Heinrich, M;
Scotti, F;
Booker, A;
Fitzgerald, M;
Kum, KY;
Löbel, K;
(2019)
Unblocking High-Value Botanical Value Chains: Is There a Role for Blockchain Systems?
Frontiers in Pharmacology
, 10
, Article 396. 10.3389/fphar.2019.00396.
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Abstract
Blockchain systems are a fast emerging and a currently widely discussed novel strategy for a decentralized cryptographically enhanced digital ledger recording transactions among stakeholders. This perspective paper looks at its potential uses in the context of high value and mostly low volume botanical material traded globally and used as medicines, health foods, in cosmetics and other applications. We offer a perspective on key areas in the supply of such products globally and how blockchain systems may help in sustainable sourcing, quality assurance, and in tackling supply problems in cases of complex multiherbal preparations. Both open and closed blockchain systems are feasible, and it seems likely that, at least in the initial development, closed ones are the main ones to be utilized. While blockchain’s potential is not yet clear, the examples presented here highlight the opportunities of this new technology
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Unblocking High-Value Botanical Value Chains: Is There a Role for Blockchain Systems? |
| Location: | Switzerland |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.3389/fphar.2019.00396 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00396 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Keywords: | blockchain, herbal medicines, traditional medicines, sustainability, value chains, quality (herbal medicines) |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > UCL School of Pharmacy UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > UCL School of Pharmacy > Pharma and Bio Chemistry |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10074128 |
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