Bulb Information, Diseases and Pests, Growing Daffodils, Planting

Galanthamine

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I was interested that galanthamine has been mentioned. I remember some articles in a RHS Yearbook about the increased plantings of daffodils in the South of England for the production of this chemical. It is used in the treatment of Altzheimers disease.

My nephew manages Irishman’s Creek Station. New Zealanders will recognise this name as it was where the jet boat was invented. Raymond has been approached and asked to grow 50 hectares of Carlton and King Alfred for production of galanthamine. I guess it will give the manufacturers two seasons of production. Trials are underway.

The foliage will be harvested at bud break in years one and two and the bulbs harvested in year three. Evidently a harsh climate increases the production of galanthamine.

David Adams

4 comments for “Galanthamine”

  1. Hello David and All,

                               Galanthamine for the treatment of Altzheimers disease is harvested best from daffodils at an altitude of 11,000 ft or above where it's most potent, and the latest research is that some historics have more of it for some reason. Professor Walker from I think Cardiff University has been heading this research and was at Len Tomlinsons farm , Fox Wist Green Farm last week talking to Len and took 30 different historic flowers away with with him to test, one of the best is Inglescombe 4Y-Y pre1912 which has high percentage of it, another was a tazetta which I heard about in Jackson but can remember it's name, Ron Can you help me here, this research has found yet another avenue in the treatment of brain tumours, but not the same enzyme.

    Tonight on the BBC a program called Countyfile showed fields of daffodils being grown to produce the enzyme are use in full, flower leaves and bulbs and a interview with Professor Walker, the link is below:
    It is a very basic TV interview about halfway into the program, but you will get the idea.
    Regards to All,
    Ian

  2. Hmmm, I live at 4100′.  I’m always hoping there is some reason to live here!  We have few diseases because of the harsh climate.

    Colleen NE Calif.

  3. Dear All,

    It seems I put one to many 0 on my email be low it should say 1100ft NOT 11,000ft. I hope this as not caused any confusion! I mean what's a 0 or two extra between friends!

    Yours Humbly,Ian :o(

  4. And here I was thinking, "Wow, I didn’t know they had such elevations there!" :)

    Colleen NE Calif 4,100 ft

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