The bright and intense blue-green coloration of the fruits of Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae) was investigated using polarization-resolved spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Optical measurements of freshly collected fruits revealed a strong circularly polarized reflection of the fruit that originates from a cellulose helicoidal cell wall structure in the pericarp cells. Hy...

Heavy metals polluting the natural environment are absorbed by plants. The use of herbs as components of cosmetics may pose a health risk for humans. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Hg in selected species of herbs (horsetail Equisetum arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum, wormwood Artemisia absinthium, yarrow Achillea millefo...

The composition of essential oil isolated from Achillea eriophora, Achillea millefolium, Achillea biebersteinii and Achillea tenuifolia growing wild in the south west of Iran, was analyzed.  A. eriophora, A. millefolium and A. tenuifolia essential oils were characterized by sabinene, 1, 8-cineole, terpinene-4-ol, ά –bisabolol, p-Cymene, β-pinene and α-pinene. The A. biebersteinii essential oil ...

BACKGROUND The use of medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use allopathic drugs under certified organic programs or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs for minor health problems of livestock. METHODS In 2003 we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 participants obtained using a purposive sample. Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of condi...