The artemisin potential of leaves from cultivars and wildlings of Artemisia annua L. grown in Western Kenya
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Date
2013-02
Authors
Odundo, J. O.
Oyoo, D.
Nawiri, M. P.
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Abstract
Half of the world's population and especially those in Africa are most vulnerable to malaria. In
Western region of Kenya, malaria prevalence levels are above 40%. The disease is preventable and
treatable with currently recommended interventions one being the use of Artemisinin-based
combination therapy. A hybrid plant Artemisia annua anamed (‘A3’), a clone of artemisinin annua
is being embraced in western Kenya. We report the levels of artemisinin in leaves of ‘A3’ grown in
regions of Western Kenya and of soil nutrients Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Nitrate (NO3
-) and
Ammonium (NH4
+). High performance Liquid Chromatography, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
and Ion Selective Electrodes were employed. In comparison to the expected levels in soils for
artemisinin accumulation; Zn was above the minimum tolerable levels; B was very low in the topsoil
but high at in-depth; nitrogen NH4
+ and NO3
- ions were found sufficient and the ratio of NO3
- :
NH4
+ was high. Artemisinin in leaves of cultivars ranged between 0.04-0.88% dry matter. The
levels of artemisinin in ‘A3’ grown in Western region of Kenya can be improved if nutrient levels
are well managed. These findings showcase the need to expand cultivation of A. annua in Western
Kenya and consequently produce artemisinin that would be useful in addressing malaria
Description
Journal
Keywords
Western Kenya, cultivars and wildlings, artemisinin, Artemisia annua leaves
Citation
International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 1 No. 7 July 2013