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Parasitic Angiosperms as medicinal plants Karl Hammer(1), Merita Hammer-Spahillari(2)

Authors Hammer, Karl; Hammer-Spahillari, Merita

Journal 6TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM BREEDING RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS (BREEDMAP 6) , 2016,:453

DOI 10.5073/jka.2016.453.021

Abstract Parasitism is only found in eudicotyledonous Angiosperms in all continents and in one Gymnosperm from New Caledonia. At least eleven independent origins of parasitism in Angiosperms have been proposed.The economic importance of parasites is generally considered as negative in connection with dangerous species for agriculture, horticulture and forestry (e.g., Orobanche spp. and Striga spp., Orobanchaceae, Cuscuta spp., Cuscutaceae, and Arceuthobium spp., Viscaceae). But there are a number of species useful as vegetables (Melientha suavis, Opiliaceae), sources for manufacturing cosmetics and soaps (Santalum album, Santalaceae) and fruit trees (Ximenia americana, Ximeniaceae). And there are numerous examples for the use of parasites as medicinal plants, often not yet confirmed by modern medical sciences.In a recent survey, cultivated parasitic plants could be found in Olacaceae (1), Opiliaceae (1), Orobanchaceae (3), Santalaceae (6), Viscaceae (1) and Ximeniaceae (1, number of species in brackets). Among the species listed, there are also some medicinal plants. Most traditional under cultivation is Santalum album from tropical Asia (Santalaceae, hemiparasitic root parasite). An essential oil is extracted from the wood and roots; it is mostly used for oriental perfumes. Though their uses as medicinal plants may be rather old, some species have been taken into cultivation only towards the end of the last century, as Viscum album (Viscaceae, Europe and Asia, hemiparasitic on branches), Cistanche deserticola (China) and Orobanche crenata (Mediterranean, both Orobanchaceae, holoparasitic root parasites). For Euphrasia officinalis (Orobanchaceae, hemiparasitic root parasite) there are reports about cultivation in Europe in the past, but recent experiences are lacking.The cultivation of parasites for medicinal uses is a challenge. But there are new prospects because of developing domestication and cultivation strategies.

Species covered 檀香 Santalum album 肉苁蓉 Cistanche deserticola 列当属 Orobanche