Processi post-raccolta

Herbs and medicinal plants include a vast array of species grown for aromatic, medicinal, nutraceutical and cosmetic uses. Biocide, dye and textile plants also fit in this group, as they provide alternatives to artificial substances in fields of human utilization. The growing demand for natural products to replace synthetic molecules has prompted the layout of the present book, encompassing various, inherently-linked subjects: field cropping, plant metabolism, post-harvest processes, uses of plant-derived natural products, legislative and economic issues. In field cropping, the principles of agronomy are discussed, in order to get acquainted with the concepts ruling plant behaviour in a varying environment (soil, climate and crop technique); this in turn will enhance the efficiency of plant production in a frame of environmental sustainability. More to this, crop management protocols (conventional, integrated, organic and biodynamic cropping) are outlined, discussing each protocol’s prerogatives and rules in light of the current trends in agricultural productions. The economic aspects have become progressively more important in the latest decades. Crop areas, production, trade and market trends concerning herbs and medicinal plants are shown, worldwide and in Italy. With reference to the Italian situation, the structure of farms and downstream supply chain, the technology currently used and the future prospects are highlighted. As for legislation, the original Italian law ruling the sector (99/1931) is described, followed by a discussion on the regulations relating to specific areas: herbal, phytotherapic, food and phytocosmetic. Innovative topics are also addressed, such as advertising and health-claims. In plant metabolism, the difference between primary and secondary metabolism is remarked and the main classes of phytochemicals (alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds) are thoroughly described with emphasis on their chemical characteristics, occurrence in plant parts, health-promoting properties and other biological effects. The ecological role of plant secondary metabolites is also focused, taking into account the interactions among plants, with other living organisms and environmental factors. The main concepts of quality for medicinal and aromatic plant production are detailed in view of a quality control. Concerning post-harvest processes, the primary operations used to preserve plant materials from microbial attacks, such as drying, freeze-drying or freezing, are first addressed. The traditional and advanced techniques used to extract the active principles from plant material are then described, including both solvent and non-solvent based techniques (e.g., distillation, maceration, infusion, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound aided solvent extraction, accelerated solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction). Finally, the most up-to-date analytical techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant extracts are discussed. The use pf plant-derived natural products, namely drugs (medicines), herbs and food supplements, and the benefits for human health are addressed at the end of the general part. Several active principles are introduced, either in association with the plants containing them or with the effects exerted on specific organs or functions of the human body. Despite simple explanations and useful information, phyto-therapy remains a strict medical competence, as several molecules may result toxic in case of inappropriate use. Beyond the health sector, information is given on the cosmetic use of plants and the associated peculiarities, as the cosmetic industry represents a significant share in the global market of herbs and medicinal plants. The general part is integrated by the detailed description of 73 species of wide interest in temperate areas. Each plant file covers: origin and distribution; botanical description; organs, active ingredients and uses; crop technique; harvest, yield and post-harvest operations. A special effort has been made to respect botanical characteristics while addressing each species as a crop plant, that is to say, a plant conveniently being grown in a field. To this aim, plant features and growth requirements are discussed in view of overcoming the constraints that commonly arise in crop fields. On concluding, “Herbs and medicinal plants: cropping, processing and use” is the fruit of a multi-disciplinary approach to the subject. Different specialists may find familiar with specific parts of the book, yet retrieve valuable suggestions from insights into unexplored branches.