Objective:
This projects aims at cultivation of Artemisia annua in the State of Washington to: 1) produce artemisinin as raw material for manufacturing of anti-cancer drugs; 2) evaluate the possibility of using artemisia leaves-based chicken organic feed to control coccidia infection and to reduce human exposure of arsenic-based anti-parasitic drugs, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Reducing arsenic in chicken feed also reduces arsenic in chicken manure, alleviating the current problems of arsenic-contaminated soils and water resources.

Approach:
Seeds from different geographical origins will be tested in Eastern Washington State to establish the best cultivar for high production of leaf biomass and artemisinin under local conditions. The project has 5 goals related to the development of artemisinin-related anti-cancer drugs and their test in dogs with cancer. My collaboration with the group is specifically related to Goal #5 where leaves high in artemisinin will be incorporated in chicken feed and tested for anti-coccidial effect in chickens. My collaboration also involves the expert advice on the extraction and chromatographic analysis of artemisinin by HPLC with UV detection.