Abstract

The relentless march of the “civilized” world is making irreversible changes to the delicate equilibrium that allowed the proliferation of biodiversity. Even remote islands are not spared. For instance, the present day flora of some islands in the Indian Ocean represents a fraction of the number of species in existence only 50 years ago. This may have serious consequences, especially for therapeutics, as it is estimated that more than half of all the medications currently in clinical use are derived from natural compounds and subsequently synthesized. Furthermore, in many developing countries, people still rely on herbs and plants for their primary health care, and in developed countries the sale of medicinal herbs is a booming business.