New Frontiers in Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research

Globally, medicinal and aromatic plants are used widely and despite some prophecies of doom in the later years of the 20th century, medicinal and aromatic plant research is a fast developing and thriving theme. The majority of the worlds population still rely on local and traditional forms of therapy and, for example, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jamu and Kampo are an essential element of daily healthcare in many Asian countries. In economically developed countries and under the label Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), such plants are part of the conscious selection of what people use to prevent and cure a wide range of diseases. Simultaneously, we witness a continuous development of novel uses of aromatic and other useful plants. The fast developing research tools based on omics-technologies, on novel pharmacological methods and our fast developing biotechnological capabilities offer unique opportunities to advance our knowledge on medicinal and aromatic plants.

WOCMAP (World Congress on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants) has had a long tradition of engaging with these themes from a truly global perspective. The last congress was held in South Africa (2008) and, for the first time, it will now be hosted in Australia. Previously, congresses had been organised in Europe (Maastricht, Netherlands, 1992), South America (Mendoza, Argentina, 1997), and Asia (Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2003).

With multiple new and ongoing research activities in Asian, South-East Asian and Oceanian countries, WOCMAP V will offer unique opportunities to present and discuss research findings on all aspects of research on medicinal and aromatic plants. We have three major sessions that will cover the breadths of the field. Selected keynote speakers will offer insight into cutting edge research in the field and of course the World Congress will be an ideal networking platform.