Study Reveals Safe Distances for Harvesting Medicinal Plants in Voronezh Region.
A recent study by Voronezh State University highlights the mineral content in medicinal plants found near roads and railways in the Voronezh region. This research provides important information about environmental contamination and its effects on the safety of these plants for medicinal use.
The study examined the total ash content of ten species of medicinal plants to determine safe harvesting distances from roads and railways. The species investigated included the roots of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Arctium lappa (burdock); the herbs of Polygonum aviculare (knotgrass), Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), Leonurus quinquelobatus (motherwort), and Achillea millefolium (yarrow); the leaves of Urtica dioica (nettle) and Plantago major (broadleaf plantain); and the flowers of Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) and Tilia cordata (linden).
The research aimed to establish the minimum distances necessary to ensure that the collected medicinal plants are free from harmful levels of pollutants. The findings suggested that a safe distance of 210 meters from heavy-traffic motorways is necessary in forest areas, 240 meters in forest-steppe zones, and 380 meters in steppe zones. For secondary low-speed roads and railways, a minimum distance of 80 meters is recommended. These results are vital, as roadside and railside areas often experience contamination from vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
This study builds on previous research that explored pollutant accumulation in plants. For example, a comparative study in three European cities found that pine tree bark accumulated higher levels of heavy metals than leaves, making it a better indicator of urban pollution. This finding aligns with the Voronezh study’s focus on how proximity to roads and railways affects plant contamination.
Another relevant study in Beijing examined how airborne particles settled on the leaf surfaces of various plant species. It revealed that the structure of the epicuticular wax on leaves influenced their ability to trap particulate matter. Such research underscores the complex relationship between plant surfaces and environmental pollutants, which is also a concern in the Voronezh study.
Additionally, research on ivy leaves showed that leaves from different land-use areas contained varying levels of metal content and magnetic properties. This method of using plants as bioindicators parallels the Voronezh study, which assesses total ash content to determine contamination levels and recommend safe harvesting distances.
By establishing safe distances for gathering medicinal plants, the Voronezh study offers practical guidelines to reduce contamination risks. This is particularly important for ensuring that medicinal plants, known for their therapeutic benefits, do not carry harmful pollutants that could compromise their efficacy or pose health risks.
In conclusion, the study by Voronezh State University provides essential insights into safely harvesting medicinal plants in polluted environments. By determining minimum allowable distances from roads and railways, the research aids in safeguarding the integrity and safety of medicinal plant raw materials. This study, combined with earlier research on pollutant accumulation, emphasizes the need to understand and address environmental contamination to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicinal plants.