Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Biopiracy rips off native medical knowledg


An international agreement would see profits go to indigenous peoples for uncovering medical uses of plant extracts rather than only pharmaceutical companies. But few countries pay much attention to the deal.

For centuries, Catharanthus roseus - also known as Madagascar periwinkle - has been used as medicine in Africa and beyond. In the Philippines, indigenous groups use the plant as an appetite suppressant. Because Madagascar periwinkle causes a sharp drop in white blood cells, it can help against leukemia.

See full Article: http://www.dw.de/biopiracy-rips-off-native-medical-knowledge/a-16732044