Decontamination technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants: A review

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Microbiology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) possess therapeutic properties but are susceptible to microbial contamination.
• Contamination reduces shelf life and active compounds, necessitating effective quality assurance.
• Existing decontamination methods like ethylene oxide and gamma irradiation have drawbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biological contamination issues in MAPs.
• To investigate various decontamination technologies for MAPs.
• To assess the impact of these technologies on microbial load and plant quality.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microbial contamination in MAPs.
• Analysis of traditional and novel decontamination technologies (ozonation, cold plasma, irradiation, etc.).
• Investigation of microbial inactivation mechanisms and effects on MAPs' qualitative characteristics.

Main Results:

• Traditional methods have limitations, including toxic by-products and quality degradation.
• Emerging technologies like ozonation and cold plasma show promise for effective decontamination.
• The efficacy of different techniques on microbial reduction and MAP quality varies.

Conclusions:

• Novel decontamination technologies are needed to balance microbial control and quality preservation in MAPs.
• Ozonation, cold plasma, and other advanced methods offer potential solutions.
• Further research is essential to optimize these technologies for widespread application in MAPs.