Power of plants in Oman to be discussed in upcoming Science cafe

Muscat: Oman’s wealth of plant resources will be the topic of discussion in the upcoming Science Cafe.

According to Dr. Nadiya Al Saady, Executive Director at the Oman Animal Plant & Genetic Resources Center (OAPGRC), Oman’s genetic resources offer immense economic value and benefits and the effective preservation, conservation and management of these precious resources is essential to global food security, sustainable development and the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.

Monday’s Science Café panel will include Dr. Amal Al Abrawi, CEO, Oliban; Dr. Salim Al Wahaibi, Partner, Oliban; Dr. Salim Al Rawahi, Oliban’s Head of R&D; and OAPGRC’s Plant Genetic Resources Expert, Dr. Ali Al Lawati.

“On the commercial front, we’re witnessing greater interest in the cultural role indigenous plants play in our daily lives, whether that’s related to the food we eat, the medicines we take or the perfume, cosmetics and clothes we wear.”

There is also growing Omani consumer awareness regarding health benefits associated with plant-based personal care products that includes cosmetics, perfumes and essential oils.

According to recent research the global essential oil market is expected to reach US$1.67 billion by 2022, growth that Science Café presenter Dr. Al Abrawi of newly-launched Oliban is looking to capitalize on.

“The rapid pace of urbanization and globalization has played an important role in the development of the global natural fragrance ingredients market,” noted Dr. Al Abrawi, adding, “The fragrance and essential oils market is also witnessing a growing trend of customized perfumes and the use of organic and renewable ingredients in perfume manufacturing.”

Historically, industry interest in plant-derived pharmaceuticals has come and gone. However, improved drug-screening technologies and a concern over disappearing genetic resources, particularly from developing countries has fueled a resurgence of drug-industry interest in natural products and plant-derived drugs.

“There are estimated to be 121 prescription drugs in use today, which come from only 90 plant species. About 74 per cent came from following up folklore claims. In fact, there are more than 400 species of plants in Oman categorized as medicinal plants, so it would be logical to think there are many more drugs to be developed,” commented OAPGRC’s Dr. Al Lawati.

The upcoming Science cafe will take place at 7.30pm on February 6 at the Sultan Qaboos University Students Service Centre.