Medicinal Plants for Defense,

Lastly, the study has recommended a development of medicinal plants for defense needs. Four of the major types of medicine needed in time of war could be derived from medicinal plants and natural products, namely, morphine as a pain-killer, antibiotics, vaccines and dextrose. Further study and experiments in some of these areas have been suggested for the production of samples and models, which could be the basis for wartime mass production.

Conclusion

The energy crisis of the mid 70’s had brought about a revival of interest in the utilization of natural products. Rapidly increasing oil prices have raised the cost of synthetic products, derived from petrochemical industry, to the extent that resource-based products could economically compete in many areas. With the dwindling world supply of oil, it is becoming imperative that the development of production technology, utilizing resource-based materials, be accelerated. There is another advantage for resource-based products in the field of medicinal development, owing to their being relatively free from the side effects, commonly found in petrochemical synthetics. Thus, it is a far-sighted policy for Thailand to embark on the development of medicinal plants. There is a definite potential for the development of a drug industry based on natural products in Thailand, a country endowed with favorable climatic and soil conditions. Nevertheless, more research and experiments will have to be carried out before the goals set in the Fifth National Development Plan are met. The interest in this area shown by His Majesty the King in granting the Royal Patronage to the medicinal plant collection project in Chachoengsao province has given a great impetus to the development of medicinal plants in Thailand and ensured its bright and promising future.