Optimization of preparation of rosehip tea from the area of Stara Planina Mt

Stara Planina Mt is rich in medicinal plants, that are natural sources of various bioactive substances and have many useful medicinal properties. Rosehip, the fruit of wild rose (Rosa canina L.) is very popular and widely used. There is extensive empirical evidence of its therapeutic effects. The high content of vitamins, organic acids, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and pleasant taste define it as a valuable dietary supplement. There are different procedures for making rosehip teas. In this paper, we have optimized the process of preparation of rosehip tea from the aspect of maximum extraction and preservation of vitamin C content in tea. The antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of rosehips, depending on the extraction time and the temperature at which the extraction is performed, was also examined..The free radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts was analyzed by using the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Optimal conditions are 30 minutes and a temperature of 40 °С. In this way, vitamin C is best extracted and its stability is preserved, which results in the high antioxidant activity of the tested teas.

Traditional use of plants in Kuršumlija

Plants as a source of active phytochemistry are the basis of nutrition. However, man uses them in traditional medicine and veterinary medicine, but also as raw materials in many branches of industry (textile, construction…). The need and role of traditional medicines in the health care system havе been growing in recent decades. The aim of the research is to determine the list of plants that are traditionally used by the local population on the territory of the municipality of Kuršumlija, and the way of their application in folk medicine, veterinary medicine, customs. Data on knowledge of plants and their use were collected through interviews in the period from May to September 2020. A total of 49 people were interviewed (37.5% men and 62.5% women), aged between 21 and 81, mostly from urban areas (79.2% of respondents are from the city and 20.8% from rural areas). Respondents have different education: 6.3% have a primary school, 58.3% have a secondary school and 35.4% have higher education. During the research, it was stated that the largest number of plant species used for therapeutic purposes belongs to families: Lamiaceae (20.5%), Asteraceae (12.8%), Rosaceae (5.1%) and the most commonly used species are: Mentha piperita (47.9% of respondents), Matricaria chamomilla (37.5% of respondents); Urtica dioica (31.2% of respondents); Hypericum perforatum (27% of respondents), Salvia officinalis (22.9% of respondents); Achillea millefolium (14.5% of respondents); Ocimum basilicum (12.5% ​​of respondents). For therapeutic purposes, teas (infusion, decoction), tinctures, and oils are prepared for oral use, and for external use, compresses and ointments. The largest number of respondents reported the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory organs. In the customs related to religious holidays, the largest number of respondents use oak.

Ethnopharmacological application of common agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) in the Pirot County (Serbia)

Agrimonia eupatoria is perennial herbaceous plant from family Rosaceae, characterized by pinnate leaves, and yellow spike-like racemose inflorescences. It flowers from June to September, and above ground part of plants are collected for medicinal purposes. Survey on participants' knowledge and use of medicinal plants in the Pirot County was carried in the form of interviews in four municipalities: Pirot, Babušnica, Bela Palanka and Dimitrovgrad. Out of the total number of respondents, which amounted to 631, it was noted that 34 people knew the use of common agrimony. The largest number of respondents mentioned common agrimony against the group of urinary diseases (19 reports). A small number of respondents have mentioned the use against prostate disease (6 reports) and treatment of wounds (5 reports). Five reports against the group of digestive tract diseases were recorded. The results were compared with other ethnopharmacological studies from Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula. The following applications of common agrimony were not mentioned in previous ethnopharmacological investigations in Serbia and Balkan Peninsula: for circulation, for the heart, against varicose veins, catarrh of the stomach, for colon, for the stomach, bile, liver, prostate disease, against kidney and urinary tract sand, and diseases of internal organs.

Taxonomic and ecological analysis of flora at locality „Djavolja Varoš“ (South Serbia)

Djavolja Varoš, one of the most atractive natural geological formations of errosive origin in Serbia, is situated in the south of the country, and protected by national legislation as a Natural Monument. The taxonomic and ecological analysis of flora in this area has not been processed yet, so we performed a survey of flora in this locality. Plant species were collected, herbarized, and taxonomic and biological spectrum analyses were conducted. This field study revealed that the vascular flora of the study area was made up of 130 constituent species, which belonged to 81 genera and 41 families. The biological spectrum of the flora is characterised by high presence of hemicryphytes (38%) and geophytes (20%).

Vascular flora of Ruy mountain (Znepole region) and its medicinal plants

As a result of the performed research of the Ruy mountain flora, 261 plant species were found and established. These refer to 176 genera and 57 families. There was a floral analysis performed, which determined 116 medicinal plants species. The examined local flora has 12 Balkan endemites and 19 relict species. There is one species with endangered conservation status – Galanthus elwesii Hook. f. There were 7 species determined, which fall within the scope of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The plant species found were examined and determined in terms of biological types. The floral complex of this local flora was also determined.