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19 Jun 2009

Agriculture

Antiviral Thai Herbs: R&D Urgently Needed to Further Opportunities in Export Markets (Business Brief No.2536)

คะแนนเฉลี่ย
At present, vaccines to prevent and treat diseases caused by viruses are being urgently sought, but alternative medicines such as antiviral herbal remedies are also an interesting option. Numerous Thai herbs are recognized for their antiviral properties, and include such well-known plants as Fa Talai Jon (;King of Bitterness”), Plu Khao (Vap Ca), Mang Lakka (;Mild Spikenard Bush-Tea, Pugnut”) and Mara Ki Nok (;Leprosy Gourd”). The use of Thai antiviral herbs can be classified into the following two groups.
For human medicinal use: Alternative medicines – as preventative treatments – include certain Thai herbs with antiviral properties that are becoming more popular domestically and internationally due to current health care concerns. The new viral pandemics have forced consumers to take precautions in personal health care to reduce the chance of contracting diseases.
In the livestock business: The popularity of mixing Thai herbs with antiviral properties into animal feed is increasing in Thailand as a top meat exporter. Meanwhile, trade partners are becoming more stringent about hygienic standards and are imposing stricter regulations vis-à-vis chemical residues caused by using antibiotics. Therefore, entrepreneurs are seeking other medicines to substitute for antibiotics in preventing and treating diseases in livestock, which must also cause the least damage to their farming. Therefore, more entrepreneurs are turning to the use of herbs because their properties can reduce the use of antibiotics and add value to Thai herbs.
For the trend in demand for Thai antiviral herbs, research and development (R&D), KASIKORN RESEARCH CENTER (KResearch) holds the view that the commercial development of Thai herbs having antiviral properties is a good opportunity to reduce imports of antibiotics and herbal pharmaceuticals from foreign sources, and would help develop Thai herbs for the global market. Important strategies for the achievement of that goal would include quality control and efficiency in extracting active ingredients from the herbs to support antiviral herb research. Encouragement toward growing antiviral herbs for household use and for supply to processing factories is a distinct selling point; the use of antiviral Thai herbs in animal feed can convince farmers.

The development of Thai herbs for commercial benefit, particularly in the global market, still possesses ample opportunities for investment. However, Thai entrepreneurs will need to expedite R&D in production and marketing, as well as needing to learn related laws. If they get full support and encouragement from the public sector, Thai antiviral herbs will definitely shine in global trade.

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Agriculture