies (Bio-Tech R&D Institute, EHF
Resources, Pelican Publishers and Eden Gardens)

The Bio-Technology Centre and Chemistry Department UWI
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IHV- University of Maryland
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The SRC
And YOU