Anna Katharina Jäger

Born: 7 September 1966
Family: one son, Peter, born 26 September 1998.

• M.Pharm., The Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Copenhagen, 1991.
• Ph.D (Pharmacy), The Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Copenhagen, 1993.

• 1993 - 95 Post-Doctoral researcher at the Department of Botany, University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• 1995 - 98 Researcher at the Department of Botany, University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
• 1996 - 98 Part-time lecturer at the Department of Botany, University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• 1998 Maternity leave (3 months)
• 1999 - 02 Senior lecturer at the School of Botany and Zoology, University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• 01.03.02 - Associate Professor, Pharmacognosy, University of Copenhagen
• May 2010 - Head, Natural Products Research

Director of NaturMedicinsk Museum

• President-elect - International Society for Ethnopharmacology
• Board Member - Phytochemical Society of Europe
• Board Member - ENRECA HEALTH, Danish research network for international health
• Board Member - Farmacihistorisk Fund
• Editor - South African Journal of Botany
• Editorial Board Member - Journal of Ethnopharmacology; Plants; Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

Awarded the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dissemination Prize 2009

Ethnopharmacology - investigating pharmacological activities of medicinal plants based on usage in traditional medicine.

During my years in South Africa I saw how important traditional medicine is. Working with traditional healers has given me a rare insight into and understanding of African traditional medicine. It is my aim to deliver evidence-based herbal medicine, to find out what works in a scientific manner, so the treatment methods can become more effective and safe.

Scientific evidence for efficacy and safety of herbal medicines is the cornerstone for improved therapy. We investigate herbal remedies for sale in Denmark as well as traditional medicines from different parts of the world.

In the PEOPLE AND PLANT MEDICINE programme target species are screened for pharmacological activities. Promising extracts are subjected to bioassay guided fractionation and structure elucidation of active compounds.

• Plants for treatment of snake-bite induced tissue necrosis
• Medicinal plants of the Pamir Mountains, Afghanistan 
• Psychotropic Plant Project
• Maternal Health - plants to treat post-partum bleeding

2011

Bay-Smidt MGK, Jäger AK, Krydsfeldt K, Meerow AW, Stafford GI, van Staden J, Rønsted NAH. Phylogenetic selection of target species in Amaryllidaceae tribe Haemantheae for acetylcholinesterase inhibition and affinity to the serotonin reuptake transport protein. S Afr J Bot. 2011, 77(1):175-183.

Jäger AK, Saaby L. Flavonoids and the CNS. Molecules. 2011, 16(2):1471-1485.

López V, Jäger AK, Akerreta S, Cavero RY, Calvo MI. Pharmacological properties of Anagallis arvensis L. ("scarlet pimpernel") and Anagallis foemina Mill. ("blue pimpernel") traditionally used as wound healing remedies in Navarra (Spain). J Ethnopharmacol. 2011, 134(3):1014-1017.

Saaby L, Jäger AK, Moesby L, Hansen EW, Christensen SB. Isolation of immunomodulatory triterpene acids from a standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.). Phytother Res. 2011, 25(2):195-201.

Søvsø Jensen B, Christensen SB, Jäger AK, Rønsted NAH. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from the Australasian tribe Calostemmateae with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Biochem Syst Ecol. 2011, 39(2):153-155.

Stefkov G, Kulevanova S, Miova B, Dinevska-Kjovkarovska S, Mølgaard P, Jäger AK, Josefsen K. Effects of Teucrium polium spp. capitatum flavonoids on the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in rats. Pharm Biol. 2011,  49(9):885-892.

Saaby L, Jäger AK. Ubiquitous plant compounds disturb cell-based assays. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011, 137(1):942-943.

Nikolajsen T, Nielsen F, Rasch V, Sørensen PH, Ismail F, Kristiansen U, Jäger AK. Uterine contraction induced by Tanzanian plants used to induce abortion. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011, 137(1):921-925.

Grosso C, Vinholes J, Silva LR, Guedes de Pinho P, Goncalves RF, Valentao P, Jäger AK, Andrade PB. Chemical composition and biological screening of Capsella bursa-pastoris. Rev Bras Farmacogn (Braz J Pharmacogn). 2011, 21(4):635-644.

2010

Abdelgadir HA, Jäger AK, Johnson SD, van Staden J. Influence of plant growth regulators on flowering, fruiting, seed oil content, and oil quality of Jatropha curcas. S Afr J Bot. 2010, 76(3):440-446.

Jäger AK, Saaby L, Kudsk DS, Witt KC, Mølgaard P. Influence of pasteurization on the active compounds in medicinal plants to be used in dairy products. J Dairy Sci. 2010, 93(6):2351-2353.

López V, Jäger AK, Akerreta S, Cavero RY, Calvo MI. Antioxidant activity and phenylpropanoids of Phlomis lychnitis L.: A traditional herbal tea. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2010, 65(2):179-185.

López V, Martín S, Gómez-Serranillos MP, Carretero ME, Jäger AK, Calvo MI. Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts. Phytother Res. 2010, 24(6):869-874.

Mellergaard Larsen M, Adsersen A, Davis AP, Lledó MD, Jäger AK, Rønsted NAH. Using a phylogenetic approach to selection of target plants in drug discovery of acetylcholinesterase inhibiting alkaloids in Amaryllidaceae tribe Galantheae. Biochem Syst Ecol. 2010, 38(5):1026-1034.

Neergaard JS, Rasmussen HB, Stafford GI, van Staden J, Jäger AK. Serotonin transporter affinity of (-)-loliolide, a monoterpene lactone from Mondia whitei. S Afr J Bot. 2010, 76(3):593-596.

Pedersen ME, Baldwin RA, Niquet J, Stafford GI, van Staden J, Wasterlain CG, Jäger AK. Anticonvulsant effects of Searsia dentata (Anacardiaceae) leaf extract in rats. Phytother Res. 2010, 24(6):924-927.

2009

Pedersen, M.E., Vestergaard, H.T., Hansen, S.L., Bah, S., Diallo, D., Jäger, A.K. (2009) Pharmacological screening of Malian medicinal plants used against epilepsy and convulsions. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 121, 472-475.

Saaby L, Rasmussen HB, Jäger AK, 2009. MAO-A inhibitory activity of quercetin from Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 121, 178-181.

Neergaard, J.S., Andersen, J., Pedersen, M.E., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2009) Alkaloids from Boophone disticha with affinity to the serotonin transporter. South African Journal of Botany 75, 371-374.

Aladdin, M.N., Josefsen, K., Pedersen, M.E., Jäger, A.K. (2009) Hypoglycemic activity of Iraqi Rheum ribes root extract. Pharmaceutical Biology, 47, 380-383.

Lopez, V., Martin, S., Gomez-Serranillos, M.P., Carretero, M.E., Jäger, A.K., Calvo, M.I. (2009) Neuroprotective and neurological properties of Melissa officinalis. Neurochemical Research, 34, 1955-1961.

Pedersen M.E., Metzler, B., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K., Rasmussen, H.B. (2009) Amides from Piper capense with CNS activity – a preliminary SAR analysis. Molecules, 14:3833-3843.

Stafford GI, Jäger AK, van Staden J. African psychoactive plants. I: Juliana HR, Simon JE, Ho C, red. African natural plant products: New discoveries and challenges in chemistry and quality. Washington DC: American Chemical Society (ACS). 2009, s. 323-346. (ACS symposium series 1021).

2008

Pedersen, M.E., Vestergaard, H.T., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2008) The effect of extracts of Searsia species on epileptiform activity in slices of the mouse cerebral cortex. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119, 538-541.

Pedersen, M.E., Szewczyk, B., Stachowicz, K., Wieronska, J., Andersen, J., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Pilc, A., Jäger, A.K. (2008) Effects of South African traditional medicine in animal models for depression. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119, 542-548.

Stafford, G.I., Pedersen, M.E., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2008) Review on plants with CNS-effects used in traditional South African medicine against mental diseases. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119, 513-537.

Jäger, A.K., Petersen, K.N., Thomasen, G., Brøgger Christensen, S. (2008) Isolation of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids as COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors in Rose Hip. Phytotherapy Research, 22, 982-984.

N. Rønsted, V. Savolainen, P. Mølgaard, A. K. Jäger. (2008). Phylogenetic selection of Narcissus species for drug discovery. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 36: 417-22.

Lundgaard, NH, Prior, R.M., Light, M.E., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2008) COX-1 inhibition of Heteromorpha arborescens. South African Journal of Botany, 74, 335-337.

Olsen, A., Prinsloo, L.C., Scott, L., Jäger, A.K. (2008) Hyraceum, the fossilized metabolic product of rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis), shows GABA-benzodiazepine receptor affinity. South African Journal of Sciences, 103, 437-438.

Olsen, H.T., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Christensen, S.B., Jäger, A.K. (2008) Isolated of the MAO-inhibitor naringenin from Mentha aquatica L.. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 117(3), 500-502.

2007

Alaadin M.A., Al-Khateeb, E.H., Jäger, A.K. (2007) Antibacterial activity of the Iraqi Rheum ribes root. Pharmaceutical Biology, 45:688-690.

Stafford, G.I., Pedersen, P.D., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2007) Monoamine oxidase inhibition by southern African traditional medicinal plants. South African Journal of Botany, 73:384-390.

Bah, S., Jäger, A.K., Adsersen, A., Diallo,D., Smestad Paulsen, B. (2007) Antiplasmodial and GABAA–benzodiazepine receptor binding activities of five plants used in traditional medicine in Mali, West Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 110:451-457.

Jäger, A.K., Almqvist, J.P, Vangsøe, S.A.K., Stafford, G.I., Adsersen, A., van Staden, J. (2007) Compounds from Mentha aquatica with affinity to the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor. South African Journal of Botany, 73:518-521.

Prior, R.M., Lundgaard, N.H., Light, M.E., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2007) The polyacetylene falcarindiol with COX-1 activity isolated from Aegopodium podagraria L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 113:176-178.

Adsersen, A., Kjølbye, A., Dall, O., Jäger, A.K. (2007) Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory compounds from Corydalis cava Schweigg. & Kort. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 113:179-182.

Jäger, A.K., Eldeen, I.M.S., van Staden, J. (2007) COX-1 and -2 Activity of Rose Hip. Phytotherapy Research, 21: 1251-1252.

Soelberg, J., Jørgensen, L.B., Jäger, A.K., (2007) Hyperforin accumulates in the translucent glands of Hypericum perforatum. Annals of Botany 99: 1097-1100. [Erratum (Figure 1) 100: 679].

Sprogøe, K., Stærk, D, Jäger, A.K., Adsersen, A., Hansen, S.H., Witt, M., Landbo, A.K.R., Meyer, A.S, Jaroszewski, J.W. (2007) Targeted natural product isolation guided by HPLC-SPE-NMR: Constituents of Hubertia species. Journal of Natural Products, 70:1472-1477.

2006
Jäger, A.K., Gauguin, B., Adsersen, A., Gudiksen, L. (2006) Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat epilepsy and convulsions. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 105, 294-300. 

Elgorashi, E.E., Stafford, G.I., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2006) Inhibition of [3H] citalopram binding to the rat brain serotonin transporter by Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Planta Medica, 72, 470-473.

Makunga, N.P., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2006) Improved in vitro rooting and quality assurance in regenerating tissues of Thapsia garganica L. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 86:77-86.

Svenningsen, A.B., Madsen, K.D., Liljefors, T., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2006) Biflavones from Rhus species with affinity for the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 103, 276-280.

Adsersen, A., Gauguin, B., Gudiksen, L., Jäger, A.K. (2006)Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat memory dysfunction for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 104, 418-422.

2005
Madubanya, L.A., Jäger, A.K., Makunga, N.P., Geldenhuys, C.J., van Staden, J. (2005) DNA fingerprinting and anti-inflammatory activity of Ocotea bullata bark from different locations. S. Afr. J. Bot. 71, 38-44.

Stafford, G.I., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2005) Effect of storage on the chemical composition and biological activity of several popular South African medicinal plants. J. Ethnopharm., 97, 107-115.

Jäger, A.K., Mohoto, S.P., van Heerden, F.R., Viljoen, A.M. (2005) Activity of a traditional South African epilepsy remedy in the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor assay. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 96, 603-606.

Jäger, A.K. (2005) Is traditional medicine better off 25 years later? Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 100, 3-4.

Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2005) Cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity of South African plants used against inflammation. Phytochemistry Reviews, 4, 39-46.

Salah, S.M., Jäger, A.K. (2005) Screening of traditionally used Lebanese herbs for neurological activities. J. Ethnopharm., 97, 145-149.

Reid, K.A., Light, M.E., Jäger, A.K., Mulholland, D.A., van Staden, J. (2005) Phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Sterculiaceae species and isolation of antibacterial compounds. J. Ethnopharm., 97, 285-291.

Sparg, S.G., Jäger, A.K., Magwa, M.L., van Staden J. (2005) Cultivating the medicinal plant Merwilla natalensis as a crop: a small-scale farming approach. Outlook on Agriculture, 34, 116-120.

Sparg, G.I., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2005) The effect of cultivation and plant age on  the pharmacological activity of Merwilla natalensis bulbs. South African Journal of Botany, 71, 191-196.

Grace, O.M., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K., Prendergast, H.D.V. (2005) Authentication of barks used in South African Traditional Healthcare with thin layer chromatography. Acta Hort. 679, 71-74.

Salah, S.M., Jäger, A.K. (2005) Two Flavonoids from Artemisia herba-alba Asso with in vitro GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor activity. J. Ethnopharm., 99, 145-146.

Sandager, M., Nielsen, N.D., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2005) Alkaloids from Boophane disticha with affinity to the serotonin transporter in rat brain. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 98, 367-370.

Stafford, G.I., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2005) Activity of traditional South African sedative and potentially CNS-acting plants in the GABA-benzodiazepine assay. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 100, 210-215.

Makunga, N.P., Jager, A.K., van Staden, J. (2005) An improved system for the in vitro regeneration of Thapsia garganica via direct organogenesis - influence of auxins and cytokinins. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 82, 271-280.

2004
Jäger, A.K., Adsersen, A., Fennel, C.W. (2004) Acetylcholinesterase inhibition of Crinum sp. S. Afr. J. Bot. 70, 323-325.

Risa, J., Risa, A., Adsersen, A., Gauguin, B., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2004) Screening of plants used in southern Africa for epilepsy and convulsions in the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor assay. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 93: 177-182.

Risa, A., Risa, J., Adsersen, A., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2004) Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of plants used as memory-enhancers in traditional South African medicine. S. Afr. J. Bot. 70, 664-666.

Nielsen, N.D., Sandager, M., Stafford, G.I., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2003) Screening of indigenous plants from South Africa for affinity to the serotonin reuptake transport protein. J. Ethnopharm. 94, 159-163.

Van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K.; Light, M.E., Burger B.V. (2004) Isolation of the major germination cue from plant-derived smoke. S. Afr. J Bot., 70, 654-659.

Van Staden, J., Sparg, S.G., Light, M.E. & Jäger, A.K. (2004)  A cross disciplinary approach to research and its relevance to socio-economic development.  Proceedings of Global Summit on Medicinal Plants - Recent Trends in Phytomedicine and Other Alternative Therapies for Human Welfare. 271-274.

2003

Grace, O.M., Prendergast, H.D.V., van Staden, J. and Jäger, A.K. (2003) The suitability of thin layer chromatography to authenticating bark medicines used in South African traditional healthcare. S.Afr. J. Bot 69:165-169.

Motsei, M.L., Lindsey, K.L., van Staden, J., Jäger, A.K. (2003) Screening of some South African plants for antifungal activity against Candida albicans. J. Ethnopharm 86:235-241.

Makunga, N.P., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2003) Micropropagation of Thapsia garganica – a medicinal plant. Plant Cell Reports 21:967-973.

Grace, O.M., Prendergast, H.D.V., van Staden, J. and Jäger, A.K. (2002) Bark medicines used in traditional healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An Inventory. S.Afr. J. Bot. 69: 301-363

Jäger, A.K. (2003) Evaluation of antibacterial activity of traditionally prepared South African remedies for infection. S. Afr. J. Bot. 69: 595-598

Lindsey, K.L., Viljoen, A., Jäger, A.K. (2003) Screening of Aloes for antioxidant activity. S.Afr. J. Bot. 69: 599-602

2002

Arthur, G.D., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Uptake of [3H]DHZ by tomato seedlings. S.Afr. J. Bot. 67:661-666.

Grace, O.M., Light, M.E., Lindsey, K.L., Mulholland, D.A, van Staden, J. and Jäger,             A.K.(2002) Antibacterial activity and isolation of active compounds from fruit of the traditional African medicinal tree Kigelia africana. S. Afr. J. Bot. 68:220-222.
   
Lindsey, K.L., Jäger, A.K. and Viljoen, A. (2002) Cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity of Aloes. S. Afr. J. Bot. 68:47-50.

Tetyana, P., Prozesky, E.A.,  Jäger, A.K., Meyer, J.J.M. and van Staden, J. (2002) Some medicinal properties of Cussonia species used in traditional medicine. South African Journal of Botany. 68:51-54.

Light, M.E., McGaw, L.J., Rabe, T., Sparg, S.G., Taylor, M.B., Erasmus, D.G., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Pharmacological activity of Siphonochilus aethiopicus. South African Journal of Botany. 68:55-61.

McGaw, L.J., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Isolation of ß-asarone, an antibacterial and anthelmintic compound, from Acorus calamus in South Africa. South African Journal of Botany. 68:31-35.

Yff, B.T.S., Lindsey, K.L., Taylor, M.B., Erasmus, D.G. and Jäger, A.K. (2002) The pharmacological screening of Pentanisia prunelloides and the isolation of the anti-bacterial compound palmitic acid. J. Ethnopharm. 79:101-107.

Light, M.E., Gardner, M.J., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Dual regulation of seed germination by smoke solutions. Plant Growth Regul. 37:135-141.

McGaw, L.J., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Variation in antibacterial activity of Schotia species. South African Journal of Botany. 68:41-46.

Grace, O.M., Prendergast, H.D.V., van Staden, J. and Jäger, A.K. (2002) The status of bark in South African traditional healthcare. South African Journal of Botany 68:21-30.

Sparg, S.G., van Staden, J. and Jäger, A.K. (2002) Pharmacological and phytochemical screening of two Hyacinthaceae speices: Scilla natalensis and Ledebouria ovatifolia. J. Ethnopharm.80:95-101.

Lindsey, K.L., Motsei, M.L. and Jäger, A.K. (2002) Screening of southern African food plants for antioxidant activity. J. Food Sci. 67:2129-2131.

Light, M.E., McGaw, L.J., Sparg, S.G., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002)        Screening of Cenchrus ciliaris L. for biological activity. S. Afr. J. Bot. 68:411-413.

McGaw, L.J., Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Antibacterial fatty acids from Schotia brachypetala. Fitoterapia 73:431-433.

Jäger, A.K. and van Staden, J. (2002) Soluble sugars in light-sensitive Grand Rapids lettuce seeds treated with red light, gibberellic acid and a plant-derived smoke extract. S.Afr. J. Bot. 68:404-407.

McGaw, L.J., Jäger, A.K., van Staden, J. (2002) Antibacterial effects of fatty acids from plants. S.Afr. J. Bot. 68: 417-423.

Chapters in books
McGaw, L, Jäger, A., Grace, O., Fennel, C. and van Staden, J. (2005) Medicinal plants. (Ed. Van Niekerk, A.). Ethics in Agriculture - an African Perspective. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Jäger, A.K., McGaw, L.J., Grace, O.M. and van Staden, J. (2003) Bioprospecting of forest and woodland plant species used in Zulu traditional medicine.(Eds. Lawes, M.J.;  Eeley, H.A.C.; Shackleton, C. and Geach B.) The use and socio-economic value of indigenous forest and woodland resources in South Africa. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.