HERBAL MEDICATION A MORE ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- During an economic downturn, herbal
medication is a more acceptable alternative for consumers due to its lower cost
when compared to modern medicine, the organiser of Herbal Asia 2011 says.

It said the herbal industry was much sought after as an anti-crisis
industry, thus it had been growing steadily in recent years, from about RM7
billion in 2006 to RM10 billion last year. (US$1=RM3.01)

According to Global Industry Analysts Inc's findings, escalating prices,
tighter budgets and high health care and lifestyle costs had actually driven
consumers towards the more economical, healthier and safer option of alternative
medicine and dietary supplements for relief from physical and mental disorders.

"In the US alone, the sales of vitamins and supplements at the retail level
recorded a significant increase of over 10 per cent in 2008, as compared to the
previous year," the Herbal Asia 2011 organiser said in a statement Wednesday.

Herbal Asia 2011, Asia's premier herbal trade show, will be held from July
13 to 15 at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

It is expected to draw 3,000 potential trade buyers from local and overseas
participants and serve as a platform for producers, manufacturers, investors,
health and industry-related professionals to meet, exchange their ideas, widen
their network and promote this rapidly growing industry.