2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The long term objective is to develop a strategy for the collection and preservation of medicinal plant species native to Appalachian region of the U.S. The specific objective of this project is to identify potential medicinal or other useful properties of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and promote conservation of the species. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1. Collect black cohosh specimens, examine their biochemical properties, and conduct testing for efficacy. Create a germplasm bank to preserve the collected plants. 2. Hold a workshop to encourage the herbal community to share best collection practices as well as their knowledge of black cohosh habitat and location. 3. Analyze extracts of the plant parts of black cohosh for secondary metabolites that are thought to be of medicinal importance, including, but not limited to triterpene glycosides and isoflavones. 3.Progress Report This project documents research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement with Frostburg State College. Additional results of the research can be found in the report for the parent project 1230-21000-049-00D "Genetic Resources, Evaluation and Information Management of Woody Landscape Plant Germplasm." Our primary target has been Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) due to the crossover nature of this plant. It is known world wide as a plant native to the East Coast of the United States with a history of medicinal value especially as it relates to women health. In the United States it is also considered a prized herbaceous landscape plant. Communication between Frostburg State University has occurred most often through e-mail. The Agricultural Research Service Principle scientists involved in this project met at the ARS site in Beltsville, Maryland to give those scientists at Frostburg State University participating in this project a chance to see the ARS Lab facilities, meet their ARS counterparts, and to finalize the goals and objectives of the project.