Botany Medicinal Plants Overview

The process where plant components are changed through enzymatic actions. Can improve the quality of some medicinal plants.

Storing medicinal plants in a dry, well-ventilated environment, protected from light, with temperature control and pest prevention.

Reducing the moisture content of medicinal plants to inhibit enzyme activity and microbial growth.

A type of stabilization that involves exposing the fresh drug to alcohol vapors or immersing it in alcohol, permanently inactivating enzymes.

The process of inactivating enzymes in medicinal plants by storing them with dehydrating agents like quick lime or calcium chloride.

Moisture promotes the growth of microorganisms and enzymatic hydrolysis, which can degrade the medicinal properties of plants.

Excessive moisture can lead to increased weight of the drug due to microbial growth.

The addition of an inferior material to a drug with the intention to defraud, decrease its quality, and often make it cheaper. This is where the real 'trickery' happens.

A type of adulteration where a different substance is entirely used in place of the original drug. This is like getting a fake product instead of the real thing.

The addition of one substance to another accidentally, through carelessness or lack of knowledge. This is like a mix-up or a mistake.

Deterioration of a drug's quality due to the action of bacteria or fungi, making it unfit for use. This is when the drug 'goes bad'.

A type of adulteration where the drug's quality is reduced, not through deliberate addition, but through natural processes like drying up or becoming less effective.

This process is used to remove bitter or unpleasant tasting compounds from medicinal plants. Aromatic compounds with pleasant smells or tastes are also formed during this process. This is commonly used for spices or stimulants like vanilla and tea.

Enzymatic processes in plants are accelerated by covering them with thick layers of fresh material, raising the temperature (30-40°C) and humidity. After fermentation, drying is essential to prevent mold growth.

Drugs should be stored in dark or amber-colored glass containers to prevent chemical changes caused by light.

Low temperatures help to preserve the active components of medicines and prevent their degradation.

Air (Oxygen) can cause oxidation of active compounds in medicine, leading to changes like rancidity in oils or resinification. Storing drugs in airtight containers helps prevent this.

This method involves exposing medicinal plants to temperatures between 60-65°C for a specific duration to eliminate insects and their eggs. It is not suitable for medicines that decompose under heat.

Drugs are exposed to temperatures between -10 to -15°C for 12-18 hours to kill insects and their eggs. Alternating between low and high temperatures is more effective than prolonged exposure to low temperatures.

Using volatile insecticides in closed areas to kill insects and larvae. Carbon Tetrachloride, Carbon bisulfide and cyanide, and T-gas (ethylene oxide and CO2) are common examples. Safe fumigation processes are crucial for medicinal plants.

This method involves dipping the drug in freshly slacked lime or sprinkling it with quicklime. This blocks the respiratory system of insects and larvae. This technique is used for drugs like ginger and nutmeg.

Rodents can damage stored drugs, particularly those in paper, cloth, cardboard or wooden containers. Glass, plastic or metal containers offer better protection. Rodenticides like ANTU can be used to control rats and mice.