ESG Transformation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Materials for Health-Preserving Technologies

Introduction. A technology for the ESG transformation of plant-based raw materials has been developed as an alternative source of food ingredients for product enrichment and the creation of a green health-preserving technology. Ten types of aromatic and spice raw materials were studied (echinacea flowers and roots, chicory and calamus roots, rose hips, calendula flowers, coriander seeds, mint, oregano, and thyme flowers, leaves, and stems). The following cryogenic transformation modes were established using liquid nitrogen: crushing to 10–20 mm, cryogenic grinding to 5–50 µm at –20°C, heating, and sifting. The cryogenic powders contain antioxidants, radioprotectors, and immunomodulators (flavonol glycosides, catechins, phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, terpenes, and tannins). Compared to the original raw materials, they are enriched by 30–80%, and their quality is stable during storage.

Purpose. To develop a health-preserving technology based on the ESG transformation of medicinal aromatic plant materials using cryogenic grinding.

Materials and Methods. Ten types of medicinal aromatic plant materials (MAPs) were studied: echinacea flowers and roots, chicory and calamus roots, rose hips, calendula flowers, coriander seeds, and the flowers, leaves, and stems of mint, oregano, and thyme. The materials were grown in the Bryansk region. ESG transformation was performed by cryogenic grinding of dried materials in a vibratory ball mill with liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen consumption, temperature, particle size, moisture, and the content of ascorbic acid, essential oils, phenolic compounds, carotene, fiber, sugars, nitrogen, amino acids, and peptides were monitored. The content of biologically active substances was determined using methods. Samples were obtained at the Training and Production Facility of the Bryansk State Agrarian University.

Results. The biologically active substance content of ten LPARS samples was studied (echinacea flowers and roots, chicory and calamus roots, rose hips fruits, calendula flowers, coriander seeds, mint, oregano, and thyme flowers, leaves, and stems). The ESG transformation modes for the raw materials into cryopowders were determined (crushing 10–20 mm, cryogenic grinding 5–50 µm at –20°C, heating, and sifting). Cryopowders are multicomponent systems consisting of a mixture of biologically active substances suitable for food fortification. Cryogenic grinding increases bioavailability and digestibility. The quality of the cryopowders remains virtually unchanged during storage.

Conclusions. The biologically active substance content of ten LPARS samples was studied. ESG transformation modes for raw materials into fine powders using liquid nitrogen were established: crushing to 10–20 mm, cryogenic grinding to 5–50 µm at –20°C, heating, and sifting. Based on the obtained data, a technology for producing cryogenic powders from medicinal and aromatic raw materials was developed—the basis for a health-preserving technology. Cryogenic powders from LPARS are enriched by 30–80% compared to the original raw materials.

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