Medicinal raw material drying technology and its biologically active substances evaluation

Abstract

In order to extend the variety of plant species and solve the problems of National genetic resources protection and herbal drugs industry development. Since 1924 the scientists of Kaunas Botanical Garden of Vytautas Magnus University have been implementing longlasting trials dedicated for introduction of medicinal and spice (aromatic) plants (MAP) species and varieties. The topics and tendencies of the research on medicinal herbs varied since that time quite a lot. Collections of medicinal plants are still an important constituent and object of the raw material drying technology and phytochemical scientific research process. During the long-lasting investigation of MAP in the collections the plant growth and vegetation were evaluated. Based on the results obtained the most perspective, biologically and ecologically valuable herbs were selected. In order to evaluate the relevance of these MAP for food and drug industries, the quantitative and qualitative analysis of raw material, investigation of biological and anatomical qualities were performed. Object of investigation – medicinal raw material – Hyssopi herba, drying technology and biologically active substances. Phytochemical analysis was performed using various chromatographic, capillary electrophoresis and spectrophotometric methods; solid phase microextraction, supercritical fluid extraction, maceration and solid phase extraction were used for sample preparation. While selecting the drying technology of Hyssopi herba and other medicinal and spice plants, it is essential to balance the airfl ow and its temperature in order to prevent the increase in the activity of micromycetes which could occur due to dampening of the raw material or prolonged drying process, and to avoid the possibilities of formation and accumulation of toxic compounds. [...]