Natural potentials of the medicinal plants from the Orchidaceae family with mucus as the main ingredients from Zlatar mountain

Abstract

The spontaneous medicinal flora of Zlatar Mountain was studied in the aim of realizing the possibilities of its sustainable use for the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. The special attention was paid to genera Orchis, Ophrys, Plathanthera, Gimnadenia, etc. from the orchid family (Orchidaceae) of which salep is made (Tuber salep). Salep is a typical mucous drug (contains over 50% of mucus), which is very beneficial and useful. The primary role of salep is to heal and strengthen the organism and urge the sexual and every other biological ability. Orchids of which salep is made (Orchis coriophora, Orchis laxiflora, Orchis morio, Orchis mascula, Orchis pallens, Orchis purpurea, Orchis simia, Orchis tridentata and Orchis ustulata) are to be found on numerous habitats of Zlatar (in the bright forests, clearing areas and on forest meadows).

Keywords

• Tuber salep
• Orchis
• drug
• Pharmacopoeia
• production of the orchids