Journal
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
Volume 9, Issue 2, Pages 298-308Publisher
WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201100073
Keywords
Centella asiatica; Morphological variability; Triterpenoids; Biomass yield
Funding
- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FSP/MADES and PARRUR)
- European Union
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Centella asiatica (Apiaceae family; Talapetraka in Malagasy) is a tropical and subtropical plant with leaves containing glycotriterpenoids (asiaticosides) used in traditional and modern medicine. C. asiatica is collected exclusively in natural stands. It is Madagascar's second most important indigenous plant export. The objective in this study is to provide data which will make it possible to optimize the harvest and thus effectively develop this resource. Two foliar morphotypes were identified: morphotype A with small reniform leaves (leaf area ca. 4.5 cm2), found in the east of Madagascar, and morphotype B with large round leaves (up to 7.5 cm2) found in the west, with sympatric zones in the central part of the island. Morphotype A produces a higher biomass, and is twice as rich in asiaticosides as morphotype B. Significant variations in biomass yield and asiaticoside content are observed depending on the date of collection: higher during the rainy season (December to April) and lower during the dry season (June to August). Inter-annual variations are also observed. Populations located at around 8001400 m altitude on the eastern side of Madagascar, in a sub-humid climate, appeared to be more productive. These results provide more precise information to the economic sector, which confirms the empirical choices made by collectors. They represent the first elements towards sustainable management of the resource, and maybe even domestication.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available