Investigation of herbal drugs sold as sedative in Istanbul

Plants have been a major source of food for humans from the earliest times to the present day. In addition, the toxic or curative (medicinal) properties of plants have been experienced through trial and error, and this experience has survived to the present day. Today, the direct use of plants and the use of herbal medicines is increasing and the use of herbal treatment methods in the treatment of diseases is known as phytotherapy. Some critical points should be taken into consideration during the cultivation, collection, packaging and storage under the right conditions, sale for treatment and correct use of these medicinal plants that are effective on human health and consumed for medicinal purposes among the people. In Turkey, most of the medicinal plants are collected without paying attention, without proper identification of the plant, stored without proper storage conditions (such as being sold in the open) and sold to consumers by people who do not know the knowledge of use and consumed unconsciously. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the sales forms, drug identification and knowledge transfer of herbal drugs with sedative effects in Istanbul. Existing literature was reviewed using different sources. Within the framework of the thesis study, 5 different plants were examined in laboratory studies. These plants were Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile), Tilia cordata M. (lime), Lavandula officinalis L. (lavender) and Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian), Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm). The plants were analysed and photographed with a stereomicroscope for correctness and foreign matter. Sartur and chloral hydrate reagents were used to analyse the anatomical features, anatomical studies were photographed with a light microscope. The results obtained were compared with scientific descriptions and necessary literature sources. It was observed that the camomile plant was sold by herbalists in a sealed form. Each 10 grams of the plant was placed in a petri dish and the correct capitula were separated. 3 correct capitula were found in the chamomile plants obtained from the 1st herbalist, 1 correct capitula was found in the chamomile plant obtained from the 4th herbalist. No correct capitulum was found in the chamomile plants obtained from the remaining herbalists. It was found that May chamomile plants were sold mixed with other capitula (Tanacetum and Anthemis spp.) belonging to the Asteraceae family. Examination of the foreign material revealed insects and parts of other plants. As a result of the examination of the lime plants, the bracts were analysed. It was found that some herbalists sell linden bracts under the name of linden leaves as a sedative. When the lime bracts were examined, it was found that some bracts were glabrous and some bracts had a stellate structure. It was decided that the randomly selected bracts were not the same. During the examination of foreign material, parts belonging to other plants were observed. As a result of the examination of the lavender plant, it was determined that it was Lavender angustifolia by looking at the condition of the flower. As a result of the foreign material examination, it was seen that it was mixed into the lavender stem. When researching the valerian plant, it was found that some herbalists do not sell valerian because of its smell and recommend black pepper herb instead. It was also found that some herbalists recommend valerian to patients with depression. When the valerian was examined for foreign matter, 7-8 insects were found and some parts that did not belong to valerian were seen. It was found that all samples offered for sale by herbalists as 'lemon balm' belonged to a different plant, Aloysia citrodora (false lemon balm). When the Aloysia citrodara plant was examined for foreign matter, it was found to have stems and fruits that belonged to other plants. The recent increase in the number of herbalists is due to public interest in herbal medicine and nutrition. Although the profession of Aktar is important, it can be practiced by people who have no training in the field. People who want to practice herbalism should pay more attention to training and examinations in the relevant fields. Keywords: Sedative herbs, Phytotherapy, Alternative Medicine