HGH, PLT Bringing Zembrin to U.S.

CAPE TOWNSouth Africa awarded its first bio-prospecting license, granting HGH Pharmaceuticals, a local firm, the rights to produce and export Zembrin, an extract of Sceletium tortuosum used to treat stress and anxiety. AllAfrica.com reported three San communities in the Western Cape will benefit from a royalty sharing agreement tied to the license and permit, which was issued in terms with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.

The succulent plant will be grown by contracted growers for HGH to avoid depleting wild stocks. HGH is working with Gehrlicker GmbH and has concluded a U.S. distribution deal with P.L. Thomas, Morristown, N.J. Royalties from the sale of Zembrin will be paid to the South African San Council, although AllAfrica.com noted the royalty percentage has not been disclosed.

Nigel Gericke, research director at HGH Pharmaceutical, said the company was honored to receive the license, and was quoted as stating, It is the culmination of eight years of hard work and a testament to our commitment to working in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable way."