Aromatic plants are plants that possess aromatic compounds, most of which are essential oils which are volatile in room temperature. These compounds are synthesized and stored in a special structure called gland, which is located in different parts of plant such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, barks and roots.
Utilization of Aromatic Plants And Derived Products
Aromatic plants are plants that possess aromatic compounds,
most of which are essential oils which are volatile in room temperature. These
compounds are synthesized and stored in a special structure called gland, which
is located in different parts of plant such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds,
barks and roots. These essential oils can be extracted by various physical and
chemical processes, such as steam distillation, maceration, expression,
enfleurage and solvent extraction. They are mainly used as flavours and
fragrances. However, from ancient times, these plants have been used as raw
materials for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, botanical pesticides, etc.
Importance of Aromatic Plants
Aromatic Plants can be divided into four groups based on how
they are utilized, viz.:
· As
raw materials for essential oils extraction: This is the major use
of aromatic plants and is the one dealt with in this paromatic plantser.
· As
spices: These are
plants in which their nonleafy parts are
used as a flavouring or seasoning.
· As
herbs: These are
plants in which their leafy or soft flowering
parts are used as a flavouring or seasoning.
· Miscellaneous
group: These are
aromatic plants used in some ways
other than the ones mentioned above, e.g. as medicines, cosmetics, dyes, air
fresheners, disinfectants, botanical pesticides, herbal drinks/teas, pot
pourri, insect repellents, etc.
People have made extensive use of aromatic plants from time
immemorial. The Egyptian, the Persian and the Babylonian were known to grow and
use aromatic plants in making perfumes and other scented waters from a
distillation of rose petals and orange blossoms. Oriental people were also fond
of aromatic plants. These aromatic plants were grown in the palace compounds
and used as raw materials to make perfumes, scented water and a dozen of other
aromatic products.
Related Topics
TH 2019 - 2025 pharmacy180.com; Developed by Therithal info.