Test 7

Question 1

Features of essential oils in plants

Answer 1

• Mixtures
• Liquid form in room temp.
• Intense evaporation
• Generally pleasant odour (characteristic)
• Soluble in common organic solvents
• Mix with water
• Density = lower than water
  (except: garlic, onion, cinnamon & parsley)

Question 2

Function of essential oils in plants

Answer 2

• Allelopathy
• Repellent effect (limonen, menthol, myrcen, camfor)
• Insect attractive effect (pinene, cineole)
• Protect from bacterial + fungal diseases

Question 3

Methods of production

Answer 3

1. Extraction - w/ solvent (alcohol, acetone, petrolether)
2. Pressing, centrifugation - in low temp.
3. Enfleurage - w/ fat
4. Distillation - *Water, *Water vapour, *Stream distillatiojn
5. SCFE (Supercritical Fluid Extraction) - use pure CO2 at high pressure.

Question 4

Type of terpenoids

Answer 4

> Geranyl-pyrophosphate –> Monoterpenes (C10)
> Farnesyl-pyrophosphate –>
Sesquiterpenes (C15), Triterpenes (C30)
> Geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate –>
Diterpenes (C20), Tetraterpenes (C40), Polyterpenes

Question 5

Answer 5

• Latin name: Melissa officinalis
• English name: Lemon balm
• Family name: Lamiaceae
• Drug: Leaf
• Active constituent:
  * Volatile oil
  * Citronellal
  * Citral
  *Triterpenes
  * Rosmarinic acid
  * Flavonoids
• Effect:
  * Sedative effect
• Application:
  > Internal –>
  * Sleep - and digestive aid
  * Disorders of gi-tract + nervous system
  > External –>
  * Local treatment of herpes
• Dosage: 1,5-4,5 g drugs/cup of hot water

Question 6

Answer 6

• Latin name: Lavendula angustifolia
• English name: True lavender
• Family name: Laminaceae
• Drug: Flower (grey calices, corolla shrivelled)
• Active constituents:
  * Volatile oil→Linalyl acetat, Linalool
  * Rosmarinic acid
  * Coumarin
  * Flavonoids
• Effect: Antibacterial, sedative
• Application:
  > Internal → Anxiety + Sleeping problems
  > External →Sunburn (compress/cream) + Fatty skin & hair care

Question 7

Rosa spp. - 3 types mentioned

Answer 7

• Latin name: Rosa centifolia, R. damascena, R. gallica
• English name: Rose species
• Family name: Rosaceae
• Drug: petals
• Active constituents: Volatile oils
  * Citronellol
  * Nerol
  * Geraniol
• Effects:
  * Astringents
  * Antibacterial
• Utilization:
  * Conjunctivitis
  * ico tarsitis
• Application: tea mixtures, ointments

Question 8

Answer 8

• Latin name: Mentha x piperita
• English name: Peppermint
• Family name: Asteraceae
• Drug: Leaf
• Active constituents:
  * Volatile oils
  * Flavonoids
  * Triterpenes
• Effect:
  * Antispasmodic in gi and gall bladder spasms
  * Secretolytic (resp. tract)
• Utilization: Orally
• In vet med: Calves, mix w/ chamomile for flatulence, bloating, colic, and ulceratice colitis (6-10 days)
• Children under 4 years must not use peppermint products. Can cause apnea, broncho- and laryngoconstriction

Question 9

Peppermint oil

Answer 9

• Main constituents:
  * Menthol (45%)
  * Menthon (24%)
  * Menthofuran (1-10%)
  * Menthyl acetate (4%)
• Further constituents:
  * Cineolle
  * Limonene
  * Pulegone - arbotive effect
• Application:
  > External –>
  * Cool ointment & powder
  * ico chicken pox (against itch)
  * inuction for muscle pain (alcoholic form)
  > Internal –>
  * Stomach ache & nausea (1 drop volatile oil/sugar cube)
• Contraindication: babies, children during lactation

Question 10

Essential oils - variability factory

Answer 10

• Varieties and chemotypes –> chamomile, thyme
• Influence of vegetative cycle –> caraway, mentha
• Harvesting time –> clary
• Influence of environmental factors –> precipitation, sunshine, soil properties
• Influence of preparation method