2. CARIBBEAN BIODIVERSITY
Latin America and the Caribbean has the widest plant and animal
biodiversity in the world
Of the 160 plants declared to have proven medicinal properties over
50 % (80) are endemic to Jamaica.
Several Jamaican plants have been exploited for therapeutics
internationally with no resulting benefits to Jamaica or the region.
Vincristine, active ingredient in Toxol is from a Jamaican plant (vinca roseus l)
Plant was sent to Canada on a research collaboration to investigate the
hypoglycemic properties. No formal agreement or IP protection was in place
Caribbean marine organisms have also shown extensive chemo
preventative properties.
spongothymidine and spongouridine used in anti-cancer and anti-viral drugs
Tectitethya crypta
ICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
4. IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF IP
Chemical Profiling (Chemotyping)
Chemical profiling via metabolites: HPLC and NMR
Distinguish between similar and different plants
Plants within group may have qualitatively and quantitatively different
profiles
Plants grown under different pH, altitude, light and moisture shows
different metabolite profile.
Excellent for Jamaican Blue mountain Coffee where false claims are made
Over 30 Jamaican species completed: Ginger-Gingerols, Capsicum- Capsacin,
cocoa
Monograph of constituents/metabolites established
Key metabolites determined across growing seasons
Can identify presence of adulterants-spiking and dilution
ICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
5. IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF IP
Genotyping
Focus on molecular sequencing/profiling of Jamaican and the
regional flora
Establishment of genetic resource database
Cannabis
Cocoa
Capsicum
Ginger
Coffee
Medicinal plants
Molecular profile now linked to IP protection
Geographical mapping of genetic resources
Done through IAEA collaboration
ICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
6. CONSERVATION OF ENDEMIC SPECIES
Tissue Culture
Utilised in vitro techniques to preserve genetic resources
Tissue culture to ensure availability, maintenance of genotypes,
reduce disease/microbial load
Boost commercial production of plants regionally
Resources hosted in three local laboratories and 6 regional
laboratories
Allows for protection of genetic resource in case of natural or man related
disasters
Share genetic resources for research and development
Research on food and medicinal plant varietiesICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
8. NATIONAL THRUST
HUMAN HEALTH AND WELLBEING
National Nutraceutical Industry
Launched March 5, 2015
Over 10 Jamaican companies commercialising health and wellness products from
local flora
Food and Drug Act of 1961 undergoing amendment
Amendment to the Dangerous Drug Act to:
Facilitate cannabis Research by academia and research institutes
Expansion of health and wellness industry to include cannabis products
Protection and exchange of genetic resources
ICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
9. CHALLENGES
Funding support- Regional/local government (R& D investment 0.08 %
GDP)
Exchange of genetic material/trust among scientist
Slow start to protection of genetic resources
Influx of foreign interest groups in the absence of operational policies
Unregulated transfer of genetic materials between the public and foreign
interest groups: Public eduction
Unsustainable practices by Jamaicans
ICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
10. COLLABORATIONS ACROSS THE REGION
Germplasm maintenance
Joint efforts in chemical profiling
Cross institutional Molecular fingerprinting
Regional Genebank/DNA database
Cross institutional product development
Joint funding/projects to further develop, protect and conserve
genetic resources
Inter-regional Technical support
ICSU FOCAL POINTS W ORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015
11. OUR MISSION:
To serve the productive sector, policy makers and the general public in
order to enable sustainable growth and development of Jamaica by:
Providing quality scientific and technological solutions;
Popularising S &T through strategic alliances;
Being Customer-.focused with innovative, competent and responsive
teams
ICSU FOCAL POINTS WORKSHP MARCH 9 -10, 2015