Developing traditional medicine for the mainstream market

PLANS to develop traditional medicine are underway as announced last week by Science and Technology Deputy Minister, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi.

In her presentation, kaMagwaza-Msibi pointed out that there is an increasing number of balding men and a high demand for female anti-wrinkle solutions; thus scientific innovation, was on the cards to deal with the problem.

‘Our country has more than 300 000 traditional health practitioners, approximately 5 000 medicinal plant species on the African continent, as well as various minerals, animals, reptiles and insects with potential health or economic benefits,’ said kaMagwaza-Msibi.

‘South Africa has the modern scientific innovation capacity to develop African traditional medicines and, with the traditional healing sector estimated to be worth US$4-billion, it is important that government ensures the use of our country’s biodiversity to address poverty, inequality and unemployment.

‘The Technology Innovation Agency and the South African Bureau of Standards are contributing towards the modernisation of traditional medicines. Our department is in the process of commercialisation agreements on nutraceutical products with Nestlé and cosmeceutical candidates with L’Oreal,’ she said.

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Richards Bay based Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Faryal Luhar said she believed natural products are more effective and longer-lasting than conventional medicine which oftentimes simply suppresses the skin problem, rather than curing it.

‘Skin issues are difficult to treat and individualised medicine is better than using the same pharmaceutical medication for every patient that presents with skin issues,’ said Luhar.

‘In general, natural medicines help to stimulate the body to heal itself rather than suppression, which is why they can be an effective solution. Of course addressing one’s diet also plays a major role – something often overlooked by conventional doctors.

‘I administer natural medicines for skin problems; however one must understand that naturopathic medicine does not aim to treat symptoms; it addresses the underlying root cause. So while I may use herbal or homeopathic creams, I also treat the person internally with other natural medicines depending on their root cause and other associated health issues,’ she said.