History, Botany, Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal plants, Drugs & narcotics. ( Curcuma longa, Papaver somniferum, Salix alba)

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.