The Bent Creek Institute, which studies the efficacy of Appalachian native plants for improving human health, will use a $50,000 grant to equip the nation's first genetic repository (germplasm) for medicinal plants.
The Asheville-based Mission Health and Hospitals, an independent community hospital system, awarded the money, which allows institute officials to purchase equipment for plant propagation, seed storage and plant tissue culture incubation.
"This germplasm repository contains core collections of medicinal plant germplasm representing the diversity of species found in the Southern Appalachians," said Cheryl McMurry, executive director of Bent Creek Institute.
"This scientific resource will enable Bent Creek Institute to use biotechnology tools to delve into the complex chemical properties of these plants so their secrets are finally understood.
"The plants will not be genetically altered — maintaining the natural integrity of our products will be an important competitive advantage for our region."