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Title: Preparation of Plant Samples for Phytochemical Research and the Study of Their Biological Activities

Author
item VASSILYEV, J.I. - INST. PLT. BIO. & BIOTECH
item GEMEDJIYEVA, N.G. - INST. PLT. BIO. & BIOTECH
item SITPAEVA, G.T. - INST. PLT. BIO. & BIOTECH
item Cantrell, Charles
item MAMONOV, L.K. - INST. PLT. BIO. & BIOTECH

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2008
Publication Date: 4/15/2008
Citation: Vassilyev, J., Gemedjiyeva, N., Sitpaeva, G., Cantrell, C.L., Mamonov, L. 2008. Preparation of Plant Samples for Phytochemical Research and the Study of Their Biological Activities. Book Chapter. In: Introduction to Phytochemical Investigations and Discovering Biological Activities of Phytogenous Substances. Eds. B.M. Butin and B.A. Sarsenbaev. Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 42-47.

Interpretive Summary: Prior to investigating plant natural products for biologically active constituents, it is necessary to establish guidelines and procedures for carefully collecting, cataloging, and storing specimens. All field collections should begin with detailed records on location, which should include a list of accompanying species where possible. This is followed by pressing at least one whole plant for voucher deposition. The remaining plants are either dried at room temperature or via freeze drying until water is removed and samples can be ground. The vouchers should be deposited in an established herbarium and appropriately cataloged. The above steps will ensure reproducibility and that identical specimens can be obtained in the future when necessary.

Technical Abstract: Prior to investigating plant natural products for biologically active constituents, it is necessary to establish guidelines and procedures for carefully collecting, cataloging, and storing specimens. All field collections should begin with detailed records on location, which should include a list of accompanying species where possible. This is followed by pressing at least one whole plant for voucher deposition. The remaining plants are either dried at room temperature or via freeze drying until water is removed and samples can be ground. The vouchers should be deposited in an established herbarium and appropriately cataloged. The above steps will ensure reproducibility and that identical specimens can be obtained in the future when necessary.