Study Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Using Laser and Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

This research addresses the significant importance of medicinal herbs, highlighting their role as non-traditional crops. It explores the role of phytochemicals in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food, as preservatives, flavorings, and more. Specifically, the research focuses on the use of ATR-FTIR and laser spectroscopy to analyze their active compounds, presenting a methodology with potential applications for ensuring the quality of medicinal plant products. In this study, three medicinal herbs (Calligonum comosum, Caper oleoresinus, and Purslane) were investigated using infrared and laser spectroscopy. The aim was to study these important species and determine their properties and composition. To achieve this, a semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 805 nm and a fast detector were used to measure the intensity and energy of the radiation. The spectral results showed clear intensity peaks in the 10,000–15,000 cm⁻¹ range for the laser, and the infrared spectroscopy results showed strong absorption peaks indicating the active regions of the herbs. The importance of this research lies in the wide medical benefits of these herbs for improving the health of humans, as well as animals and other plants, as well as for preserving them and establishing reserves in their natural environment to benefit from scientific means, including lasers and spectral methods, in sustainable development.