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Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

Contributions of medicinal plants to the Gross National Happiness and Biodiscovery in Bhutan

Authors: Phurpa Wangchuk, Tashi Tobgay

Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

The medicinal plants and the associated Bhutanese traditional medicine (BTM) are protected by the country’s constitution and receive both government support and acceptance by the wider public. More than 1000 medicinal plants are described in the BTM but currently collects only 300 species for daily formulations of BTM. These medicinal plants have been one of the drivers of the ‘Gross National Happiness (GNH)’ and biodiscovery projects in Bhutan. However, no review covering the systematic evaluations of the contributions of medicinal plants and the BTM to the GNH and biodiscovery exist till date.

Methods

This paper, therefore addresses this information gap. It is based on the review of the existing traditional and scientific literature, government websites and policy documents. The descriptions and discussions of the paper is straightened, authenticated and enhanced by the data collected through the informal discussions with the BTM practitioners and also through the authors’ many years of practical observations of the impact of the medicinal plants programs and the BTM practices in Bhutan.

Results

This paper found the following: a) the medicinal plants generates income to the farmers elevating their living standard and the economic status, b) it serves as the bulk ingredients of the BTM facilitating the provision of free traditional health care services to the patients, c) helps the conservation of medicinal plants and their pristine environment through recognition of their spiritual, social and economic values, d) preserves the rich BTM cultural heritage, and e) guides the biodiscovery projects based on their ethnobotanical information. The paper also identified the challenges and research gaps, and recommends appropriate strategies that can help secure the sustainable future of the medicinal plants, the BTM and the biodiscovery projects.

Conclusions

The medicinal plants play significant role in the country’s biodiscovery projects and the internationally renowned development policy of ‘Gross National Happiness’.
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Metadata
Title
Contributions of medicinal plants to the Gross National Happiness and Biodiscovery in Bhutan
Authors
Phurpa Wangchuk
Tashi Tobgay
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-015-0035-1

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Reviewer acknowledgement

Acknowledgement of manuscript reviewers 2014