Medicinal and spice (aromatic) plants (MAPs) of Asteraceae family biodiversity and research in Lithuania

Abstract

The diversity of medicinal and spice (aromatic) plants (MAPs) is important from the scientific and practical point of view (WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023). WHO estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicine for some aspect of their primary health care needs. According to WHO around 21 000 plant species have a potential for being used as MAPs. In the twenty-first century specific attention is paid to conservation, preservation and cultivation of MAPs and to the evaluation of their quality and quantity (The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011-2020). The aim of research is the introduction and phytochemical investigation of Asteraceae Bercht. & J.Presl family MAPs. Complex interdisciplinary research on Asteraceae Bercht. & J.Presl family MAPs by modified methods of collection and phytochemical analysis is carried out in two bases: The Scientific Sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Botanical Garden and The Instrumental Analysis Open Access Center in Faculty of Natural Sciences at Vytautas Magnus University. The primary introductory study of Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl family MAPs has enabled following conclusions: Phenological observation, phytochemical investigation of Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl family revealed that new species from foreign geographic regions can be successfully introduced in Lithuania. Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl is a large family of MAPs and sources of raw material, used for pharmacy, phytotherapy, veterinary and food industry practice.