Studies on Domestic Production of Imported Botanical Drugs-On Domesticational Cultivation of Coptis japonica-

수입 생약(生藥)의 국산화(國産化)에 관한 연구-황연(黃蓮)의 순화재배(馴化栽培)에 대하여-

A study was carried out to investigate the possibility of acclimation of Coptis japonica Makino in Korea. Coptis japonica could be grown within 4 years as a medicinal crude drug if it is cultivated in the area of mountain facing north(300m above sea level) with 70% light interception and appropriate soil texture. It is to be noted that the propagation of the plant is more important than the yield of berberine because the berberine contents do not change in different conditions. The results were as follows; 1. The germination rates of the seeds by covering with the pine tree leaves were the highest and averaged 63%. 2. The germination rates of dry seeds were not affected in spite of low temperature and $GA_3$ treatment. 3. The germination rates of the seeds stored in moistured sand were averaged 85%, but in dry state, they were not germinated. 4. The number of leaves and fresh weight of Coptis japonica from the area of mountain facing north were increased significantly. 5. The growth and fresh weight of Coptis japonica were reduced in clay. 6. The best growth was obtained under 70% light interception. It is possible to intercrop between evergreen trees. 7. The foliage dressing did not affect the growth. 8. The number of leaves and fresh weight were increased from the 3rd year, and the average weight of rhizomes was 5.7g in 4th year. 9. The berberine contents of the rhizomes of Coptis japonica under various treatment conditions ranged from 9 to 10%. Coptidis Rhizoma from this study and from Korean market showed much higher berberine contents than those from Japanese market.