The chemistry of medicinal plants
The chemistry of medicinal plants
The chemistry of medicinal plants
Medicinal plants have always played an important role in traditional medicine. They contain a variety of chemical compounds that are responsible for their medical properties. In this article we will deal more closely with the chemistry of medicinal plants and take a look at some of the key connections.
phytochemicals
The chemical compounds in medicinal plants that are responsible for their effectiveness are referred to as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are natural connections that occur in plants and have different biological functions. They can be found in different concentrations and combinations in different plant parts such as roots, leaves, flowers and fruits.
The phytochemicals can be divided into different categories according to their chemical structure. Some of the most important categories are:
1. flavonoids : Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals that are known for their antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. They occur in a variety of plants and are responsible for coloring flowers. Quercetin, kaempferol and rutin are important representatives of this group.
2. terpene : terpen are compounds that occur in many essential oils and are responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of many medicinal plants. They also have an antimicrobial and anti -inflammatory effect. The well -known representatives include limons, menthol and campher.
3. alkaloids : alkaloids are nitrogen -containing compounds that often have a strong pharmacological activity. You can have a pain relieving, antispasmodic or hallucinogenic effect. Examples of alkaloids are morphine, nicotine and caffeine.
4. phenolic acids : phenolic acids are compounds that have a strong antioxidant effect and also have anti -inflammatory properties. They occur in many medicinal plants and are responsible for the bitterness of some plants. The important phenolic acids include coffee acid, rosemary acid and salicylic acid.
Every medicinal plant can contain a unique combination of phytochemicals that are responsible for their specific properties.
analysis of medicinal plants
Various analytical techniques are used to analyze the chemical compounds in medicinal plants. An important method is chromatography, in which the various connections in the plant can be separated and identified.
The most common form of chromatography is liquid chromatography (HPLC), in which a liquid sample flows through a column with a stationary phase. The different connections in the sample are separated with the stationary phase due to their different interactions. By combining the HPLC with the mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), the individual connections can be additionally identified.
Another method of analyzing medicinal plants is gas chromatography (GC), in which the sample is transferred to a gaseous state and then led by a pillar. The different compounds in the sample evaporate at different temperatures and are separated with the stationary phase due to their different interactions. The combination of the GC with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) enables the identification of the individual connections.
By analyzing medicinal plants, scientists can identify and quantify the chemical components in order to maintain a better understanding of the active ingredients and their concentrations.
medical applications
The chemical compounds in medicinal plants have different medical applications. Some medicinal plants can be used as natural pain relievers because they contain connections that have a pain -relieving effect. Others have antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat infections.
A well-known example is the Echinacea plant, which is often used to strengthen the immune system. Echinacea contains various phytochemicals such as alkamid and polysaccharides that can have an immunestimulating effect.
Another example is the St. John's Wort plant that is used to treat light to moderate depression. St. John's wort contains hyperforin and hypericin, compounds that can have a mood -enhancing effect.
It is important to note that medicinal plants are not equally effective or safe for everyone. The concentrations and combinations of the active ingredients can vary from plant to plant, and interactions with other medication can occur. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using medicinal plants.
FAZIT
Medicinal plants contain a variety of chemical compounds that are responsible for their medical properties. The phytochemicals in medicinal plants, such as flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids and phenolic acids, can have different pharmacological effects.
The analysis of medicinal plants With the help of chromatography techniques, it enables scientists to identify and quantify the chemical components. This enables you to get a better understanding of the active ingredients and your concentrations.
The chemical compounds in medicinal plants have medical applications and can be used to treat pain, infections and other diseases. However, it is important to consider individuality and to consult a specialist before use.
The chemistry of medicinal plants is a fascinating area that offers a variety of research opportunities. Through further examinations, we can gain a better understanding of the bioactive connections in medicinal plants and further research their potential in medicine.
sources:
1. Chen, Y.J., Li, S.L. (2016). Analysis of Medicinal Plants by Chromatography. Current Chromatography, 3 (1), 37-57.
2. Pergolizzi, J.V., Raffa, R.B., Taylor, R. Jr., Patel, H.V. (2012). Phytochemicals as Pain Management: A Review. Pain and Therapy, 1 (1), 1-21.
3. Sarker, S.D., Latif, Z, Gray, A.I. (2006). Natural Products Isolation (Methods in Biotechnology). New Jersey: Humana Press.
4. Schwager, J., Richard, N., Fowler, A., Seifert, N., Raederstorff, D. (2014). Carnosol and Related Substance Modulates Chemokine and Cytokine Production in Macrophages and Chondrocytes. Molecules, 19 (11), 18429-18453.