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10 years' experiences illustrated by a few examples Wormwood - St. John's-Wort - Arnica - Purple coneflower, sea-buckthorn and rose - Small-flowered willow herb Wormwood and the selection of an artemisinin-rich variety The leaves of the Asiatic annual wormwood (Artemisia annua) contain a molecule of powerful anti-malarial properties: artemisinin. The action of this molecule and its derivatives against various malarial parasites, Plasmodium falciparum in particular, has been widely confirmed. Not only do they give some very good results and without any serious side effects, but they also offer a worthwhile alternative in situations where parasites have become resistant to the usual anti-malarial treatments. The unique source of supply for the manufacture of artemisinin-based medication is the extraction from cultivated plants of Artemisia annua. With its 10 years of work in this domain, Mediplant has acquired a solid background knowledge on this species in the following:
St. John's-Wort and its tolerance to dieback in culture St. John's-Wort (Hypericum
perforatum) has been cultivated as a result of pressure from market
demands for anti-depressors. Although still highly restricted just a few
years ago, cultivated surfaces in Europe now cover several hundreds of
hectares. The domestication of this species is nevertheless imperfect and
the cultivated varieties of St. John's-Wort currently available suffer-badly
from dieback.
Arnica and the domestication of an alpine plant Mountain arnica (Arnica montana) has been well-known since ancient times for its medicinal virtues, its antiphilogistic and tissue regenerative properties. In several European countries, a very strict system of regulation governs the harvesting of this Asteracea in the wild. Therefore, the cultivation of this plant, although delicate, offers an interesting alternative to this situation. Thanks to our studies,
some precious experience has been gained in: cultivation perenniality,
farming methods, flower abundance and problems related to the pest Tephritis
arnicae, a small fly. We have been greatly encouraged by the results
obtained and now consider arnica as a domesticated species.
Purple coneflower, sea-buckthorn and rose, cosmetic plants Work carried out on the domestication of Purple coneflower (Echinacea sp.), seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoïdes) and the rose (Rosa sp.) for the Swiss company CVL COSMETICS has resulted in the selection of species and accessions which offer the very best solutions to demands of quality made by industry. These cultivations of sea-buckthorn (berries) and the rose (seeds) are the first of their kind in Switzerland and guarantee a reliable supply of constant quality. Cultures are now in place by producers of the Valplantes Cooperative who ensure the production. Small-flowered willow herb and the domestication of a wild plant The small-flowered willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum) is a medicinal species used in the treatment of some prostate infections, in particular that of prostate's adenoma, and has been the object of a domestication programme. Some general farming
guidelines can now be proposed which concern not only the location and
timing of production, but also methods of training and maintenance. A study
of this species' floral biology has also been undertaken, with a view to
selection, and making use of its sensitivity to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca
epilobii) as a genetic marker.
Stevia from Paraguay (Stevia rebaudiana) Originating in high altitude zones of Brazil
and Paraguay, this "sugar plant" is proposed to consumers as an alternative
to traditional sugar (hypocalorific sweetener). As this Asteracea
cannot withstand the cold winters of Switzerland, it behaves as an annual
plant in our climes. Present agronomic trials are attempting to evaluate
whether it can be farmed profitably or not in Switzerland.
Podophyllum (Podophyllum hexandrum) The rhizomes of this Himalayan Berderidacea
contain substances which present, among others, antitumoral properties.
The only current sources of supply of this plant are limited to a few countries,
one of which is Pakistan. A domestication programme for this species has
been set up this year, following a request from a Swiss pharmaceutical
company.
Genepi (Artemisia umbelliformis), the alpine flavour This
very aromatic species presents a great interest for the liquor market in
Switzerland and in the neighbouring alpine areas. The research group for
aromatic and medicinal plants of Agroscope RAC Changins, Centre des Fougères,
has been involved in a domestication programme for this species for more than 10
years. The varietal obtention without thuyone (neurotoxic molecules) has been
giving good results. It is with the co-operation of this group that we have
investigated the incidence of the harvesting stage on the quality of the
flowers. (see poster)
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