Biodiversity Conference

Drug discovery and biodiversity conservation in Samburu, Kenya

Mark O. Nanyingi1* , James M. Mbaria 1, Adamson L.Lanyasunya 2, Cyrus G. Wagate1, Kipsengeret B. Koros. 1, 4, William O. Ogara 1, Jacob O.Midiwo3

1Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O BOX 29053-00625 Nairobi, Kenya
2Samburu Integrated Resource Aid Network (SIRAN) P.O BOX 26 Maralal, Kenya
3Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O BOX 30197 Nairobi, Kenya
4 Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya

High-throughput screening (HTS) of large compound and combinatorial libraries offers the best chances for discovery of novel lead compounds. Considerable research on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics has been carried out on Samburu medicinal plants as potential sources of new pharmaceuticals. We attempt to outline developments in Traditional Medicine (TM) and legislation concerning conservation and biodiversity in Samburu district. Based on field trips, interviews, site visits and literature we explored the history, current status, re-establishment and development of TM and intellectual property rights (IPR). A collaborative research as part of the economic justification for biodiversity conservation was conducted to develop a model program for drug discovery in Kenya and progress on this project is reported, including a database of 72 plants with antimalarial, ectoparasiticidal, larvicidal and antihelmintic properties. Plants were collected and screened for bioactivity at our laboratories and those with antibacterial, antiplasmodial and larvicidal potency were studied. We are conducting invitro and invivo cytotoxicity studies and isolation of active compounds in collaboration with other laboratories. The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in bioprospecting and biotechnology as it relates to rights of indigenous knowledge holders is discussed. Any royalties from the resulting drugs will be shared with these communities as an economic incentive to maintain their habitat. We must foster the development of multidisciplinary, international, collaborative research programs which will support local and global scientists in futuristic pharmaceutical developments from natural resources.
Keywords: Drug discovery; Biodiversity; Intellectual property rights; Kenya