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
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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!