The people of Africa are largely dependent on the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants for the health care needs. They are based on the traditional knowledge accumulated over centuries and conveyed from generation to generation. An estimated 10 percent of the plant species in the world are found in southern Africa. The local uses of these plants are increasingly being documented. But only a few have been subjected to scientific investigation, and fewer still are commercialized. But more scientific investigations and publications are emerging. The filing of patents too has been on the increase.

These medicinal plants are available in the local markets. These markets are part of the informal economy. The people largely depend on these markets for buying them to meet their health care needs. The market for medicinal plants is becoming organized into becoming a part of the formal economy with increasing commercialization. The demand for these products from the industries has increased with the increasing consumer demand locally among the more affluent. Export too of some of these medicinal plants has increased. Natural remedies are gaining acceptance and increased popularity globally. These medicinal plants are used by cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries for production locally as well as globally. Often these are also based on the traditional knowledge about their use. This information is based on what are reported in field documentation and research in African countries which are now widespread. These documentation and researches are the main source of information on the indigenous knowledge, folklore medicine and traditional knowledge of the people of Africa, particularly the tribal peoples who have vast knowledge on these plants.

There are many products in the global market that are based on such traditional knowledge of the people of southern Africa. The knowledge is valued for their reliability. The rush to document this knowledge before they are lost has increased with more documentation and research. So also the market for these ethno-botanicals too has increased. In recent times Hoodia gordonii from Kalahari Desert has caught the attention of those who want to lose weight. This is a reputed appetite suppressant. Available in different forms such as pills, capsules and powder, Hoodia is also available in liquid form. Hoodithin review tells us that the liquid form is much superior to other forms.

Medicinal plants from the African countries are in demand in the global market. This could be economically beneficial to the African countries, especially the poor as it could augment their income. However, there is also the real danger from increased collections from the natural habitat for exports. This could deplete the plants from over exploitation. Scientific extraction methods and better conservation management practices are important to make the commercial exploitation of these plants sustainable.

Weight loss products are widely displayed in different stores. But to come up with a good choice, always prioritize the natural remedies.

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