Local producers of semi-processed indigenous plants are seeking legislation prohibiting the export of inputs for natural ingredients which are now being exploited by processors in other countries at their very raw form.

The call for such legal support started as the Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened a facility for the extraction of active ingredients in pharmaceutical goods which will start commercial production early next year.

With its first locator, Phytophils— DA’s Biotechnology Business Incubation Facility (BBIF)— expects to start sending samples of the liquid extracts (of the indigenous plant sambong) to potential markets in Europe, Japan, and the US.

Other raw materials whose active ingredients for pharmaceutical uses will be extracted are banaba and lagundi which have known medicinal uses that are backed up by clinical trials earlier conducted by the Department of Science and Technology.

Operating only at a pilot scale, the BBIF still has a small capacity of liquid extraction of natural ingredients at 100 liters and fermenting cultured enzymes at 100 liters.

Danilo Manayaga, Phytophils chairman, said that a legislation prohibiting the export of the country’s raw materials will compel foreign companies to invest in manufacturing plants in the Philippines, generating jobs and accumulating added-value to the country’s export products.

"We export banaba leaves to Japan at only P20 per kilo. But a bottle of a 30-capsule (medicine with corosolic acid) is sold in the US at 0," said Manayaga said in an interview at the BBIF opening.

"That’s why (public-private sector biotechnology network) BIONET wants a stop of the export materials from our natural products like leaves, barks, and roots. This way we can develop the local industry and produce the semi-processed goods that foreign companies need."

For every 12 kilos of banana leaves, one gram of the active ingredient corosolic acid (used in the treatment of diabetes, kidney-related diseases, and as anti-obesity drug) is produced. From one gram of corosolic acid, 167 capsules can be produced at six milligrams per capsule.

Japan has been aggressively processing banaba into value-added form and raw materials this from the Philippines. It has started seeking protection for its technology through patent applications.

"We have the best banaba in the world in Sierra Madre (mountains) and Arayat (where corosolic acid content is higher)," he said.

Maoi Arroyo, Hybridigm Consulting president, said the country should maximize its opportunities in natural ingredients since the country has been extremely blessed with the biodiversity that offer raw materials for pharmaceutical-cosmetic-industrial goods.

"This is one niche the Philippines can participate in the global market," she said.

Phytophils will also be producing the active ingredient ngai camphor from sambong which is known for curing kidney stones or as diuretic in hypertension.

Ari Halos, Phytophils president, said the extraction of the higher valueadded active ingredients also gives better export chances for sambong since export is easier in semiprocessed form in the US. The export of dried, crushed leaves, turned into powder form has caused phytosanitary questions on certain locally-produced drugs.