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History, Botany, Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal plants, Drugs & narcotics (1).pptx
1. St. Andrew’s College Gorakhpur
BOTANY SEMINAR
Topic – History, Botany, Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal plants,
Drugs & narcotics
Submitted By –
Mohd Kaif Khan
Roll no. : 2213217530003
M.Sc. Second Year ,
Semester IVth
2. History of Medicinal
Plants, Drugs, and
Narcotics:
Medicinal plants have been used for
their therapeutic properties for
thousands of years.
The history of medicinal plants and
drugs dates back to ancient times,
where various cultures used plants and
herbs for medicinal purposes.
For example, the ancient Egyptians used
plants like aloe vera and myrrh for
medicinal purposes, while the Chinese
used ginseng and ginkgo biloba.
The Greeks and Romans also used plants
like chamomile, lavender, and
peppermint for medicinal purposes.
3. In addition to medicinal plants, many drugs and
narcotics have a long history of use and abuse.
Cocaine, for example, was originally derived
from the leaves of the coca plant and was used
for its stimulant properties.
However, its highly addictive nature and
negative side effects led to its classification as
a controlled substance.
Similarly, amphetamines were originally
developed for medical use but were later
abused as recreational drugs.
Today, they are still used medically to treat
conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
4. Botany of Medicinal Plants, Drugs, and
Narcotics:
The botanical families that contain many medicinal plants, drugs, and
narcotics include the Asteraceae (daisy) family.
For example, the Asteraceae family contains plants like
chamomile, echinacea, and feverfew
Lamiaceae (mint) family, For example, the Lamiaceae family includes plants
like peppermint, rosemary, and sage.
Rosaceae (rose) family, and Fabaceae (bean) family, among others.
5. Curcuma longa:
History:
Turmeric has a long and rich history, dating
back to ancient times.
It was first cultivated in India, where it was
used as a spice, a dye, and a medicine.
Turmeric was introduced to other parts of the
world through the spice trade, and it became
a popular ingredient in cuisines around the
world.
Today, turmeric is widely cultivated in many
countries, including India, Indonesia, China,
and Peru.
Botany:
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family,
and its rhizomes (underground stems) are
used to produce the spice.
The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall, and it
has long, lance-shaped leaves and yellow or
white flowers.
The rhizomes are harvested after about 8 to
10 months of growth, and they are dried and
ground into a powder.
6. Cultivation:
Climate: Turmeric is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity.
The ideal temperature range for growing turmeric is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and
it requires at least 1500 mm (59 inches) of annual rainfall.
Soil: Turmeric prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5.
Planting: Turmeric is propagated by dividing the rhizomes.
The rhizomes are planted in raised beds or containers during the rainy season.
They should be planted about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) deep, with a spacing of 30 to 45 cm
(12 to 18 inches) between plants.
Watering: Turmeric requires regular watering, especially during the early stages of growth.
It should be watered deeply once a week, or more frequently during dry periods.
Fertilization: Turmeric requires regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. A
balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied
every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
Pest and disease control: Turmeric is susceptible to pests and diseases, including root rot,
nematodes, and leaf spot.
To control pests and diseases, farmers should use organic methods such as crop rotation,
7. Processing:
Harvesting: The turmeric rhizomes are ready for harvest after about 8 to 10
months of growth.
The leaves and stems are cut off, and the rhizomes are dug up from the soil.
Cleaning: The harvested rhizomes are washed thoroughly to remove dirt and
debris.
Boiling: The rhizomes are boiled in water for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
This process helps to sterilize the rhizomes and soften the outer layer.
Drying: The boiled rhizomes are dried in the sun or in a drying oven until they are
completely dry.
The drying process can take up to a week.
Grinding: The dried rhizomes are ground into a fine powder using a spice grinder
or a mortar and pestle.
The resulting powder is then sifted to remove any lumps or impurities.
Packaging: The turmeric powder is packaged in air-tight containers and stored in a
cool, dry place to maintain its quality and flavor.
8. Papaver somniferum:
Papaver somniferum, also known as the opium poppy,
has a long and complex history of cultivation and use
for medicinal and recreational purposes.
History:
The opium poppy is believed to have originated in
the Mediterranean region and was first cultivated
around 5,000 years ago.
It has been used for a variety of purposes throughout
history, including pain relief, sedation, and
recreation.
Botany:
The opium poppy is an annual plant that grows to a
height of about 1-2 meters.
It has large, showy flowers that range in color from
white to pink, red, and purple.
The plant produces a milky sap that contains
alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine,
which have pain-relieving and sedative effects.
9. Cultivation of Papaver somniferum:
Papaver somniferum is typically grown in warm, dry climates with well-
drained soil.
The plants require full sun and moderate water.
Seed sowing: Opium poppy seeds are sown in well-prepared soil in the fall or
early spring. The seeds are sown at a depth of about 1-2 cm and spaced 10-15
cm apart.
Germination: The seeds typically germinate within a few days to a week. The
seedlings require regular watering and weeding to ensure that they have
enough space to grow.
Growth and development: The opium poppy plants grow to a height of about
1-2 meters and produce large, showy flowers. The seed pods develop after
the flowers have wilted and the petals have fallen off.
Harvesting: The opium poppy plants are harvested when the seed pods are
fully mature and the sap is at its peak. This typically occurs about 2-3 weeks
after the flowers have wilted. The seed pods are harvested by cutting the
stem just below the pod.
10. Processing of Papaver somniferum:
Incision: Small incisions are made in the surface of the seed pods using a
sharp blade.
The milky sap oozes out and is collected on a scraper.
Collection: The milky sap is collected in small containers or on a scraper.
The collection process typically takes several days as the sap flows slowly.
Drying: The collected sap is then dried in the sun or in an oven to remove the
moisture.
This results in a sticky, brownish substance that is opium.
Processing: Opium can be smoked, eaten, or brewed into a tea.
It can also be further processed to produce morphine, codeine, and other
drugs.
Morphine is typically extracted from opium using a process called acid-base
extraction, which involves the use of chemicals such as sulfuric acid and
ammonia.
11. Salix alba:
Salix alba, commonly known as white willow, is a
deciduous tree species belonging to the Salicaceae family.
History:
White willow has been used for medicinal purposes since
ancient times.
The ancient Egyptians used it to reduce fever, while
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended it for
the relief of pain and inflammation.
In the 18th century, the active ingredient in white willow
bark, salicin, was isolated and later synthesized to
produce aspirin.
Botany:
White willow is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 30
meters in height.
It has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that
becomes fissured and rough with age.
The leaves are long and narrow, with a pointed tip, and
are a bright green color on the upper surface and lighter
on the underside.
The flowers are yellowish-green and appear in early spring
before the leaves. The fruit is a small capsule containing
numerous seeds with cottony hairs that facilitate their
dispersal by the wind.
12. Cultivation:
White willow trees are cultivated for their bark, which contains high levels of salicin,
the active ingredient that is used in the production of aspirin and other medications.
Propagation: White willow can be propagated from cuttings, which are taken from
young shoots in the spring or summer.
The cuttings should be about 15 cm long and have at least three buds.
Planting: White willow trees should be planted in full sun or partial shade.
They require moist soil and should be planted in an area with good drainage.
The trees should be spaced about 6 meters apart to allow for their mature size.
Pruning: White willow trees require regular pruning to maintain their shape and size.
Pruning should be done in the winter when the trees are dormant.
Harvesting: The bark of white willow is harvested in the spring when the sap is rising.
The bark is typically harvested from trees that are at least 3 years old, as younger
trees may not have developed enough bark.
13. Processing:
The harvested bark is then dried and powdered.
The powder is then boiled in water to produce a decoction, which is filtered and
concentrated to obtain a liquid extract.
The extract is then purified and standardized to produce a product that can be used in
the production of aspirin or other medications.
The extraction process typically involves the following steps:
Cleaning: The bark is first cleaned to remove any dirt or debris.
Drying: The bark is then dried in a well-ventilated area or in a dehydrator.
The drying process helps to reduce the moisture content and preserve the active
ingredients.
Grinding: The dried bark is then ground into a fine powder using a mill or grinder.
14. Extraction: The powdered bark is boiled in water to produce a decoction. The
decoction is then filtered and concentrated to remove the water and produce
a liquid extract.
Purification: The extract is then purified using various methods, such as
filtration or precipitation, to remove impurities and other unwanted
compounds.
Standardization: The purified extract is then standardized to ensure that it
contains a consistent level of active ingredients. This is typically done by
measuring the concentration of salicin in the extract and adjusting it to
a specific level.
The final product can then be used in the production of aspirin or other
medications. It can also be used in herbal remedies and supplements.