Wild Herbs Research Articles

Syringin: A Phenylpropanoid Glycoside Compound in Cirsium brevicaule A. GRAY Root Modulates Adipogenesis.

Cirsium brevicaule A. GRAY is a wild perennial herb, and its roots (CbR) have traditionally been used as both food and medicine on the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Amami. The present study evaluated the antiadipogenic effect of CbR using mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1 from JCRB cell bank. Dried CbR powder was serially extracted with solvents of various polarities, and these crude extracts were tested for antiadipogenic activity. Treatment with the methanol extract of CbR showed a significant suppression of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Methanol extract of CbR was then fractionated and subjected to further activity analyses. The phenylpropanoid glycosidic molecule syringin was identified as an active compound. Syringin dose dependently suppressed lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 cells without cytotoxicity, and significantly reduced the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, the master regulator of adipogenesis, and other differentiation markers. It was demonstrated that syringin effectively enhanced the phosphorylation of the AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. These results indicate that syringin attenuates adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis, and promotes lipid metabolism; thus, syringin may potentially serve as a therapeutic candidate for treatment of obesity.

Comparative Study on Physio-chemical and Organoleptic Attributes of Apple Wine Fermented from Local and Imported Yeasts

With home micro-brewing on the rise, use of local indigenous yeast in the fermentation process is a prevalent practice in the country. The indigenous strain found in locally processed yeast can impart certain desirable flavours and aromas to the fermented wine. Furthermore, the use of antioxidant-rich wild herbs in local yeasts is reported to enhance the nutritional value of the wine. However, local yeasts are home-made under dubious processing conditions and cannot afford the advantage of being in a pure uncontaminated microbial form, unlike the commercial strains. This might affect the fermentative capability and compromise the end quality of the wine. Thus, this study was conducted to compare the organoleptic acceptability and physio-chemical properties (total soluble solid, alcohol by volume, transmittance value, pH and titratable acidity) of apple wine fermented by two local yeasts from Trashi Yangtse and Samtse districts in Bhutan and one commercial yeast manufactured in India. Both the local yeast strains seem to yield a wine with better appearance (clarity) and taste (sweetness) based on the sensory evaluation result. In terms of fermentative capability, the commercial strain had shorter fermentation time, but the local strains were able to yield wine with similar alcohol strength to the commercial strain. For the physio-chemical parameters, only pH and titratable acidity results were significantly different with the wine from local yeast from Samtse having a significantly higher malic acid content, while the wine from commercial yeast had lower pH. However, the results deduced from the sensory evaluation does not compliment the values obtained for Total Soluble Solute and clarity measurement. Besides, the difference in pH did not resonate with the taste perception (i.e., lowest pH wine considered sweeter). Thus, other flavour components might have a role to play in the sweet taste perception. Overall, the local strains showed promising results in terms of fermentation capability (ability to convert sugar to alcohol) and organoleptic attributes of the end wine in comparison to the commercial strain.

The Importance of Keeping Alive Sustainable Foraging Practices: Wild Vegetables and Herbs Gathered by Afghan Refugees Living in Mansehra District, Pakistan

The issue of foraging for wild food plants among migrants and relocated communities is an important one in environmental studies, especially in order to understand how human societies rearrange their practices linked to nature and how they adapt to new socioecological systems. This paper addresses the complexity of Traditional/Local Environmental Knowledge (LEK) changes associated to wild vegetables and herbs across four different groups of Afghan refugees living in Mansehra District, NW Pakistan, since 1985. Via interviews with eighty study participants, forty-eight wild vegetables and herbs were recorded, representing both the past and present wild plant gastronomic heritage. The majority of the quoted wild plant ingredients were only remembered and no longer actively used, thus suggesting an important erosion of LEK. Moreover, the number of wild vegetables and herbs currently used by Afghan Pashtuns engaged in farming activities is much higher than those reported by the other groups. The findings indicate that practiced LEK, i.e., knowledge that is continuously kept alive via constant contact with the natural environment, is essential for the resilience of the biocultural heritage, which is, however, also influenced by the rearrangement of social life adopted by refugees after relocation.

Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Antibacterial Activity of White Wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba).

Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (Wormwood) is a wild aromatic herb that is popular for its healing and medicinal effects and has been used in conventional as well as modern medicine. This research aimed at the extraction, identification, and quantification of phenolic compounds in the aerial parts of wormwood using Soxhlet extraction, as well as characterizing their antimicrobial and anitoxidant effects. The phenolic compounds were identified in different extracts by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and high performance liquid chromatography. Five different fractions, two from ethyl acetate extraction and three from ethanolic extraction were obtained and evaluated further. The antimicrobial activity of each fractions was evaluated against two Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris) using the disc-diffusion assay and direct TLC bioautography assay. Fraction I inhibited B. cereus and P. vulgaris, Fraction II inhibited B. cereus and E. coli, Fraction III inhibited all, except for P. vulgaris, while Fractions IV and V did not exhibit strong antimicrobial effects. Their antioxidant capabilities were also measured by calculating their ability to scavenge the free radical using DPPH method and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Ethanolic fractions III and V demonstrated excellent antioxidant properties with IC50 values less than 15.0 μg/mL, while other fractions also had IC50 values less than 80.0 μg/mL. These antioxidant effects were highly associated with the number of phenolic hydroxyl group on the phenolics they contained. These extracts demonstrated antimicrobial effects, suggesting the different phenolic compounds in these extracts had specific inhibitory effects on the growth of each bacteria. The results of this study suggested that the A. herba-alba can be a source of phenolic compounds with natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can be used for potential pharmaceutical applications.

Determination of Optimum Germination Temperature and Dormancy Breaking Method for Seeds of Wild Herb

Determination of Optimum Germination Temperature and Dormancy Breaking Method for Seeds of Wild Herb

Effect of Harvesting Stage on Proximate Composition and Mineral Content of <i>Portulaca quadrifida L</i>. Grown in Metekel, Western Ethiopia

P. quadrifida is a juicy, mat-forming species and a widespread weed, which is highly appreciated for its high nutritional and medicinal value. It has been used as a nutrition and medicine since thousands of years ago. This is an important wild herb naturally found as a weed in field crops found in the world especially in India. In Ethiopia, particularly in western part of the country, societies use this plant aerial part as a food without perceive the nutritional quality and its appropriate harvesting stage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three harvesting stage on proximate composition and mineral content of the vegetable. All extracts showed noticeable amount of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and minerals content (Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium, and sodium) of this vegetable at each optimum harvesting stage. The proximate composition and mineral content of this leafy vegetable aerial part was evaluated and the result of mean value obtained were showed as follow: moisture (81.17 - 89.25%), crude proteins (1.187 - 2.186%), crude fibers (1.483 - 2.157%), ash (1.814 - 2.41%), carbohydrates (2.866 - 12.916%), crude fat (0.117 - 0.16%) and food energy (19.18 - 57.85 kcal/100g). The mineral contents were good with significant amount of K (211.70- 249), Ca (109.25 -133.21), Mg (63.04 - 84.74), P (103.71 - 136.14), Na (61.96 - 83.90) and Fe (3.06 - 4.34) mg/100g of extracted sample. The studied vegetable has low fat content at all harvesting stage. The herb has energetic values of 57.85kcal/100g at post-flowering followed by pre-flowering with energy value of 30.39kcal/100g and flowering stage having the least energy value of 19.18 k cal/100g in the food.

Role of Convolvulus pluricaulisin Longevity through Mental Health Promotion: A Review

Ayurveda is a life science that aspires for the achievement of complete health. According to Acharya Charaka, the first aim of Ayurveda is to maintain health and the second is to cure diseases. Acharya Sushruta describes the definition of health and it is the most appropriate definition which includes all the aspects of quality of life. According to W.H.O. health is a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In Ayurveda, mental health is described as a balance of Manas Gunas like Satva, Raja, Tama and the use of medicinal plants has been mentioned for maintenance of physical and mental health for life longevity. Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy) is a prostrate, spreading, perennial, wild herb commonly found on sandy or rocky ground under xerophytic conditions in northern India having Tikta(Pungent), Katu(bitter) , Kashaya Rasa(astringent), Sara Guna, Sheeta Virya, Katu Vipaka and Smarti Vardhak, Medhya Rasayan properties. Many previous research works on Convolvulus pluricaulis have been reported its antiepileptic, brain tonic, nervine tonic, antioxidant, laxative, anti-ulcer effects. Thus, Convolvulus pluricaulis by their medicinal properties has been described in longevity through mental health promotion.

Inmigración y paisaje: la formación de colonias suizas en el Alto Paraná-Misiones-Argentina (1920-1939)

A partir de la conformación de un frente extractivo de recursos naturales y la posterior organización de colonias agrícolas, múltiples fueron las transformaciones paisajísticas que tuvo el territorio de el Alto Paraná-Misiones. El presente trabajo analiza el impacto de las distintas migraciones en general y la de los suizos en particular, en la organización del paisaje agrícola misionero. El marco temporal del que partimos involucra el fin de lo que se conoció como frente extractivo, hasta los años inmediatamente posteriores a la reglamentación del cultivo de yerba mate en el año 1935. Dentro de este marco, dos fueron los momentos claves para el arribo de suizos: durante la década de 1920, y entre 1935 y 1939. La transición de la explotación a la implantación de yerbales silvestres fue un proceso de suma importancia no sólo para la configuración del paisaje misionero, sino también para la consolidación del poblamiento del espacio con inmigrantes europeos. La metodología empleada en este estudio es esencialmente cualitativa, pues analiza entrevistas y documentos ―cartas, memorias y relatos de viaje― producidos por los protagonistas del fenómeno migratorio o sus descendientes. Organizado en secciones, el artículo busca analizar las huellas dejadas en el paisaje por los inmigrantes suizos que arribaron durante la primera mitad del siglo XX al Territorio Nacional de Misiones.

Evaluation of nutritive and nutraceutical value of wild non-conventional leafy herbs in Assam, North East India

In recent times, there is increasing interest in lesser known, under-utilised food plants. Assam and N. E. India is known for hundreds of such plants and not much is known about them particularly their nutritive values. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the basic nutritional parameters, dietary antioxidants and in vitro antioxidant activity of five wild non-conventional leafy vegetables traditionally consumed by the indigenous people as supplement to staple food. The species studied were Polygonum perfoliatum, Sphenoclea zeylanica, Ludwigia adscendens, Oenanthera javanica and Alternanthera philoxeroids. Except P. perfoliatum, the others are semi-aquatic or aquatic. Results revealed that crude protein content varied from 15.64 to 28.38 %. Total carbohydrates content was low, in the range of 7.9 to 15.33%, so also, lipid varied from 2.01 to 3.44 %. Crude fibre and ash contents were impressive, the variation ranging between 13.41 to 25.36 % and 7.42 to 19.37 %, respectively. Free amino acid contents were high in the range of 3.21 to 10.25 mg/g. Dietary antioxidants were assessed in terms of phenolics and flavonoids, their range of variation being 3.12 to 5.20 mg GAE/g and 2.83 to 3.50 mg RE/g, respectively. In-vitro antioxidant activity based on DPPH reduction exhibited promising result with IC50 value varying from 3.84 to 1.08 mg/mL. The present study reinforces the emerging reports that lesser known, non-conventional leafy vegetables are promising with respect to nutritive and nutraceutical values and can contribute to combating malnutrition particularly for protein, minerals and crude fibre.

Evaluation of Major Minerals and Trace Elements in Wild and Domesticated Edible Herbs Traditionally Used in the Mediterranean Area

The human diet is characterized by the intake of major minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, N) and trace elements (Zn, Mn, Se, Cu, Fe, Co, I, Cr, F, Pb, Cd) for their key role in many metabolic functions. Nowadays, the research of sources able to improve their intake is in continuous evolution, especially in the undeveloped countries. In this sense, wild edible herbs, commonly used since ancient times, can represent a good alternative to improve the daily human intake of minerals. In this study, four wild edible species, Rumex acetosa, Picris hieracioides, Cichorium intybus, and Plantago coronopus, were analyzed for their content in Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn and, besides, three domestications (named “soilless,” pot, and open field) were evaluated in the analyzed species in the prospective of their commercialization as valuable sources of minerals in the human diet. Nitrate and oxalate contents were also evaluated, given their negative impact on human health. Results unveil that open field domestication allowed the plants to maintain the content of major minerals similar to those measured in wild plants, especially in C. intybus and P. hieracioides. The trace elements Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn were not recorded at high content irrespectively to the wild collection or domestications. Finally, plants grown in the open field also accounted for a high oxalate and nitrate content, especially in R. acetosa. Further researches should be aimed at decreasing the oxalate and nitrate content in the domesticated species and to promote the commercialization of the domesticated species.

Hypecoum pendulum L. (Papaveraceae: Ranunculales): a new record for the flora of Haryana, India

Hypecoum pendulum L., a rare, herbaceous angiosperm plant is being reported here as a new record for the flora of Haryana State. In the present communication, a detailed account of the plant along with coloured photographic plates has been provided to facilitate its easy identification.
 
 Keywords: New record, wild herb

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN TEHSIL UTMAN KHEL DISTRICT BAJAUR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

The ethnobotanical uses of medicinal values of plants by inhabitant community were documented in tehsil Uthman Khel district Bajaur. 76 plant species belonged to 47 families of shrubs, wild herbs, mushrooms, trees and vegetables was recorded as a source of medicinal values. These include 74 plants (96%) of angiosperms, 1 (1%) of gymnosperms, 2 (2%) of fungi and 1 (1%) of pteridophytes. Asteraceae is the dominant family having 5 species follows by Brassicaceae and Moraceae each one is represented by 4 species. Among angiosperms 73 (63.01%) was herbs, 20 (27.39%) were trees and 4 (5.47%) was shrubs. The local community is currently using these plant species along with mushrooms for more than one purpose such as medicinal, wood as timber, food for animal and as a fuel. Key words: Ethnobotanical plants, Teshil Utman Khel, Disrict Bajaur, Pakistan

Nutritional, medicinal and indigenous use of Nasturtium officinale in Tehsil Thunag of District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India

Inhabitants of the hilly regions largely depend on wild herbs for medicine and food supplements. The indigenous knowledge and traditional use of these wild herbs are vanishing fast. Thunag Tehsil is the rich repository of wild medicinal herbs. One among them is Nasturtium officinale (watercress), of the family Brassicaceae, it has been long used as a home remedy or a medicinal plant, edible herb by the local people. The aim of this study was to investigate the traditional use, nutritional, medicinal use of N. officinale in the Tehsil Thunag of District Mandi Himachal Pradesh Western Himalayas. Local inhabitant of valley used to collect this green leafy vegetable from nearby river streams, they used to consume it as (sagg) green leafy vegetable or as a medicine. It is a good source of food, medicine and income for local people in the study area, as this area is surrounded by large number of perennial rivers and streams where this plant is found in abundant. But the young generation is least interested about these traditional herbs and their uses.Its traditional knowledge is declining sharply. So to document this knowledge, the present study was carried in this region.

Host plants of the powdery mildew fungus Podosphaera xanthii in Taiwan

Podosphaera xanthii is presently considered as one of the powdery mildew fungi with the broadest host range. Confusion is caused by taxonomical and nomenclatural changes of the host plants and the fungal parasite. Based on the list of powdery mildews from Taiwan from 1998, an updated list of host plants of P. xanthii in this country is presented. New hosts from Taiwan are wild and horticultural herbs and woody plants collected between 2011 and 2020. Fifteen plant species were found to be the host of P. xanthii based on new collections of the anamorph and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Among them, Cuphea carthagenensis, Cuphea hyssopifolia, Erigeron bellioides, Mazus pumilus, Phyllanthus tenellus, Salvia farinacea, and Sphagneticola trilobata were new hosts worldwide, whereas Bidens pilosa, Eclipta prostrata, Pouzolzia zeylanica, and Torenia fournieri were new hosts in Taiwan. Four further plant species were confirmed as known hosts (Emilia sonchifolia, Sesamum indicum, Trema orientalis, Zinnia elegans). Asteraceae contained most host species in Taiwan, which appeared proportional to the high species diversity in this plant family. The second highest host diversity in the Cucurbitaceae, however, was not proportional to plant diversity. Although the fungus is able to cause similar symptoms on a broad range of hosts, certain host species showed specific responses to infection. In some species, infection remains limited to old leaves, whereas in other species, only young leaves or mainly stems are infected.

Sorptive removal of copper(II) from water by biochar produced from a novel sustainable feedstock: wild herbs.

We have reported the removal performance from the synthetic aqueous solution of copper of a low-cost and eco-friendly biochar (WHC) produced by facile thermal pyrolysis of wild herbs (WH), a new feedstock, at 550 °C under anoxic conditions. The characteristics of WHC were determined by physicochemical techniques. It exhibited a low BET surface area, total pore volume, and mean pore size of 16.45 m2/g, 0.01 cm3/g, and, 2.34 nm respectively. Batch sorption studies were performed by examining the effects of varying pH, WHC dosage, initial Cu(II) concentrations, interaction time, and temperature to determine optimum removal conditions. In modeling of sorption, data were used the pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum Cu(II) sorption capacity of WHC was 24.21 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters were computed for predicting the nature of WHC-Cu(II) sorption system.

Antitumor, Antimicrobial activities and Phytochemicals Constituent of different Extracts of Pulicaria undulata (Forssk.) Oliver. Grown Naturally in Saudi Arabia

Antitumor and antimicrobial resistance are a habitual global issue, which continually demands finding new natural compounds to encounter the resistance. Pulicaria undulata (Forssk.) Oliver. (Asteraceae family) has numerous promising medicinal properties. The recent work aimed at determination of antitumor effects of three extracts of P. undulata on three types of human carcinoma; HEPG-2 hepatocellular carcinoma, MCF-7 breast carcinoma and HCT-116 colon carcinoma cell lines. Anticancer activity was assessed through studying the viability of the cancer cells and apoptotic pathway. Also, antimicrobial potency of different extracts was assessed against studied human pathogens (five Gram negative bacteria, two Gram positive bacteria and yeast). The results reveal that chloroform extract has different levels of cytotoxicity toward the three types of cancer cell lines. A considerable decline in cancer cell rates has been linked to increasing in concentration of plant extract. The half maximal inhibitory concentration IC 50 value was 3.01 µg/ mL for the HepG-2, 16.4 µg/mL for the MCF-7, and 7.4 µg/ mL for HCT-116. Followed by the ethyl acetate extract which showed strong cytotoxic activity against HEPG2 with IC 50 = 12.2 µg ∕ml and moderate activities against MCF7 and HCT 116 and recorded (IC 50 = 26.7 and 26.4 µg ∕ml, respectively). While the crude methanol extract recorded the lowest cytotoxic effect against HEPG2, MCF7 and HCT 116 with (IC 50 = 51.4, 105.1 and 86.7 µg ∕ ml, respectively). Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts have a high antimicrobial activity more than methanol extract against the pathogens being studied. HPLC and GCMs Analysis identified numerous chemical compounds of P. undulata extracts with various therapeutic benefits. In conclusion, P. undulata has the potential to act as an antimicrobial agent against various pathogenic microbes and is a promising wild herb for the treatment of cancer.

Comparison of Three Domestications and Wild-Harvested Plants for Nutraceutical Properties and Sensory Profiles in Five Wild Edible Herbs: Is Domestication Possible?

In this study, five wild edible herbs traditionally consumed in the Tuscany region (Italy) were evaluated for their potential in human nutrition. The nutraceutical characterization of Rumex acetosa, Cichorium intybus, Picris hieracioides, Sanguisorba minor, and Plantago coronopus, as well as their sensory profile were reported. Additionally, a preliminary assessment of completely different domestication of the wild species (named “soilless”, pot, and open field) was conducted to verify the possibility of their marketability, which is impossible if the plants are only gathered as wild. The open field domestication allowed to obtain plants with nutraceutical and sensory profiles similar to those of the wild species, especially in C. intybus, P. hieracioides, and S. minor. The pot domestication allow to obtain plants with chlorophyll and carotenoid contents close to those of the wild species, as well as a lower total phenolic and flavonoid content and ascorbic acid content than wild species. In the “soilless” method, R. acetosa and P. coronopus exhibited a high quality in terms of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. Afterward, the sensory profile was strongly affected by the domestication in terms of the palatability, except for R. acetosa and P. coronopus, which displayed Hedonic Index (HI) values close to the consumer acceptability limit (HI = 6). A sensory profile similar to that of wild species was reported in open field domestication, whereas a worse sensory profile was reported in P. hieracioides and C. intybus domesticated using the soilless method. Finally, according to the preliminary assessment carried out in this study through an analysis of the general nutraceutical properties, S. minor was shown to be the most promising species thanks to its intrinsically highest nutraceutical properties considering the marketability of wild edible herbs as “new” functional food. However, further research on the bioavailability and bioactivity tests of nutraceutical compounds present in this species are required to confirm the findings of this study.

Agrochemical treatments as a source of heavy metals and rare earth elements in agricultural soils and bioaccumulation in ground beetles

The continuous and extensive application of agrochemicals leads to the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) and rare earth elements (REEs) in agricultural soils and their transfer in the food web with consequent relevant risks for human and ecosystem health. In this study, HM and REE concentrations were quantified in the soil of wheat crop fields conventionally managed in the agricultural areas of Sila Mountain (Southern Italy) and compared with the concentration in a field of wild herbs, used as control. Statistical analyses and principal component analysis suggested that the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers contributes to the accumulation of HMs and REEs in the soil. Different accumulation patterns were recorded in treated fields as a consequence of the type and amount of agrochemical used and the crop rotation. The exposure risk associated with the transfer through the tropic levels of agroecosystem was carried out measuring the concentration of HMs and REEs in adults of Harpalus (Pseudoophonus) rufipes (De Geer, 1774) collected from each monitored site. Different accumulation patterns found in specimens from the monitored sites highlighted the ability of this generalist predator to regulate metal uptake under field conditions. The values of bioaccumulation factor (BAF) allow to defining the order of accumulation in P. rufipes which was classified as a macroconcentrator of Cd, Cu, Mg and Zn. Our results can supplement the limited information regarding the REE accumulation in soil invertebrates and may provide reference data for assessing potential environmental risks in croplands.

Use of semi-finished cherry-beet puree in technology of sweet dishes and desserts

Sweet dishes and desserts are in high demand among consumers. However, these products usually have an unbalanced chemical composition, high caloric content, high fat and carbohydrate content, relatively low protein content and insufficient amount of biologically active substances. The source of natural biologically active substances (BAS) are purees, juices, extracts, decoctions of fruits, vegetables, cultivated and wild berries, medicinal herbs and more. Therefore, the current issue for this type of product is to improve the recipe of the existing range of sweet dishes through the use of natural plant components of high biological value. Thus, the object of research is the technology of health dessert based on semi-finished cherry-beetroot puree and its influence on the structural-mechanical, physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of finished products.The work uses standard research methods in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documentation. The study of betanin content is carried out using spectrophotometric method. Antioxidant activity is determined by the bromine coulometric method. Organoleptic and physicochemical indicators of the finished dish are determined in accordance with DSTU 3718:2007 «Sweet foods, jellies, mousses, puddings, milk concentrates».To enrich sweet dishes and desserts in the creation of health and functional foods, it is proposed to use a semi-finished puree, which includes cherry puree and beetroot puree (ratio 2:1). The possibility of improving the organoleptic, physicochemical and structural-mechanical parameters of finished products through the use of a composite combination of semi-finished cherry-beetroot puree and gelatin in the amount of 3 %. The technology of health dessert has been developed, its quality has been studied according to organoleptic and physicochemical parameters, content of biologically active and nutrients. The presence of a significant amount of biologically active substances that have antioxidant properties, provide health and preventive effect of dessert. The developed dessert is recommended for production in restaurants

Achievements and future activities of collecting and planting of medical and aromatic plants

Based on the analysis it is evident that the biodiversity richness of Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely large. It represents not only a national richness, but also an exceptional development potential that should be used for sustainable development and on responsible way. Since long time ago, the focus has been on the collection of wild medical herbs from nature, which only a small number of producers bought and export mainly as raw material. With an increasing trend in the use of food, cosmetic, medical and pharmaceutical products on a natural basis the demand for plant raw materials is enhancement, which leads to increasing the number of processors of medical and aromatic plants. Increased interest in plant raw materials lead to excessive and uncontrolled explotation of natural resources. That is the reason to emphasize the importance of collecting wild plants according to the principles of good collection practice by applying biodiversity protection measures. Bosnia and Herzegovina has extremely favorable climatic conditions for organic and conventional production of medical and aromatic plants. If the producers are encourage for this activity it will ensure a continuous supply of sufficient quantities of medical and aromatic plants for the domestic and foreign markets. Also it will prevent the disappearance of certain plant species that have been brought to the edge of existence. This was one of the reasons why the nongovernmental organizations helped the interested local resident to focus their activities on planting medical and aromatic plants. Now in Bosnia and Herzegovina there are a large number of areas cultivated with various medical and aromatic herbs, as well as some plant species that until recently could only be found as wild. Some of them are: lemon balm, peppermint, chamomile, calendula, yellow gentian, yarrow, thyme, perforate St John's-wort, sage, immortelle, lavender.