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Globally, botanicals and associated by-products often provide income that is recognized as an important contributor to livelihoods particularly in rural areas. However, limited data currently exists on the impact of commercializing medicinal plants on livelihoods. Using a dataset collected from 101 indigenous knowledge holders (IKHs) with interest in childhood diseases, we assessed the factors influencing their decisions to commercialize medicinal plants, and how the commercialization impacts livelihood outcomes measured by net returns and per capita total expenditure. We used the Propensity Score Matching as the analytical technique to correct for endogeneity bias resulting from the observed characteristics. The results revealed that commercializing medicinal plants significantly increased net returns and per capital total expenditure by 3.60% and 1.42%, respectively. Furthermore, factors such as age, education, access to water and membership of association significantly influenced the decision of IKHs to commercialize medicinal plants. Policy efforts that seek to provide support for formal and vocational training, access to irrigation technology and participation in farmer groups, particularly among the experienced IKHs may encourage the commercialization of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the potential of medicinal plants is increasingly being recognized due to their relative availability, particularly in rural areas. This review explored the ethnobotanical and economic values of six selected medicinal plants widely used to treat and manage childhood diseases in South Africa. Acalypha glabrata, Aloe maculata, Datura stramonium, Gomphocarpus fruticosus, Rhoicissus tridentata and Vachellia karroo were selected based on their high relative frequency of citations for treating a wide range of diseases. Information was obtained from various scientific databases and ethnobotanical books. In addition to being popular for treating childhood diseases, the selected medicinal plants possess diverse applications in traditional medicine for other age groups, highlighting their general therapeutic values. This translates to extensive harvesting, trading and consumption of these plants in order to meet demands on local levels. Currently, empirical data on the economic value of the selected plants remain poorly reported. Even though South Africa has many laws to conserve and promote indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants, their commercialization remains low. Particularly the cultivation of the selected plants needs to be promoted under a participatory management action plan to stimulate the economy of the disadvantaged. A collaborative research framework for the inclusive transformation of indigenous medicinal plants is recommended to reveal their concealed beneficial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]