[The influence of the initial humidity of balneological peat on its pharmacological features]

The viscosity of balneological peat got special meaning according to its thermical features. Until now, there has been no answer on the question in how far balneological peat, which is prepared with different degrees of humidity, can vary the pharmacological character. Aim of this work was, on the one hand, to examine which initial degree of peat-humidity is necessary to get the wished viscosity in therapy when diluted with water. On the other hand, how far the pharmacological character of balneological is influenced by the initial degree of humidity. From peat, with initial different degrees of humidity, balneological peat is prepared, fulfilling the demands of the Quentin-Test and therefore the necessary consistence for therapy. Here in this work the in-vitro effect of aqueous peat extract (APE) on the spontaneous contractile activity of the smooth muscle fibres of guinea-pig stomachs was examined. The APE used got initial different degrees of humidity. It was found out, that the ability of peat according to a new water-uptake, with a initial humidity under 60%, was clearly reduced. Because of the reduced water content of balneological peat its thermical features were deteriorated. This goes for peat with a humidity factor < 60%. First, with the Quentin-Test, showing the optimal viscosity of peat before medical use, you can also make statements according its ability of maximum uptake of water, meaning the ability taking up water until it becomes gel-like. Second, the results show that the initial humidity of peat got no influence on the pharmacological features.