Challenges in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DNA Barcoding—Lessons from the Lamiaceae

The potential value of DNA barcoding for the identification of medicinal plants and authentication of traded plant materials has been widely recognized; however, a number of challenges remain before DNA methods are fully accepted as an essential quality control method by industry and regulatory authorities. The successes and limitations of conventional DNA barcoding are considered in relation to important members of the Lamiaceae. The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains over one thousand species recorded as having a medicinal use, with many more exploited in food and cosmetics for their aromatic properties. The family is characterized by a diversity of secondary products, most notably the essential oils (EOs) produced in external glandular structures on the aerial parts of the plant that typify well-known plants of the basil (Ocimum), lavender (Lavandula), mint (Mentha), thyme (Thymus), sage (Salvia) and related genera. This complex, species-rich family includes widely cultivated commercial hybrids and endangered wild-harvested traditional medicines, and examples of potential toxic adulterants within the family are explored in detail. The opportunities provided by next generation sequencing technologies to whole plastome barcoding and nuclear genome sequencing are also discussed with relevant examples.

Analysis of Serbian Production and Export of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

The emphasis of the research in this chapter was put on the analysis of production and export/import of MAP (Medical and aromatic plants) from Serbia. After reading this chapter, readers will find out that the production of MAP in a long time period has been steady, although has been present fluctuations per years. They will know that indigenous and cultivated MAPs are equally present on the market, and will notice that they are equally present in export as well, i.e. that there is no such register. They will be familiar with the positive effects of planned production and the significance of scientific and technological achievements implementation. Readers will be able to recognize the dynamics of changes in export and import of MAP. They will find out which products are the most significant in export and import and will notice the connection between the export structure of MAP sector and earned value - foreign exchange inflow. They will be able to understand the character of exchange, value of export/import and the comparative advantage of export. Readers will be especially familiar with experiences and recommendations of other authors on the development of MAP sector and directives of authors for deepening the research within this chapter. They will know the connection between a low foreign exchange inflow and types of products in export and will understand the need for new organization models and education of manufacturers.

Essential Oils: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy against SARS-CoV-2

Thousands of individuals have perished as a result of Covid-19 and it has turned into a global problem. The novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-2019), also known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread rapidly following its discovery in Wuhan patients with acute pneumonia in China. No medication or vaccine are available to treat human coronavirus infection successfully. The alternative therapies and cures are not are effective or authorised to treat Corona virus. Treatments are primarily supportive because no particular pandemic cure has been licenced. New interventions will most likely take months to years to mature. Using antiviral medicinal herbs as an auxiliary or supportive therapy seems to be a viable alternative. The essential oils of medicinal plants have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Being rich in antioxidants, essential oils can be used to develop new antiviral remedies. Such beneficial essential oils are being evaluated and exploited for its potent therapeutic use against many viruses. These natural compounds bestow antiviral actions by disrupting the viral life cycle during viral entry, assembly, replication, discharge and virus-specific host targets. This study highlights the essential oils derived from medicinal and aromatic plants with in vitro and in vivo antiviral effects. Essential oils having known pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties can be repurposed as a strategy against deadly SARS-CoV-2 infection. These essential oils of herbal plants can be an effective therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 when used along with conventional antiviral medicines.

Bioremediation Trends on Mitigation of As(III), Cr(VI) and Organic Dyes From Aqueous Medium using Plant and Microbial Biomass: An Overview

Arsenic, chromium and organic dyes are the prominent carcinogenic agents, posing a serious health hazard. In current scenario, groundwater as well as surface water mostly contaminated by chemical complexes of As (III), Cr (VI) and organic dyes, these are leading hazardous threat to eco-system. Several mitigation techniques of As (III), Cr (VI) and organic dyes are available but efforts are going on to devise a novel method of removal of these toxicants. This review takes into account all the recent advances in the detoxification of contaminated water exploring removal mechanism by biosorption and bioaccumulation. The possibility of the removal of toxic heavy metals from an aqueous medium by plant and bacterial biomass has been discussed. Now a days, bioaccumulation and biosorption from plants and microbial sources has emerged as simple, effective and eco-friendly techniques for decontamination of these chemical compounds from water resources at very low cost. Many agricultural products and solid wastes have also been found suitable decontaminant of toxic heavy metals and dyes. A wide spectrum of medicinal and aromatic plants as well as aquatic plants available in abundance may also be utilized as potential remover of As (III), Cr (VI) and organic dyes. This article explained mechanism and application on detail aspects of bioremediation technology including conventional techniques with recent development. This review shows the trends and development of mitigation stretagies by bioremediation with latest updates.

Impact of MAPs on improving the socio-economic situation of rural families in Kosovo

he medicinal and aromatic plants sector is considered a very important sector for the economy of Kosovo since it can provide employment, income, and export growth. Based on this, we assess the impact of the subsidy schemes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development (MAFRD) using a propensity score matching improving the farmers' gross income. The main purpose of the study was to assess whether subsidy schemes have an impact on the farmer's gross income by using a propensity score matching model to match beneficiaries to non-beneficiaries. Results showed that beneficiaries of subsidy schemes make 3,682.09 Euros more per year than non-beneficiaries (95% confidence interval 2,349.9 Euros to 5,012.90 Euros). Using logistic regression, we found that subsidy schemes, market prices, and reductions of unfair competition are the three most important factors affecting farmers' decisions to collect and cultivate MAPs.

Nigella sativa L. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities: A Review (2019–2021)

Medicinal and aromatic plants are mainly characterized by the presence of different bioactive compounds which exhibit various therapeutic activities. In order to investigate the different pharmacological properties of different Nigella sativa extracts, a multitude of research articles published in the period between 2019 and 2021 were obtained from different databases (Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science), and then explored and analyzed. The analysis of the collected articles allows us to classify the phytochemicals and the pharmacological activities through their underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as to explore the pharmacological activities exhibited by several identified compounds in Nigella sativa which allow a better understanding, and better elucidation, of the bioactive compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects. Also shown are the existence of other bioactive compounds that are still unexplored and could be of great interest. This review could be taken as a guide for future studies in the field.

ENERGY RESOURCE SAVING TECHNOLOGIES OF DEHYDRATION OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS

The world market development of plant products demonstrates growing demand for medicinal and aromatic raw materials that are widely used in pharmaceutical, perfume and cosmetic products, food production, etc. An important step in post harvesting storage of medicinal and aromatic plants is drying, which prevents spoilage of raw materials and increases the shelf life of the product. However, heat-sensitive plant components, such as biologically active compounds and essential oils are lost during drying at elevated temperatures. That leads to changes in the aroma, taste and color of dried herbs. The purpose of the article is studies of dehydration processes of medicinal and aromatic plants to determine energy-efficient drying modes that ensure maximum preservation of biologically active compounds and essential oils. The temperature of the drying agent plays the most important role in preserving of heat-sensitive components in dried herbs. The analysis of experimental data of temperature effect on content of essential oils showed that drying temperature of aromatic plants should not exceed the maximum allowable temperature of 35-40 °С. The effect of temperature, speed and moisture content of the drying agent on the kinetics of dehydration of peppermint herb has been studied. The experiments were carried out at the drying agent temperature in the range of 30-50 °С, its velocity – 1-2 m/s, moisture content of drying air – 6-14 g/kg d.a. Significant dependence of drying process duration on heat-humidity parameters of atmospheric air was revealed. To create controlled drying conditions, it is proposed to dehydrate aromatic plants in dryers with a closed circulation circuit using a heat pump. Energy-efficient drying modes for medicinal and aromatic plants with a variable degree dehumidification of drying agent have been developed, in which the temperature of the material does not exceed the maximum allowable, and aroma losses do not exceed 20-25% of the raw material. The use of a heat pump allows to reduce the specific energy consumption for drying in 2…3 times