Theme: Analysis of MPM that contain volatile oils of monoterpene series
Volatile or essential oils, as their name implies, are volatile in steam.
They differ entirely in both chemical and physical properties from fixed oils.
VO can be distilled from their natural sources; they do not consist of glyceryl
esters of fatty acids. Hence, they do not leave a permanent
grease spot on paper and cannot be saponified with alkalies. VO do not become
rancid as do the fixed oils, but instead, on exposure to light and air, they
oxidize and resinify.
Volatile oils (VO) are miscellaneous volatile
organic compounds which are produced in plants and cause their specific odour.
Practically all VO consist of chemical mixtures that
are often quite complex; they vary widely in chemical composition. Almost any
type of organic compound may be found in VO (hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones,
aldehydes, ethers, oxides, esters, and others), and only a few possess a single
component in a high percentage (clove oil contains not less than 85% of
phenolic substances, chiefly eugenol). However, it is not uncommon for an
essential oil to contain over 200 compounds, and often the trace constituents
are essential to the odour and flavour.
VO can be divided into 3 main groups:
- monoterpenoids (acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic);
- sesquiterpenoids (acyclic, monocyclic, bicyclic,
tricyclic);
- aromatic compounds (derivatives of n-cimen, benzol
and phenilpropan).
Monoterpenoids are composed of two units and have the molecular
formula C10H16. By the number of cycles monoterpenoids
are divided into acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic.
ACYCLIC MONOTERPENES:
Mircen
They can be considered as derivatives of
2,6-dimethyloctane.
Among natural molecules, the followings are well known
and have several structural isomers.
Monocyclic
terpenoids:
Menthol Cineole
MONOCYCLIC MONOTERPENES
They are derived from cyclohexane with an isopropyl
substituent. The most typical are :
BICYCLIC MONOTERPENOIDS have two condensed non-aromatic rings and due to
their structure are divided into 3 groups: group of tuyane, carane, pinane,
camphene, phenkhan etc.
Pinane group:
α
–pinene β –pinene
Camphan group:
BICYCLIC MONOTERPENES
Thuyone is best known for being a toxic chemical (the a form is the most
active) in absinthe, a product extract from Artemisia absinthium. Its psychedelic effects consecutive to absinthe consumption
is disputed. Pharmacologically, thujone acts mainly on the GABA receptors in
the brain and exhibits psychoactive response. In many countries the amount of
thujone allowed in food or drink products is regulated (in Europe, the maximum
level tolerated is 25 mg/l). Other plants containing thujone, such as the
coniferous Thuja occidentalis, are used in herbal medicine, mainly for their
immune-system stimulating effects.
Pinene is, as
limonene, an allelochemichal emitted by the roots of Quercus ilex. Camphor and pinene are also allelochemicals emitted
by Salvia leucophylla (Nishida N et al., J Chem Ecol 2005, 31, 1187).
Pinene is among the more readily available optically active substance (about
30,000 tons/year) and is used for the syntheses of other chemical products
Occurrence
Essential oils are of wide occurrence in Nature. More
than 2500 of plants can accumulate them. Tropical plants are rich in VO.
Usually they occur in such families as Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae and
Rosaceae. The content may rich up to 20% (Citrus fruits). Ether oils are
produced by special exo- and endogenic organs. First are formed from epidermal
cells- glandular “spots”, glandular hairs and ether-oil glands, they are
situated at petals of rose, heartsease and lily of the valley. To endogenic
organs belong secretory cells, secretory cavities and secretory ducts or canals
and they are formed in parenchyma.
Physicochemical properties
Ether oils are clear colourless or pale-yellow liquids
with specific aromatic odour and bitter, spicy taste. Some of them are blue due
to the content of azulene (oil of yarrow, absinthium, matricaria), green
(bergamot oil), red (caraway oil). pH is usually neutral or acid. Many oils
after cooling off can form crystals (anise oil, spearmint oil, camphor oil).
They are soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water.
Methods of obtaining of volatile oils
VO are usually obtained by steam distillation of the plant parts containing the oil. The method of
distillation depends on the condition of the plant material. In the method of
direct steam distillation, applicable to fresh plant drugs (peppermint,
spearmint), the crop is cut and placed directly into a metal distilling tank on
a truck bed.
Some VO can not be distilled without decomposition and
are usually obtained by pressing (lemon oil, orange oil) or possibly by other
mechanical means.
Often the volatile oil content of fresh plant parts
(flower petals) is so small that oil removal is not commercially feasible by
the mentioned methods. In such instances, an odourless, bland, fixed oil or fat
is spread in a thin layer on glass plates. The flower petals are placed on fat
for a few hours; then, repeatedly, the old petals are removed, and a new layer
of petals is introduced. After the fat has absorbed as much fragrance as
possible, the oil may be removed by extraction with alcohol. This process is
known as enfleurage and was formerly used extensively in the production of
perfumes and lipsticks.
In the perfume industry, most of the modern
essential oil production is accomplished by extraction, using solvent systems based on such volatile
solvents as petroleum ether or benzene. The chief advantage of extraction over
distillation is that uniform temperature (usually 50°C) can be maintained
during most of the process. As a result, extracted oils have a more natural
odour that is unmatched by distilled oils, which may have undergone altered
chemical constitution by the high temperatures. These features are of
considerable importance to the perfume industry; however, the established
distillation method is a low-cost operation compared to the cost of the
extraction process.
Medicinal and commercial uses
Many crude drugs are used medicinally because of their
volatile oil content; however, in numerous cases, the volatile oils separated
from the drugs are used as drugs themselves. Similarly, various crude drugs are
powdered and are employed as species and condiments (anise, clove, nutmeg). The
volatile oil drugs and the separated oils are most commonly used for flavouring
purposes. They may possess a carminative action, but a few (eucalyptus oil,
winter-green oil) possess additional therapeutic properties. In addition to
their pharmaceutical uses, the VO are employed widely as flavours for foods and
confections and in the spice, perfume and cosmetic trades. The fabrication of
perfumes is a multimillion dollar industry. VO are also used for the
manufacturing of soaps, toiletries, and deodorizers and for masking or
providing odour to household cleaners, polishes, and insecticides.
Evaluation
Stages of examination of VO include organoleptic
analysis (determination of colour, taste, odour, transparency and consistency)
and determination of physical and chemical constants.
Physical measurements include specific gravity,
optical rotation, refractive index, and solubility in alcohol.
Main chemical measurements are acid value, ester value
and saponification value.
Acid number is the amount of potassium hydroxide in milligrams
that is needed to neutralize the free acids in 1 gram of volatile oil.
The ester value indicates the number of milligrams of potassium
hydroxide required for the saponification of the esters in 1 g of a volatile
oil.
The ester number after saponification helps to determine free alcohols in ether oil.
Gas
and gas-liquid chromatography are also used for assessment of purity of VO.
MP and MPM containing monoterpenoids
Menthae folium
Oleum Mentheae piperitae
Mentha piperita- Peppermint, Lamb mint, American mint,
Brandy mint
Lamiaceae
Part used. The dried leaf and flowering top.
Habitat. In low wet soil along brooks of Europe. Naturalized in United States.
Commercially cultivated in
eastern and northern Europe and the United States of America, and is found in
Africa
Description
A perennial
herb, 30-90 cm high. Stems square erect or ascending, branched, the upper
portion always quadrangular. Leaves opposite, petiolate, ovateoblong to
oblong-lanceolate, serrate, pointed; dark green on the upper surface. Flowers
purplish, occur in thick, terminal, spicoid racemes of verticillasters; each
flower shows a tubular calyx with 5 sharp, hairy teeth, a purplish, irregular,
4-cleft corolla, 4 short stamens, a 4-celled
ovary and a projecting style ending in a bifid stigma. Fruit consists of 4
ellipsoidal nutlets.
Constituents. Leaves contain up to 3.5% of ether oil and menthol is
the main part- up to 80%; resin, tannins, acetic acid, etc.
Not more than 15% according to the European pharmacopoeia (2); not more than 12% according to the African pharmacopoeia.
MPM description. Green to greenish-brown. Leaves
whole, broken or cut; thin, fragile; whole leaf 3-9 cm long and 1-3 cm wide,
often crumpled. Lamina oval or lanceolate; apex acuminate; margin sharply
dentate; base asymmetrical. Venation pinnate, prominent on the lower surface,
with lateral veins leaving the midrib at an angle of about 45°. Lower surface
slightly pubescent and secretory trichomes visible under a hand lens as bright
yellowish points. Petiole grooved, usually up to 1 mm in diameter and up to 1 cm
long. Odour:
characteristic, penetrating; taste: characteristic, aromatic.
Microscopic characteristics
Upper epidermis composed of large, clear epidermal cells with sinuous,
vertical walls and possessing few or no stomata, few glandular trichomes present;
palisade parenchyma, comprising a layer of columnar cells rich in chloroplasts;
spongy parenchyma, of 4-6 layers of irregularly shaped chloroplastidcontaining
cells and intercellular air-spaces. Lower epidermis of small epidermal cells
with sinuous, vertical walls and numerous diacytic stomata; in the region of
veins and midrib, exhibits non-glandular and glandular trichomes as outgrowths;
non-glandular trichomes uniseriate, papillose, 1-8-celled; glandular trichomes
have 1-2-celled stalk and 1-8-celled glandular head containing the essential
oil. Calcium oxalate crystals absent; pollen grains spheroidal and smooth
Fragments of leaf tissue with cells of epidermis
having sinuous walls, cuticle striated over the veins, diacytic stomata present
predominantly on the lower epidermis; epidermis fragments from near leaf margin
with isodiametric cells showing distinct beading and pitting in anticlinal
walls; covering trichomes short, conical, unicellular, bicellular or elongated,
uniseriate multicellular (3-8 cells) with striated cuticle. Glandular trichomes
of 2 types: either with unicellular base with small, rounded, unicellular head
15-25 µm in diameter; or with unicellular base with enlarged, oval
multicellular head 55-70 µm in diameter composed of 8 radiating cells;
dorsoventral mesophyll fragments with a single palisade layer and 4-6 layers of
spongy parenchyma; yellowish crystals of menthol under the cuticle of secretory
cells. Calcium oxalate crystals absent.
Uses. Infusion stimulates the secretion of digestive glands, has sedative,
spasmolitic, cholagogue and light pain-killing action. Volatile oil is part of Inhalipt, Corvaldin, Mint tablets, Tooth drops,
Urolesan, Pinosol. Menthol is applied externally in solutions for the relief of neuralgic
pains, and as antiseptic and cooling agent in certain skin diseases. Internally
it is an antiseptic. It is part of Alorom, Boromentol, Gevkamen, Cameton, Camphomen, Zelenin’s Drops,
Menovasin, Pectussin.
Peppermint Tea
The effects of peppermint tea are generally lighter and gentler than
peppermint oil capsules.
More importantly, peppermint tea can be very beneficial for your digestive
system and help alleviate problems like bloating, stomach gas and flatulence.
Peppermint has relaxant and antispasmodic properties and may help relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct
and gallbladder. This can improve the passage of both food and swallowed
air through the digestive tract, allowing them to go through smoothly and
without pain or discomfort.
The volatile oils in peppermint stimulate the gallbladder to release bile
that your body uses to digest fats. The flow of bile to the liver can also be
increased by the compounds in peppermint tea and moderate intake of the herb
seems to have a detoxifying effect on the liver. A well functioning liver is vital to overall digestive health and therefore reducing flatulence
problems.
TINCTURA MENTHAE PIPERITAE
Relief of symptoms of the digestive system as gastrointestinal
colic-like pain and flatulence.
UROLESAN
Combined herbal preparation. Antiseptic (disinfecting) properties,
increases urine output (diuresis), acidify the urine, increases the excretion
of urea and chlorides, increases bile formation and bile, improves hepatic
blood flow.
PINOSOL
Inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa and nasal and condition after
surgery in the nasal cavity. Inhalation - when inflammation of the upper
respiratory tract (laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis).
ADULTERATIONS:
Mentha
arvensis (wild mint or corn mint) is a species of mint with a circumboreal distribution. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and eastern Siberia, and North
America.
Wild
mint is a herbaceous perennial plant generally growing to 10–60 cm
(3.9–24 in) and rarely up to 100 cm (39 in) tall. It has a
creeping rootstock from which grow erect or semi-sprawling squarish stems. The leaves are in opposite pairs, simple, 2–6.5 cm (0.79–2.6 in) long and
1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) broad, hairy, and with a coarsely serrated
margin. The flowers are pale purple (occasionally white or pink), in whorls on the stem at the
bases of the leaves. Each flower is 3 to 4 mm (0.12 to 0.16 in) long
and has a five-lobed hairy calyx, a four-lobed corolla with the uppermost lobe
larger than the others and four stamens. The fruit is a two-chambered carpel.
In Europe, wild mint was
traditionally used to treat flatulence, digestional problems, gall bladder
problems and coughs.
Mentha spicata (spearmint or spear mint) is a species of mint native to much of Europe and southwest Asia, though its exact natural range is uncertain
due to extensive early cultivation.
Spearmint has been studied for antifungal activity; its essential oil was found to have
some antifungal activity, although less than oregano. Recent research has shown that spearmint tea
may be used as a treatment for hirsutism in women. Its anti-androgenic properties reduce
the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone
and DHEA unaffected.
Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal or European pennyroyal, also called squaw mint, mosquito plant and pudding grass), is a species of flowering plant.
It is extremely poisonous
plants. Pennyroyal is used to make tisanes, which are reputed as safe to ingest in restricted quantities. It has been traditionally employed and reportedly
successful as an emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant) or as an abortifacient. Pennyroyal is also used to settle an upset stomach and to relieve
flatulence. The fresh or dried leaves of pennyroyal have also been used when
treating colds, influenza, abdominal cramps, and to induce sweating, as well as in the treatment of diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis,
and in promoting latent menstruation. Pennyroyal leaves, both fresh and dried,
are especially noted for repelling insects. However, when treating infestations
such as fleas, using the plant's essential oil should be avoided due to its
toxicity to both humans and animals, even at extremely low levels.
Melissa
leaf - Melissa folium
Melissa officinalis – Lemon
balm
Lamiaceae – Mint family
Description
Native to Europe, lemon balm is grown all over the
world. In the spring and summer, clusters of small, light yellow flowers grow
where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range
from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate.
If you rub your fingers on these leaves, your fingers will smell tart and
sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), also known as balm or balm mint and not to be confused with bee balm (which is genus Monarda), is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to center-southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a
gentle lemon scent,
related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of
nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Melissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from citronellal (24%), geranial (16%), linalyl acetate (12%) andcaryophyllene (12%)
Constituents. The main chemical components are trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone,
methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal,
linalool, b-bourbonene, caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D,
geranial, geranyl acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.
MPM description. The druds consist of the dried leves, about 8 cm
long and up to 3 cm wide, with petioles of varying length and broably ovate,
rounded or almost cordate lamina at the base. The Thin leaves have a dark green
upper surface, which is slightly pubescent and lighter green lower surface that
is glabrous or only slightly pubescent along the vein with a small, glandular
punctuation. The margin is irregulary crenate or serrate, and the venation
prominent on lower surface. The odour is aromatic, reminiscent of lemon, the
taste is pleasantly spicy.
Uses. Spasmolitic, antibacterial
effect.
In the traditional medicine Melissa officinalis leaves have been prescribed
for internal (as tea) or external (essential oil) application for the treatment
of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, liver and bile.
Lemon balm is the main
ingredient of Carmelite Water, which is still for sale in German pharmacies.
Lemon balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy. The essential oil is commonly codistilled with lemon oil, citronella oil, or other oils.
Lemon Balm has several common names including Sweet Balm and
Melissa. These are all names for the same plantMelissa officinalis so don’t be
confused by the different names. If you see Melissa Essential Oil or Lemon Balm
Essential Oil they are the same name and should be the same oil!
Lemon Balm uses go back to
ancient times. It was use for many different physical and emotional ailments of
the heart, as well asnervous disorders and headaches.
Did you know that a study
found that a combination of lemon balm and valerian showed anti-anxiety relief
in volunteers taking a laboratory stress test? I believe it. Lemon Balm has been
used to release emotional blocks and balance emotional states such as
depression and anxiety for many years!
Today, Lemon Balm is
considered one of the most powerful antiviral oilavailable.
THE TINCTURE OF MELISSA
OFFICINALIS
Description
The tincture
of Melissa officinalis or lemon balm is a natural calmative and is used during
periods of anxiety and stress. It can also assist the digestion.
Usage
3 x 20 to 40 drops per day in
a little water or fruit juice
Children: 2-6 years: 3 x 5 to
10 drops per day
6-12 years: 10 to 15 drops 3
times a day
Ingredients
Melissa officinalis
hydroalcoholic extract 100% (alcohol *, lemon balm * (leaf), water)
* organic culture
ADULTERATIONS:
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, or catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe and southwestern to central Asia, and is widely naturalized elsewhere. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole.
Nepeta cataria is a short lived herbaceous perennial, growing 21–40 inches (530–1,000 mm) tall and wide. It resembles a
typical mint family
member in appearance by having the characteristic square stem that members of
the Lamiaceae plant family
have, but with brown-green foliage. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to
ovate.
The small
two-lipped bilabiate flowers can be white
and finely spotted with pale purple or pink. They are showy and fragrant. The
plant blooms from late spring through autumn
The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria.
Nepetalactone can be extracted from catnip by steam
distillation.
Cultivation
Nepeta
cataria is cultivated as an ornamental
plant for use in gardens. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies.
The plant is drought tolerant and deer
resistant. It can be a repellant for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs.
Salviae folia
Salvia
officinalis- Sage
Lamiaceae
Part used. The dried leaf
Habitat. Mediterranean regions.
Salvia officinalis (sage, also called garden sage, or common sage) is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to
purplish flowers. The common name "sage" is
also used for a number of related and unrelated species.
MPM description. Leaves opposite, long-petiolate, petiole pubescent, grooved above, up to
4.5 cm long; laminae elliptical, ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 2 to 10 cm
in length, 1-3 cm in width, apex acute or obtuse; base rounded or cuneate,
uneven or lobed; margin crenulated; upper surface with depressed midrib, light
olive-grey to pale yellow-green and densely pubescent in young leaves; lower
surface grey or greyish-green, densely pubescent; venation pinnate-reticulate;
midrib and veins prominent; texture velvet-like; odour strongly aromatic on
crushing, taste aromatic,bitter and astringent.
Constituents. Up to 2.5% of a greyish-yellow volatile oil containing
borneol, pinene, thujone and cineol, bitter principles, resin and tannins.
Uses. Sage is used chiefly as a condiment but is also employed as a carminative
in dyspepsia, also has antiseptic, astringent action. Salvin works as plant antibiotic due to the content of
diterpenes; is used in treatment of gingivitis and stomatitis.
Microscopic characteristics
Lower epidermis, undulate, consisting of wavy walled epidermal cells and
numerous stomata. This epidermis is densely covered with non-glandular and
glandular hairs. The non-glandular hairs found on both epidermises are uniserate, 2- to 5-celled, the end portion being frequently reflexed. The glandular hairs include those having a 1-celled stalk and 2-celled
head, those possessing a 2- to 4-celled stalk and a 1-celled head, and still
others which possess an 8-celled glandular head and no stalk.
ADULTERATIONS:
Salvia sclarea, clary, or clary sage, is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia. It is native to the northern Mediterranean, along with some areas in north Africa and Central Asia. The plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal
herb, and is currently grown for its essential oil.
S. sclarea reaches 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.2 m) in height,
with thick square stems that are covered in hairs. The leaves are approximately
1 ft (0.30 m) long at the base, .5 ft (0.15 m) long higher
on the plant. The upper leaf surface is rugose, and covered with glandular
hairs. The flowers are in verticils, with 2-6 flowers in each verticil, and are
held in large colorful bracts that range in color from pale mauve to lilac or
white to pink with a pink mark on the edge. The lilac or pale blue corolla is
approximately 1 in (2.5 cm), with the lips held wide open.The
cultivar S.
sclarea 'Turkestanica'
bears pink stems, petiolate leaves, and white, pink-flecked blossoms on spikes
to 30 inches tall (75 cm).
Clary seeds
have a mucilaginous coat, which is why some old herbals recommended placing a seed into the eye
of someone with a foreign object in it so that it could adhere to the object
and make it easy to remove. This practice is noted by Nicholas Culpeper in his Complete
Herbal (1653), who referred to the plant as
"clear-eye".
Salvia aethiopis is a species of perennial plant known by the common name Mediterranean sage. It is best known as a noxious weed, particularly in the western United States. It is native to Eurasia and
was probably introduced to North America as a contaminant of alfalfa seed. It is
a weed of rangelands and pastures. It is unpalatable to livestock, it disrupts
native floral communities, and it becomes a physical nuisance due to its habit
of becoming an abundant tumbleweed. The weevil Phrydiuchus tau is used as an agent of biological
pest control on this
plant.
Aethiopinone
Boya and Valderde examined a sample of Salvia aethiopis. Acetone extracts of the root furnished a new
orthoquinone diterpene, aethiopinone
(4,5-seco-5,10-friedo-abieta-4(18),5,6,8,13-pentaen-l1,12-dione). This compound
was isolated in 0.15% yield from the dry roots.
Eucalypti Folium
Oleum Eucalypti
Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus cinerea
Eucalyptus viminalis
English names: Eucalyptus, Blue Gum leaves, Australian
Fever Tree, Iron Bark Tree
Myrtaceae
Part used. The dried scythe-shaped leaf.
Habitat. Australia and Tasmania. Cultivated in California and
Southern Europe.
Constituents. Up to 6% of a colourless or pale yellow volatile oil
having an aromatic, camphoraceous odour and a pungent, spicy, cooling taste of
which 70% or more is cineole, the balance consisting of d-pinene and other
terpenes; resins, a bitter principle, tannins, eucalyptic acid, calcium
oxalate.
Microscopic characteristics
Upper and lower epidermis composed of clear, polygonal epidermal cells with
thick cutinized outer walls. Both epidermises possess sunken stomata. Mesophyll (chlorenchyma) differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma regions, there being
two palisade regions of 3 to 4 rows of cells each, one facing each epidermis.
In each of these regions occur large, sub-globular, internal glands, lined with
secretory epithelium and containing yellow oil of Eucalyptus. The spongy parenchyma
zone is narrow, some of its cells contain rosette aggregates while others possess prisms
of calcium oxalate.
Uses. Medicines have antiseptic, anti-inflammative and astringent action. Chlorophyllipt has antistaphylococus action. Oil is part of Inhalipt, Cameton, Efkamon, Alorom, Gevkamenand Pinosol.
Coriandri fructus
Oleum Coriandri
Coriandrum
sativum- Coriander
Apiaceae
Part used. The dried ripe fruit.
Habitat. Mediterranean and Caucasian regions. Naturalized in
the United States
MPM description. Mericarp usually coherent; cremocarp nearly globular, from 2 to5 mm in
diameter; externally weak yellowish- orange to moderate yellowish- brown,
frequently with a purplish red blush; summit with 5 calyx teeth and a short
stylopodium, each mericarp with 5 prominent, straight, longitudinal primary
ribs and 4 undulate secondary ribs; mericarps easily separated, deeply concave
on the commissural or inner surface showing, in transverse section, 2 vittae in
the mesocarp of the commissural side of each; odour fragrant, taste pleasantly
and characteristically aromatic.
Constituents. Up to 1% of volatile oil containing coriandrol
(d-linalool) and d-pinene, etc.; fixed oil, calcium oxalate, tannins.
Uses. Aromatic
stimulant, has spasmolitic and antibacterial properties. It is part of
appetising, cholagogue, expectorant and anti-haemorrhoidal species, infusion-
part of Flora, ether oil is part of Espol (anti-inflammation and pain-killing drug).
Carvi fructus
Carum carvi -
Caraway
Apiaceae
Part used. The dried ripe fruit.
Habitat. Asia and Europe. Naturalised in United States and
Canada.
Cultivation
The plant prefers warm, sunny locations and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. In warmer regions it is planted in the winter
months as an annual. In temperate climates it is planted as a summer annual or
biennial. There is however a polyploid variant (with four haploid sets=4n) of this
plant that was found to be perennial.
Constituents. Volatile oil (5-7%), fixed oils, tannins, etc. The volatile oil contains carvone, limonene,
dihydrocarvone, caryeol, and a small quantity of a base having a narcotic
odour.
Description.
It is a biennial, with smooth, furrowed stems growing 1 1/2 to 2 feet high,
hearing finely cut leaves, and umbels of white flowers which blossom in June.
The fruitswhich are popularly and incorrectly called seeds - and which
correspond in general character to those of the other plants of this large
family, are laterally compressed, somewhat horny and translucent, slightly
curved, and marked with five distinct, pale ridges. They evolve a pleasant,
aromatic odour when bruised, and have an agreeable taste.
The leaves possess similar properties and afford an oil identical with that
of the fruit.
Uses. Stimulant, carminative, condiment, diuretic, diaphoretic and flavouring
agent; source of oil of caraway. It is used in the food industry for flavouring
bread, cheese and candy.
Both fruit and oil possess aromatic, stimulant and
carminative properties. Caraway was widely employed at one time as a
carminative cordial, and was recommended in dyspepsia and symptoms attending
hysteria and other disorders. It possesses some tonic property and forms a
pleasant stomachic. Its former extensive employment in medicine has much
decreased in recent years, and the oil and fruit are now principally employed
as adjuncts to other medicines as corrective or flavouring agents, combined
with purgatives. For flatulent indigestion, however, from 1 to 4 drops of the
essential oil of Caraway given on a lump of sugar, or in a teaspoonful of
water, will be found efficacious. Distilled Caraway water is considered a
useful remedy in the flatulent colic of infants, and is an excellent vehicle
for children's medicine. When sweetened, its flavour is agreeable.
Juniperi fructus
Juniperus communis - Juniper, Horse Savin Berries
Cupressaceae
Part used. The dried ripe fruit.
Habitat. In dry woods of United States and Canada, Europe, Asia and Nothern Africa.
MPM description. Subglobular, 5 to 10 mm in diameter; externally smooth, shining, purplish
black to dusky red purple, occasionally reddish brown or sometimes covered with
a blue-grey bloom; at the summit a 3-rayed furrow marks the cohesion of the
three fleshy bracts forming the pericarp; internally exhibiting a yellowish
brown to dusky yellow flesh containing many large schizogenous cavities; seeds
usually triangular ovate, hard brown, on the surface of which are large uneven
oil glands; odour aromatic upon crushing, taste sweet, pleasant., slightly
bitter.
Constituents. From 0.3 to 1.5% of a VO containing the terpenes camphene and x-pinene, a
sesquiterpene called cadinene; terpene alcohols borneol, one of which is
terpineol; resin, fixed oils, up to 30% of dextrose, etc. A crystalline
substance deposits in the oil at low temperatures known as juniper camphor.
Uses. Juniper berries are used for the preparation of juniper oil. The juniper
oil has diuretic, antireumatic and antiseptic properties. Used as stimulating
diuretic in chronic genito-urinary disorders.
ADULTERATION:
Juniperus sabina (Savin Juniper or Savin) is a species of juniper native to the mountains of central and southern Europe and western and
centralAsia, from Spain east to eastern Siberia.
It is a shrub, very variable in shape, reaching 1–4 m tall. The leaves are of two forms, juvenile
needle-like leaves 5–10 mm long, and adult scale-leaves 1–2 mm long
on slender shoots 0.8–1 mm thick. Juvenile leaves are found mainly on
seedlings but mature shrubs sometimes continue to bear some juvenile leaves as
well as adult, particularly on shaded shoots low in the crown. It is largely dioecious with separate male and female plants, but some individual plants produce
both sexes. The cones are berry-like, 5–9 mm in
diameter, blue-black with a whitish waxy bloom, and contain 1-3 (rarely 4 or 5) seeds; they are mature in about 18 months. The male cones are 2–4 mm long,
and shed their pollen in early spring.[2][3]
There are two varieties, treated by some botanists as distinct species:
·
Juniperus
sabina var. sabina. Juvenile
foliage rare in adult plants.
·
Juniperus
sabina var. davurica (Pallas) Farjon (syn. J. davurica Pallas). Juvenile foliage frequent in adult plants.
Juniperus
sabina is a popular
ornamental shrub in gardens and parks, with numerous named cultivars selected.
Valerianae
rhizomata cum radicibus
Valeriana officinalis- Valerian, Wild, Great Wild, Cat’s Valerian
Valerianaceae
Part used. The dried rhizome and roots.
Habitat. Europe and Asia.
MPM description. Rhizome vertical , from 2 to 4 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter, entire or usually cut into 2
to 4 longitudinal pieces; externally light brown to moderate yellowish-brown or
dark brown, upper portion with stem bases and leaf scars are frequently with a
short horizontal stolen, the outer surface showing numerous slender, brittle
rootlets and occasional root scars; fracture of rhizome short and horny;
internally brown to moderate yellowish- brown, with a thick bark and narrow
central cylinder; odour characteristically valeric-acid-like, becomes stronger
on ageing; taste sweetish, camphoraceous and somewhat bitter.
Constituents. Volatile oil (up to 2%) containing bornyl isovalerianate, bornyl formiate,
bornyl acetate and bornyl butyrate, camphene, borneol and pinene; two
alkaloids- chatinine and valerianine, a glucoside, resin, α-methylpyrryl
ketone, stated to be narcotic, valeric, formic and acetic acids, tannins,
sugar, etc.
Uses. Valerian is used as a calmative in nervousness and hysteria and as a
carminative. Preparations- Valerian fluid extract, Valerian tincture, Valocordinum, Corvalolum, as ingredient of Species Sedativae.
Corvalolum - use for vegetative disorders
with fluster, tachycardia, insomnia, spasms of gastrointestinal tract.
Valocordinum
Pharmacological action. Sedative, antispasmodic.
Uses for tachycardia,
vasomotor disturbances, intestinal
cramps.
Valerian root has been the primary herb of
choice for supporting restful sleep since the 9th century. Modern research has
confirmed this traditional use, and has identified valerenic acid, a component
of the essential oil, as primarily responsible for its relaxing effects. These
compounds are highly soluble in alcohol extracts. Planetary Formulas Valerian
Root Fresh Plant Fluid Extract is carefully prepared from freshly harvested,
organically cultivated roots, to prevent the degradation of valerian's
sensitive constituents.
Use:
30 drops of Valerian Root Fluid Extract (approx. 1.5 ml) as needed, up to
three times before bedtime, in water or juice, or as recommended by your health
care professional.
ADULTERATIONS:
1) FILIPENDULA ULMARIA, commonly known as meadowsweet or mead wort,[2] is a perennial herb in the family Rosaceae that grows in dampmeadows. It is native throughout most of Europe and Western Asia (Near east and
Middle east). It has been introduced and naturalised in North America.
The stems
are 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall, erect and furrowed, reddish to sometimes purple.
The leaves are dark-green on the upper side and whitish and downy underneath, much
divided, interruptedly pinnate, having a few large serrate leaflets and small
intermediate ones. Terminal leaflets are large, 4–8 cm long, and three- to
five-lobed.
Meadowsweet
has delicate, graceful, creamy-white flowers clustered close together in handsome irregularly-branched cymes, having a
very strong, sweet smell. They flower from June to early September.
Meadowsweet
leaves are commonly galled by the bright orange-rust fungus Triphragmium ulmariae, which creates
swellings and distortions on the stalk and/or midrib.
2) EUPATORIUM
CANNABINUM, commonly known as Hemp-agrimony, is a herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae. It is a robust perennial native to many areas of Europe. It
is occasionally found as a garden escape in other areas such as British Columbia.[2]
If the genus Eupatorium is defined in a restricted sense
(about 42 species), E.
cannabinum is the only species of that genus
native to Europe (with the remainder in Asia or North America).
E. cannabinum grows to 1.5 meters
(5 ft) tall or more and 1.2 meters (4 ft) wide. It lives in moist low-lying areas in temperate Eurasia. It is dioecious, with racemes of mauve flowers which are pollinated by insects from
July to early September. The flowers are tiny, fluffy and can be pale dusty
pink or whitish. The fruit is an achene about 2 or 3 mm long, borne by a pappus with hairs 3 to 5 mm long, which is
distributed by the wind. The plant over-winters as a hemicryptophyte.
3) VINCETOXICUM OFFICINALE
Lavandulae flores
Oleum
Lavandulae
Lavandula spica- Lavender
Lamiaceae
Part used. The carefully dried flowers
Habitat. Mediterranean regions. In Ukraine- Crimea.
MPM description. Calyx tubular, about 5 mm long, 5-toothed, bluish-grey and glandular hairy,
the upper tooth largest and rounded; corolla deep blue, tubular-bilabiate,
about 8 mm long, hairy and glandular, the upper lip 2-lobed, the lower lip
3-lobed. Odour fragrant and characteristic; taste aromatic, bitter, somewhat
camphor-like.
Constituents. Up to 3% of VO containing esters, also linalool, geraniol, limonene and
sesquiterpene; resin, tannins, etc.
Uses. Lavender flowers are chiefly used as a perfume. Livian has anti-inflammatory and pain-killing
action and used to treat burns.
Prepared by assist. Dakhym I. S.,
ass-prof. Kernychna I.Z.