SRC to Test Plant for Medicinal Properties
By: , March 10, 2017
The Full Story
The Scientific Research Council (SRC) will be undertaking research on the Turnera Campaniflora plant, which is believed to have medicinal properties.
Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Cliff Riley, told JIS News that the plant, which is endemic to Jamaica, is related to ‘ramgoat dash along’ which is used to treat hypertension and is expected to have similar features.
He said it also has a very high odour and, therefore, may contain some insect-repellant properties.
Dr. Riley informed that the SRC will begin its research on the plant in another two weeks.
Turnera Campaniflora, which is native to Quaco Rock in Clarendon, is regarded as critically endangered. It was taken to the agency by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
The plant was regenerated by the SRC through the use of tissue culture and planted during a special ceremony at the SRC’s Science in the Gardens event held at Hope Gardens in February.
More than 100 plants are to be placed in public gardens across the island.