STUDIED THE PROPERTIES OF A MEDICINAL OINTMENT BASED ON JUNIPER OIL

S. Lisovenko and D. Arazov, young specialists from one of the departments of the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, conducted research on the extraction of essential oils from various parts of juniper and the preparation of three types of medicinal ointments based on them. After studying the chemical composition of the plant parts, the healing properties of the ointment prepared using essential oil obtained from the bark and fruits of archa (juniper) were investigated together with pharmacologists from the Turkmen-Indian enterprise "Türkmenderman Ajanta Farma Limited." The scientists focused on the production of 1%, 3%, and 5% ointments based on the essential oil, revealing the potential of the composition to treat burns, including those of the retina, accelerate healing processes, and contribute to wound cleansing. In addition, unlike other ointments, the juniper ointment does not cause any irritating effects.

Juniper grows extremely slowly, forming dense wood saturated with resinous compounds, making it resistant to insect pests and plant disease pathogens. Its needles emit phytoncides and aromatic volatile essential compounds. The above-ground part of the plant is recognized as phytomaterial for use in calming baths, applying compresses on joints, and making infusions and aromatic oils. The healing properties of Turkmen juniper are attributed to its essential oils, which contain many active substances including alcohols, terpenes, and acids. In the past, it was also used in well construction, where the inside was lined with wood tiles. This prevented water from spoiling and made the well last many years thanks to the antibacterial properties of the wood. The tree’s branches are an excellent antiseptic and air freshener for homes: the needles retain their aroma for a long time and suppress microflora.

The stems, fruits, and needles of juniper have also been used in traditional medicine to prepare natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral remedies. The cone-like berries were considered diuretic and expectorant raw materials, and the juniper balm was used for wound healing. Scientific literature indicates that the plant's essential oil stimulates (irritates) the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, has a beneficial effect on the intestine, acts as a laxative, and increases secretion of bronchial glands. The bark contains 0.73–0.87% essential oil, which may include components such as α-pinene, limonene, cadinene, and cedrol.

As the scientists emphasized, their task was to determine the medicinal potential of the natural plant for obtaining pharmaceutical forms, the range of which can be expanded through further research. It should be explained that the project assumes the cultivation of archa trees in culture (nurseries), not harvesting raw materials from nature, since Turkmen arça is listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. This means that forming industrial plantations for growing pharmaceutical raw materials from seedlings obtained in nurseries can not only become the basis for producing a new national product but also contribute to the reforestation of the foothill areas.

The wood of archa is strong, durable, and long-lasting, attracting people for many centuries as a building material and main type of fuel (it burns hot and long, similar to saxaul, which in terms of heat capacity equals hard coal. Therefore, during the Great Silk Road era, charcoals of archa and saxaul were valuable goods). Archa was also used as fuel in pottery production: the necessary burning temperature (up to 1000 °C) and absence of soot were highly valued during firing.

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