Information Management in Herbal Research: Nexus of Trends and Application of Emerging Technologies

Abstract

In recent time, herbal information and products have been used to cure different sicknesses and diseases such as arthritis, insomnia, ulcer, diabetes, cough, fever, constipation and cardiovascular problems. Several researches conducted have given birth to the use of different herbal products (such as rosemary Lavenders, sage, curry leaf’ Tea bush, Bitter leaf, Thyme, garlic, ginger, Ginseng and Aloe Vera) for medicinal and culinary purposes. Due to the ever increasing importance of herbal research information, there is need for adequate and proper management of herbal research information. This article examined the need for information management in herbal research, characteristics of herbal research information as well as the nexus of trends of information management in herbal research. It discussed and identified the roles of libraries in the management of herbal research information. The paper also identified some emerging ICT tools used for information management in herbal research. It concluded that apart from helping to preserve valuable information on herbal medicinal research, information management of herbal research also help to preserve the indigenous knowledge of the people from being lost as a result of factors such as acculturation and biodiversity. The paper recommended that government and information agencies should draw up strategy for proper management of herbal research information as this will enhance access to quality herbal information.

URL: http://ijkcdt.net/xml/21161/21161.pdf