SciDev.Net

Scientists should investigate herbal malaria remedies as they are more affordable for the very poor, the MIM meeting was told.

Complementary medicine has saved the Peruvian government US$8 million in the last ten years, says a study.

Excitement about the potential of a plant root extract to combat swine flu is brought down to earth by a pandemics expert.

South African researchers are probing the AIDS-fighting potential of local plants, signalling a new alliance with healers.

A successful bid by Peru to block patents based on its indigenous knowledge could inspire other nations in the fight against biopiracy.

Could a tea made from bitter oranges and the leaves of an African tree help curb diabetes?

The anti-inflammatory properties of the traditional Amazonian medicine 'cat's claw' show promise in treating dengue fever, say scientists.

The Indian government has made thousands of traditional medicines public property to curb patents by foreign companies.

Almost a third of medicinal plants could become extinct, risking lives and highlighting the need to provide incentives for protecting them.

Researchers have found that more than half the plants in west Nepal have medicinal use — higher than that reported in previous studies.

Laws to ensure native communities retain the rights to local knowledge are in reality a barrier to progress, says a report.

Xechem International, the US-based company that owns the rights to a promising sickle cell anaemia treatment, has filed for bankruptcy.

A Chinese company is suing the government for refusing to license its "effective" herbal HIV treatment.

Production of a herbal-based sickle cell anaemia drug could be under threat as the companies involved are surrounded by allegations of corruption.

A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.

Decreasing supplies of medicinal plants are endangering South Africa's traditional medicine industry, says a report.

A research and development centre for Arab Bedouins has been reopened in southern Israel's Negev desert.

Clinical trials of a traditional medicine to treat HIV are set to begin this month in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

An increase in the use of traditional medicine has prompted Southern African countries to resolve to develop safety guidelines.

China has launched a long-term development plan to boost research and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine.