Phytonext Conducts Research on Cultivation and Production of a Natural Malaria Medicine

30 Jan 2014 --- The Dutch company Phytonext has started a study into the extraction of natural artemisinin from the annual wormwood plant and the ability to cultivate this in greenhouse horticulture. Artemisinin has an inhibitory effect on the growth of the malaria parasite. When the results show that this can be a profitable cultivation, it offers a realistic alternative for Dutch greenhouse horticulture.

Phytonext’s technology makes it possible to extract high quality natural substances under mild conditions. Artemisinin is currently used in medicine as a semi-synthesized material. Phytonext intends to examine whether the natural substance can be extracted from the plant without losing its functionality. The natural substance is very sensitive and therefore treatment with the mild extraction technology is interesting.

Annual wormwood does not grow in the Netherlands. The outcome of this study can provide new opportunities for Dutch greenhouse horticulture. It is a possibility to grow for the pharmaceutical industry instead of products for consumers. In the context of overcapacity and declining profitability in consumer products, this is a potential new source of revenues in this industry. The study focuses on Dutch greenhouse horticulture, but the outcome can be interesting for greenhouse horticulture worldwide.
 
With the results of this study Phytonext will focus on the pharmaceutical market for malaria medicine. This market has potential, as artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are the preferred method of treating malaria, according to the World Health Organization. Due to high cost and fluctuating availability, large-scale production at lower price offers new perspectives.
 
Dutch food marketing agency The Food Agency will assist Phytonext in this study. The Dutch Topsector of horticulture and starting materials supports the research.