Sustainable exploitation of African medicinal plants

Author(s): Egharevba H. O.*, Ibrahim J. A., Kunle O. F., Gamaniel K. S.

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used for food, shelter, clothing and medicine for survival by humans since ancient times. However, over the last few decades, there appears to be renewed increase in demand for medicinal plant resource following WHO support for herbal medicine development, increase awareness of its social and economic significance, research validation of herbal remedies efficacy claims, etc. This renewed exploitation has led to depletion and endangerment of some species, and therefore unsustainable. This article discussed the current trend in the utilization of medicinal plants and highlights the challenges of unsustainable exploitation of medicinal plants. It also suggested solutions and way forward towards achieving a more sustainable use of medicinal plant resources as way of supporting the sustainable development goals.

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