medicinal plants going extinct

Plants that are used as traditional medicines to combat diseases, such as cancers and malaria, are going extinct according the New Scientist.  And, they believe overexploitation is the cause.

Most people worldwide, including 80 per cent of all Africans, rely on herbal medicines obtained mostly from wild plants. But some 15,000 of 50,000 medicinal species are under threat of extinction, according to a report this week from international conservation group Plantlife. Shortages have been reported in China, India, Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania and Uganda.

Most of the harm done to the plants is through over-harvesting, because commercial growers care little about the sustainability.  Other causes are climate, insect infestations, and habitat destruction.  

It is felt that by encouraging local communities, through incentives, that would do more to protect the plants from harm.  By giving them a competitive income to increase their quality of living, they may take greater care in the treatment of the crops and their sustainability.