BioVoice News August 2016 Issue 4 Volume 1 | Page 26

bio chat Sami-Sabinsa group focuses strongly on the immunological basis of disease management by natural principles. With precise scientific evidence generation at the basic, pre-clinical, and clinical research stages, the group believes in creating reliable and responsible science. This objective has been recognized by the intellectual property systems across the globe. Sami Labs is also associated with Universities across the globe where scientists and researchers evaluate the standardized ingredients from Sami for applications they specialize in. The studies range from in vitro, in vivo to a number of clinical validations. A standing example would be the evaluation of Curcumin C3 Complex in MD Anderson Cancer Research Institute for its potential role in cancer management. These studies emphasize and further validate the role of natural ingredients in improving health and wellness. Similar studies with products from the portfolio of the Sami-Sabinsa group have been and continue to be carried out in a number of Universities and Institutes across the world. Which are key opportunity areas that remain untapped and the challenges in achieving them? All ancient civilizations in the world used plants to treat various diseases as they had the wisdom and required knowledge to utilize herbs for medicinal use. The growing awareness across the globe, about the medicinal and therapeutic effects of herbs and the adverse side effects of allopathic medicines are driving demand for herbal products – herbal extracts, dietary supplements and herbal beauty aids. Nearly 80 percent of the global population still relies on traditional herbal therapies for primary healthcare according to the World Health Organization. Along with this demand comes a need for a 26 BioVoiceNews | August 2016 “ Nearly 80 percent of the global population still relies on traditional herbal therapies for primary healthcare according to the World Health Organization. Along with this demand comes a need for a continuous supply of high quality raw materials. continuous supply of high quality raw materials. Fortunately, India has varied agroclimatic zones across many regions that can contribute to better land use patterns and is home to over 15,000 medicinal plants, of which approximately 7,000 plus are used for Ayurveda. The most important herbs grown in India for the global market include aloe-vera, amla, ashwagandha, brahmi, curcuma, garlic, henna, neem, lemon grass, saffron, and tulsi. The challenges, however, the ancient methods of commercial farming, collecting, processing, storing and marketing of medicinal herbs remain. The country continues to rely on very fundamental and unsophisticated technology to a large extent. The solution lies in encouraging sustainable harvesting of plants through cultivation using modern agricultural practices. This new method should involve integrated nutrient and pest management contributing to soil health, resulting in high