OIA2007 [QUIZLET] HARVESTING & DETERIORATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

What factors can lead to phytochemical variations in medicinal plants?

Impure seed and seedling, plant species, organ specificity, stages of growth, cultivation parameters, contamination by microbial and chemical agents, substitution, adulteration with synthetic drugs, heavy metal contamination, storage, and extraction.

What are some factors that can lead to the deterioration of medicinal plants during harvesting?

Ignoring the stage of maturity, improper processing, and storage can lead to deterioration due to unsustainability and exploitation.

What influences the quality of medicinal plants?

Geographical origin, cultivator of the species, stages of growth at the time of collection, and post-harvest handling.

Why are consumer products derived from medicinal plants often of unequal quality?

Lack of knowledge in harvesting, cultivation, and extraction processes, use of wrong species, non-optimum growth stages, poor cultivation parameters, contamination, and inadequate storage and extraction strategies.

What are the principal phytochemical constituents of Echinacea angustifolia?

Alkamides and echinacoside.

How do the concentrations of alkamides and echinacoside vary in Echinacea angustifolia?

They vary significantly between the root bark and tap root.

What medicinal uses are associated with Echinacea species extracts?

They are widely used to stimulate the immune system and help prevent infections, colds, respiratory infections, and influenza.

What is the significance of lipophilic alkamides from Echinacea plants?

They show immunostimulatory activity.

What is the ginsenoside concentration difference between roots and leaves of Panax quinquefolius?

Roots contain 5.78% total ginsenosides, while leaves contain 3.33%.

What is the hypericin content distribution in Hypericum perforatum?

Stem (0%), leaves (0%), flower buds (21%), and flowers (79%).

What are the medicinal uses of Hypericum perforatum?

It is used for treating depression, soothing anxiety, and panic disorders.

What are key factors affecting the yield and quality of medicinal plants?

Proper identification of species, harvesting season, collection time and method, and post-harvest practices like drying, storage, packaging, and processing.

Why is proper identification of species important in harvesting medicinal plants?

Different species can have entirely different phytochemical compositions, as seen with Indian Brahmi referring to Bacopa monnieri or Centella asiatica.

What are the constituents of Centella asiatica?

Pentacyclic triterpenoids including asiaticoside, brahmoside, asiatic acid, and brahmic acid, along with centellose, centelloside, and madecassoside.

What are the constituents of Bacopa monnieri?

Triterpenoid saponins known as bacosides, which comprise 12 analogs.

What is the impact of harvesting at a non-optimum stage of growth?

It can lead to quality problems in the finished products.

How does contamination affect medicinal plants?

Contamination by microbial and chemical agents can compromise the quality and safety of the plants.

What role does post-harvest handling play in the quality of medicinal plants?

It includes practices like drying, storage, and processing that significantly affect the final quality.

What is the importance of understanding cultivation parameters for medicinal plants?

Non-optimum parameters such as soil, light, water, and temperature can adversely affect plant growth and quality.

What can poor pre-harvesting processes lead to?

They can result in lower quality and yield of medicinal plants.

What is the significance of the stage of maturity in harvesting medicinal plants?

Harvesting at the right stage of maturity is crucial for optimal phytochemical content.

How does the geographical origin affect medicinal plants?

Different geographical origins can influence the phytochemical profile and overall quality of the plants.

What is the effect of drying and storage on medicinal plants?

Improper drying and storage can lead to deterioration of phytochemical constituents.

What are bacopasides?

Other saponins found in certain medicinal plants.

Which alkaloids are mentioned in the notes?

Brahmine, nicotine, herpestine, and others like D-mannitol and apigenin.

What is the significance of harvesting medicinal plants at the right time?

To ensure the best possible quality of source materials and optimal concentration of active ingredients.

How does the developmental stage of a plant affect its chemical constituents?

The concentration of required chemical constituents is influenced by the plant's growth stage and the season.

What is the optimal harvesting time for Andrographis paniculata to maximize andrographolide content?

Harvesting after 130-150 days of plantation, at the initiation of flowering.

What is the primary use of Andrographis paniculata in Ayurveda?

It is used as a hepatoprotective herb.

What is Bacoside A and when is it most concentrated in Bacopa monnieri?

Bacoside A is a constituent with high content reported during September through March and in June.

What are the suitable harvest times for high yields of Bacoside A?

June and September through November.

What parts of plants are typically harvested for medicinal use?

Roots, rhizomes, bulbs, bark, leaves, fruits, and seeds.

What factors influence the timing and technique of harvesting different plant parts?

The specific plant species and the part being harvested.

What are the dry harvesting conditions to avoid?

Dew, rain, and high humidity.

What should be done to harvested plant materials to avoid contamination?

Avoid contact with soil, wash with water, and minimize microbial load.

What types of containers should be used for collecting harvested plant materials?

Clean baskets, mesh bags, well-aerated containers, or cloths free from foreign matter.

What practices should be followed to prevent cross-contamination during harvesting?

Collect different plant materials in separate containers.

What tools should be used for collecting or harvesting plants?

Machetes and shears that are clean and free of oil and grease.

What is the importance of primary processing practices after harvesting?

To prevent microbial fermentation and thermal degradation of the plant materials.

What are key parameters affecting the quality of fresh herbs during storage?

Temperature and relative humidity.

What are some drying methods mentioned for harvested plant materials?

Natural sun drying, shade drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, and microwave drying.

Why is it important to process medicinal plants quickly after harvesting?

To maintain quality and prevent spoilage.

What should be done with decomposed plant materials after harvesting?

They should be separated and discarded.

What is the role of packaging conditions in the primary processing of herbs?

To maintain the quality of the herb after harvest.

What is the recommended condition for transporting harvested plant materials?

In clean and dry conditions to prevent contamination.

What is the consequence of excess moisture in harvested plant materials?

It supports mold and microbial growth.

What factors should be controlled or avoided during the storage of medicinal plants?

Temperature and humidity, as they affect active constituents.

What are some methods for drying fresh turmeric rhizome?

Sun drying, vacuum drying, spray drying, freeze drying, and using a flat-bed dryer or conveyor dryer.

What should be done after removing damaged material from dried crops?

The good dried crop should be packed in clean, dry sacks, new bags, or new boxes.

How should packaging materials for medicinal plants be stored?

In a clean, dry place, free from pests and inaccessible to animals.

What should be done with reusable packaging materials before re-use?

They should be well cleaned and dried.

Where should packed crops be stored?

In a dry place away from the wall and off the ground, protected from pests and animals.

What are the storage conditions for dried plant material in a warehouse?

Stored in a dry, well-ventilated building with minimal temperature variation and good air ventilation.

What facilities should be equipped in a warehouse for storing medicinal plants?

Air-conditioning and humidity control to protect against pests.

What type of flooring is recommended for warehouses storing medicinal plants?

Concrete flooring that is tidy, without cracks, and easy to clean.

What measures should be taken to prevent deterioration of medicinal plants in storage?

Prevent pest infestation, mold formation, rotting, and loss of volatile oils.

What temperature range is ideal for storing fresh medicinal plant materials?

2-8°C; frozen products should be stored at less than -20°C.

What guidelines does WHO provide for storage facilities?

Maintenance of refrigeration equipment, qualification of temperature-controlled areas, and temperature monitoring systems.

What external factor can affect the deterioration of medicinal herbs?

Light, as some herbs need sunlight for drying to reduce moisture and suppress mold growth.

How does humidity affect medicinal herbs?

High or low humidity can stress herbs and lead to deterioration and degradation of plant constituents.

What is the initial moisture content of plant material during pre-harvesting?

60-80%, with flowers having about 95% moisture content.

What drying temperature is recommended for medicinal plants?

35-40°C; high temperatures can degrade chemical constituents, especially volatile oils.

What conditions allow bacteria, molds, mites, and insects to thrive on medicinal plants?

Suitable temperature and humidity conditions that promote their rapid multiplication.

What is the moisture content of air-dried drugs?

About 10-12% moisture.

What should be done to ensure security in storage facilities for medicinal plants?

Implement security and fire protection measures.

What type of shelving is recommended for storing medicinal plants?

Slatted shelving to allow air circulation.

What is the importance of regular warehouse inspections?

To ensure the integrity of stored medicinal plants and prevent deterioration.

What is a common issue with crude drugs affected by poor storage conditions?

They may be excluded by National Herbal Pharmacopoeias.

What should be done with packaging materials before they are used for storage?

They should be regulated from the supplier and buyer until the product is used.

What activates enzymes in digitalis leaves that allow for decomposition of glycosides?

Enzymes present in the leaves.

What happens to powdered squill when it absorbs moisture?

It quickly becomes a sticky mass.

How can excessive moisture during shipment affect drugs?

It can lead to spoilage on the inner metal walls of the container.

What effect does an increase in temperature combined with humidity have on drugs in transit?

It may accelerate enzyme activity.

What is one consequence of direct sunlight exposure on certain drugs?

It can cause decomposition of constituents, such as vitamins in cod-liver oil.

How does oxygen contribute to the spoilage of essential oils?

It assists in the rancidification of fixed oils and decomposition of essential oils.

What types of molds are commonly found in deteriorating drugs?

Rhizopus, Mucor, Penicillium, and Eurotium species.

What indicates the presence of molds in crude drugs?

A mass of hyphae that bind to the particles of the crude drug and a characteristic smell.

Which pathogenic bacteria are tested in some crude drugs?

Salmonellae and Escherichia coli.

What is the significance of viable bacteria and mold spores in dried plant materials?

They can be present in variable amounts within pharmacopoeias' set limits for total viable aerobic count per gram of drug.

What are sap-feeding beetles and where are they commonly found?

They are found in dried fruits and in granaries, food stores, and warehouses.

What is the merchant grain beetle known for?

It is found in nuts and dried fruits.

What types of products do cigarette beetles infest?

Many stored products like ginger and liquorice.

What damage do Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) cause to plant materials?

Their larvae cause damage and deterioration by laying eggs on crude drugs.

What is the effect of Ephestia kuehniella on crude drugs?

It can damage products like almonds, capsicum, and cocoa.

What are common products affected by Tinea pellionella?

Aconite root, almonds, capsicums, mustard seed, ginger, linseed, orris, saffron, and tobacco.

How do arachnids damage crude drugs?

They are smaller than insects and can roll with dust/soil, causing damage.

What should be done with crude drugs that show the presence of rodent hairs?

They should be rejected.

What are some effective preventive measures against drug spoilage?

Good hygiene, effective stock control, optimum storage conditions, and good packaging.

What role does fumigation play in drug storage?

It helps to remove small insects in bulk consignments.

At what temperature are the eggs of Ephestia elutella and E. kuehniella rapidly destroyed?

At −15°C.

What is quantitative microscopy using Lycopodium powders used for?

To calculate the characteristics of particles in 1 mg of the powder.

What is a recommended packaging material to prevent insect penetration?

Woven sacks and bags, multi-ply paper sacks stitched at the seams.

What is an important hygienic consideration for storing crude drugs?

The detection, prevention, and eradication of mite, rodent, and insect infestation.