Study of quality of medicinal vegetable raw materials regarding shelf life

Abstract

Goal. To study the quality indicators of medicinal plant raw materials, to highlight the main stages and methods of extending the shelf life. Methods. The study was conducted using general laboratory methods specified in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine, which are used to determine the quality of medicinal plant raw materials; analytical — to analyze and justify the results; mathematical and statistical — to assess the reliability of research results. Results. The analysis of 100 samples of air-dried raw materials of 5 species of medicinal plants grown at the Research Station of Medicinal Plants of the Institute of Agroecology and Nature Management of NAAS was carried out. The quality of thyme (Herba Thymi vulgaris), chamomile flowers (Flores Chamomillae recutita), marshmallow herb (Herba Althaéa officinális), plantain leaves (Folia Plantago major), and marigold flowers (Flores Calendula officinalis) was studied. Conclusions. Based on the obtained results, they recommend reviewing the current regulatory requirements for the shelf life of raw materials of the studied medicinal crops. Ensuring optimal conditions will extend the life of quality by slowing down physiological processes at a minimal cost of energy and material resources.