The genus Achillea: morpho-anatomical, phytochemical and molecular plant features - a case study for conservation of natural resources

Achillea species (Asteraceae) already have a well-established presence in the herbal medicine industry and have high commercial value as plants, producing a number of important biologically active substances. The genus Achillea L. contains around 130 perennial species and occurs in Europe and temperate areas of Asia and a few species growing in North America. In Kosovo 18 species are present, one of them (Achillea alexandri-regis) is a local endemic; in Albania there are 17 species of which Achillea fraasii is a Balkan endemic, while in Austria 18 species are described. Yarrow (Achillea L.) is evolutionary one of the youngest genera of the Asteraceae; its speciation is continuing which makes this genus very polymorphic and difficult for identification. These plants were used from ancient times in folk medicine, and presently are largely used in pharmaceutical and food industry for their antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. In the folk medicine of Kosovo e.g. yarrow is used for fever treatments, stomach disorders, hepatic disorders, acne treatments, diarrhea, stomach pain, diabetes, wounds healing, etc. Folk uses in Albania and Austria are very similar. Many of these therapeutic uses have been confirmed by new experimental and clinical studies. However, several unknown aspects need more attention. Lately, the interest in yarrow (Achillea spp.) is growing very fast, because of the numerous positive characteristics is based on a high variability of different plant secondary compound classes.In this project morphological, phytochemical and molecular biological analyses of selected species should contribute to knowledge base, especially the intraspecific variability, and hence contribute to product safety of raw plant materials for therapeutical use.

HERAS - Higher Education, Research and Applied Science

Zentrum für Tierernährung und Tierschutzwissenschaften

Landwirtschaftliche Universität Tirana
Funktion: Partner
Abteilung: Dep. of Plant Sciences and Technology
Universität von Prishtina
Funktion: Partner
Abteilung: Department of Biology