Résumé
The domestic production of moxa used in Japanese moxibustion therapy has decreased. Therefore, it is assumed that improved productivity of moxa and cultivation of Artemisa princeps Pamp. (Yomogi) is necessary for stable production of moxa. In this study, the production rate of moxa processed from green leaves, its chlorophyll content, maximum temperature of combustion, morphology, and yield of families collected from 127 domestic spots were investigated. They were evaluated to determine which family was suitable for use in moxibustion. As a result of principal component analysis on the morphological evaluation, 22 families were extracted as they were easily harvestable and were produced over a large area. They had a high productivity rate for moxa, and contained more than the standard weight in dry leaves among all the families. It was confirmed that these extracted families included families that have not been used so far in addition to families collected in conventional areas. These results suggest that production using extracted families can improve the domestic production of Artemisa princeps of moxa.
Résumé
Microstructure and elemental composition of dried <I>Artemisa princeps</I> Pamp. (Yomogi) leaves produced in Japan and China were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Trichomes and T-foem hairs were found in higher density on the reverse side of the leaf of Yomogi. Cilium hairs were observed in Japanese Yomogi, while those in Chinese Yomogi, were distributed. Concentrations of K, Ca, Si and Cl were determined in plant fibers of the trichome in both Yomogi. In the head-style hairs of Japanese Yomogi, K, Ca, and Cl, S, P, Si were found, while K, Ca, Si, S, Mg and Fe were observed in the Chinese Yomogi.<BR>These results suggest that there were differences in morphological and elemental composition between Japanese and Chinese dried Yomogi leaves. These differences will affect the moxa quality even after the purifying process.