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USE AND PHARMACEUTICAL PROPERTIES OF ROCKET (ERUCA
VESICARIA) AND COMMON GOLDENROD (SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA)
PLANTS
Khalilova Nigora Ixtiyorovna
Teacher, Department of Biology
Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute
E-mail: xalilova_nigora@buxdpi.uz
Murodova Malika Sohibovna
Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute
4th-year student of the Biology Education Department
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15244310
Annotation:
This article focuses on the research of two plants—arugula
(Eruca vesicaria) and European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)—which have
been traditionally used in folk medicine and are also significant in the food
industry. The study presents the results of scientific investigations into the
systematics, geographic distribution, origin, and bioecology of these plant
species cultivated in various regions of our country. The research also addresses
important issues such as providing the population with high-quality food and
medicinal plant products, and gaining a deeper understanding of their biological
and agrotechnical characteristics
Keywords:
Eruca vesicaria, Arugula, Solidago virgaurea, common
goldenrod, pharmaceutical properties, medicinal plants, phytotherapy, chemical
composition, bioactive compounds, traditional medicine.
In recent years, significant attention has been given in our country to the
development of medicinal and spice plants, particularly to the effective and
efficient use of natural resources. Notably, the Presidential Decree of the
Republic of Uzbekistan No. PQ-4670 dated April 10, 2020, "On measures for the
protection of wild medicinal plants, their cultivation, processing, and rational
use of existing resources," has laid the legal foundation for the fundamental
development of the sector.
As a result of implementing the tasks outlined in this decree, the number of
farmers and entrepreneurs engaged not only in harvesting medicinal plants
from the wild but also in cultivating and processing them through plantation
methods has significantly increased. Today, due to increased attention to the
field and the rational use of available opportunities, more than 100 types of
medicinal plants have been officially approved for use in medical practice in the
republic, with the majority of these being naturally growing plants.
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The raw material reserves of these naturally growing medicinal plants are
limited, and thus it is an urgent issue to protect them, study their bioecological
characteristics, use the raw materials properly, and develop scientifically-based
methods for their reproduction. Therefore, it is essential to meet the needs of
the pharmaceutical industry in Uzbekistan with raw materials from medicinal
plants, enrich the local flora with newly introduced plant species, and develop
technologies for their cultivation.
In particular, at the beginning of 2020, plantation areas of 27 types of
medicinal plants covered a total of 11.5 thousand hectares across all regions of
the republic. By the end of 2021, plantation areas were expanded to 15.8
thousand hectares by 162 entities, and 17.3 thousand tons of raw materials from
45 types of medicinal and spice plants—highly demanded in domestic and
international markets—were produced.
Among the medicinal plants rich in healing properties, arugula is
considered one of the most promising species for cultivation. The arugula plant
(
Eruca sativa
) is an annual, dicotyledonous herbaceous plant. Its value lies in the
fact that it contains a wealth of vitamins such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), B1,
B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, C, K, and E, as well as micro- and macroelements including
zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, sodium, and iron.
Its aphrodisiac properties and the presence of the compound sulforaphane
further contribute to its medicinal value.
The arugula plant (
Eruca vesicaria
), also an annual dicotyledonous
herbaceous plant, belongs to the
Indau
genus of the
Brassicaceae
(mustard)
family. Rich in essential nutrients and beneficial compounds required for the
human div, this medicinal plant is widely cultivated in Italy and many other
countries, particularly in Northern Europe and America. In Uzbekistan, the
cultural cultivation of this plant has only recently begun in certain regions.
Arugula is known by several names, including rocket salad, indau, eruca,
arugula, and others. This leafy green has existed since ancient Roman times and
is widely cultivated in Europe and America, where it is considered a superfood.
It does not grow wild in Uzbekistan and has only been cultivated since 2016.
While in many countries arugula grows on its own like a weed, in our country it
requires special care and attention. It needs frequent watering and protection
from direct sunlight. For this reason, it is possible to grow arugula at home in
pots or containers.
In early spring, the plant is sown in pre-prepared soil at a depth of 3–5 mm.
Taking into account the biological characteristics of the plant, it is advisable to
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
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plant it on ridges 30 cm wide, with 25–30 cm spacing between the ridges and
10–15 cm between the plants in a checkerboard pattern. The seeds are very
small and require moist soil. At 12°C, the seeds germinate in 3–5 days, and they
grow well at temperatures between 18–24°C.
Sources dating back to the first centuries BCE mention the medicinal and
aphrodisiac properties of arugula. In ancient Rome, it was used as a spice to
enhance the taste of vegetable and meat dishes. It has long been known to help
digest protein-rich foods like beans and peas, which are typically hard to digest.
Arugula is rich in iron and calcium, which improve bone and cardiovascular
function, slow down cellular aging, help regulate water and salt balance in the
div, provide energy, and calm the nervous system. It is considered an excellent
product for people following a diet. Arugula contains many connective tissues
that contribute to a prolonged feeling of fullness.
100 grams of arugula contains 25 kcal, of which 0.7 grams are fats, 2.6
grams are proteins, and 3.7 grams are carbohydrates. The compound
sulforaphane found in arugula is known as an agent used in the prevention of
oncological (cancer) diseases. This component helps prevent the development of
cancerous tumors caused by the division of cells affected by cancer in the div.
Due to the presence of sulforaphane in arugula, its regular consumption can
provide effective benefits in preventing and combating the development of
oncological (cancer-related) diseases.
Common goldenrod (
Solidago virgaurea
), also known as goldenrod or
solidago, is classified as a perennial herbaceous plant. It can grow from 30 cm to
2 meters tall. The stem is upright, and the leaves are elliptic in shape, slightly
pointed, and arranged regularly. The lower leaf blades form winged petioles,
while the middle and upper leaves are narrower and sessile. All parts of the
plant exhibit light pubescence. The rhizome is short, strong, and woody. The
flowers are yellow, and their small flower heads are grouped into inflorescences.
The fruits are cylindrical, ribbed achenes, topped with brown tufts of hairs.
Flowering occurs in August and September. The small, bright yellow flower
heads are gathered into paniculate inflorescences. After pollination, the plant
produces fruits—brown achenes with a small tuft of hairs.
Goldenrod is widely distributed across Siberia, the European part of the
Russian Federation, the North Caucasus, the Far East, Scandinavia, the
Mediterranean region, and North America due to its high tolerance to soil types,
light conditions, drought, and harsh cold. It can be found on forest edges,
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meadows, clearings, and roadsides. It thrives in light forests, riverbanks, and
grasslands.
This perennial plant grows well in light, sandy, well-fertilized, breathable
soils with regular watering. The fragrant aroma of solidago is explained by its
chemical composition, which includes essential oils (up to 1.4%) and aromatic
acids. During the flowering period, the plant emits a pleasant, sharp herbal
fragrance with notes of pine needles and camphor.
The plant is valued for its medicinal properties. For medicinal raw material
preparation, the upper part of the stem, inflorescences, and leaves are used,
while the root system is used less frequently.
The chemical composition of goldenrod includes:
Flavonoids
Essential oils
Coumarins
Resins
Tannins
Acids
Bitters
Traces of alkaloids
Phytoecdysteroids
Triterpenoids
Saponins
Inulin is found in the root system, fatty oils in the fruits, and galactose,
carbohydrates, glucose, and arabinose in the inflorescences
The medicinal properties and uses of goldenrod are indicated for the
treatment of the following conditions:
Purulent inflammatory processes on the skin
Swelling
Kidney diseases
Bone fractures
Bronchitis
Liver problems
Influenza
Nephritis
Bronchial asthma
Urolithiasis (kidney stones)
Hypertension
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Common colds
Abdominal pain
Pyelonephritis
Bladder disorders
The plant helps relieve gout and rheumatism. It is also used to treat fresh
skin abscesses and boils.
Mouth rinses with an infusion of the plant are used to treat:
Stomatitis
Tonsillitis (angina)
Gingivitis
Bleeding gums
A decoction of goldenrod helps eliminate unpleasant mouth odor.
The pain of arthritis can be relieved by external application of goldenrod in
the form of ointments or compresses. In cases of burns, it helps to soften the
skin and accelerate the healing of joints.
Goldenrod also helps in weight management. It regulates the genes
responsible for fat synthesis and the size of fat cells, thereby aiding in the fight
against excess div weight.
Today, interest in medicinal plants is steadily increasing. During the global
pandemic, people have begun to pay more attention to their health, becoming
more aware of the secrets of well-being. Individuals suffering from aging and
chronic diseases increasingly prefer natural remedies to boost their immune
systems. The absolute harmlessness and benefits of natural products have led to
a sharp rise in both the volume of investment in scientific research in this field
and the demand for medicinal plants in international markets.
References:
1.
Zuyev V., Abdullayev A. Vegetable Crops and Their Cultivation Technology.
– Tashkent: Uzbekistan, 1997. pp. 213–229.
2.
A collection of “100 Books” prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of
Food and Agriculture of the Republic of Turkey and Denizbank.
3.
Zuyev V., Atakhodjayev A., Qodirkhodjayev O. Growing Seedlings and
Vegetables in Protected Areas. Tashkent Publishing, 2010. pp. 215–224.
4.
Shuvaev Yu. Green Crops. In: Early Vegetables from the Greenhouse. –
Moscow: Novaya Volna, 2001. pp. 280–290.
5.
https://uz.healthy-food-near-me.com/goldenrod-plant-photo-and-
description-types-and-varieties-where-and-how-it-grows-planting-and-care/
6.
https://www.agro.uz/dorivor-osimliklar
