Summary of the medicinal plants cultivation and processing courses
Transkript
Summary of the medicinal plants cultivation and processing courses
COURSE TECHNOLOGIES FOR GROWING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS CALARASI – SILISTRA AREA C.S. III ing. hort. Cătălina TUDORA ,,MedPlaNet - medical plant network for enhancement of the comparative advantage of Calarasi – Silistra cross-border area for sustainable development’’ Project partners: INCDSB-Bucharest (Ro) ICCF-Bucharest (Ro) INMA-Bucharest (Ro) Arci Silistra (Bg) New Century-Silistra (Bg) CAP. 1: GENERALITIES 1.1: The importance of medicinal plants cultivation 1.2: Classification of medicinal plants • • • • • • • part of plant used in therapeutics harvest period natural zoning (spontaneous flora) and crops zoning (cultivated species) cycle of vegetation and phenophases botanical characters content in active principles therapeutic importance (according to the active principles with pharmacodynamic activity) Cultivating medicinal plants using classical system vs. ecological system • Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is favored by the climatic conditions of our country; • Both domestic and European demand is rising; • The great advantage of growing medicinal plants is that they have a very high efficiency, which means quick profit. • • • • Ecological system relies on crop rotation, biological plant protection methods to maintain soil fertility, provide plant nutrients needed to combat diseases, weeds and pests. It avoids pollution, both in products and the environment; It allows medicinal plants cultivators a decent life standard; Products that the health of consumers depend on, are produced in sufficient quantities and at high quality. CAP. 2. FRAME TECHNOLOGY OF CULTIVATING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS Following steps must be fulfilled: • • • • • • • Ecological zoning; Crop rotation; Fertilization; Soil works; Seed and sowing or planting the seeding material; Maintenance works (combat weeds, diseases and pests, irrigation); Harvesting, conditioning, production. CULTIVATING TECHNOLOGY FOR LAVENDER – Lavandula angustifolia L. Involves following the next steps: • Crop rotation Lavender is grown outside the crop rotation (remains on the same land for 20 -30 years) • Fertilization phosphorus 70-80 kg / ha recommended as superphosphate, nitrogen 60-80 kg / ha, hard soluble nitrogen fertilizer, potassium 40 – 60 kg/ha manure 30 -50 t/ha, well fermented • Soil works deep plowing at 40-70 cm in autumn CULTIVATING TECHNOLOGY FOR LAVENDER – Lavandula angustifolia L. • Seed and sowing or planting the seeding material Establishing a crop: in autumn, at the end of September Planting distances: 100 x 50 cm Norm : 20.000 but./ha + 10% to complete the empty spaces • Maintenance works (combat weeds, diseases and pests, irrigation) Mechanical weeding : 4 – 5 for young plantations and 2 – 3 for those that reached maturity Manual weeding: 2 - 3 Herbicide with: Triflurex 4 l/ha, Afalon 2 kg/ha, Basagran 2l/ha (in vegetation) • Harvesting, conditioning, production. CAP 3. CULTIVATING TECHNOLOGIES 3.1. Cultivating medicinal and aromatic plant species of Asteraceae (Compositae) family 3.1.a. Artichokes – Cynara scolymus L. Technology 3.1.b. Thistle - Silybum marianum L. Technology 3.1.c. Chicory– Cichorium intybus L. Technology 3.1.d. Tehnologie Crăiţe – Tagetes pattula L. 3.1.e. Marigold– Calendula oficinalis Technology 3.2. Cultivating medicinal and aromatic plant species of Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family 3.2.a. Thyme– Tymus vulgaris L. Technology 3.2.b. Hyssop– Hyssopus officinalis Technology 3.2.c. Lavender– Lavandula angustifolia L. Technology 3.2.d. Mint – Mentha piperata L. Technology 3.2.e. Lemon balm– Mellisa officinalis Technology 3.2.e. Sage – Salvia officinalis L. Technology 3.2.f. Oregano – Origanum vulgare Technology 3.3. Cultivating medicinal and aromatic plant species from other botanical families 3.3.a. Valerian– Valeriana officinalis L. Technology 3.3.b. Plantain– Plantago lanceolata L. Technology 3.3.c. White mustard– Sinapis alba L. Technology PROF. ONORIFIC.Dr. Ing. Pirnă Ion Dr. Ing. Voicu Emil, Ing. Mircea Radu, Dr.ing. Ciupercă Radu, Drd. Ing. Muscalu Adriana COURSE HARVEST TECHNOLOGIES FOR AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL PLANTS IN CALARASI-SILISTRA AREA BUCHAREST 2011 HARVESTING MEDICINAL PLANTS • Harvesting medicinal and aromatic plants, is the first step in primary processing the plant product, and makes it is ready for use in various industries. • Harvesting medicinal and aromatic plants, made optimal conditions is important for obtaining a raw material of high quality and, equally, for increased processing efficiency. • Harvesting inappropriate parts of plant, premature or late, drying or improper preservation may compromise plant product (Herb) HARVESTING MEDICINAL PLANTS • Ways of harvesting medicinal plants - Mechanized (uncommon in spontaneous flora) with combine, plows, dislocation, mowers; - Manual: using sickles, scythes, knives, spades, special combs; • Harvesting conditions - Harvesting conditions refer to the meteorological characteristics of the period in which plants are collected: warm weather, no rain, for some species there are mentioned optimal moments such as the dew (rose petals), and optimal pheno phase (the vegetation moment when the plant has the best production and quality potential) •Quality conditions - Chemical characterization of medicinal and aromatic plants, includes quantitative determination of chemical compounds responsible for the therapeutic effect: glycosides, alkaloids, volatile oils, etc. - Biomorphological and botanical characterization of species: Caracterizarea biomorfologica si botanica a speciilor: appearance, color, smell, taste, macro and microscopic botanical description, purity (mineral impurities and foreign bodies). - Determination of contaminants level (pesticides and heavy metals) from plants. HARVESTING MEDICINAL PLANTS •PARTS OF PLANT THAT CAN BE HARVESTED - Buds(gemmae): are harvested in spring, when they are completely grown, before opening . - Bark (cortex): harvested in spring, usually on branches and stems of plants of at least 3 years old, by circular incisions performed at distances of 20-30 cm and then longitudinal. - Leaves (folium): harvested only in fine and dry weather in the period before and during the flowering of the plant. Must be mature, whole, not attacked by diseases. - Grass (herba): is harvested especially during the flowering period. - Florwers (flores): harvested at a certain stage of buds, determined according to the level of active principles. - Seeds (semen): harvested at full maturity, recognized by color and shape. - Roots (radix) stolons, rhizoms (rhizoma),bulbs (bulbus), tubers(tubera): harvested in fall, at the end of vegetation period, when they are rich in active principles or in spring, before entering the vegetation period TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 1. Specific work for sprouts harvesting technologies Collecting With special tools: -Knife -tweezers Loading In bags, or bulk, in trailers Transport Tractor + automotive or trailers TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 2. Specific work for bark harvesting technologies Delimitation of bark rings With special tools: -Knife -tweezers Loading In bags or bulk, in trailers Tractor + automotive or agricultural trailers TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 3 Specific work for leaves harvesting technology Harvesting Loading Leaf by leaf With special tools: -scissors -knife In bags or bulk, in trailers Facing (pulling from the bottom to the top of the sprout) Tractor + automotive or agricultural trailers TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 4. Specific work of herb harvesting technology Mowing Loading Mower Self loading trailer Self loading trailer Mower with rotating cutting device Double knife mower Windrower Special loading equipment Tractor + automotive or agricultural trailer TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 5. Specific work for flowers harvesting technologies Loading Harvesting flowers Directly into the food bunker Directly by track harvesters Special harvesting equipment In bags or bulk, in trailers Tractor + automotive or agricultural trailers TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 6. Specific work for seed harvesting technologies Harvesting seeds Semi – mechanized Loading Mechanized, directly in the land using grain combine In bags or bulk, in trailers Manual harvesting Cut using windrowers Tractor + automotive or trailers TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEME OF HARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS 7. Specific work of roots, rhizomes, bulbs, tubers harvesting technology Loading Plough Rhizomes harvester Harvesting Bulk, in trailers Stolons harvester Bulb harvester Tractor + automotive or agricultural trailers HARVESTING MEDICINAL PLANTS AGRO-TECHNICS OPERATING REQUIREMENTS The main agro-technical requirements imposed on crop agriculture and harvesting equipment for mechanization of work within the technologies for harvesting and transport of medicinal and aromatic plants are: •area to be harvested must be well leveled, cleaned of anthills, woody vegetation, piecese of wood, rocks and other obstacles or foreign bodies; •normal meteorological conditions during work (normal soil moisture, no precipitation, etc.); •working parts of cars, machinery and tractors aggregation do not get the medicinal plants dirty with soil; •Wheels of the harvesters or technical equipments or aggregation tractors must not cross over plants that have not been harvested yet; • while working, equipments must copy the variation in level considering the width and direction of work; • not to produce additional chopping of plants (fragments less than 10 cm in length), the maximum allowed is 1%; •not to put pressure on plants while they are in the transport means; • not to infest with impurities the already harvested plants. PRIMARY PROCESSING OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS May 2011 Primary processing of medicinal and aromatic plants must transform raw plant material obtained after harvesting or collecting into plant product - raw material for obtaining herbal products or other products required for the economy. Primary processing involves several operations (depending on the raw material and use of plant products) including: drying, specific processing, sorting or stabilization and fermentation, lyophilization or shredding. Other operations consist of packaging and storage plant product. Appropriate processes for primary processing have general characteristics, but they are also appropriate for the raw material itself. These processes must be carried out in accordance with quality standards, regulations and national legislation and / or regional ones. They must also respect the national regulatory requirements and / or regional ones, which are applied in the producing and importing countries. Gross raw material (medicinal plants harvested or collected): - Must be harvested / collected and delivered as quickly as possible to the processing equipment to avoid microbial fermentation and thermal degradation (fresh); - must be unloaded and unpacked immediately upon arrival at processing place; - Before processing, must be protected from rain, moisture, and any other conditions that could cause damage. Drying - moisture content of raw materials ready for use in dry form must be kept as low as possible; - information on moisture content appropriate for specific raw material can be accessed from Pharmacopoeia or other authorized monographs. Medicinal plants can be dried in many ways: - outdoor (in the shadow); - placed in thin layers on drying frames, in rooms of shielded wire or buildings; - to direct sunlight, if necessary; - in ovens / dryers and solar drying rooms; - indirect fire; - by baking; - by lyophilization; - in the microwave; - Using radiant infrared devices. Specific processing Some raw materials require specific processing to: - improve the purity of each plant part used; - reduce drying time; - prevent mold, insects and other microorganisms appearance; - detoxify and improve therapeutic efficacy. Common specific processing practices include : - preselecting; - cleaning roots and rhizomes; - other specific treatments. Processing procedures which involve obtaining presentation forms (powders, granules, etc.), grouping and specific drying can also have an impact on the quality of raw material. Processing conditions - processing will be done in rooms that provide safe and quality conditions; - will meet the quality, hygiene and labor protection requirements. Raw material Raw materials for obtaining natural medicine is the medicinal plant, from a medicinal plant there can be used: - the airy part, completely (herbal); - underground parts: root (radix), rhizome(rhizoma); - tubercle(tubera), bulb (bulbus); - leaf (folium); - buds(turiones, gemmae); - flower (flores); - Fruit (fructus); - seed (semen); - bark on the trunk or on the root(cortex). Plant product - represents a specific organ or part of the plant (dried and processed) that can be used for the preparation of products for pharmaceutical or drug industry. - plant products are even some metabolism products: - volatile oils; - fatty substances; - resins; - gum. Collecting (from the spontaneous flora) or harvesting (from the cultivated flora): -is done when the plant organ or whole plant (depending on the location of active principle) contains the maximum amount of active ingredients; Can be: - manual; - mechanized; - by specific methods. Sorting or removal of foreign bodies and impurities: - organic foreign bodies; - mineral foreign bodies: sand, dust, pebbles, pieces of land; - impurities are other parts of the herb than the harvested part. Technical conditions for reception : - maximum content of damaged raw material; - maximum content of other parts of the plant; - maximum content of mineral impurities; - minimum content of active substances. Conditioning - means bringing quality plant products to standardized rules. Shredding plant products is chosen depending on the structure of the plant products and grain size that must meet the working conditions imposed. Packaging and labeling are done for storage or delivery to the customer (industrial unit, laboratory, pharmacy). Storage and conservation require special rooms, well cleaned, ventilated, with controlled humidity, indirect light, away from harmful agents (insects, rodents). To conserve powder containers tightly closed are used. Pharmaceutical powders are solid, composed of uniform particles of one or more active substances, with or without auxiliary substances and are used as such or divided in unit doses. Powders can be administered orally or may be applied to the skin or mucous membranes (powder). Powders applied on wounds, burns and on infants skin are prepared by methods that ensure their sterility (Romanian Pharmacopoeia) and that avoid a subsequent contamination with microorganisms. Raw material RECEPTION Process control Technology Flow Recyclable waste/ Non recyclable waste SELECTION Dehydrated raw material RECEPTION Process control Process control STORAGE CONDITIONING Process control CHOPPING Process control HOMOGENIZATION Paper bag, cardboard box Quality certificate Burning of waste PRODUCT STORAGE Gravimetric and non gravimetric loss Burning waste Recyclable waste Raw material Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE CONDITIONING Non recyclable waste Process control Non gravimetric loss PACKING RECEPTION Process control Non gravimetric loss Process control Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE Raw material RECEPTION Process control CONDITIONING Non recyclable waste Process control Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE Raw material RECEPTION Process control CONDITIONING Non recyclable waste Process control Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE Raw material RECEPTION Process control CONDITIONING Non recyclable waste Process control Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE Raw material RECEPTION Process control Recyclable waste/ Non recyclable waste SELECTION Process control Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE Dehydrated raw material RECEPTION Process control STORAGE CONDITIONING Process control CHOPPING Process control HOMOGENIZATION Burning of waste Gravimetric and non gravimetric loss Burning waste Recyclable waste Non gravimetric loss Process control Paper bag, cardboard box Non gravimetric loss PACKING Quality certificate PRODUCT STORAGE ADVANCED PROCESSING OF MEDICINAL PLANTS Medicinal plant Spontaneous flora Cultivated flora PRIMARY PROCESSING Sorting/Standardization Drying Analysis Conditioning Packaging / Labeling Storage, preservation The way they are: Infusion, spices ADVANCED PROCESSING USE EXTRACTION Maceration Percolation Decoction Accelerated extraction using solvent Microwave assisted extraction Ultrasonic extraction Extraction with supercritical liquid Pharmaceutical products / phyto pharmaceutical products/ phyto cosmetic products SEMI-SYNTHESIS ACTIVE PRINCIPALS Fig. 1 Utilization scheme through advanced processing of medicinal plants Advanced processing consists of processing raw materials obtained from the primary processing products that are sold as: herbal products (aqueous extraction solution, hydro alcoholic extract solutions, lyophilized powders in solution mining), cosmetics, and dietary supplements, food additives. Phyto therapeutic forms for external use Ointments Medicinal oils Cataplasm Medicinal gel, emulsion Aromatic vinegars Herbal baths, inhalations Phyto therapeutic forms for internal use Powder Extractive aqueous solutions Extractive alchoolic/hydroalchoolic solutions Extractive solutions are obtained in different ways: Infusion Decoction Macerate Tincture Syrup Medicinal wine Obtaining extracts from medicinal plants Plant extracts are pharmaceutical/phyto pharmaceutical fluids, soft or dry, obtained by solvent extraction of different plant products. Extraction techniques 1. Discontinuous processes • Maceration cold (17-22°C) warm (40-60°C) •Percolation •Soxhlet extraction •Infusion •Decoction •Fermented alcoholic extraction •Continuous extraction with organic solvents •Accelerated solvent extraction(ASE) •Microwave assisted extraction(MAE) •Ultrasound-assisted extraction(UAE) •Supercritical fluid exctraction(SCF) 2. Continuous processes: continuous extraction with organic solvents, continuous precolation, Soxhlet extraction. Obtaining volatile oils Industrial extraction of volatile oils from different medicinal plants is made by different methods depending on their characteristic qualities. The main methods of obtaining volatile oils are : Distillation with water vapor. Extraction of volatile oils with organic solvents. Animal fat extraction: maceration and enfleurage Liquefied gas extraction (supercritical CO2) Extraction by pressing. Adsorption on a sorbent material. Processing technology of medicinal plants for obtaining concentrated extracts General technological flow phases for obtaining an extractive concentrated solution : – Reception plant material – Weighing – Shredding plant product – Homogenization – Extraction of bioactive compounds – Filtering the extractive solution – Purification and concentration of extractive solution a) Reception. The raw material is received by batch, depending on the origin and quality, based on analysis reports. Quality reception is done by checking the parameters: Authenticity of the plant, moisture, organic and mineral content, impurities content. b) Weighing product is made with the precision of an analytical balance capable of weighing 510-2000 g maximum or of semi-industrial level with maximum capacity of 6 / 12 kg. To prepare extractive solutions of well determined concentrations the stage of weighing is very important c) Shredding plant product: by increasing the contact surface of the plant product and solvent extraction shrinks and grows during the extraction efficiency. The degree of grinding is determined according to the method of extraction used: extraction by maceration, infusion / decoction - shredding in larger particles, extraction by percolation - fine grinding powder. Machinery: die grinders or shredders d) Homogenization - plants are manually homogenized and the quality parameters of the homogenized product are checked, recording the result of the flow analysis e) Extraction of bioactive compounds can be achieved by either of the above. The simplest method and providing the appropriate degree of extraction of active principles from plants is soaking. The process is done in glass or stainless steel, with intermittent shaking of the mixture to enhance extraction. To obtain aqueous extracts by maceration working parameters are : Extraction solvent ……………….. distilled water Concentrate extract ……………..…..8-10% (g plant /mL water) Extraction temperature……..……room temperature Extraction time………………..…. 24 hours. The working parameters for obtaining the hydro alcoholic extracts by maceration are : Extraction solvent………………… alcohol 30-70% Concentrate extract …………………8-10% (g plant /mL alcohol) Extraction temperature …………… room temperature Extraction time ………………………8-10 days f)Filtering the extractive solution - the purpose of removal of substances in suspension (coarse mechanical impurities, compounds that are in the form of precipitation). For extracts with high solid content: coarse pre filtration filter sterilized filter plate (cellulose acetate, asbestos or synthetic polymers). At the laboratory level filtering is done through a filter paper, vacuum, and at industrial level, using pressing filters . A modern method of filtration is tangential microfiltration, using micro porous membranes which retain fine particles with diameters ranging from 0.1 to 1 m. g) Extractive solution purification - is to remove ballast substances (resins, pectins, proteins, etc.). in order to obtain stable preparations. Commonly used methods are based on fractional precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction system, chromatographic methods, microfiltration. h) Concentration of extractive solution - in order to capitalize on the upper plant extracts. Given the presence of labile compounds (proteins, vitamins, flavor) concentration is achieved by: Evaporation under vacuum at low temperatures (25-50 ° C) - the most used process to concentrate the extracts, but is energetically expensive. Concentration by freezing - difficult process that requires expensive procedures to remove ice crystals without loss of compounds in the extract. Some of the most modern and efficient purification and concentration methods applied to plant extracts are membrane processes. Microfiltration removes suspended particles and colloidal compounds > 0,02 µm (viruses, bacteria, yeast) extract clarification and sterilization. The extract concentration by ultra filtration is performed by membrane retention of compounds with molecular weights greater than the membrane pores (M > 1000 Da). Nan filtration - baromembrana process, reverse osmosis and ultra filtration situated between, which has developed strongly in recent years. The nan filtration separates molecules with dimensions of approx. 0,001 µm. Reverse osmosis - a process that removes low molecular weight solution from aqueous solution. To prevent normal osmosis, one must work at high pressures (10 100 bar). The advantages of using membrane processes: the processing of extracts at room temperature (about 20 ˚ C) avoiding distortion of thermo labile bioactive compounds, without the intervention of chemical reagents and low energy consumption. Obtaining concentrated extracts from medicinal plant species cultivated in the Calarasi-Silistra area RECEPTION WEIGHING Non gravimetric loss CONCISARE/SITARE SOLVENT (Mixture WATER/WATERALCOHOL/ ALCOHOL) Non gravimetric loss Non-recyclable waste Process control EXTRACTION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS Process control EXTRACTION SOLUTION FILTERING Non-recyclable waste Process control EXTRACTIVE SOLUTION PURIFICATION Non-recyclable waste Process control EXTRACTIVE SOLUTION CONCENTRATION Process control; Quality Certificate HYDRO ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT/ ALCOHOLIC CONCENTRAT E Fig. 2 Technology flow for obtaining alcoholic extracts (tinctures) / concentrated hydro alcoholic Advanced processing of medicinal plants for use in cosmetics The effects of plants suitable for hygienic-cosmetic care of the body are due to the active principles of the concentrated extracts that determine their therapeutic action: for dry skin products that activate peripheral circulation, have soothing and moisturizing action are recommended; for oily skin, products with antiseborrheic, soothing and antiseptic properties; for irritated skin-soothing products with decongestant action; for eyes - products with moisturizing , soothing, decongestant effect; for hair - products for hair root strengthening and activating blood circulation in the area; for hands - products to improve blood circulation, for warts, spots, loose nails, etc., against sweating hands; for feet - natural products that activate peripheral circulation, against chilblains, corns, etc., against sweat. Natural Cosmetics is based on what nature offers, the volatile oils obtained from plants, the natural fat of diverse origin ( beeswax, waxy substances in fish whale, dolphin) to the active ingredients in fruit, flowers , plant or trees roots. Various cosmetic products Soaps, organic and medicinal (with curative properties), liquid or solid. Hair shampoos (as fluid or cream). Toothpastes. Shaving creams Perfumery •Cologne water, toilet and perfumeries are alcoholic solutions of different concentrations containing perfume oils, usually light colored with artificial dyes. •Natural sprays usually present special bouquets, that cannot be found anywhere in nature. Besides the odor type fantasies, natural sprays, may have different floral bouquets, well-defined. These products contain between 20 and 50 g of perfume oil per liter, their alcoholic strength ranging between 70 and 75%. •Perfumes are like cologne and natural sprays, but have a higher perfume oil content and thus a higher alcohol concentration. . Make-up products •Powders and make-up •Sunscreen Cosmetics Selected References : 1. Sukhdev Swami Handa, Suman Preet Singh Khanuja, Gennaro Longo, Dev Dutt Rakesh - Extraction Technologies for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, International Centre for Science and High Technology, Italy, 2008 2. x x x – Farmacopeea Romana ed.X, Ed. Medicala, Bucuresti, 1993 3. x x x - Extraction Methods for Environmental Analysis; J. R.Dean; John Wiley & Sons, England, 1998. 4. Hofler F., Richter B., Felix D. - Accelerated Solvent Extraction, Dionex Corporation, U.S.A., LPN0639–01 20 M 8/95. 5. F. Zhang, B. Chen, S. Xiao and S. Yao, Sep. Purif. Technol. 42, 2005 6. L.G. Chen, L. Ding, H.R. Zhang, J. Li, Y.T. Wang, X.P. Wang, C.L. Qu and H.Q. Zhang, Anal. Chim. Acta 580 , 2006 7. M.A. Rostagno, M. Palma and C.G. Barroso, Anal. Chim. Acta 588, 2007 8. C.H. Deng, N. Yao, B. Wang and X.M. Zhang, J. Chromatogr. A 1103, 2006J.H. Kwon, J.M.R. Beälanger and J.R.J. Pareä, J. Agric. Food Chem. 51, 2003C.H. Deng, X.Q. Xu, N. Yao, N. Li and X.M. Zhang, Anal. Chim. Acta 556, 2006 9. K. Vilkhu, R. Mawson, L. Simons and D. Bates, A review, Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies 9, 2008, 10. M. Vinatoru, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 8, 2001. 11. L. Chen, H. Jin, L. Ding, H. Zhang, J. Li and C. Qu , Separation and Purification Technology 59, 2008. 12. Seied Mahdi Pourmortazavi, Seiedeh Somayyeh Hajimirsadeghi, Journal of Chromatography A, 1163(1-2), 2007 13. Hortono R., Mansoori G.A., Suwono A., Chemical Engineering Communications, 173, 1999. 14. Elena Neagu, Gabriela Paun Roman, Gabriel Lucian Radu, Roumanian Biotechnological Letters, 15(4), 2010 15. Gabriela Paun-Roman, Gabriel Lucian Radu, BIOTEHNOLOGIA intre stiinta si arta, capitolul 2, Casa de Editura Venus, Iasi, 2007 THE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THERAPY Modern aromatherapy and phytotherapy study plant effects on intracellular levels, on tissues and organs, especially on sick body. Phytotherapy considers man in his whole psychosomatic state and often recommends the combination of natural therapy with psychotherapy. Chemicals in plants are an active complex based on synergistic actions (associated), which show certain therapeutic advantage unlike some combination of pure chemicals. Aromatherapy will be used as a method of treatment for patients allergic to antibiotics and for patients with diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. In terms of prevention, many species of aromatic plants or vegetables containing volatile oils, are contributing all over the world to the prevention of many diseases caused by microorganisms or parasites. Synthetic substances were replaced almost 80% from the therapeutic arsenal, herbs seemed to be replaced with synthetic chemical drugs until many adverse effects that disrupt the body's adaptive mechanisms were discovered. It was ignored the fact that living organisms have not been programmed to accept other than the subtle benefits the nature produces for living things. Now it is increasingly accepted that herbs can be used successfully in treating diseases. Active principles of plants Vitamins; Glycosides (heteroside): cardiac, saponosids, flavonosids, anthocyanins, coumarins and furanocumarine, polyphenol carboxylic acid derivatives, tannins; Holoside: gum, mucilages, pectin, cellulose, starch; Volatile oils; Resins. EXAMPLES OF USING MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THERAPY • CORNFLOWER (Centaurea cyanus) Pharmaco dynamic activity: tonic, kidney cleansing, skin disinfectant. Indications and uses: cornflowers are used as natural remedy for treating and healing: kidney and liver diseases, as a diuretic, treating eye irritation, treating wrinkled eyelids, muscle toning, hemorrhoids, intestinal diseases and infections, anorexia, eczema, dark circles, intestinal and gastric colic in infants Contraindications and side effects: possible sensitivity to Asteraceae. Products: tea, infusion, poultice, tincture, powder, decoction. ARTICHOKES (Cynara Scolymus) Pharmaco dynamic action: hepatoprotective, cholagogue effect (stimulates bile secretion), promotes diuresis and elimination of toxins, febrifuge action, stomachic action (promotes gastric digestion). Indications and uses: stimulant of digestion, bile disorders, hepatitis, cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hives, food allergy, laxative, eczema, skin diseases, effective atone, muscle spasms, spasmophilia, diseases due to overload and toxic waste of the body, gout, digestive migraines, arthritis, dermatitis. Contraindications and side effects: allergic phenomena specific to other Asteraceae or Compositae Products: tincture, tea, infusion, tablets, dietary supplement. • THISTLE (Silybum marianum/ Carduus marianus) Pharmaco dynamic action: hepatoprotective, regulates digestion, high blood pressure, antitoxic effect, stimulates the gallbladder and combats the risk of gallstones, antitumor, stimulates lactation, lowers blood cholesterol levels, effective in type II diabetes. Indications: chronic hepatitis, an adjunct to various toxic poisoning, constipation, hypotension, immune deficiency Contraindications and side effects: mild laxative effects, contact dermatitis. Products: tea, powder, tincture, cataplasm • BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) Pharmaco dynamic action: antispasmodic emollient, soothing cough, calming, sedative, antiseptic, antibacterial, decongestant, disinfectant, immune modulator, febrifuge, carminative, antiemetic, hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, increases resistance to stress, tones the nervous system and has antidepressant action, improves cerebral circulation, increases attention and concentration. Indications: bronchitis, viral respiratory infections, whooping cough, neuro-psychiatric diseases, digestive diseases, mental and physical fatigue, asthenia, stimulating lactation. Contraindications and side effects: to people with allergic sensitivity can cause allergic reactions of different intensity, will not administrated to children under 3 years, pregnant women (can cause vomiting), avoid overdosing. Products: fresh leaves, infusion, essential oil. • CHICORY (Cichorium intybus) Pharmaco dynamic action: diuretic properties, regulates glycol genetic function, stimulates the pancreas function and normalizes blood sugar, laxative, stimulates brain function, improves memory, is important to support the intense intellectual activity, general tonic effects. Indications: Liver and biliary disease, constipation, diabetes, physical and mental fatigue. Contraindications and side effects: not reported until now. Products: chicory coffee, tea. • THYME(Thymus vulgaris) Pharmaco dynamic action: antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, diuretic action, healing action, tonic action (neuron-, cardio-, uterus-), antispasmodic action, aphrodisiac, local anaesthetic, activating circulation. Indications: respiratory diseases (flavor and inhalation, compresses), digestive (spice) mouth diseases, kidney and genital diseases, neuropsychological, circulation, dermal problems. Contraindications and side effects: excessive consumption can cause liver toxicity phenomena, should avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, the volatile oil is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation and hypertension. Products: infusion, fresh leaves, syrup, tincture, tea, tablets, suspension, food supplement, oral solution, lotion, spray, cream, essential oil. • GARDEN THYME (Satureja hortensis) Pharmaco dynamic action: intestinal antiseptic, stomachic, carminative (intestinal gas evacuation), choleretic (stimulates bile production by the liver), cholagogue (stimulates the removal of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine), expectorant, soothing cough, diuretic, analgesic, tonic capillary. Indications: dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia, intestinal worms, wounds, rheumatism, gout, seborrheic. Contraindications and side effects: volatile oil has very strong side effects: seizures, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, delirium, contraindicated for irritable colon, gastric ulcer and hyperacid gastritis. Products: fresh leaves, tea, oil, tincture. • CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) Pharmaco dynamic action: galactogog (stimulates lactation), anti-infective, antibacterial, antiviral, ant parasitic, stomachic, stimulates appetite and digestion, carminative, antispasmodic, combats flatulence, analgesic, combats colic and digestive disorders of newborns, male aphrodisiac, because of volatile oils has anti anxiety action. Indications: digestive dyspepsia , appetite stimulant, combats intestinal worms and abdominal pain in children, increases milk secretion, rheumatism, treatment of biliary dyskinesia, dyspeptic syndromes (an acidity, hypo acid), hyperacidity gastritis, gastric ulcers, abdominal colic in adults, bronchitis, nervous sedative, general tonic. Contraindications and side effects: volatile substances can lead to some people to sensitive allergic manifestations. Products: fresh leaves, powder, infusion. • MEXICAN MARIGOLD (Tagetes patula, Tagetes erecta) Pharmaco dynamic action: improves speed of adaptation of the eye to light and darkness, improving night vision to accommodate the normal eye, purgative action, hypotensive properties, antiinflammatory and antiulcer, volatile oil has antifungal, antispasmodic, antibiotic, diuretic actions, stops nosebleeds. Indications: improves vision, plantar hyperkeratosis, mycosis, thrush, eczema, sunburn, infusion is also used for intestinal worms and as a purgative Contraindications and side effects: oil should be used with caution because it can cause photosensitivity and contact dermatitis, extracts and essential oils of Tagetes are phototoxic. Products: infusion, extract, tincture. • FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) Pharmaco dynamic action: stomachic, carminative, galactogog, diuretic, antispasmodic, analgesic, narcotic minor drugs, bactericidal, antiseptic, especially for kidney, stimulant and cardio respiratory tonic. Indications: abdominal cramps, intestinal parasites, kidney stones, respiratory, digestive, cardiac, neurological problems. Contraindications and side effects: is not indicated to use fruit for gastric and duodenal ulcer, chronic and acute enterocolitis, toxic to the central nervous system and cause Epileptic seizures, hallucinations, drowsiness, contraindicated in infants, children and pregnant women. Products: tea, tincture, oil, syrup, tablets. • MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis) Pharmaco dynamic action: immune, inflammatory, decongestant, antiseptic, antimicrobial, healing, speeds up healing and tissue regeneration, regulates menstrual cycles, carminative, bitter principles regulating the biliary function, lipid-lowering action, choleretic action. Indications: treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation, hyperacidity gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, drop attacks and hypotonic biliary dyskinesia, increases liver bile secretion, for haemorrhoids, in treating diseases of stomach, in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, treating leucorrhoea, acne, eczema , burns, frostbite, wounds, pus, ulcers, burns, abscesses, fistulas, skin diseases. Contraindications and side effects: may cause side effects (Asteraceae). Products: infusion, tincture, decoction, powder, ointment. • HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis L.) Pharmaco dynamic action: stomachic, carminative and antispasmodic anticataral (reduces mucosal inflammation, sinusitis, colds), expectorant or mucolytic, depending on variety, anti-asthmatic and hypotension, antiseptic and healing, fungicide, volatile oil has tonic and stimulant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, mucolytics, asthma, antibiotic, lipolytic, healing action. Indications: depression, asthenia, multiple sclerosis, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, cystitis, intestinal parasites, rhinitis, bronchitis, colds, asthma, injuries, volatile oil has an antiseptic effect and is used in perfumery, for flavoring food and drinks. Contraindications and side effects: There may occur spasms, not indicated during pregnancy. Products: tea, powder. • LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia) Pharmaco dynamic action: local antiseptic, antispasmodic, healing, soothing, combats irritability and exhaustion, combats insomnia, stress, emotions and states of emotional instability (in adolescents), fears and anxieties fade , diuretic, choleretic; carminative and weak stimulating effects on nervous system, normalizes heart functions. Indications: neurasthenia, insomnia, stress, irritability, migraine and other headaches, biliary dyskinesia, fatigue, rheumatism, whooping cough, influenza, bronchitis, general incentives in the form of potions, as a flavouring and correction. Contraindications and side effects: Skin allergies, photosensitivity, diabetes, pregnancy, lactation, allergy to lavender, lavender is contraindicated in children younger than 6 years (because of the risk of laryngeal spasm). Products: oil. • DILL (Anethum graveolens) Pharmaco dynamic action: stimulates digestion, antispasmodic effect, combats hiccups, carminative, prevents vomiting, diuretic, depurative, prevents kidney stones, galactogog, natural antioxidant, regulates blood pressure, cardio protective, stimulates the immune system due to the Vitamin C content, prevents osteoporosis. Indications: Anorexia, indigestion, intestinal cramps, haemorrhoids, nausea caused by pregnancy, amenorrhea, lactation stimulation, insomnia, heart diseases, atherosclerosis, urinary disorders, effective detoxification. Contraindications and side effects: digestive disorders to loss of appetite, headaches, contraindicated in pregnancy. Products: juice, fresh leaves, powder, tincture, compress. • MINT (Mentha piperita) Pharmaco dynamic action: stomachic, antispasmodic, prevents vomiting, carminative, slightly analgesic, choleretic, cholagogue, ant diarrheal, astringent, volatile oil and its components have spasmolytic action, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant, stimulates uterine contraction, diuretic, perspiration, blood cleanser, tonic, refreshing. Indications: dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia, flatulence, entero-colitis, diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, colds, flu, fatigue. Contraindications and side effects: tones the nervous system and can give insomnia, not recommend the use of preparations containing peppermint oil on face and in the nasal passages of small children because it can lead to spasms of the tongue or off breathing, is not recommended in gastric, biliary obstruction and inflammation in the gallbladder, no adverse effects known in pregnancy. Products: tea, infusion, oil, powder, maceration, juice, paste. • WHITE MUSTARD (Sinapis alba) Pharmaco dynamic action: dilates blood vessels, causing a skin rash, stomachic, cholesterol lowering agents, and because of mucilage has laxative action. Indications: hypercholesterolemia, respiratory diseases (trachea-bronchitis, pneumonia), colds, flu, rheumatic disorders, neuralgia, muscle contractures. Contraindications and side effects: hypertension, patients with varicose veins and various skin conditions, precautions for children where the skin is more sensitive to not cause burns, not indicated to children under 6, skin and mucous membrane irritant, vegetable oil obtained from white mustard can cause redness, irritation and even tissue necrosis. Products: flour, mustard, fresh leaves. • CHAMOMILE (Matricaria chamomilla) Pharmaco dynamic action: antiseptic, disinfectant, antiinflammatory, anaesthetics, antihistamines (anti-allergy), emollient action, capillary tonic, perspiration, bactericidal, carminative, healing effect , regenerating, speeds healing, normalizes skin metabolism and stimulates epithelisation, strengthens hair root , fights dandruff, prevents kidney stones or gall, is acting antispasmodic, relaxes smooth muscles, combats spasms, abdominal colic, nephritis, action calming, sedative, nervous system, volatile oil used in aromatherapy to relieve headaches, general relaxing action, insomnia, anti-asthmatic crisis. Indications: acute and chronic infections of the digestive, respiratory, urea-genital apparatus, kidney diseases, combats gout, arthritis, rheumatism, insomnia, anxiety, depression caused by disorders of menopause. Contraindications and side effects: not administered with aspirin, especially in patients with blood clotting disorders, should not be taken with sedative drugs or alcohol. Products: oil, tea, cream, hair and skin care products. • PLANTAIN (Plantago lanceolata) Pharmaco dynamic action: soothes mucous membranes, emollient, laxative, expectorant; haemostatic action, healing, useful in the treatment of ulcers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diarrheal, diuretic, blood cleanser, prevents cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure, regenerating, anti-inflammatory in ulcerative dermal diseases, festering, antispasmodic. Indications: treatment of atherosclerosis, useful in the haemorrhage, hypertension, diarrheal, hyperacidity gastritis, gastric ulcer, cough, bronchitis, asthma. Contraindications and side effects: contact dermatitis. Products: powder, injection, syrup, tincture, fresh leaves. • LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis L.) Pharmaco dynamic action: soothing action, antimicrobial, antihistamines and blood pressure reduction, treatment of herpes, gout and insect bites; inhibiting thyroid hormone activity, calming action on the central nervous system and antispasmodic, generally volatile oil properties digestive, carminative, cholertic, regulates the stomach digestion, tonic, sedative, is used against cough, respiratory diseases, anaemia, insomnia, dysentery. Indications: liver diseases, asthma, anaemia, bloating, indigestion, stinging bees, wasps, poor memory, lung disease, Parkinson's, dizziness. Products: tea, tincture, tablets. • SAGE (Salvia officinalis) Pharmaco dynamic action: choleretic-cholagogue, carminative, antiseptic and mildly astringent, stimulant in dyspepsia and gastro-intestinal atone; attenuates fermentative processes in the intestine and promotes the elimination of gas, slightly hypoglycaemic effect, calming the nervous system. Indications: inflammatory diseases, respiratory infections, digestive diseases, excessive sweating, fatigue, exhaustion or stress, memory problems, Alzheimer's disease, adjuvant treatment of diabetes. Contraindications and side effects: epilepsy, hypertension, contraindicated in breastfeeding, decreased appetite, mild dehydration and constipation. Products: oil, cream, tincture, tea, leaves. • CHOKEBERRIES (Aronia prunifolia) Pharmaco dynamic action: boosts immune system, has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, the heart function, lowers blood pressure, slows the aging process. Indications: atherosclerosis, hypertension, bleeding, thrombosis prevention, improving peripheral circulation, mild gastritis. Contraindications and side effects: limited for patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer and those with high blood clotting. Products: juice, dried fruit, wine. • OREGANO (Origanum vulgare) Pharmaco dynamic action: antispasmodic, bronchodilator, expectorant, nervous system sedative, antiseptic, disinfectant, stomachic, carminative, antispasmodic, secretolytic, effective in aclorhidrie gastric diseases. Indications: respiratory diseases, tracheitis, bronchitis, stimulates digestive secretions; in whooping cough, soothing action on the central nervous system, sedative, promotes removal of bronchial secretions Contraindications and side effects: skin irritant and volatile oil cannot be applied to the skin. Products: tea, ointment, tincture. • VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis) Pharmaco dynamic action: sedative, tranquilizer, venous decongestant, improves venous blood flow, Neurotic. Indications: neurasthenia, nervousness, tachycardia, fever, internal and external haemorrhoids, varicose veins, fatigue. Contraindications and side effects: pregnancy and breastfeeding, should not be used while driving because they exert hypnotic effects on the nervous system interacts with other drugs, when given long term may develop agitation, insomnia, pupil dilation , cardiac disorders, overdose leading to loss of appetite, hyper salivation, urination or anuria, nephritis, intestinal disorders, sweating. Products: infusion, powder, tincture. Thank you for your attention!