Phytoncid is ... Properties of phytoncides. Plants containing phytoncides

Since 1928, thanks to the works of Alexander Fleming, people have become aware of antibiotics. Since 1943 they have entered mass production and wide medical application. However, along with the benefits, many unpleasant factors of their negative impact on the body were discovered (allergic reactions, intestinal microflora disorder, reduction of natural immunity to the minimum limit, and others).

The question arises: Do not naturally exist natural antibiotics, such as are created by living organisms themselves and do not exert such a powerful destructive effect along with the therapeutic effect? It turns out that there are. And relatively recently they were discovered and called phytoncides.

The concept of

These groups of substances are volatile compounds of different chemical nature that are contained in plant organisms. If we consider the term itself, it consists of two components: phyton - "plants" and caedo - "kill." Hence the biological meaning of these compounds becomes clear-they are able to oppress other plants.

However, after more thorough research it became clear that they destroy not only them, but also microorganisms, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, some viruses. Thus, phytoncide is a natural antibiotic of directed action, formed in natural conditions.

Chemical nature

To determine the chemical structure of these substances, many experiments were carried out. However, it is known to date is still not enough. The fact is that phytoncide is a whole complex of volatile compounds. So, for example, here it is possible to carry contained in plants:

• Glycosides;
• Terpenes;
• Flavonoids;
• Phenolic compounds;
• Catechins;
• Anthocyanins;
• Tannins ;
• Phenolic acids;
• Components of essential oils.

By structure, they are complex organic heterocyclic compounds that make up whole combinations with each other. The properties of phytoncides show quite definite - a depressing effect on living organisms of a microscopic structure, as well as on certain plant species.

History of discovery and study

For the first time such compounds as phytoncides began to speak only from 1928 thanks to the work of BP Topkin. It was he who first conducted uncomplicated experiments with a pulp of the onion pulp, which showed how destructive it affects the infusoria, bacteria and fungi.

Although it has been known since ancient times that there are a number of plants belonging to the medicinal, which have antimicrobial, bactericidal and curative, fortifying effect. Echinacea, maral root, red brush, onion, garlic, blueberries, coniferous trees and others - these are the plants that were used to treat colds and other diseases since the development of human civilization. Of course, no one could explain from a scientific point of view what explains this good curative effect.

But over time, there was a technical opportunity to highlight and study the components that are responsible for this. So they were called phytoncides. The term was proposed by their discoverer, BP Topkin, in the same year of 1928. Later, a number of scientists made conclusions about the properties that these substances possess. It became clear that phytoncide is an antibiotic of natural origin. In 1937 G. Molish studied the phenomenon of allelopathy (the oppressive influence of certain species of creatures on others by chemical action by natural components). In fact, his work boiled down to studying what kind of phytoncides show properties.

A number of scientists (Grümmer, Winter, Grodzinsky) experimentally under laboratory conditions considered the phenomenon of allelopathy. But the result was the conclusion that in conditions of artificial and natural the effect is much different in efficiency. They even talked about the lack of ecological significance of phytoncides. However, these views are not supported by all. For example, in Japan, China, Russia, great importance to this day is given to therapeutic procedures, the basis of which are plants. Phytoncides help to fight a number of diseases, and the impact should be carried out exactly in natural conditions (pine forests, grass fields, gardens, etc.).

Importance for animals and humans

What primarily affects plants, phytoncides, if we talk about the human and mammalian organisms?

1. Reduce the quantitative content of microbes in the air up to 250 times per 1 m ³ . Therefore, walks in the forests where such plants grow (coniferous, oak groves, deciduous), improve the condition of the lungs, normalize the work of the respiratory system. They are very useful for patients with tuberculosis, other diseases in this area. Good bronchodilator effect in linden, thyme, birch.
2. Oak groves have the ability to normalize high blood pressure, so this treatment is indicated for hypertensive patients.
3. Many herbs containing phytoncides and vitamins, strengthen immunity, act sedately, normalize sleep and mental state (melissa, oregano and others).
4. Hypotonics for increasing blood pressure are recommended substances of lilac and poplar.
5. Many fitontsidy have vasodilator action, so relieve headaches, spasms (peppermint).
6. These compounds ionize the air, precipitate dust molecules, purify and disinfect the environment. Accordingly, improve the overall atmosphere for the normal development of living beings.
7. A number of plants help in the fight against colds, infectious and viral diseases (onions, garlic, raspberries, blueberries, radishes, mustards and others).

Thus, the importance of phytoncides for animal organisms and humans is important. With their help, you can rid yourself of the use of strong antibiotics synthesized artificially, to prevent the formation of the consequences that they entail. Of course, the action of phytoncides will not be so fast, but more gentle, sparing and effective.

Action on plant organisms

Many studies, including the experience of hard-working gardener and gardeners, have shown that different plants are not able to coexist side by side. So, for example, they act negatively on each other:

• Grapes and cabbage;
• Legumes and onions, spinach, garlic;
• Peas and tomatoes;
• Cabbage and potatoes;
• Parsnip, horseradish, celery and cabbage;
• Potatoes and melons;
• Peas and gladioli.

Therefore, phytoncides and other volatile compounds produced by plants can oppress the growth and development of each other, and often, on the contrary, help in this. Such combinations are based on successful fruit growing and vegetable growing.

Phytoncids of garlic

The main component of the chemical composition of phytoncides of a plant such as garlic was called allicin. It is this compound that gives a sharp specific smell. His merits belong to the disastrous effect on various types of bacteria, fungi.

The phytoncides of garlic have been used since ancient times in different civilizations and countries. This plant was protected from disease, protected the house from vampires, treated gastrointestinal diseases. In some nationalities, garlic was even a symbol.

Today, there are alcohol extracts of this plant, drugs based on it. The harmful effects on E. coli, many kinds of microscopic fungi, Koch's wand, cholera bacteria and typhus caused widespread use of garlic.

Phytoncids onions

Onions with garlic are used to treat many diseases since antiquity. In addition to phytoncids, it includes:

• Vitamins;
• Organic acids;
• Minerals;
• essential oil.

All components in combination make onions a very valuable plant for use in food and medical purposes. Extracts and gruel from it accelerate the healing and tightening of wounds.

Phytoncides onions are part of the essential oil, which has a sharp characteristic smell, when exposed to the mucous membranes of the eyes cause irritation and tear. They are able to defeat the chopsticks: cholera, tuberculosis, dysentery, staphylococcus aureus.

In a harmonious combination, onion and garlic phytoncides are able to fight colds, clean air from the microbes indoors and improve people's health.

Essential oils - a source of phytoncids

One of the basic substances containing various phytoncides are essential oils. They are a part of many (almost all) plants, only in a different quantity. There are representatives of the flora, which are very rich in these compounds, and consequently, with phytoncides. For example, mint, melissa, pine needles, tomatoes, onions and garlic, mustard, horseradish, bird cherry, radish, currants and others. There are also those in which the minimum content of essential oils and phytoncides is cucumbers, persimmons, bananas. Also, the locations of the localization of essential oils are not the same in plants. Some have more of them in leaves, others have roots or stems.

Coniferous trees and their use

Phytoncids of trees are the main air cleaner on the streets. Especially in this respect, coniferous are useful, since resin and essential oils contain a large number of these compounds. Pines, spruce, larch, fir, cedar - walks in the forests where they grow, have a very positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous systems.

In China and Japan, methods are used to treat those affected by the influence of air containing phytoncides of coniferous trees. It gives its positive results.

Names of medicinal plants

The plants listed above that give out phytoncides are not the whole list. In addition to the above, they include:

• lavender;
• Tooth-cutting;
• myrtle;
• Ylang-ylang;
• All citrus fruits;
• Orchid;
• cypress;
• Walnut;
• Tulips;
• Forget-me-nots;
• calendula;
• chamomile;
• Succession;
• celandine;
• Lily of the valley and many others.

The use of extracts of these and other plants is the basis of non-traditional and traditional medicine.

Phytodesign

Phytoncid is a source of freshness, purity and good air. Therefore, there is such a direction in landscape construction, as phytodesign. It means planting so many phytoncid-containing plants that can cope with air pollutants and maintain it in a dignified state. That is phytodesign is a way to improve the ecological state of the environment, to strengthen people's health and prevent the development of mass microbial diseases.