Liviu GACEU 1,2,3, Romulus GRUIA 1,2,3, Oana Bianca OPREA 1
1. Transilvania University of Brasov,
2. CE-MONT/INCE/AR,
3. Academy of Romanian Scientists
DOI: https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.10397304
SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4808138
Abstract
The paper presents in the first part a bibliographic study on the use in phyto-therapy and aromatherapy of various medicinal and aromatic plants in mountainous areas in Romania. Various present in Romania are highlighted, the biological significance of primary and secondary metabolites as well as the classical methods of their extraction by steam distillation, with organic or aqueous solvents.
In the second part of the paper is presented the modern method of extraction using fluids at subcritical pressure applied to the technological line in positions at the Research Center for Eco-biotechnologies and Equipment for Agriculture and Food at the Research Institute of Transilvania University in Brasov. The paper concludes with the presentation of case studies on the action of bioactive substances in extracts made from seabuckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) and thyme (Thymus serpyllum).
The sea buckthorn (oleum hippophaes) oils antioxidant activity was highlighted using the DPPH method, and the antimicrobial activity of volatile thyme oil was demonstrated according to the CLSI standard, M 100 – S 18, 2008, by evaluating the diameter of the Salmonella typh development inhibition zone and Escherichia coli β glucuronidase positive.
The conclusions of the paper emphasize the special potential of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as the superiority of modern methods of extraction of secondary metabolites, an important source of income for farmers in mountain areas in Romania.
Keywords:
medicinal plants, aromatic plants, extraction, functional mountain products