Muthi to medicine

The limited commercial opportunity for bioprospecting for isolated pure natural compounds or their derivatives from plants for novel pharmaceuticals is discussed. A broad overview of the key research inputs involved in the commercialisation of indigenous medicinal plants as botanical medicines is given to assist young researchers in contextualising research from an industry perspective, and to encourage university–industry collaboration. Compliance with the Biodiversity Act of 2004, and the regulations under this Act is stressed. The chain of research and development (R&D) activities is briefly described including ethnobotanical research, raw material supply, identification of active compounds, extract development, absorption studies, formulation development, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical safety and efficacy studies, and protection of intellectual property. Ultimately obtaining international marketing authorization for a novel botanical medicine is a lengthy and costly undertaking, with high risk of failure. Elements of botanical medicine R&D can be applied to functional foods, novel foods and personal care products, which can reach the market faster and with less risk than botanical medicines.

► A very limited commercial opportunity exists for new drug discovery from botanicals
► A broad overview of key research inputs required for developing a botanical medicine is given
► University–industry collaboration is encouraged
► Protection of intellectual property, and intellectual property strategy encouraged
► Functional foods and personal care products are less costly, lower-risk, and a faster route to market than botanical medicines