Bent Creek Germplasm Repository Laboratories
The Bent Creek Germplasm Repository laboratories identify and produce research grade botanical samples and extracts for researchers to discover, develop and validate natural medicines and integrative strategies for human health and wellness. BCI endeavors to translate research innovations into sustainable economic advantage for the Western North Carolina region.
Unlocking the secrets of WNC’s vast biodiversity through documented, peer reviewed science will not only provide results for use in alternative and complementary medical treatment of human disease, but will tap into international natural products commerce, a global industry assessed at $200 billion growing annually at 14%. Science that demonstrates the efficacy of WNC botanicals can be used to brand regional growers’ products, support higher raw and finished product price points, establish ancillary processing, manufacturing, marketing and distribution businesses and launch WNC as an international location for botanical medicine innovation. The ground-breaking work of the BCI and its partners, combined with WNC’s biodiversity, history and existing culture of botanical medicine suggests a statewide strategy to position WNC as the location for federal research, regulatory programs, and economic development.