Medicinal plant utilisation and conservation in Malaysia
1997
Ng, Lean Teik | Kadir, Azizol Abdul (Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Medicinal Plants Div.)
In Malaysia, the use of medicinal plants for treating diseases is still very common among various communities. At least 1,200 species of plant in the country are reported to have medicinal value. Of which only about 200 are commonly used in traditional preparations. Medicinal plant materials are available in dry or fresh form at the local herbal store and night market. These materials are mainly collected from their natural habitats, i.e. forests. Their supply is, thus, very uncertain. Local herbal and traditional medicine industries still rely heavily on imported medicinal plant materials, with a large proportion being imported from China, Indonesia and India. In 1996, the herbal medicine market was reported to be at least RM1 billion. Recognising the importance of the use of medicinal plants and its potential in primary health care, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia has been appointed by the Malaysian government to lead medicinal plant conservation activities. Several programmes, i.e. use of in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, have been developed and implemented in various parts of Malaysia.
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