Influence of period of vegetation and development of plant on the alkaloidal content of hyoscyamus Niger L.

Abstract

The importance of this work has been greatly emphasized in recent years by our dependence upon European countries for crude drugs and by the rapid disappearance of our native medicinal plants. At present, i t is impossible to give adequate information for the successful cultivation of even some of our native medicinal plants, which grow wild about us. Hence, the experimental cultivation of plants is imperative for the future supplies of the essential crude drugs. Many universities and institutions have begun to cultivate medicinal plants with reference to the economic aspect. The possibility of cultivating some of the existing wild medicinal plants on a commercial basis should be of vital interest and importance to all who have the drug industry and its future development at heart. The development of the natural plant resources of the Pacific Northwest will lead toward a great future industry for which nature has prepared the foundations, with exceptional and superior natural advantages, as soil and climate. The author is confident that the Northwest section of the country could eventually become the leading producer of crude drugs.