We grow trees and shrubs mainly for beauty and delicious fruits. However, these flora can improve our health by releasing beneficial phytoncides.

What are phytoncides?

It is a complex of antimicrobial substances found in plants. It includes terpenoids, alcohols, aldehydes, ethers and other compounds that can kill or inhibit the growth and development of other organisms (mainly bacteria and fungi). The phenomenon of plant phytoncidity was discovered by the Soviet scientist Boris Tokin in the 30s of the XX century. Literally it translates as "killer plants" (from the Greek "fiton" - a plant and the Latin "cido" - I kill). There is a persistent misconception that phytoncides are characteristic of a particular group of plants. They are attributed to conifers and shrubs (primarily common juniper), as well as common myrtle, eucalyptus, medicinal rosemary and a number of other deciduous species. In fact, phytoncides are secreted by all plants, since they are one of the factors of their natural immunity. Currently, most scientists call phytoncides by the term "volatile phytoorganic secretions of plants" (LPOV).

The main mechanism of action of phytoncides is associated with the formation of ozonides (charged ozone), which can destroy the DNA structures of microorganisms, as a result, the bactericidal activity of the air increases at least 2-3 times. There are bactericidal and fungicidal effects (on bacteria and fungi), as well as bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects (when the growth and development of microorganisms slows down).
Not all fresh air is created equal. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plants can have positive and negative effects on human health. So, in the summer in a coniferous forest, when a period of maximum phytoncide activity of trees is observed, high concentrations of volatile phytoncides of needles can cause allergies. Small concentrations of volatile phytoncides, observed in the air of the forest in winter, have a serious therapeutic effect on patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Staying in the oak forest during the summer months reduces arterial pressure in patients with hypertension (by 6-12 mm Hg). In a pine forest at the same time, in the same patients, blood pressure rises (by 15-20 mm Hg). The pressure also rises upon inhalation of phytoncides of lilac flowers, young poplar leaves.

Phytoncides of warty birch have antispasmodic and bronchodilatory effects. In patients, sleep is normalized, irritability decreases, shortness of breath and coughing stop or decrease, and mood improves. But we must remember that volatile phytoncides of pyramidal poplar (in May), linden and lilac flowers, pine (in summer) are poorly tolerated by patients with asthmatic bronchitis and pneumosclerosis.
In general, during the growing season, 370-420 kg of LPOV, spruce - 320-405 kg, birch - 190-220 kg, aspen - 170-190 kg are released into the atmosphere from 1 hectare of pine plantations. The highest content of phytoncides is observed in the pine forest, then in the stands of spruce and larch, then in mixed coniferous-deciduous plantings, in birch and oak forests, aspen forests, maple forests.

Dynamics of the content of phytoncides

The amount of phytoncides released varies depending on the type of plant, its age, size, condition, soil and climatic conditions of the region, and environmental factors.

Daily activity

In tree and shrub species, the maximum activity is observed closer to noon. In the morning, their content in the air is lower, for example, in pine and birch forests at this time, the amount of phytoncides is 3-4 times lower than in the daytime, but even lower concentration is observed in the evening - 7 times lower than during the day.

Seasonality

in most trees and shrubs, phytoncidity gradually increases from spring, reaching its highest values \u200b\u200bin summer (June-August), then decreases. The well-known Cossack juniper in spring and summer, during active growth, releases 1.18-1.49 mg% / h, and in winter only 0.53 mg% / h.

Age

Young leaves of birch, other deciduous trees, and pine needles produce more volatiles than mature leaves of a later age. The release of phytoncides is also influenced by the weather and some environmental factors. So, an increase in the ambient temperature to +20 ... + 25 ° С increases the concentration of phytoncides almost twofold.

Almost every person in the house has some kind of indoor plants. We have long been accustomed to them and hardly notice them. And we certainly don’t think about what the neighborhood with plants brings us, benefit or harm? Of course have . But they are few and in general they are not capable of causing significant harm. There are many more house plants that provide invaluable benefits to humans. For example, indoor plants decorate the interior, many of them are medicinal, some are able to scare away harmful insects. But one of the most interesting properties of some indoor plants is to purify indoor air and improve the microclimate.

Such plants are called long words. phytoncidoactive .

[!] Phytoncides are volatile active substances (organic and amino acids, essential oils, alkaloids) secreted by plants.

For the first time phytoncides were discovered by the Russian biologist Boris Petrovich Tokin. The scientist drew attention to the fact that ready-made food sold in oriental bazaars and cooked in unsanitary conditions does not cause mass poisoning. It was concluded that the oriental spices contained in the food decontaminate it. Based on this fact, the scientist suggested the presence in plants of special volatile substances called phytoncides. Subsequently, other botanists, both Russian and foreign, joined the study of phytoncides.

Each plant secretes phytoncides and they can have a variety of properties, antibacterial, antifugal (antifungal), protistocidal (active against protozoa unicellular). Some phytoncides have been fully studied and artificially isolated, while others remain a mystery to humans. And yet, no amount of chemistry can replace plants, this natural source of health.

Household plants high in phytoncides

Scientific experiments conducted with indoor plants have identified the most active absorbent of harmful substances in the room. It turned out to be. Several plants can almost completely cleanse a 20 square meter room in 24 hours. Chlorophytum can absorb substances such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde (a substance released by new furniture from particle boards), ammonia, nicotine, acetone. Various pathogenic bacteria and microbes living in the airspace of the apartment are also afraid of chlorophytum. To enhance the cleansing properties of chlorophytum, it is recommended to put activated carbon in a bowl with a plant.

Chlorophytum

Another popular houseplant actively involved in the improvement of indoor airspace is pelargonium. The most active phytoncides secreted by geraniums fight anaerobic bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci. These bacteria cause many diseases: various infections of the respiratory tract, infections of the skin, digestive tract, muscles and bones. Therefore, it is very important to clean the indoor microclimate, including with the help of pelargonium. In addition, geranium essential oils help relieve fatigue and headache, increase the mental and physical activity of a person.

Dieffenbachia - a plant in the juice of which is contained. But at the same time, dieffenbachia can bring tangible benefits. The fact is that this spectacular plant perfectly cleans the air in the room. Dieffenbachia is especially good at dealing with exhaust fumes, so it is best to place the plant in a room that faces a busy freeway. Other toxic substances - benzene, formaldehydes, xylene are also neutralized by dieffenbachia phytoncides.

Like Dieffenbachia, it is a rather poisonous plant, which is not surprising, because these plants belong to the same family. But, at the same time, aglaonema successfully copes with household air pollutants - trichlorethylene, formaldehyde, benzene - and makes the air in the apartment much cleaner. Also, like geranium, aglaonema is able to cope with streptococcal bacteria.

A separate group of plants with high phytoncidal properties - cacti... Cacti successfully deal with many types of harmful bacteria and microorganisms. There is an opinion that cacti are able to fight the harmful radiation of computer monitors, but there is no scientific evidence for this theory.

Ivy- a spectacular ampelous plant, often found in our apartments. Not everyone knows that ivy is one of the most powerful phytoncidal plants. It purifies the air and successfully fights mold spores, thereby saving us from allergies. Ivy is also recommended to be placed in smoking rooms, as the plant perfectly absorbs and neutralizes tobacco smoke.

Sansevieriaor "pike tail" is a very common house plant. And no wonder: this is one of the most. And sansevieria perfectly cleans the air in the room in which it is located. The plant copes especially well with tobacco smoke and harmful bacteria.

A plant that has recently become fashionable -. Probably everyone will agree, the beauty of Dracaena is undeniable. But, at the same time, dracaena has the ability to cleanse the indoor climate, successfully neutralizing such harmful substances as toluene, benzene, formaldehyde and many others.

So, as you can see, home plants can not only decorate our premises and give aesthetic pleasure, but also improve the air space and destroy many harmful substances. Plant care is generally not difficult, but how much benefit and beauty these pieces of nature bring to our homes!

In conclusion, table of the main house plants that purify the air

In 1928, thanks to the research of Alexander Fleming, the world became aware of antibiotics. Simultaneously with this, Boris Petrovich Tokin made the discovery of natural substances that suppress the growth of many pathogens, which were later called "phytoncides".

The role of natural antibiotics in nature

The role of plants in the formation of oxygen and the absorption of carbon dioxide is well known. Less known is the fact that any representatives of the kingdom of Flora emit volatile or non-volatile phytoncides, but the effect on one or another type of microorganism is different.

The immunity of trees and shrubs to a particular disease is provided by the formation of these substances.

Biologists have noticed the effect of substances secreted by some representatives on the stimulation or suppression of the vital activity of others, even at some distance. Vegetable growers will never plant tomatoes with potatoes or melons with cucumbers next to them, but melon will get along well with radishes, and potatoes with beans. An apple tree gets along well with a pear, but a good neighborhood will not work with a cherry.

When it enters the lungs of a person along with the inhaled air, natural antibiotics neutralize viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Oxygen ionization is also provided, as a result of which its biological activity increases.

Classification

Among volatile and non-volatile compounds, several types can be distinguished:

1. Bactericidal - suppression of the growth of pathogenic cells;
2. Fungicidal - fight against fungal diseases;
3. Protistocidal - the destruction of the simplest unicellular organisms that cause malaria, dysentery and other ailments;
4. Compounds toxic to mites, insects;
5. Substances that stimulate or inhibit the development of other plants and bacteria.

Factors affecting the activity of phytoncides

During the daytime, several times more volatile ethers are released than in the early morning or evening. In homogeneous forests (pine, birch), their activity is higher than in mixed; in the shade and in high humidity conditions, it is lower than in the sun on a hot day, and in a summer forest, the content is much higher than in a winter one.

It is not at all necessary that the volatiles be emitted by crops with strong odors. Their production is possible without the presence of essential oils (for example, crushed oak leaves, plantain and nettle).

Properties of conifers

The most popular tree species that release beneficial esters are conifers, of which the juniper is the leader. Asthma sufferers will feel an improvement due to the anti-allergic effect of this plant.

Spruce, pine, fir, cedar - these conifers help to cure ARVI, and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Probably for this reason, residents of mountainous regions are less likely to suffer from nervous and mental disorders, which is directly related to longevity.

It must be remembered that pine effectively fights against Koch's bacillus, which causes tuberculosis, but at the same time increases blood pressure, so it is better for hypertensive patients to avoid long-term stay in the pine forest. Bacilli of diphtheria, whooping cough, and even Staphylococcus aureus die near the location of thuja and fir. Any coniferous tree species enhances the skin's antibacterial protection and immunity.

Deciduous tree properties

Deciduous trees also emit biologically active substances, but in smaller quantities. For example, oak has the ability to lower blood pressure, but poplar, on the contrary, constricts blood vessels, which is why blood pressure rises.

The stimulation of birch and linden with phytoncides, expanding the bronchi and acting soothingly for nervous system... Linden blossom is an excellent remedy for headaches, colds, fever. Bird cherry phytoncides contain hydrocyanic acid, under the influence of which protozoa die within 5 minutes, and ticks - 15 minutes. It has even been noticed that if you leave a bouquet of bird cherry in the bedroom, you can get mild poisoning and wake up with a headache the next morning.

Shrub properties

One of the most well-known expectorants are herbal preparations based on wild rosemary, used even against the most severe choking cough in whooping cough. Bronchitis and bronchial asthma can also be treated with the infusion of this plant.

Lingonberries and cranberries are widely used to treat diseases of the genitourinary system. Fruit drinks from these berries have a diuretic effect, create an acidic environment in the bladder and kidneys, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Lingonberries and cranberries are rich in vitamins, and their regular consumption helps to strengthen the immune system.

To strengthen the heart and blood vessels, the properties of hawthorn are used, which has a vasodilating effect and is capable of a calming effect on the nervous system without a sedative effect.

When treating with natural remedies, infusions of bark, leaves, fruits and elderberry inflorescences are actively used. Angina and colds are treated with broths of elderberry, lotions and baths are used against rheumatism, arthritis, burns, boils. Elderberry kissel has a good laxative effect.

Barberry is considered a plant that prolongs youth. The juice from its berries is able to stop bleeding, lower the temperature. Barberry is useful for liver diseases (gallstones, cholecystitis, hepatitis).

Decoctions and infusions of lilacs help fight diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma), diabetes, stomach ulcers. Lilac baths and lotions are useful for bruises, rheumatism, purulent ulcers.

Properties of herbs

Infusions of phytoncidal herbs are used not only externally, but also for oral administration.

The most famous herbs used in the treatment of colds are calendula, thyme, sage, oregano and elecampane. All of them are used as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Calendula also has a wound healing and analgesic effect, oregano and thyme - expectorant, sage - anticonvulsant and vasodilator, elecampane - anthelmintic.

For problems with the urinary system, herbs are used, the phytoncides of which are not destroyed before being excreted from the body: St. John's wort, kidney tea, cornflower, bearberry.

In the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, chamomile, wormwood, plantain, cumin, sage are used.

Skin ailments are cured by external application of a string, calendula, celandine.

Houseplant properties

A person usually spends more than half a day at home, including a night's sleep. It is important that the microclimate in the apartment is as harmless as possible, which can be achieved by growing indoor plants.

Perhaps the most recognizable houseplant is the geranium. The air of the premises in which it is grown contains almost 50% less protozoa. Ficus and begonia also successfully fight germs.

Chlorophytum, dracaena and dieffenbachia absorb harmful substances from the air that enter through the windows from the street.

Any indoor greenery improves the air quality in apartments and even the most unpretentious in maintenance decorate the surrounding interior.

Phytoncides on a personal plot

In the garden or in the country, you can successfully grow natural healers, famous for their medicinal properties.

Onions, horseradish, garlic - all of them are used not only in cooking as spices, but also in folk medicine. Effective in the treatment of colds, diabetes mellitus, useful in cardiovascular diseases, due to vasodilating properties, strengthen the immune system.

Red pepper helps digestion, improves bronchial asthma and bronchitis, accelerates hair growth.

Melissa and mint help with stress, soothe the nervous system, relieve headaches.

Harm of phytoncidal plants

The popular saying "Everything is good in moderation" is applicable to the treatment of diseases with the help of traditional medicine... It is always possible for the manifestation of individual intolerance to certain substances, the occurrence of allergic reactions, and with excessive use it also worsens the state of health.

Everyone knows that forest air is very beneficial for health, and one of the most important reasons for this is the presence of phytoncides in it, which kill or suppress disease-causing organisms and have a healing effect. Do not think that by releasing phytoncides, plants take care of our well-being - they protect themselves first of all.

Professor Tokin's discovery

Phytoncides Are substances of plant origin that have the property of killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Name "Phytoncid" came from the fusion of Greek Phyton (plant) and Latin "Caedo" ("kill")... Distinguish volatile and non-volatile phytoncides of tissue juices. Non-volatile phytoncides are found in all plants.

Phytoncidal properties of plants were discovered in 1929 by a prominent Soviet researcher Professor B.P. Tokin... The scientist crushed fresh leaves of various trees, rubbed horseradish or radish, onion or garlic, mixed them with water and observed under a microscope how bacteria and protozoa living in this water behave. Before our very eyes, they changed the nature of their movement, the shape of their bodies, and finally died. So the action of plant phytoncides was discovered. Subsequently, it turned out that phytoncides have not only a destructive effect on bacteria and protozoa, but also a number of other functions. They play an important role in creation.

Boris Petrovich Tokin (1900-1984) - Soviet biologist, Doctor of Biological Sciences, founder of the Department of Embryology of the Leningrad state university, the creator of the doctrine of phytoncides.

Based on numerous studies conducted by the laboratory of Professor B.P. Tokin, the time of death of protozoa was established after the contactless exposure of phytoncidal trees:

• english oak - 5 minutes,
• pyramidal cypress - 6 minutes,
• berry yew - 6 minutes,
• cossack juniper - 7 minutes,
• scots pine - 10 minutes,
• warty birch - 20 minutes,
• silver poplar - 9 minutes.

What affects activity

In nature, the phenomenon of phytoncides is universal. At the same time, there are differences in phytoncidal activity in different species. Moreover, phytoncides of tree leaves differ in their antimicrobial effect from fruits, etc.

• The phytoncide activity of a plant can vary depending on the season, weather, time of day (in the morning until 8:00 and in the evening after 19:00, the amount of phytoncides produced by plants is several times less than during the day).
• Trees in the shade emit less phytoncides.
• In birch and pine forests there is more light and more phytoncides than, for example, in a mixed one.
• The amount of produced volatile substances can also be influenced by the air temperature and its humidity: in hot weather, the concentration of phytoncides increases significantly (by 1.5–1.8 times), and with an increase in air humidity, it decreases.

They are all different

Some phytoncides have a detrimental effect on microbes, others only inhibit their growth.

Phytoncides of some plants tend to affect various classes of microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa, microscopic fungi, etc.), while others, as it were, selectively suppress only certain types of microbes. Thus, phytoncides create immunity, support the natural immunity of plants to different types diseases.

Plant phytoncides are of different chemical nature. As a rule, it is a complex of compounds - glycosides, terpenoids, tannins and other substances that do not belong to the three main classes of natural compounds - proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Bird cherry

Volatile kidney fractions bird cherry contain hydrocyanic acid, cyano-containing glycosides were found on the leaves of bird cherry.

In plants such as larch, warty birch, elm, small-leaved linden, Norway maple, common ash, discovered phenolic compounds and organic acids. Condensate from crushed leaves birch, oak and bird cherry contains organic acids and aldehydes, i.e., substances formed during the oxidation of alcohols, and quinones resulting from the oxidation of aniline were found in volatile substances.

70% of plants with phytoncidal action contain plant alkaloids - organic nitrogen... Plant phytoncides include essential oils, dyes (pigments), etc.

Capable of much

In total, there are about 500 species of trees with phytoncidal properties. Scientists have calculated that Earth's plants annually emit about 490 million tons of phytoncides into the atmosphere.

Among the pronounced phytoncidal trees and shrubs of central Russia are juniper, pine, spruce, birch, oak, poplar, bird cherry, mountain ash, lilac.

Conifers are truly the record holders for the release of phytoncides. So, 1 ha juniper releases 30 kg of volatile substances per day; about 20 kg secrete pine and spruce... Southerners are famous for their phytoncidal activity cypresses, western thuja, berry yew... Due to the ability of plants to release phytoncides, the air in parks contains 200 times less bacteria than the air in the streets.

Some plants produce highly volatilephytoncides, others - non-volatile.

It turned out that it is not at all necessary that plant substances that have a smell should emit volatile phytoncides. Plants that do not contain essential oils can also produce them. So, have excellent phytoncidal properties freshly chopped oak leaves.

At the same time, some essential oil plants (i.e., emitting volatile essential oils) have a rather weak effect on bacteria (for example, phytoncides secreted by geranium leaves, only after a few hours kill unicellular organisms). Some plants lose their phytoncidal properties when they die, while others can keep them for quite a long time. It is assumed, for example, that the ability of larch wood to survive for hundreds and even thousands of years is associated with its phytoncidal properties.

Human exposure

Volatile phytoncides are able to penetrate the lungs and skin into the human body. They inhibit the development of pathogenic microorganisms, protect against infectious diseases. Phytoncides normalize heart rate and blood pressure, participate in metabolism, reduce blood sugar levels, have a beneficial effect on the blood circulation in the brain, liver condition, bactericidal activity of the skin, as well as on the immune and nervous system.

Inhalation of volatile phytoncides of coniferous trees increases the resistance of erythrocytes to a lack of oxygen, almost doubles their lifespan, and has a positive effect on the function of the entire circulatory system. It is no coincidence that people living in forest areasare much less susceptible to diseases of the upper respiratory tract compared to the townspeople.

Volatile phytoncides affect the physicochemical composition of the air. They increase the concentration of negative ions in the air and reduce the number of positive ones. Phytoncides ionize oxygen in the air, thereby stimulating its biological activity. In addition, they improve the efficiency and economy of cell energy, and contribute to the settling of dust particles.

Deciduous

Strong, somewhat intoxicating scent of flowers and leaves bird cherry cleans the air from germs. Its leaves, flowers, bark and fresh fruits possess phytoncidal properties. Bird cherry releases the most powerful phytoncides containing hydrocyanic acid. Protozoa die under the influence of its phytoncides after 5 minutes, mites - after 15 minutes. Especially many phytoncides are secreted by young leaves in spring and summer, in autumn they are released much less.

Bird cherry phytoncides have antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, they are detrimental to fungi. Collars made of steamed bird cherry branches and a decoction of bark save animals from lice. Previously, peasants soaked seeds in a decoction of branches before sowing to combat plant pests. Cases of light poisoning with bird cherry flowers are described, when the bouquets were left overnight in a bedroom or other closed room. In experiments on animals, it was found that bird cherry phytoncides (pounded leaves under a hood) inhibit their nervous system, reduce the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Oak phytoncides reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension

Experience of phytoncidotherapy with leaves oak shows that after several sessions, the pressure is significantly reduced in patients with essential hypertension at all stages of the disease. And the folk custom of going to a bathhouse with an oak or birch broom is also a way of using volatile phytoncides secreted by plant leaves.

In contrast to the volatile phytoncides of oak, lilac, pyramidal poplar, hawthornthey, by narrowing the blood vessels, increase blood pressure, stimulate the cardiovascular system.

Scientific research recent years prove that phytoncides birchand linden treesexpand the bronchi, stimulate the respiratory system. Phytoncides secreted by young leaves birch, relieve overstrain of the central nervous system. Birch sap also has excellent phytoncidal properties. Phytoncides linden trees have a good anti-cold and antipyretic effect, relieve headaches.

Birch phytoncides relieve stress on the central nervous system

Conifers

The pleasant aroma of the coniferous forest is created by the volatile fractions of the resin evaporating through small wounds and young needles - aromatic terpene compounds and essential oils. On a hot day, they evaporate more intensely. Some people with cardiovascular disease in the coniferous forest may feel less well. It is difficult for people with a sick heart to breathe, they feel stuffy. But if it is windy and the forest is sparse, staying in it is very useful.

Coniferous phytoncides increase the resistance of erythrocytes to oxygen deficiency

Phytoncides fir, Siberian cedarand ate Siberian have a stimulating effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and other systems, which is especially manifested during physical activity. They also have a positive effect on the dynamics of cerebral circulation, liver condition, bactericidal activity of the skin and the immune system in general.Phytoncides of fir, cedar and spruce have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, stimulate metabolic processes.

It has been proven that thujaand fir reduce the number of microbes in the air, including the causative agents of diphtheria and whooping cough. So, scientists have proven that inhalation of volatile substances from fir stimulates some forms of natural immunity. In cosmetology, juniper phytoncides are used to disinfect the skin and heal wounds and cracks.

Tamed phytoncides

It is more difficult for pathogenic microbes to adapt to the action of phytoncides of higher plants than to antibiotics obtained from lower plants - microscopic fungi... This is an important fact that testifies to the prospects of using phytoncides for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

If you do not have the opportunity to often go to the forest, to nature, then the essential oils of coniferous plants will allow you to enjoy the healing smells without leaving your home. They will create a favorable microclimate that will allow you to simultaneously heal and relax. After a course of aromatherapy, you will satisfy your “phytoncidal hunger”. Using individual parts of plants: needles, buds, branches, bark, cones, you can carry out healing procedures at home. It is not difficult to make infusions, tinctures, decoctions, teas, ointments, powders, inhalation mixtures and extracts for healing baths from the prepared raw materials.A tree can live for a very long time. The power accumulated over the years, the majestic beauty, the history of his life, which has developed over many human generations, cause delight and admiration. But, unfortunately, such a happy fate is rare. Throughout their life, trees are exposed to many factors that cause a decrease in vitality and shorten their eyelids.

People have become aware of antibiotics. Since 1943, they have entered mass production and widespread medical use. However, along with the benefits, many unpleasant factors of their negative impact on the body were discovered (allergic reactions, intestinal microflora disorders, a decrease in natural immunity to the minimum limit, and others).

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

Concept

These groups of substances are volatile compounds of various chemical natures that are found in plant organisms. If we consider the term itself, then it consists of two components: phyton - "plants" and caedo - "to kill". Hence, the biological meaning of these compounds becomes clear - they are capable of inhibiting other plants.

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

Chemical nature

To determine the chemical structure of these substances, many experiments have been done. However, little is known to date. The fact is that phytoncide is a whole complex of volatile compounds. So, for example, this can include those contained in plants:

• glycosides;
• terpenes;
• flavonoids;
• phenolic compounds;
• catechins;
• anthocyanins;
• phenolic acids;
• constituents of essential oils.

In structure, these are complex organic components, whole combinations with each other. The properties of phytoncides are quite definite - a depressing effect on living organisms of a microscopic structure, as well as on some plant species.

History of discovery and study

For the first time, they started talking about such compounds as phytoncides only since 1928 thanks to the works of BP Topkin. It was he who first conducted simple experiments with onion pulp gruel, which showed how destructive it is on ciliates, bacteria and fungi.

Although it has been known since ancient times that there are a number of medicinal plants that have antimicrobial, bactericidal and therapeutic, restorative effects. Echinacea, maral root, onion, garlic, blueberries, conifers and others - these are the plants that have been used to treat colds and other diseases since the development of human civilization. Of course, no one could scientifically explain why this good healing effect was explained.

But over time, it became technically possible to isolate and study the components that are responsible for this. So they were called phytoncides. The term itself was suggested by their discoverer, B.P. Topkin, in the same year 1928. Later, a number of scientists made conclusions about the properties of these substances. It became clear that phytoncide is of origin. In 1937, G. Molish studied the phenomenon of allelopathy (the depressing effect of some species of creatures on others by means of chemical action with natural ingredients). In fact, his work was reduced to the study of what properties of phytoncides exhibit.

A number of scientists (Grummer, Winter, Grodzinsky) experimentally examined the phenomenon of allelopathy in laboratory conditions. But the result was the conclusion that under artificial and natural conditions, the effect is much different in effectiveness. They even started talking about the lack of ecological significance of phytoncides. However, these views are not supported by all. For example, in Japan, China, Russia, great importance is still given to medical procedures, which are based on plants. Phytoncides help fight a number of diseases, and the effect should be carried out in natural conditions (grass fields, gardens, and so on).

Significance for animals and humans

What do plants and phytoncides primarily affect if we talk about human and mammalian organisms?

1. Reduce the quantitative content of microbes in the air up to 250 times per 1 m 3. Therefore, walking in the forests where similar 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 and other diseases in this area. Good bronchodilator effect in linden, thyme, birch.
2. It is oak groves that have the ability to normalize high blood pressure, therefore, such treatment is indicated for hypertensive patients.
3. Many herbs containing phytoncides and vitamins strengthen the immune system, act as a sedative, normalize sleep and mental condition (lemon balm, oregano and others).
4. For hypotonics, lilac and poplar substances are recommended to increase pressure.
5. Many phytoncides have a vasodilating effect, thereby relieving headaches, cramps (peppermint).
6. These compounds ionize the air, precipitate dust molecules, cleanse and disinfect the environment. Accordingly, they improve the general 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, mustard and others).

Thus, the importance of phytoncides for animals and humans is important. With the help of them, you can save yourself from the use of strong antibiotics synthesized artificially, prevent the formation of the consequences that they entail. Of course, the action of phytoncides will not be as fast, but it will be softer, more gentle and effective.

Action on plant organisms

Many studies, including the experience of hardened gardeners and gardeners, have shown that different plants are not equally able to coexist next to each other. So, for example, they act negatively on each other:

• grapes and cabbage;
• legumes and onions, spinach, garlic;
• peas and tomatoes;
• cabbage and potatoes;
• parsnips, horseradish, celery and cabbage;
• potatoes and melons;
• peas and gladioli.

Therefore, phytoncides and other volatile compounds produced by plants can inhibit the growth and development of each other, and often, on the contrary, help in this. Successful fruit and vegetable growing is based on such combinations.

Garlic phytoncides

The main component of the chemical composition of the phytoncides of a plant such as garlic was named allicin. It is this compound that gives a pungent specific smell. His merit belongs to the destructive effect on different types of bacteria, fungi.

Garlic phytoncides have been used since antiquity in different civilizations and countries. This plant protected from diseases, protected the house from vampires, treated gastrointestinal diseases. For some peoples, garlic was even a symbol.

Today there are alcoholic extracts of this plant, medicines based on it. The harmful effects on E. coli, many types of microscopic fungi, Koch's bacillus, cholera and typhus bacteria have led to the widespread use of garlic.

Onion phytoncides

Along with garlic, onions have been used to treat many diseases since ancient times. In addition to phytoncides, it includes:

• vitamins;
• organic acids;
• minerals;
• essential oil.

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

Onion phytoncides are part of the essential oil, which has a pungent characteristic odor, when it gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes, they cause irritation and tearing. They are able to defeat bacilli: cholera, tuberculosis, dysentery, Staphylococcus aureus.

AT harmonious combination phytoncides of onions and garlic are able to fight colds, purify indoor air from microbes and improve human health.

Essential oils - a source of phytoncides

Essential oils are one of the main substances containing various phytoncides. They are part of many (almost all) plants, only in different quantities. There are representatives of the flora that are very rich in these compounds, and therefore, phytoncides. For example, mint, lemon balm, tree needles, tomatoes, onions and garlic, mustard, horseradish, bird cherry, radish, currant and others. There are also those in which the content of essential oils and phytoncides is minimal - these are cucumbers, persimmons, bananas. Also, the places of localization of essential oils are not the same in plants. Some have more of them in the leaves, while others - in the roots or stem.

Conifers and their benefits

Phytoncides of trees are the main air cleaner on the streets. Conifers are especially useful in this regard, since their resin and essential oils contain a large amount of these compounds. Pines, spruces, larch, fir, cedars - walks through the forests where they grow have an extremely positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

In China and Japan, methods of treating sick people are used precisely through the influence of air containing phytoncides of coniferous trees. This is yielding positive results.

Medicinal plant names

The listed phytoncides emitting are far from the entire list. In addition to those named, these include:

• lavender;
• bison;
• 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 alternative and traditional medicine.

Phytodesign

Phytoncid is a source of freshness, purity and benefits of air. Therefore, there is such a direction in landscape construction as phytodesign. It implies planting a quantity of phytoncide-containing plants that can cope with air pollutants and maintain it in a decent condition. That is, phytodesign is a way to improve the ecological state of the environment, strengthen human health and prevent the development of mass microbial diseases.