E-DRUG: Growing Artemisia annua, in tropical Africa
[Although sent from a company, I think it is worth posting. KM]
Hello E-druggers,
Some introductions may be necessary; I am staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria. As a part of our company's social responsibility commitment, we are involved in various Community Development interventions. A key component of this, is our fight against malaria in our host communities in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria.
I would appreciate whatever information you can give me on the cultivation of Artemisia annua, in tropical Africa. Is it possible to grow sufficiently high artemisinin yielding varieties in southern (rainforest) Nigeria? This is the angle I am looking at. If this can be acheived, I believe it could be a big leap forwards in boosting community health.
Folks, kindly let have whatever information available to you on this subject that will further our goal.
If anyone require any information about our community development activities, I will be more than happy to provide them.
[I once met a pharmacist who was growing Artemisia in Tanzania. KM]
E-DRUG: Growing Artemisia annua, in tropical Africa (2)
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Dear Mr. Rowland,
During a visit to Ghana early this year I was told of steps being taken by
State University of Groningen, Netherlands, a Ghanaian/Dutch pharmacist plus
an experienced plantation manager to embark on growing Artemisia on a
commercial basis.
The department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Groningen has known research
lines in this field.
The whole venture supported by a grant from the Dutch government.
Analysis and quality control of commercial Artemisia species, Woerdenbag HJ, Pras N, In: Wright CW, ed. Artemisia, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiels. Londond, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2002: 51-77
E-DRUG: Growing Artemisia annua, in tropical Africa (3)
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Hi,
I believe the pharmacist who was cultivating in Tanzania is Dr Joseph Mhando
(jmhando@yahoo.com). Another pharmacist in Tanzania who could give some
info is Wilson Mlaki from St Lukes Foundation. (wmlaki@yahoo.com).
[Yes it was Joseph! KM]
Cheers,
Eva
Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network
P. O. Box 73860-00200
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 254-20-4444832/ 4445020
Fax: 254-20-4445095/4440306
Email: epn@wananchi.com
Website: www.epnetwork.org
E-DRUG: Growing Artemisia annua, in tropical Africa (4)
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Dear all,
An addition to Eva Ombaka's contribution: Eva, you may recall the
Kilimanjaro College of Medicine (KCMC) at Moshi suggested that they
are working on Artemisia locally grown in the area. I'm not sure if
it is the college itself that is growing the plant. If I believe the
pharmacy unit was looking for collaborative support in this area, from
other schools or pharma industry working in this area.