Magdalena Tomaszewska-Sowa

Assessment of phytoaccumulation of trace elements in medicinal plants from natural habitats

Summary Introduction: The high concentration of some trace elements in medicinal plants may lowering the value of herbal material, and may cause poisoning effects. Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the content of trace elements in the organs of: sandy everlasting, yarrow and stinging nettle. Methods: In the soil samples, the grain size composition, pH, the content of carbon and nitrogen were determined. In the plant material and for the soil samples, the total contents of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb were assayed. The values of the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor were also calculated. Results: The concentration of metals in plant tissues followed in order: Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Hg. The studied species of medicinal plants accumulated mainly Zn, Pb and Hg. It was also shown a high Hg mobility and a low Pb mobility which mainly accumulated in the roots. Conclusions: As our research shows the plants used in phytotherapy, should come from plantations monitored for toxic heavy metals in soil.

Establishing an efficient explant superficial sterilization protocol for in vitro micropropagation of bear’s garlic (Allium ursinum L.)

Summary Introduction: Allium ursinum L. has a commercial value due to its high contents of bio-active compounds and mild, garlic-like taste. In vitro culture played an important role in obtaining Allium species with the desired characteristics and in the production of healthy reproductive material. Objective: Developing an effective method of sterilization bear’s garlic bulbs. Methods: To obtain sterile shoots of garlic several methods of sterilization involving such factors as ACE, H2O2, HgCl2, and UV-C were tested. Results: In order to obtain sterile shoots of bear’s garlic, several sterilization procedures were tested. The best procedure was based on a two-step disinfection, where the whole onions were treated with ethanol and H2O2 for 20 min. Thereafter, the isolated apical buds were sterilized in ACE for 10 min, rinsed in double-distilled water and transferred onto MS medium for growing. Up to 95% of the inoculated explants formed shoots, which were sub-cultured on MS with 4 mg dm−3 BAP in order to enable further propagation. Conclusion: After optimization and stabilization, this procedure may become the basic concept of a proper and reliable propagation method of bear’s garlic on commercial scale.