Program promotes medicinal plants

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — A government research, development and extension  (RD&E) program that will harness indigenous plants with medicinal value is gaining momentum.

The Indigenous Plants for Health and Wellness RDE Program aims to promote the utilization of indigenous plants as functional food and source of raw materials for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.

Involved in the program are the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The program was launched last year in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 1280 issued by President Gloria Arroyo declaring Oct. 27 every year National Health and Wellness Tourism Day.

Initially, the RDE program will document indigenous plants, promote their conservation, and nurture the plant biodiversity of the country.

It also aims to provide scientific bases for the use of selected indigenous plants as unconventional and functional food, herbal medicine or source of pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and other raw materials.

Subsequently, the program is expected to spur regional economies based on herbal industries and expand the people’s plant options.

In line with the program’s objectives, researchers and experts of BAR, BPI, UPLB, and the Spa Association of the Philippines Inc. (SAPI) met recently at the BAR Research and Development Management Information Center (RDMIC) and identified possible areas for RD&E on indigenous plants that have high potential in promoting health and wellness.

The development of natural products for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals is also eyed. Moreover, the improvement of the packing quality of natural products was recommended.

SAPI president Marjorie Lopingco said the government’s thrust is in the right direction since indigenous plant materials are the “in” things today and are promoted by spas and other groups in the private sector.

SAPI is a non-profit organization established in April 2004 to promote and develop the spa industry in the country.

Its mission is to put forward the Filipino brand of spa, as it highlights the country’s unique qualities in spa treatments, experience, arts and culture.