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Biologically active substances of medicinal plants within selected families (Rosaceae, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae)
Čápová, Klára ; Vodičková, Hana (advisor) ; Zelený, Václav (referee)
For ages plants have not only been used as a source of food but also to prevent or treat various diseases. Their healing effects are provided by biologically active substances, especially the products of secondary metabolism. Primary metabolites, such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, are particularly important from the nutritive point of view. They are an essential part of our diet. The same level of importance also applies to vitamins that serve as catalysts in a great number of metabolic reactions.
The aim of this thesis was to describe biologically active substances found in medicinal plants of the Rosaceae, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families and to summarize their effects on human health. These families include many species of plants that have demonstrated positive effects on human health. The effects are mainly attributed to phenolic compounds, most of which are represented by flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins. Furthermore, essential oils and vitamin C also have a positive impact on our health.
Medicinal plants from the previously mentioned families often have astringent, spasmolytic and antimicrobial properties, for which they owe to phenolic compounds, especially tannins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Due to the content of essential oils and their spasmolytic effects they counteract cramps and diarrhoea, increase the production and secretion of bile and also have antimicrobial effects. Plants that contain vitamin C, an important antioxidant, can boost our immunity in general.
Another aim of this work was to define external factors that can influence the content and the metabolism of biologically active substances. Considering climatic conditions we have to mention temperature and light, which primarily influence the content of essential oils. Other factors could be soil composition, methods of cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest processing. During the process of drying there comes the loss of essential oils and vitamin C.
The integral part of this thesis was also to create an overview of selected medicinal plants of the Rosaceae, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families, thein plant-based drugs, biologically active substances and their effects on human health.
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