1.1. The ancient Slavs

The ancient Slavs had a developed cult for plants. Giving the name to their supreme God Perun by the plant iris - perunika speaks for itself of how important plants were in their lives. Their cults, customs and gods the ancient Slavs brought with them on the Balkan, and permeating with the autochthonous cultures in the region, they created a Serbian culture where healing by plants remained for centuries the only way to heal people and animals.

1.2. The Codex of Hodosh and the medicinal codex of Hilandar

Written testimonies, which actually permit us to follow the continuity of belief in the healing and medicinal features of plants, are writings that appear in the Middle Ages. Among the most important to be mentioned is the oldest codex of the Serbian secular medicine from the XIV century, the CODEX OF HODOSH, where the heterogeneous use of caraway, aloa, incense, linen and beet seed, coriander, the juice of red beet, willow and other plants can be found. The HILANDAR MEDICINAL CODEX, number 517, appeared in the XV and XVI century, which states the use of iris, stinking hellebore, camphor and other medicinal plants.

1.3. The monastery

The mentioned codexes, as sources of ethnopharmacy in the period of the Middle Ages, are based on monastery writings, due to the fact that monks as the only literate people at the time, left behind written documents about medicinal plants, prescriptions for making medicine drugs and etc. Monasteries were suitable for the development of medicine, since the life of monks was full of renouncement, long fasts and hard work and required treatment. Except for prayers and magic, the only way of healing that they knew of was to use medicinal plants. Monasteries were the centers of the just founded hospitals.

The beginnings of founding health (medical) institutions in Serbia are tied with the ending of the XII century and the beginning of the XIII century, that is with the period of the work of St. Sava and Stefan Prvovenčani. Medicinal handbooks could be found in the monastery libraries that had expert findings, beginning with the classical period, first of all with Hipocrates and Galen, up to later experiences and medicinal treatment in the medicine of Byzantium.

Along with the development of medicine in the monasteries, treatment with medicinal plants developed amongst the people. This represented the foundation of folk medicine, because a century-old experience had noted well and transmitted, through tradition, on future generations the healing features of plants and the diseases that can be cured by them.

1.4. The Turkish period

The development of the Serbian State and culture stopped the Turkish break through. And, while medicine and other sciences developed in the west with great speed, our people continued to use the accomplishments of the Middle Ages, somewhat enriched with the Turkish tradition. Medicinal workers retreat to the mountains and monasteries.

This was the period when the first so-called "medicinal manuals" were put together, of the known and unknown writers of medicine, and where the basis of healing were medicinal plants (herbs). Even during this period there is a lack of literature, but it does not remain unknown to us, due to folk tradition. Folk songs represent a rich source of acknowledgement of folk medicine of the time. From these songs we can see that they were very well aware of the physiological effect, the one of healing and the poisonous one, of plants. They sang of the poisonous effects of white poppy, of many other plants that have the opium effect, of the healing effects and beauty of the wild rose and the apple, the protective character of garlic, valerian and other plants.

1.5. Zaharije Orfelin

A lot of scientists have contributed to the conservation of knowledge of the healing and medicinal features of plants, of the making of medicines and the manner of picking (collecting), which was through centuries passed from knee to knee (generation to generation). Amongst the first that should be mentioned is Zaharije Stefanović Orfelin (1726-1789), who put together the BIG SERBIAN HERB ANNUAL (which has writings of about 500 plants) and the EXPERIENCED OWNER OF A WINE CELLAR.

1.6. Vuk Karadžić

Vuk Stefanović Karadžić (1787-1864) gives precious data about the healing treatment by medicinal plants in the Serbian tradition in his well-known SERBIAN DICTIONARY (1818).

1.7. Josif Pančić and Sava Petrović

Our well known physicists and botanists, Josif Pančić (1814-1888) and Sava Petrović (1839-1889), have given a lot of information on the diversity and use of medicinal plants in their capital work THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SERBIA (plants = herbs).

1.8. Jovan Tucakov

For some time now, a great number of researchers have inquired about our medicinal plants, but without a doubt Jovan Tucakov (1905-1978), has given the greatest contribution to the development of medicinal treatment and the acknowledgement of medicinal plants. He is the founder of our pharmacognosy. He conducted the first introduction of medicinal plants that was domestically grown. His capital work, HEALING BY PLANTS (HERBS) - PHYTOTHERAPY, had six (6) editions in our country. He is the founder of the Institute of pharmacognosy of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Belgrade University (1939) and of the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants (1948).

1.9. Milan Soldatović

Milan Soldatović (1920-1981) is one of the most important scientists in Institute for Medicinal Plant Research "Dr Josif Pančić". He is the founder of pharmacy that is one of the most important parts of Institute and he has also given the great contribution to the development growing processing and marketing of medicinal plants.

The people that live under this sky for ages have been aware of and know the healing features of the plants that surround them and use them for curing many illnesses. The skillness of healing and use of medicinal plants have a rich and long tradition amongst us. Their use is closely connected with the customs and the life of people in the past, which is as complex as is the complex of the historical development of people from these parts. The history of the health culture of the Yugoslav people and nationalities is interesting because influences from the East and the West are quite present in it, of the folk doctors and collectors of medicinal plants of the Mediterranean countries and other ones, and all of this entangled with the medicine of warriors and shepherds. The ecological knowledge of these people was mostly empiric, and acquired during generations. This treasure of preliminary knowledge is the basis of folk medicine and of the traditional "natural" nourishment. Still, the actual richness of the knowledge of medicinal plants remains a secret of the healers, the peoples' "doctors" and herbsman that are the mediators between folk healing, widely present in practice, and the scientists in laboratories, pharmacists, biochemists and biologists that study the basic features and functions of plants.

3.1. The Panonian Lowland

The northern area of plains, that is the Panonian Lowland, represents the most significant agricultural area of our country. The most present type of soil is the Cernozem, agreeable for growing numerous plant species. The climate is typically continental. The average annual precipitation is about 600 mm. This is an area where wheat, maize, sugar beet, sunflower, hops and tobacco are mainly grown. Medicinal, additive and aromatic plants are also bred and successfully raised, while the collection from natural habitats is minimized to the lowest possible level. We are considering an area where growth and breeding of additive plants (spices) is mostly represented, primarily red paprika (pepper) of various taste. Poppy is also present, which is grown mainly for the seed, but its' cartridges are also used for the separation of opium. Considering Vojvodina, the most represented medicinal plant in breeding terms is chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), especially in the salted (marshy) terrain around the river Tisa, and peppermint (Mentha piperita), specially in the northern and southern Banat. In this part of the Panonian Lowland what is mostly grown is: balm (Melissa officinalis), coriander (Coriandrum satvium), black mustard (Brascia nigra), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), sweet marjoram (Majorana hortensis), parsley (Petroselinum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), angelica (Angelica archangelica), marsh mellow (Althea officinalis), celery (Apium graveolens), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and sage (Salvia officinalis). A lot of wild growing plants are also present there. On the hills of Fruška Gora, which was declared a National Park, around 650 different species of medicinal plants were found.

3.2. The hill and mountaineous area

The extensive mountain ranges are covered (decorated with) by meadows, grazing pastures, forests, clearings, arable areas and offer extraordinary conditions for creating phytocoenosis with medicinal plants. The karst relief is also represented here, originated from the dissolution of limestone and the spreading of cracks through which the water flows away, so that these parts lack in water, although the annual rainfall comes to 1.600-2.500 mm. The vegetation is adjusted to the water and heat regime, to the high differences and the petrographic structure. In the karst region, the plant cover is degraded, and the small quantities of loose soil are overgrown by heat. Forests, mainly beech and fir, are confined to the damper and colder mountainous parts. The juniper tree (Juniperus communis L.) is the most represented regarding the medicinal plants. The vegetation above the juniper trees is rich with relicts and endemics. Hellebore (Veratrum album L.) is very typical for this region, from which a highly appreciated drug is gained, demanded on the international market. Monkshood (Acontium napellus L.), as well as henbane (Hyscyamus niger L.), meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale L.) and etc. successfully grow in these parts. Among the different mountain plants, the ones that should be mentioned are the sweet sultan (Erythreae centarium L.), cornel (Rhamnus cathartica L.), hamthorne (Crataegus oxyacantha L.), and among the aromatic ones, yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), agrimonias (Agrimonia eupatoria L.), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), klamath weed (Hypericum perforatum L.), pheasants' eye and others.

3.3. The Montenegro coastline

The Montenegro coastline is the third natural entity. A greater part of this area is under karst, while fertile land can only be found in valleys and depressions. Cultivated fields, orchards and vineyards encompass 10% of the area, while 30% is under pastures. Other parts are not fertile, and only partly under forests and low bushes. Mediterranean climate is characteristic for the coastline. The summer is sunny, hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Olives and the fig tree grow there, and in the southern part agrums. The tradition of collecting, breeding and processing of medicinal plants was very long, because it was under direct influence medicinal science. Among medicinal plants, the first that should be mentioned are sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula officinalis) that give drugs of high quality. The distillation of oil from these plants has gained the character of domestic production, which only confirms the experience of the inhabitants of these parts in working with medicinal, especially with aromatic plants. Among the aromatic plants they have absinthe (Artemisia absinthium), as well as xeranthemum (Helichrisum arenarium). Different heterosis plants and oleander (Nerium oleander), the seaside onion (Scilla maritima) and others are also of significance. Drugs of quality contain the sun of the warm Mediterranean areas, and are exported in a great number of countries in the world.

The specifics of the geographic layout and of the climate are factors that made the Balkan Peninsula one of the most important centers of biodiversity in Europe, where Yugoslavia has a special place because of her richness of plant diversity. In the area, which is from the north under the continental influence, and from the south under the influence of the hot and dry Mediterranean, there exists a whole spectrum of different habitats, which enables the survival of different plants. The complex abiotic-biotic influences have caused the realization of different genetic potential of medicinal and aromatic plants, interesting both to the local population and to humanity in all.

The diversity of plants with medicinal components offers considerable possibilities for biosynthesis of many diverse active chemical substances, diverse in chemical composition and in the influence on the improvement of the health of people. The considerable richness of biodiversity in our country enables its' exploitation, but at the same time imposes the necessity of protecting it from irrational use. Former generations used medicinal plants rationally, respecting the rules of nature. But, often the irrational and unprofessional exploitations of natural resources lead to disturbances of the natural ecosystem, to the disappearance of varieties, to endangerment and degradation of their populations. That is why the knowledge of the types of medicinal plants, of their subtypes, varieties, forms and ecotypes represents the safest manner of developing the use of medicinal plants, and at the same time an important precondition for maintaining the species diversity of medicinal plants in their natural habitats.

In the rich flora of Serbia there are more than 700 plant varieties with medicinal features, which is 19.65% of the entire number, with 420 officially registered sorts of medicinal plants encompassed in 89 families, out of which 270 sorts are subjected to trade. In the structure, the following families are dominant: Lamiaceae (41 sorts), Asteraceae (40 sorts), Apiaceae (20 sorts), Ranunuculaceae (17 sorts), Malvaceae (15 sorts), Rosaceae (15 sorts), and other families.

Medicinal and aromatic plants of the endemic and relic character deserve special attention, and are in their spreading confined only to the territory of Yugoslavia and Balkan, as well as the endangered plant species with medicinal features.

The knowledge of medicinal plants and of their genetic potentials enables the development of activities that are founded on ecology, such as sustainable development, ecology management, through which conditions of life can be improved and the disturbed ecological balance can be established in nature. That is why their protection is of general ecological interest and of multiple economic significance.

By planned breeding, rational use and following of the populations of medicinal plant sorts, their survival and vitality is secured, as well as the maintenance of the biodiversity of medicinal plants. Finding an optimal level in enlarging the breeding of medicinal plants and natural conditions, will provide continuous sustainability of use of genetic resources of medicinal plants of Yugoslavia.

In the future, emphasis will be put on the preservation and conservation of diverse genetic potential and divergence of these plants. This work is being done in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Institute for Plant and Animal Genetic Resources, which does the collecting and evaluation, both scientific and expert, of the use of plant and animal genetic resources of Yugoslavia. In this way, 459 different genotypes, sorts and populations of 190 types of medicinal and aromatic plants have been collected so far, and are kept in the institutes and in the Bank of Plant Genes of Yugoslavia.

The needs for some sorts, that is varieties of some of our specific original (wild grown, autochthonous) medicinal plants in our industry and one of the world, as well as possibilities of trade with the countries that are interested for plantation breeding of plants, are constantly increasing. These plants are becoming important commercial merchandise (raw and dried plant material, separated active substances, pharmaceutical raw materials, seed and nursery plants, tissue culture...).

The market of medicinal plants in Yugoslavia is supplied by collecting medicinal plants from nature, by breeding and by import. Collecting and breeding satisfies most of the demand, while the import is of the varieties that do not grow in our region.
 

In the area of medicinal plants, Yugoslavia is still treated as an exporter of raw materials, especially on the European market. Our political and economic changes have also had effect on the export of medicinal plants. In the period 1991-1999 (excluding '93-'95), a total of over 5000 tons of medicinal plants have been exported from FR Yugoslavia, and around 400 tons of them have been imported. Among the exported were mostly Mentha sp. (2396 t), Salvia officinalis (1958 t), Matricaria chamomile (499 t), Tilia sp. (232t), Althaea officinalis (232 t), Gentiana lutea (79 t). Medicinal plants from FR Yugoslavia are mostly exported to European countries (80.26%), and then to USA and Canada (19.74%). The biggest importer of Yugoslav medicinal plants among the European countries is Germany (54%). The largest part of exported medicinal plants is not in the final phase of processing, and regarding this we are treated as the exporter of raw materials, which only shows insufficient use of natural resources.
 

Collecting of medicinal plants has a long tradition in Yugoslavia. Plants are collected for personal needs and for commercial use. The actual development of collecting medicinal plants can be divided in two phases. In the first phase they were collected for personal needs and later on purchasing centers were developed, so that collecting is done for the purpose of placing them on the domestic and foreign markets. In spite of this richness, medicinal plants cannot be collected and taken from nature in excessive quantities, because that would pose a question of its' survival. Since 1993, the collection of economically significant plant varieties is in Yugoslavia regulated by law, so as to protect natural populations from excessive use. Permits are issued for collecting wild grown medicinal plant varieties, and quantities that can be collected are determined.

Breeding of medicinal plants, under conditions that assume the realization of optimal yield, which is evident through the entire plant mass, quantity and structure of active substances, showed a number of advantages in comparison to the traditional collecting of plant material.

Our more intensive breeding of medicinal plants begins in the middle of this century, so that in the '70-ties a relatively bigger quantity of raw materials was produced, gained out of around 15 bred plant sorts.

The current assortment in our country is represented by domestic (autochthonous) populations, adapted and improved domestic varieties, as well as by the new varieties. By improving their features, varieties become defined regarding yield and also quality, and all for the purpose of maintaining their genetic identity. By improving the existing adapted genotypes, there is favourable influence on the decrease of varying of yield on one side, and its' increase on the other.

As a result of work for a significant number of years on improving medicinal plants, the Institute for crop and vegetable farming, Novi Sad, that is the Institute for hops, broomcorn and medicinal plants, gained new varieties of coriander (Coriandrum satvium L.) - NSBP-186, Sava i Nikola. Their genetic potentials for the yield of the fruit surpasses 2500 kg/ha. The yield of the essential oil is increased for about 50-150%, and its contents for 40-130% in comparison to the standard variety. The variety of mild mint was also gained (Mentha x piperita L.) - Danica, with the genetic potential for the yield of the raw overground part of the plant (herba) over 30 t/ha from two swaths. The yield of dry leafs is increased for about 33%, and of the essential oil for 40% in comparison with the standard variety.

The newly selected varieties cannot be realized until sufficient quality seeds are produced for their commercial breeding in the area for which it is intended. The development of seed breeding depends on the variety, because it conditions and determines all of the future production. Although we have results in the selection of medicinal and aromatic plants, as a predecessor of seed breeding, the reached level does not satisfy. It is estimated that over 50% of the areas for the production of medicinal plants are being planted with non-variety that is with the undeclared seed, which contributes to the unstability of production.
 

Under the culture of medicinal in Yugoslavia this year about 4130 ha was planted. The largest are under mint (around 1200 ha), camomile (around 1000 ha), balm (around 300 ha), fennel (around 200 ha), marsh mallow (around 100 ha)... Among some of the plant varieties there exist constant oscillations regarding the planted areas according to years (camomile, mint...), and on the other hand there is a significant group of medicinal plant varieties (marsh mallow, valerian, angelica) that, beside the articulate requests for increase of production, are always produced on the same areas, as they were ten years ago.

The medicinal plants are oldest remedy and the primary raw material of the ancient civilisations so the healing with medicinal plants - phytotherapy is as old as mankind. This is the reason why medicinal plants have been utilised in our country also and they are still very much in use to treat and to prevent various ailments, and in general for health preservation.

It is also well known from the long time, their application in cosmetic agents for maintaining the beauty, care, cleaning and protection, so as in food industry (spices in cookery or additives in industry of drinks and beverages).

All these give enough reason to pay more attention to research of medicinal plants and their application in various branches of industry.

Recent investigation in field of naturally occurring medicinal row material of plant origin are directed towards:

• studying of active plant principals;

• discovering of new medicinal plant species; and

• studying of long time known and traditionally utilised plant species, with an aim to confirm their values.

The possibilities and modes of utilisation of plant row materials in phytotherapy are numerous and diverse:

• As single and monocomponent tea or tea mixtures;

• For obtaining tinctures and extracts;

• For production of essential oils and isolates;

• For production of phytopreparations as additional medicinal agents.

The forms of possible application of medicinal plants in phytotherapy are, besides the herbal teas, solutions, elixirs, syrups, drops, suspensions, lotions, creams, gels, pills, tablets, tablets for use in the mouth, and capsules.

Phytopreparations, which might be found in our country, weather obtained from domestic producers or imported, have a wide spectrum of pharmacological action, achieved by various combinations of plant row materials.

Means that influence the sugar level in blood the most often contain Hyperici herba, Absinthii herba, Centauri herba, Legumine phaseoli.

For alleviation of psychical difficulties the most often combined herbal parts are Strobuli lupuli, Valerianae radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Hyperici herba, Menthae pip. folium, Melissae folium, Betulae folium, Rosmarini folium, Foeniculi fructus.

Means for care, alleviation of inflammation and for other changes of skin and mucous membrane in their composition mainly contain following herbal components: Rosmarini aetheroleum, Lavandulae aetheroleum, Salviae aetheroleum, Hyppocastani semen, extractum fluidum aethanoliceum, Meliloti extractum fluidum aethanoliceum, Calendulae extractum oleosum, Calendulae extractum fluidum PG, Symphyti extractum fluidum PG, Millefolii extractum fluidum PG.

In rheumatism and arthritis Camphor, Mentholum, and Capsicum are used.

Means that are used in respiratory system's disorders are made combining Plantaginis folium, Urticae folium, Mori nigri folium, Inulae radix, Saponariae radix and Thymi herba.

To ease haemorrhoid difficulties Hyperici extractum oleosum, Millefolii extractum oleosum, Chamomillae extractum oleosum, Hyppocastani extractum PG are used.

Means for regulation of high blood pressure and better heart operation are made with use of Crataegus summitates and Crateagus fructus, while those for improvement of blood circulation are made with use of Allii sativi bulbili and Alantoin.

In inflamed mucous membrane of oral cavity, throat and gums means are based on Mentae piperitae aetheroleum, Salviae aetheroleum, Thymi aetheroleum, Anisi aetheroleum, Salviae folium, Hyssopi herba, Hyperici herba.

Easing of coughing up may be achieved with the application of preparations that contain Thymi herbae exractum fluidum aethanolicum, Thymi tinctura, Foleniculi aetheroleum, Primulae extractum fluidum, Saponariae radix extractum fluidum aethanolicum, Mentholum.

Means for alleviation of coughing in their composition contain manly Plantaginis lanceolata extractum fluidum aethanolicum, Primulae extractum fluidum aethanolicum, Chamomillae tinctura, Thymi tinctura, Altheae radix, Altheae folium.

In digestive system's disorders following plant row materials are combined: Sennae folium, Cynarae folium, Myrtilli fructus, Cardui mariae fructus, Foeniculi fructus, Ceratoniae fructus, Chamomillae flos, Verbasci flos, Frangulae cortex, Lini semen, Hyperici herba, Centaurii herba, Absinthii herba, Inulae radix, Gentiana radix, Angelicae radix, Anisi aetheroleum, Carvi aetheroleum, Anethi graveolens aetheroleum.

In urinary tract inflammation, therapeutic effect is achieved with the application of Cucurbitae semen, Amaranthy crispi herba.

Toothache may be alleviated combing Caryophilli aetheroleum, Myrrha tincturae, Saviae tinctura.

Lately, products of higher phase processing of medicinal plants are more and more in use. Which extraction methodology will be used depends on the structure of herbal row material, sort of active components in that material and available equipment. Formulation of phytopreparations in certain pharmaceutical form is made according to herbal extract that is to be stable in physical, chemical and microbiological sense.

Technical procedures for production and criteria for quality and standardisation of herbal row materials and extracts for cosmetic means undergo same requirements as for the pharmaceutical ones.

Reasons for significant increase in application of natural products of plant origin in cosmetology are:

• Common trend turning back to the nature;

• Ecological aspect;

• Mysticism;

• Attractiveness;

• Exoticness.

In cosmetology the medicinal plants are used in the form of perfume base, cologne water, toilet water, lotions, soaps, creams and milks for care, masks and other. Action of herbal components in cosmetic preparations might be various.

Adstrigent action of means for oral cavity care and feet care, lotions prior to shaving is attained with the use of Quercus cortex, Betulae folium, Juglandis folium, Valerianae radix.

Antiflogistic effect of preparations for oral cavity care and in preparations for care of sensible and damaged skin is achieved with Chamomillae flos, Arnicae flos, Plantaginis folium, Millefolii herba, Bardanae radix, Liquiritiae radix.

For fabrication of preparations against dandruff and for body deodorisers, following herbal parts are used: Thymi herba, Foeniculli fructus, Anisi fructus.

Emollient action of facial masks, creams and lotions is attained with the application of Althea radix, Altheae folium, Malvae folium, Malave flos, Tiliae flos, Humuli lupuli flos.

Epithelizing effect is attained with the application of Calendulae flos, Hyperici herba, Viola tricoloris herba.

Hiperemizing action, in preparations for care of oily and unclean skin, as well as for bathing and showering is achieved with Menthae piperitae folium, Crataegi summitates, Juniperi fructus, Melissae folium, Rosmarini folium, Hippocastani semen.

Stretching the facial skin is most often attained with the application of Equiseti herba, Urticae folium.

For removal of pimples there is a lotion made of camomile while for treating the blackheads lotion is made of parsley.

Refreshing baths are made of combination of Juniperi fructus, Chamomillae flos, Menthae folium, Hyperici herba, Tiliae flos, Rosmarini folium.

Particular group of preparations for the external use comprises products for aromatherapy that have an increasing application all over the world as well as in our country. These products are recommended for inhalations, massage, as compresses, baths, solutions for rinsing and gargling, etc.

Medicinal plants in our country is also used in food industry and industry of beverages. The most applications medicinal plants find in form of seasonings in cookery, due to a present desire to satisfy sense of taste and smell. To improve the appearance of food Calendulae flos and part of the pistil of Crocus sativus are used. For satisfaction of the sense of taste and smell, number of plant species that are used is much higher.

In cooked food following herbs are used as spices: Menthae piperitae folium, Saturejae herba. In preparation of venison Salviae folium, Juniperi fructus, Melissae folium are used, while for roasted meat Carvi fructus, Coriandri fructus, Foeniculi fructus, Salviae folium, Majoranae folium/herba, Origani herba, Hyssopi herba, Rosmarini folium. For production of mustard and in preparation of pickled food Dracunculi folium and Sinapis semen used to be are added.

For soups, sauces, and in preparation of fish following spices are in use: Anisi fructus, Carvi fructus, Anethi fructus, Foeniculi fructus, Petroselini fructus/folium/radix, Basilici folium, Salviae folium, Thymi folium, Calendulae flos, Serpili herba. Majoranae folium used to be added to the meet products, while to bread Carvi fructus and Foeniculi fructus.

In production of sweets the most often herbal parts used are Anisi fructus and Liquiritiae radix while in preparation of jams and marmalades Sambuci flos.

Medicinal plants are very rarely used here as natural antioxidants (Salviae folium) or in conditor industry. However, there are more and more alcoholic drinks, juices, liqueurs, vines and other beverages where medicinal plants is added due to its aroma: Anisi fructus, Liquiritiae radix, Foeniculi fructus, Coriandri fructus, Sambuci flos, Myrtilli fructus.

In recent years Laboratory for Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, study and apply active substances from medicinal and aromatic plants finds the place in antimutagenesis/anticarcinogenesis. Given appropriate screening and fractionating methodologies it is possible to identify a wide variety of structural types in higher plants (tannis, essential oils, flavonoides, etc) possessing inhibiting or modulating effect on environmental genotoxic agents, which may allow the use of particular antimutagens as anticarcinogenes. Further study is aimed to determinate the usefulness of plant antimutagens as anticarcinogenes.

Application of medicinal plants is in its continuous expansion, here and all over the world, particularly in about last 10 years. Such a trend may be observed throughout progression in number of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and other relevant industries' products found on market.

Due to presented reasons, medicinal plants still represents subject of great interest form many researchers of different scientific domains.

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