Field cultivation of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge as a new medicinal plant in Germany, used for the traditional Chinese medicine

Authors Bomme, Ulrich; Bauer, Rudolf; Heubl, Guenther

Journal ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ARZNEI- & GEWURZPFLANZEN , MAR 2009,1:14

Abstract Within the interdisciplinary research project focussing on field cultivation in Bavaria of selected medicinal plants, used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the species Salvia miltiorrhiza has been investigated. The project has been financially supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Agriculture. DNA-analyses as well as analyses of the bioactive constituents were found to confirm conclusively the correct identity of the used accessions. The samples derived from field experiments showed high contents of specific components (tanshinone Ila, salvianolic acid B) and extractive matters (cold water, hot ethanol). The contents were at least equal to imported samples. The application of different analytical methods or chemical reference substances seemed to result in systematic deviations of absolute contents. This has to be considered for the development of a monograph for the European pharmacopoeia. Using an annual method of culture, yields of dried roots can be achieved from 22 to 54 dt/ha. A first contractual cultivation using plant material of Salvia miltiorrhiza given by the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL) started in Bavaria in 2005. it is intended to make seeds of the accession BLBP 01 commercially available by delivering the seeds to a seed trade company in 2009.

Species covered 丹参 Salvia miltiorrhiza