Introduction and phytochemical analysis of medicinal and aromatic plants in Vytautas Magnus University 1924-2018

Abstract

Medicinal (aromatic) plants (MAPs) are playing an important role for the solution of WHO problem Health for everyone in 21st century. In Lithuania, since 1924 until, medicinal plants collections have been developed in the Sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Botanical Garden at Vytautas Magnus University. In Europe unique collection of MAPs is a base for scientific researches, project-based activities, national and international studies and the object of public education. The topics and tendencies of the research on MAPs have varied since that time quite a lot. Collections of medicinal plants are still an important constituent and object of the phytochemical scientific research process. The methods of chemical investigations have been changing during the distinct research periods (I – 1924– 1949, II – 1949–1984, III – 1984–1999, IV – 1999–2018). The main objective of research is the introduction and phytochemical investigation of MAPs. Biodiversity of plant resources, scarce information on biologically active compounds and their properties in many species including those naturally growing in Lithuania or introduced, as well as increasing demand for natural food, food supplements and homeopathic medicine have been the main motivation aspects of the ongoing study. MAPs are sources of raw materials, required in pharmacy and phytotherapy are a part of genetic resources of Lithuania. Phenological observation, phytochemical investigation of raw material of MAPs from Sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Botanical Garden at Vytautas Magnus University revealed that new species from foreign and local flora can be successfully introduced in Lithuania. Lithuania has good growing conditions for a great variety of medicinal and aromatic plants.