Research shows some ‘remedial’ herbs cause disease; study faults ackee on vomiting

Opening Address to the fourth Mona Symposium by the Hon. Dr. Herbert Eldemire, Minister of Helath

Active research in the field of  Natural Products Chemistry has been succcssfully conducted over the years in Jamaica. Bio-chemical study of the ackee, for instance, had established that the fruit was the cause of vomiting sickness which used to claim many lives each year, especially those of children.

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Herbert Eldemire who made this statement on Monday said although fatalities still occurred because of improper use of the ackee, the nature of the problem was known and could therefore be avoided with the result that the malady was considerably reduced if not entirely eliminated from the society.

He added that the biochemical study of the actlvity of the substances found in the ackee is being vigourously underaken and new and useful information being gleaned regarding carbohydrates and fatty acid metabolism.

Dr Eldemire. in an address before declaring open the fourth Natural Products Symposium at the Chemistry Department of The University of the West Indies sald Natural Products Chemistry represented a common ground where nutritionists. endocrinologists, physiologists, pharmacologists and molecular-b!ologists could meet and discuss problems of mutual interest. It was a subject which might also begin to involve the sociologists since cultural adaption to new dietary practices was part of the total picture.

The Minister said research into organic chemistry at Mona had proved that there were certain species of herbs and poisonous plants which used to be considered as remedies contained alkaloids believed to be the cause of veno-oclusive diseases in humans.

He said the studies and research were made possible by financial grants from overseas and from the Government, and pledged the continued support by Government of the activities not only in the medical field but also in the commercial field.

Organic chemists were also involved in the sugar, essential oil, and the bauxite/alumina industries the Minister said, and it was hoped that furthe research into the chemistry of certain selected plants would in time show these to be sources of potentialty useful alkaloids or antibiotic substances.

Recognition

Dr. Eldemire welcomed the many leading organic chemists from the United Kingdom. the United States of America. Canada. Guyana and the West Indies. Their presence he regarded as "clear indication that the work being done by our small group, has won "some measure of international recognition." In addition it provided the opportunity to cross-fertilize scientific thinking and develop the personal relationships so necesary in the internatlonal fraternity of scientists."

The Health Minister hoped by providing the right atmosphere for the forthright discussion of scientific matters the conference would be a contributor to the chemical community as a whole.

Chairman at the brief opening ceremony was Prof. W. R. Chan of the Organic Division of the Chemistry Deparlment at The U.W.I.

The symposium continues in scientific sessions until January 7th