A comparative analysis of Acorus Americanus and Acorus Calamus and their application in Traditional aboriginal medicine
Principal Investigator: Labine, Nicole K (2)
Licence Number: 15605
Organization: University of British Columbia Okanagan
Licensed Year(s): 2015 2014
Issued: Feb 15, 2015
Project Team: Mrs. Mary Schaefer

Objective(s): The objective of this research is to identify the active/medicinal components of the Acorus Americanus and Acorus calamus.

Project Description: The objective of this research is to identify the active/medicinal components of the Acorus Americanus and Acorus calamus, both herbs in the NWT. Traditional knowledge of these plant shows that they were used very similarly including to treat asthma. Samples of A. americanus and the putative A. calamus have been harvested under the guidance of an elder, who is a traditional knowledge holder local to the region surrounding Fort Smith, NWT. Samples will be collected in accordance with traditional harvesting periods and during the flowering period for the plant, which is the easiest time in their growth to correctly identify the species. At least nine plants from each species will be collected. Each sample will be prepared using traditional elder knowledge. The entire plant will be collected to examine the species however only the roots (rhizome) will be examined for its medicinal constituents. Specimens will also be collected to compare against a Herbarium sample to ensure a correct identification. Each sample will be examined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. Results about this plant study will be report in a research poster and undergraduate these. These will be made available. A presentation is also expected in Fort Smith during the fieldwork. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from June 1, 2015 to August 28, 2015.