Body Shop is one of the largest companies in the herbal cosmetics market. Consequently, it is one of the largest users of the bioresources and traditional knowledge systems of the world. In order to

A usual story: a transnational company develops a profitable product based on the resources and knoledge preserved by an indigenous community from the South. However, very little is done to compensate the community. Author analyse

To most Indians, turmeric or haldi is a part of growing up, a magic cure-all for the excesses of childhood. A classic "grandmother's remedy", the virulent yellow powder or paste has been applied to the scrapes and cuts of generations of children. But in the US, two scientists were granted a patent to use this plant extract in its powder form for healing wounds. The scientists claimed they were the first to use turmeric (Curcuma longa) for this purpose.