Optimization of echinacea drops production technology

This diploma thesis deals with the production of herbal drops from Echinacea and the determination of the content of selected active substances. In the theoretical part, the taxonomic classification of echinacea, its botanical characteristics and growing conditions are mentioned. The history of cultivation and uses of this plant are also mentioned. An important chapter of the theoretical part is the chemical composition of the plant and differences in composition between individual cultivars of Echinacea. Methods for obtaining active substances and their determination are also mentioned. The last chapter is devoted to the technology of production of echinacea drops. In the experimental part, the extraction was optimized for dried flowers and roots of E. purpurea. The following extraction system was determined for the flowers: 40% ethanol, time 6 hours, weight to solvent ratio 1:10 and room temperature. For the roots, 20% ethanol and a time of 24 hours, a ratio of 1:10 and room temperature were evaluated as the best conditions. Furthermore, the best extracts were prepared, in which the content of total phenolic substances was set at 0.799-0.839 mg/ml, then the antioxidant activity was determined in the range from 116 to 242 µg T/ml, and finally the analysis of aromatic substances was performed by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Two commercial samples were also tested to compare the prepared extracts