Useful indoor plants. Phytoncides. Herbal antibiotics - phytoncides Phytoncidal properties of indoor plants

Elena Doskach

The air environment of our premises is far from ideal. In addition to ordinary dust, the air has a high content chemical compounds, which emit building materials, furniture, not to mention exhaust gases.

In addition, the air environment contains pathogenic microorganisms, such as: streptococci, staphylococci, sarcins (E. coli, mold fungi.

Once in favorable conditions, these microorganisms cause various respiratory, intestinal diseases, as well as allergies.

According to studies, the content of harmful microorganisms in the premises of kindergartens often exceeds the norm by 2-3 times.

What can be done to somehow neutralize the harmful effects of these microorganisms?

It is possible to improve the indoor air environment by using certain plants for landscaping.

Everyone knows that some plants produce phytoncides.

Phytoncides- These are volatile substances that can suppress the vital activity of harmful organisms.

Academician N. G. Kholodny called phytoncides atmospheric vitamins, because they are needed in very small quantities and act like vitamins. Also, some plants serve as a filter of harmful substances, acting as a "green liver". In addition to the fact that plants purify the air from toxic gases: formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, they also feed on them, turning them into sugars and amino acids. Along with plants whose volatile substances have pronounced phytoncidal properties, there are plants whose volatile substances have healing effect on the human body.

All these plants can be grouped into 3 groups:

1 group- phytoncidal plants that have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal activity. They suppress the vital activity of streptococci, staphylococci, sarcins, mold fungi.

Plants of the 1st group:

Aloe, Dieffenbachia, Roicissus, Begonia, Kalanchoe, Sansevier, Briophyllum, Coleus, Crassula, Geranium, Euphorbia, Thuja, Hibiscus, Ivy, Ficus

It is necessary to take into account the specificity of the action of volatile substances of plants. For example, volatile substances begonias active against staphylococcus and, especially, mold fungi, but neutral against sarcins (intestinal bacteria). If the room is darkened, damp, then an increased content of mold fungi in the air is characteristic. In such premises, it is recommended to grow primarily begonia, which is also shade-tolerant. In addition, myrtle, laurel, monstera, ivy, lemon, ficus can adapt to these conditions. Kalanchoe acts on staphylococcus and sarcina. thuja active against pathogens of diphtheria and whooping cough. Ivy, coleus- in relation to sarcina.

2 group- Plants that have medicinal properties. They increase immunity, improve cardiac activity, soothe, have anti-inflammatory effects.

Plants 2 groups:

Monstera- has a beneficial effect on people with a violation of the nervous system, eliminates headaches and heart rhythm disturbances.

fragrant geranium- has a calming effect, helps with insomnia, various neuroses.

Spurge- has a sedative effect.

Lemon- improves heart function, lowers blood pressure, improves general condition.

In aerophytotherapy, these plants are used as a bronchodilator, antispasmodic and sedative.

Over the course of 10 years in preschool institutions Novosibirsk doctors of the Novosibirsk Medical Academy conducted an experiment - they checked the effect of phytoncidal plants on children's health.

It turned out that the phytoncidal range of action of myrtle extends to 5 meters. At this distance, microbes are not viable.

However, myrtle does not tolerate dry air, especially in winter time- Leaves fall off.

3 group- plants whose filters absorb harmful gases from the air: formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, hexane.

Plants of the 3rd group:

Ficus, cissus, chlorophytum.

Chlorophytum cleans the air much better than special technical devices. For example, to clean a medium-sized apartment from harmful gases, approximately 10 chlorophytums will be required.

Especially for kindergartens, a range of plants with high phytoncidal activity, which heals the body, is unpretentious in care and easily propagated, has been developed. Certain plants should be placed in certain rooms.

Plants of all 3 groups are suitable for playrooms.

In nursery and junior groups exclude poisonous (albeit useful): spurge, dieffenbachia, alocasia, because children do not yet realize the danger posed by a completely harmless-looking plant (milky and poison juice can cause allergies or even severe burns). Plants with thorns are also not recommended in younger groups. But in senior groups, where children already know about the danger that may come from flowers, you can place phytoncidal plants, even those containing poisonous juice. It is necessary to explain to the children what kind of plant it is and how to handle it.

AT game rooms , where children spend most of their time, contains an increased amount of dust, which means that there is a high contamination with spore cultures: molds and bacilli. Often, it is the air saturated with dust that causes poor health. You can also avoid these troubles with the help of plants.

For example - cyperus. This plant increases the humidity of the air, which contributes to the settling of dust. Cyperus loves water very much, with pleasure evaporates it into the air, so the pot with this plant is constantly kept in a pan with water. A good moisturizer is hibiscus(Chinese rosan).

Receptionist it makes sense to install plants with a pronounced antimicrobial and tonic effect. For example, myrtle, thuja, sansevier. They perfectly disinfect the air, even kill the diphtheria bacillus. In this case, the child, before entering the group, will naturally cleanse itself, thanks to the biologically active substances of plants.

Plant care rules

When purchasing plants, you first need to find out how much they need light.

Light-loving, t air is not less than 15.

Aloe, geranium, kalanchoe, coleus, peperomia, crassula.

Less demanding on light, t not lower than 20 - 25.

Begonia, dieffenbachia, sansevier.

Shade tolerant, cold hardy.

Cissus, ivy, epipremnum.

It is important not only to place the plants correctly, but also to take proper care of them. Special attention should be irrigated. You need to water not by the day, but as needed. Some plants will tolerate the drying of an earthy coma without any problems (aloe, Kalanchoe, Crassula, others will immediately shed their leaves and may even die (myrtle).

It is equally important to spray the plants. In winter, during the heating season, air humidity drops sharply, and dry air is just as destructive for some plants as dry land. If you grow myrtle, lemon, laurel, then it is advisable to place them away from the battery and spray them with cold water at least twice a day. Spraying is also good because it prevents the appearance of pests, since dry air contributes to the spread of whiteflies and spider mites. If pests have already appeared on the plants, then it is necessary to deal with them not with pesticides, but with daily spraying of the internal and outside leaves. If there are a lot of pests, a cold shower is effective. To do this, you need to put the plant in a bath, cover the ground with a film, and apply soapy foam on the leaves, rinse it off with water after 10 minutes.

If you do this regularly for a week, the plant will get rid of mites, whiteflies, aphids. You can fertilize indoor plants at any time of the year, but only healthy ones.

In conclusion, I would like to wish you not to clutter up the room with a lot of pots, jars, bowls with plants (sometimes stunted). It is more rational to have 2-3 well-groomed, healthy plants that create a more comfortable atmosphere in the room, better purify the air.

Attach a label with a name to each plant pot. The name must be correct, literary. It is not necessary to fix in the memory of the child the colloquial names of plants, such as "birch", "Roly - wet", "pike tail", etc.

Be healthy!

Baturin Ilya

Purpose: to study the phytoncidal activity of some types of indoor plants by their effect on microorganisms.

Tasks: - to study the material on the phytoncidity of plants, including indoor plants;

To determine the degree of phytoncidal activity of some types of indoor plants by their effect on microorganisms, to identify plants with the highest phytoncidal activity;

Subject of study: the influence of tissue juices and volatile fractions of different types of indoor plants on the culture of ciliates.

Object of following: some types of indoor plants; culture of the simplest organisms (ciliates).

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RUSSIAN SCIENTIFIC AND SOCIAL PROGRAM FOR

YOUTH AND SCHOOLCHILDREN "STEP INTO THE FUTURE"

CITY SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE

SCHOOLCHILDREN "STEP INTO THE FUTURE, JUNIOR!"

Head: Petrova Elena Alexandrovna, teacher of biology of the first qualification category of MAOU "Secondary School No. 5", Ust-Ilimsk, Irkutsk Region

the Russian Federation

Irkutsk region

city ​​of Ust-Ilimsk

year 2012

Introduction _3_

1.Literary reference.

1.1 Houseplants in human life __________________________________________ _4_

2. The history of the discovery of phytoncides _________________________________________________ _5_

3. General information about phytoncides _______________________________________________ _6_

4. Phytoncidal properties of indoor plants ______________________________________________8

5. Therapeutic effects of volatile plant secretions on humans ____________________________9

Introduction.

Since ancient times, man has sought to decorate his home with plants. Interior gardening arose as an element of human culture that meets its aesthetic needs. A person felt himself to be one with nature, and he turned to her for healing, transferring a particle of wildlife to his home. This desire was intuitive. At present, the scientific approach to interior gardening implies a combination of aesthetic perception of the beauty of the form, color of flowers and leaves of plants with another useful function of plants, which has long been known: living plants improve the composition of the air and purify the atmosphere.Working with literary sources, we found that most plants, including indoor, possess bactericidal and protistocidalproperties, i.e. capable of causing the death of bacteria and unicellular organisms. Phytoncidal properties have been identified in more than 40 species of indoor plants. Modern people, including schoolchildren, spend a significant part of their time indoors, whereThe air is saturated with microorganisms, including pathogens.Therefore, knowledge on this topic allows you to choose for landscaping classrooms, offices, living rooms such types of indoor plants that can contribute to healing air environment premises.

Purpose: to study the phytoncidal activity of some types of indoor plants by their effect on microorganisms.

Tasks: - to study the material on the phytoncidity of plants, including indoor plants;

To determine the degree of phytoncidal activity of some types of indoor plants by their effect on microorganisms, to identify plants with the highest phytoncidal activity;

Subject of study: the influence of tissue juices and volatile fractions of different types of indoor plants on the culture of ciliates.

Object of following: some types of indoor plants; culture of the simplest organisms (ciliates).

1. Literary reference.

1. Indoor plants in human life.

The concept of "houseplants" includes all varieties and hybrids that a person has managed to select and breed as a result of breeding work over the centuries. And the history of indoor floriculture began in the distant XIII century. In the winter of 1240 The Dutch King Wilhelm arrived in Cologne, and a magnificent reception was held in his honor in a room decorated with flowering trees and shrubs. It was the very first winter garden in Europe, skillfully created by the outstanding gardener Albert Magnus. However, the unusualness of the sight contributed to the fact that Magnus was accused of witchcraft. Nevertheless, the first experiment on the creation of winter gardens was successful and found support.

Peter I built a small pavilion in Peterhof and kept citrus fruits in it. They were delivered with great difficulty on sailing ships.

The first houseplants were the most unpretentious specimens of bulbous and tuberous plants. In the Botanical Garden of St. Petersburg, since the time of Peter the Great, there has been a special department where you can purchase any exhibited plants and get advice on growing them.

Green plants have become an integral part of people's lives, their images can be found on coats of arms, banners, fabrics, paintings, dishes and other items. With the help of indoor plants, the lack of communication between a person and nature, which occurs not only in adults, but also in children, due to employment at school in the classroom and at home at the TV or computer screen, is filled. What a person experiences at the level of sensations, scientists call "video ecology" - this is a field of knowledge that explains the relationship of people with what is before their eyes. Video ecologists argue that a person’s eyeball periodically at some point looks for something to “catch on” to get some rest. Indoor plants are such an object that has a beneficial effect on the eyes and, accordingly, on the nervous system.

Humanity has long used plants as living filters.Indoor plants are able to neutralize harmful substances and gases that enter the tissues along with carbon dioxide.

The value of indoor plants is multifaceted. Many of them are able to saturate the air with aromatic volatile substances that kill pathogenic microbes and have a beneficial effect on human life. Some are able to help get rid of the disease. In addition, indoor plants are simply beautiful. As John of Kronstadt said: "Flowers are the remnants of paradise on Earth."

2.History of the discovery of phytoncides.

Phytoncides (from the Greek. phyton - plant and lat. caedo - kill) biologically formed by plants active substances that kill or inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms. 1

Phytoncides (from the Greek. phyton - plant and lat. caedo - kill), formed biologically active substances that kill or inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms; play an important role in plant immunity and in the relationships of organisms in biocenoses. (New Illustrated Encyclopedia, Moscow OOO Mir Knigi scientific publishing house. 2

The ideological father of all research on phytoncides of lower plants and bacteria is the famous Russian biologist I.I. Mechnikov is one of the founders of modern medicine. The doctrine of phytoncides is a special page in medicine, in the history of aromatherapy.

Volatile phytoncides of higher plants were first discovered in 1928-1930. A.G. Filatova and A.E. Tebekina. The essence of the main discovery, which turned out to be the starting point in the consciousness of the biological doctrine of phytoncides, was that higher plants, when injured, produce volatile antimicrobial substances.

The term phytoncides itself was proposed by the Russian scientist B.T. Tokin in 1934 to refer to volatile substances with antimicrobial properties that are secreted by plants. B.P. Tokin in 1928 described an interesting observation: if a slurry of crushed onion or garlic is applied to a glass slide, and next to it is a drop of water in which ciliates swim, then in a few minutes the cells will die. Similar experiments were made with many plants and various microorganisms, and the result was more or less repeated.

In addition, B.P. Tokin drew attention to the fact that food products cooked in oriental bazaars, in unsanitary conditions, do not cause outbreaks infectious diseases. The scientist suggested that the abundance of oriental spices somehow protects food from spoilage. He investigated the substances contained in spices, and found that volatile components give an antiseptic effect. He proposed to call these "volatile plant poisons" phytoncides.

In relation to higher plants, numerous evidence of the role of phytoncides in their immunity was obtained in the experiments of the school of D.D. Verderevsky. Curious observations were made by M.N. Khanin, A.F. Prokopchuk, L.A. Nikolaev, L.V. Krivolazova, Yu.I. Smetanin - workers of the Kuban medical institute. Phytoncidal properties were first discovered only in a few plants, but as the study progressed, their circle expanded.

___________________________

1 Encyclopedia of wildlife, volume 9, p.129

2 Big Russian Encyclopedia", 2005, p. 87

According to Academician V. G. Drobatko, about 85% of higher plants have them.

The antimicrobial properties of phytoncides determined big number research on their use in medicine, veterinary medicine, plant protection, storage of fruits and vegetables, Food Industry and etc.

The heyday in the field of studying phytoncides falls on 1950-1980. During these years, extensive studies were carried out in the USSR on the antiviral, antibacterial, immunotropic, and other effects of substances isolated from plants by extraction and other methods.

3. General information about phytoncides.

From a chemical point of view, phytoncides are a complex
gaseous and volatile compounds, which may include both inorganic and organic compounds: simple compounds such as strong acids and ammonia, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, volatile formaldehydes, alcohols, esters of low molecular weight fatty acids, resins. Thus, volatile complexes have a complex chemical composition, which determines the specificity of their action on different groups microorganisms.

Plants produce phytoncides in order to protect themselves from bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that can cause various diseases. The amount of phytoncides secreted by the plant changes during ontogenesis, increases when the plant is injured. According to Professor B.P. Tokina plant with the help of phytoncides "sterilizes itself." In a healthy plant, phytoncides are also involved in a variety of metabolic processes.

Phytoncides of different plant species are different in their composition and action. The protective role of phytoncides is manifested not only in the destruction of microorganisms, but also in the suppression of their reproduction, in stimulating the vital activity of microorganisms that are antagonists of pathogenic forms for a given plant, in repelling insects, etc. There are phytoncides contained in plant tissues in dissolved form, and volatile fractions of phytoncides released into the atmosphere, soil, water (in aquatic plants). Volatile phytoncides are able to exert their effect at a distance, for example, phytoncides of oak leaves, eucalyptus, pine, etc. In addition, volatile phytoncides cause the appearance of negative ions in the air and reduce the content of heavy positively charged ions in it, which has a good effect on human well-being and health

Active phytoncides are found in onions and garlic: vapors and extracts from them kill Vibrio cholerae, diphtheria bacillus, and pyogenic microbes. By ancestry Latin name garlic - allium - its active principle is called allicin. It is worth chewing garlic for a few minutes, as most of the bacteria living in the oral cavity die. The use of plants with a high content of phytoncides contributes to the release of microbes from the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. The bactericidal properties of plants are used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, in particular, the upper respiratory tract.

Usnic acid - phytoncide from lichen usnea - inhibits tuberculosis bacteria.

Many phytoncides are released from plants in a gaseous state. currant leaves, walnut, oak, alder, yellow acacia secrete hexenal, which kills protozoa in very low concentrations.

The resistance of potatoes and carrots to fungal diseases is determined by the phytoncide contained in them - chlorogenic acid. The disease "snow mold" on cereals, caused by the Fusarium fungus, destroys benzoxazoline phytoncide, which is formed in the tissues of cereals when damaged. Phytoncides of onion, garlic, bird cherry kill the phytophthora fungus that infects potatoes (potato rot). Phytoncides of mustard, horseradish, eucalyptus have a detrimental effect on the bacterium that causes cotton disease. It is useful to plant garlic bulbs between beds of garden strawberries. Garlic phytoncides will not allow a tender plant to get sick with gray rot. Interestingly, phytoncides have a much stronger effect on human and animal pathogens than on plant pathogens that have already adapted to their direct action. So, orange and lemon phytoncides are 40 times more likely to kill a dysentery bacillus that causes a serious human disease than a bacterium that infects lemon trees.

Scientists have calculated that the plants of the Earth annually release into the atmosphere about 490 million tons of phytoncides, volatile substances that kill or inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms.

However, phytoncides should not be considered only as specific protective substances. They can take part in thermoregulation and in other life processes of plants. Being one of the factors of plant immunity, phytoncides play an important role in the relationships of organisms that make up biocenoses. The works of N. G. Kholodny, A. A. Chesovenny and others. it has been proven that phytoncides play an important role in allelopathy, i.e. in the chemical interaction of plants in phytocenoses. It has been established that plants of one species inhibit or, conversely, stimulate the germination of pollen, the growth and development of plants of other species. For example, wheatgrass and oat phytoncides stimulate the germination of alfalfa pollen, while timothy grass phytoncides inhibit this process.

Phytoncides are also secreted by microorganisms and lower fungi. They are called antibiotics. Many powerful medicines are prepared on their basis.

4. Phytoncidal properties of indoor plants.

Academician N. G. Kholodny suggested that the volatile substances emitted higher plants and found in the air around us, are "atmospheric vitamins" or "vitamin-like substances", can be absorbed by the lungs of a person and have a beneficial effect on his body. Everyone knows the effect of volatile substances in the air of a pine forest and an oak forest on the general well-being of a person and on his nervous system. From this point of view, landscaping of cities, workshops and territories of factories, residential premises by selecting such plants, whose phytoncides act most favorably, is of great health significance.

It is known that a hectare of deciduous forest emits 2 kg of volatile phytoncides per day in summer, coniferous - 5 kg, and juniper - 30 kg of volatile substances harmful to microorganisms. Indoor plants also release phytoncides and purify the air from the microorganisms contained in it. For example, begonias and geraniums reduce the content of microflora in the surrounding air by 43%, cyperus - by 59%, and small-flowered chrysanthemum - by 66%.

Currently, research is underway to select species of indoor plants with bactericidal and protistocidal properties that can cause the death of bacteria and unicellular organisms. Phytoncidal properties have been identified in more than 40 species of greenhouse plants. Scientists have compiled an assortment of indoor plants of tropical origin that can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes at home and in crowded places: in kindergartens, schools, medical and preventive and other institutions, which can be combined into 3 groups:

Group 1 - plants whose volatile secretions have a pronounced antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal activity against air microflora. (Sansevera three-lane, spotted dieffenbachia, motley scindapsus, antarctic cissus, Voigne tetrastigma, fragrant pelargonium (geranium), Bloom's coleus, evergreen pyramidal cypress, common oleander, evergreen boxwood, Benjamin's ficus).

2nd group - plants whose volatile secretions improve cardiac activity, increase immunity, have calming, anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic effects.

(Attractive monstera, fragrant pelargonium (geranium), Sambac jasmine, common myrtle, lemon).

3rd group - phytofilter plants that absorb harmful gases from the air. For example, a spathiphyllum houseplant is able to absorb acetone, nephrolepis and ficuses absorb formaldehyde. The same group of plants includes: crested chlorophytum, Benjamin's ficus, Antarctic cissus.

In the late 1970s - 1980s. there was a direction, called phytodesign. Its founder, A.M. Grodzinsky, gave him the following definition: “Phytodesign is the use of plants to improve the habitat in artificial systems". The tasks of phytodesign are: purification and improvement of indoor air, humidification, ionization and enrichment with substances that have a beneficial effect on human health, as well as the creation of a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment.

To improve the indoor air environment, plants with high phytoncidal activity are used. The most phytoncide-active are the following: crested chlorophytum, violets, dracaena, yucca, monstera, Arabica and Arabian coffee, Kalanchoe, hibiscus, lemons and others.

It is noteworthy that most indoor plants are of subtropical and tropical origin, so the timing of the maximum production of phytoncides falls on them in the winter-spring period. This is very valuable, because. it is at this time that the frequency of acute respiratory diseases is especially high.

When studying the phytoncidal activity of plants during the day, it was found that it is maximum during the day and minimum at night. There is evidence that the intensity of production of phytoncides is related to the intensity of respiration - in the dark, plants practically do not emit phytoncides. The composition of the soil and air temperature also affect the release of phytoncides - poor nutrition and a decrease in temperature reduce the release of volatile substances by plants. In addition, some authors note that temperature has the greatest influence on the quantitative content of phytoncides. Its increase from 15 degrees to 20 leads to a significant increase in the amount of phytoncides in the air. An increase in air humidity has a negative effect on the release of volatile phytoncides, but moisture deficiency in dry times reduces phytoncide activity. The change in illumination only slightly affects the content of volatile phytoncides.

5. Therapeutic effects of volatile plant secretions on humans.

The champion among flowers is chlorophytum. This plant alone is enough to weaken the effect of nitrogen oxides in a room where gas welding has been working for several hours. To absorb the same formaldehyde emitted by thermal insulation made of synthetic materials, in an apartment of medium size, 40 chlorophytums will be required. The same number of plants almost completely cleared the air of pathogenic particles in a 20-meter living room. Moreover, the cleansing properties of flowers are noticeably enhanced if placed in flower pots. Activated carbon.
Chlorophytum also has a significant bactericidal effect. Specialists of the All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR) found out that in 24 hours this flower almost completely purifies the air of harmful microorganisms.
The plant is unpretentious, it grows well both in cool rooms, at a temperature of 10-12 degrees, and in rooms with central heating. It is quite light-requiring, but normally tolerates darkening. In summer, chlorophytum requires abundant watering and in a large pot can give so many shoots that it seems as if the plant has spread a green curtain around itself.
Another widespread plant that releases biologically active substances (citranella and geranium oils, as well as menthol and terpentyl that kill streptococci and staphylococci) is indoor geranium, or pelargonium. That is why this flower is recommended to be kept in the bedroom. Inhaling these healing compounds, a person calms down, which is very important for stress, neuroses and insomnia.
Pelargonium is a photophilous plant, feels good on a sunny window, it needs light and fertile soil. In winter, the flower is watered sparingly, pruned in February-March. The removed apical stems are used as cuttings: they are slightly dried and planted in boxes.
Another volatile plant for rooms is the elegant variegated dieffenbachia. It purifies the air of living rooms from toxins, so its place is in living quarters, the windows of which overlook a noisy highway or a large plant, factory.
In the room, dieffenbachia must be placed in a well-lit place (but it does not tolerate direct sunlight well). The flower loves heat, intensive watering and spraying with soft water at room temperature. With a lack of moisture, the plant stretches in length and discards the lower leaves; as it grows, the top needs to be pinched. Dieffenbachia should be transplanted carefully: its juice can burn the mucous membranes.
Phytoncidal properties are also possessed by such indoor plants as ficuses, ivy, dracaena, aglaonema.

Ficus is a houseplant with large leathery leaves. It grows well in very bright rooms, but not in direct sunlight. In autumn or winter, ficus often sheds healthy green leaves. Most often this happens due to excessive watering. So experienced growers it is advised not to water the plant in winter, but only to spray the leaves.
Numerous varieties of common ivy grow well in cool rooms. Ivy is shade-tolerant; He needs support to grow. In the spring, it is necessary to cut the shoots, it is also desirable to regularly spray the plants and wash the leaves.

Among the most unpretentious useful plants applies to dracaena. Most commonly grownfragrant dracaena- a large plant with light green leaves, wavy at the edges. More decorativevariegated dracaena, but they need a higher temperature, high humidity air and a bright location, while an ordinary plant takes root well in semi-dark places.From time to time, the dracaena should be bathed in the shower, removing dust from it.

Aglaonema is a plant with leathery, patterned leaves. It is not demanding to light, it is thermophilic and winters well in a room with central heating. In summer, the plant is watered abundantly, in winter watering is reduced. After flowering, small red berries may appear, but these fruits are poisonous.
Noble laurel - an evergreen shrub with leathery, fragrant leaves, is now extremely rare in rooms, but in vain: the substances it releases kill viruses and bacteria, including the tubercle bacillus. It is especially useful to keep this plant for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, spasms of the intestines and biliary tract. Laurel is photophilous and grows well only in a sunny window. The plant is easy to shear, usually it is given a spherical shape. Before late autumn laurel can live outdoors.
And finally, another group of useful, volatile plants - cacti and other succulents, especially with long needles - come from Peru, Chile and the mountainous regions of Mexico. According to experts, these plants not only kill microbes, but also reduce harmful air ionization, protecting us from electromagnetic radiation. The place for these flowers is near the TV and computer monitors. For normal growth, they need a lot of heat and light, but they need to be accustomed to direct sunlight gradually.
With the help of flowers, you can achieve and increase the humidity of the air. Flowers that need a lot of moisture usually return it through the leaves. These are violets, cyclamens, various ferns.

6. Prevention of respiratory diseases.

The incidence rate of children and adults with acute respiratory diseases currently remains high. This problem is especially acute in children's organized groups. With a long stay of even practically healthy children in enclosed spaces, the total contamination of the air with microorganisms increases.

Some plants serve as a filter for harmful substances, acting as a "green liver". They can accumulate most pollutants from the atmosphere, especially compounds of sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, formaldehyde, phenolic compounds, some metals, and use them as a source of macro- and microelements to build a number of structural and functional systems. In most cases, these are tropical plants that have an increased air-purifying ability due to their ecological and biological abilities:

Fast-growing plants with a large number of stomata on the leaves, for example, Benjamin's ficus;

Plants that reproduce vegetatively with the help of "kids", for example, crested chlorophytum.

Plants are epiphytes that have special aerial roots, such as some orchids, or special scales - trichomes on leaves, such as some bromeliads.

Ficuses effectively purify the air in the apartment from toxic formaldehydes, and they not only bind toxic substances, but also feed on them, turning them into sugars and amino acids. It has also been established that ficuses successfully filter out other toxic substances from the air, for example, benzene evaporation products, trichlorethylene, pentachlorophenol.

Chlorophytum is a well-known unpretentious indoor plant. It is believed that it purifies the air much better than special technical devices. The results confirmed that chlorophytum has a pronounced ability to absorb gases. It was found that one medium-sized plant with ampelous shoots ending in children with aerial roots can completely neutralize the primary concentration of toluene and benzene xenobiotics (437 - 442 mg / m 3) after 216 hours.

Experts from the World Health Organization list electromagnetic and ionizing radiation displays, electrostatic field, noise, screen ultraviolet radiation. Plants can remove static electricity. For example, if an electrified ebonite stick is brought to a plant, a discharge will occur. Employee of the Institute of Human Ecology and Hygiene and the Environment Ph.D. L.M. Teshkeev, it is recommended to regularly wet clean your workplace, use plants or install it on your desktop to remove static electricity. small aquarium. The significance of the widely advertised cactus for these purposes should be clarified. The cactus does not absorb radiation - it does not need it !!! The electromagnetic field that a computer creates around itself, as well as any electrical appliances, is much more familiar to us than to a cactus. However, as physicists explain, the cactus “receiver” needles can take “charges” of the electrostatic field, but in this case the needles must be wet. However, frequent watering and spraying will harm the cacti!

In general, it seems to me that the number of plants in our school should be increased, especially on the third floor. This will cheer up students, increase academic performance and performance.

7. Obtaining a culture of protozoa (ciliates) necessary for the study.

Initially, it is necessary to obtain a culture of hay sticks, which is food for ciliates. For this inclean dishes should be put a little meadow hay (without flowers) at the rate of 100 g per 1 liter of water and boil it for 15-20 minutes until a strong infusion is obtained. When it cools down, it must be filtered with a funnel and cotton wool. Then cover the jar with filtered infusion with gauze. After a couple of days, a bacterial film will appear on the surface, due to which the ciliates will feed.

To obtain a culture of ciliates, it is necessary to add a culture of ciliates, which can be taken from a natural reservoir, to the previously obtained infusion with hay bacterium bacteria. To do this, first collect water from the bottom layer of the pond into a test tube, which must be viewed under a microscope. If other ciliates are found in the sample besides the shoe, it is necessary to dilute the water taken from the pond with clean water until only shoes remain in it. The top of the jar must be covered with a piece of gauze folded in half so that cysts of other protozoa do not get into it. After five to seven days, the ciliates will begin to multiply profusely, and they can be viewed under a microscope at a magnification of 30-40 times. Initially, various ciliates develop in the hay infusion, but the ciliates of the shoe gradually begin to predominate.

In addition to the method described above,cultures of infusoria, we tried to get a culture of these protozoa by adding water from the aquarium to the cooled hay broth. "Old" water, in which almost no decay processes occur, is unsuitable for planting culture. Water should be taken from aquariums with regular partial water changes. From the same aquariums it is useful to collect rotten leaves and stems of plants, squeezing them into a nutrient medium large quantities ciliates. A mixture of decoction with aquarium water should have the color of thick tea.

For the development of the culture, minimal light and a temperature not higher than 18-20 ° C are required. Strong light and heat speed up the processes of decay, and in an incubator jar, they should occur at a slower pace.

1-2 days after laying the culture, the water in the jar becomes very cloudy and begins to emit a putrid odor. Gradually, the smell disappears, and after 5-6 days, clusters of ciliates appear in the upper layers of the water, which are richest in oxygen.

7.1. The influence of tissue juicesome types of indoor plants on the culture of ciliates

We used a variant of the method for determining the phytoncidal activity of plant extracts developed by B.P. Tokin. In this case, the activity of phytoncides, which are part of the tissue sap of plants, is determined.

Equipment: leaves of houseplants with petioles, microscope, mortar and pestle, pipette, slides and coverslips, ciliate culture vessel, tissue for wiping the microscope and glass slide, pure water for washing, stopwatch.

Performance of work: preparation of equipment for work: we obtained tissue juice from plants by preparing gruel, rubbing the leaves of plants with a pestle and mortar.A few drops of the juice of the plant under study were squeezed through gauze.

Drops with a culture of ciliates were applied to a glass slide, and the activity of ciliates was observed under a microscope. Then they applied drops of plant juice next to a drop with ciliates, combined two drops. We observed the change in the activity of ciliates until their death, marking the time with a stopwatch. The experiments were carried out twice. The data was entered into a table. (Appendix 1)

Phytoncidity of plants is calculated by the formula: A=100:T,

where A is volatile activity (%); T is the time of death of microorganisms (in minutes). Examples of calculations are presented in Appendix 2.

Conclusion: different types of indoor plants exhibit different phytoncidal activity of cell sap. The highest activity of tissue sap phytoncides can be noted in tiger begonias, geraniums, crested chlorophytum, and Kalanchoe. The least phytoncidal activity of the studied species of indoor plants was shown by fuchsia, Benjamin's ficus. Many species of phytoncide-active houseplants identified by us coincide with the literature data.

7.2. Definition remote phytoncidal activitysome types of indoor plants.

In this case, the influence of the volatile fraction of phytoncides on protozoa is determined. For the study, we took plants that, according to the results of the previous experiment, showed the greatest phytoncidal activity: crested chlorophytum, zonal geranium, tiger begonia, Kalanchoe.

The leaves of these plants were ground in a mortar to the state of gruel.A drop of water with protozoa (ciliates) was placed on a glass slide, and at a distance of several millimeters from it, a slurry from the plant under study was placed. Observed under a microscope for changes in the mobility of ciliates. Fixed the time for which they all stop moving. The data were entered in table 2 (Appendix 2).

Conclusion: the time of exposure to protozoa has increased; volatile phytoncides immobilize ciliates at a distance, but more slowly. The phytoncidal activity of the volatile fraction of the studied plants did not fully coincide with the phytoncidal activity of the cell sap of the same plant species. The highest activity of volatile phytoncides can be noted in geranizonal and crested chlorophytum, the lowest (of the studied species) in geranizonal (Appendix 3).

Conclusion.

We have determined the phytoncidal activity of some types of indoor plants, investigating the effect of cell sap phytoncides and the volatile fraction on the culture of protozoa (ciliates). The variant of the methodology for determining the phytoncidal activity of plant extracts developed by B.P. Tokin.

We have found that different types of indoor plants exhibit different phytoncidal activity of cell sap. The highest activity of tissue sap phytoncides can be noted in tiger begonias, geraniums, crested chlorophytum, and Kalanchoe. The least phytoncidal activity of the studied species of indoor plants was shown by fuchsia, Benjamin's ficus. Many species of phytoncide-active indoor plants identified by us coincide with the literature data.

Determining the activity of phytoncides of the volatile fraction of the most phytoncide-active plants (according to the results of our research), we found thatthe time of exposure to protozoa has increased; volatile phytoncides immobilize ciliates at a distance, but more slowly. The phytoncidal activity of the volatile fraction of the studied plants did not fully coincide with the phytoncidal activity of the cell sap of the same plant species. The highest activity of volatile phytoncides can be noted in geranizonal and crested chlorophytum, the lowest (of the studied species) in geranizonal.

A study conducted by us at school number 5, where we study, showed that the majority of phytoncidal plants are in the classrooms of elementary school classes. This indicates that children in grades 1-4 are more protected from acute respiratory and other infectious diseases than secondary school students.

We found that there are very few phytoncidal plants on the second and third floors, and in some rooms there are none at all (rooms No. 311, 313, 303, 217, 218, 304). But it is here that they will come in handy, since there are rooms with a large information load - mathematics, history, Russian language, computer science. There are many plants in cabinets No. 209 (Russian language), but few plants with pronounced phytoncidal activity. There are no plants at all in the computer science classrooms, although they are most needed there, because there are computers in these classrooms.

Especially a lot of plants in the classroom of biology, geography, foreign language, which indicates that these rooms have good ecology.

The study of the degree of the ecological state of the air environment of the school classes showed the need for additional landscaping with phytoncidal plants. The percentage of phytoncidal plants to the total number of plants in the school is 27%.

Based on the results obtained, the following recommendations can be made: when landscaping premises, especially classrooms and apartments, it is necessary to take into account not only the decorative effect of indoor plants, but also their phytoncidal activity, as well as the ability to absorb harmful substances from indoor air and humidify the air due to increased transpiration. In addition, when selecting species of indoor plants, it is necessary to take into account, for example, the toxicity of some plants and the ability to cause allergies.

The most valuable plants for landscaping are:

Chlorophytum, different types of begonias (including tiger begonia), zonal geranium,kalanchoe (bryophyllum Degremont), variegated dieffenbachia, etc.

Work on this topic will continue. It is planned to study the phytoncidal activity of previously taken plants to compare the phytoncidal properties in winter and summer periods, as well as to study the phytoncidal properties of other plants.

Based on our findings, we recommend:

Use for landscaping offices and floors plants that produce phytoncides (chlorophytum, pelargonium, dieffenbachia, lemon, dracaena, monstera, etc.)

More often ventilate offices where there are few indoor volatile plants

Every Saturday to make general cleaning in the offices

Wet cleaning should be carried out in the cabinets carefully, with detergents

To convey to the consciousness of each student of the middle and senior level the need for a change of shoes

In health corners, disseminate recommendations on the use of indoor plants for aesthetic and health-saving purposes.

Bibliography.

1. Antadze L.V. Phytoncidity of leaves evergreens during the year // Proceedings of the III Meeting. "Phytoncides in medicine, agriculture and food industry" (Kyiv, June 22-25, 1959). Kyiv, 1960. S. 21-23.
2. Blinkin S.A., Rudnitskaya T.V. Phytoncides around us. M., 1981. 185 p.
3. Vederevsky D.D. Phytoncidal features of plants - the main factor of specific immunity to infectious diseases // Proceedings of the IV Meeting. on the problem of phytoncides (Kyiv, July 3-6, 1962): Proceedings. report Kyiv, 1962. S. 16-18.
4. V. On the phytoncidal activity of some greenhouse plants // Proceedings of the VIII Meeting. "Phytoncides. Role in biogeocenoses, significance for medicine. (Kyiv, 16-18 Oct. 1979). Kyiv, 1981, C, 95-97.
5. Tsybulya N.V. Effect of volatile secretions of common myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) on air bacteria depending on the season and leaf area. Siberian Biol. magazine 1993. No. 5. pp. 91-93.
6. Tsybulya N.V., Kazarinova N.V. "Phytodesign as a method of improving the human environment in enclosed spaces" // Plant Resources. 1998. No. 3. pp. 11-129.
7. Encyclopedia of folk methods of treatment.

Application 1. 3 min.

Appendix 2

fragrant geranium

10 sec - active

2 minutes. 5 sec. - slow

2 minutes. 35 sec. - partially died (12-died, 3-alive)

3 min. 25 sec. - all died.

A = ≈ 30.7

Chlorophytum crested

Observation of the movement of protozoa:

25 sec. – actively

30 sec. - slowly

1 min. 40 sec. – actively

3 min. - all died.

A = 100/3 33.3

fat girl

Observation of the movement of protozoa:

30 sec. – actively

1 min. 10 sec. - slowly

1 min. 30 sec. - died-11, alive-3

3 min. - all died

A = 33

Application3

... a drop of culture fluid (purified ciliates) is placed. Next, a smaller drop of plant juice is added to them (the juice is prepared immediately before the experiment: a freshly plucked leaf of the plant under study is kneaded in a mortar):

... and time is recorded on the stopwatch:

1. increasing traffic activity
2. deceleration
3. death of protozoa

Knowing the time of death of protozoa, volatile activity can be calculated by the formula:

A = ,

where A is volatile activity, and T is the time of death of protozoa

To ascertain the death of protozoa, you will need a magnifying glass or microscope:

Under a microscope, protozoa look like this:

All photographs used in the work are taken by the author.

Scientists have long thought about methods and means of plant protection. And not out of idle curiosity. A thorough study of this pantry nature led to the discovery of volatile compounds, the so-called phytoncides, which vegetable world releases into the environment to protect against bacteria, fungi, birds, insects and animals.

Many phytoncides have been isolated in pure form, and their chemical nature has been established. It turned out that some plants have phytoncides - organic acids, others - essential oils, amino acids, alkoids.

The text of the work is placed without images and formulas.
The full version of the work is available in the "Job Files" tab in PDF format

For centuries, people have tried to decorate and equip their homes with plants. In today's noisy, fast-paced and polluted world, the role of plants has increased many times over. It is especially great in a cold climate, where a person spends most of his time indoors and is deprived of the opportunity to communicate with wildlife. According to the center space research USA and Köhl University, the air in urban homes and offices contains more than 200 different toxic substances. The presence of vapors of formaldehyde, acetone, methanol, benzene - all this is the result of civilization. Therefore, people who spend a long time indoors are increasingly experiencing a feeling of nausea, allergies, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Under these conditions, the normal development and health of children largely depend on the quality of the indoor environment - schools, kindergartens, etc. Protecting themselves from dust and noise, modern premises are becoming more airtight and the concentration of potentially hazardous substances increases in them. Reduction of risk factors can be achieved by means of landscaping. This area is little studied, so I got interested. I decided to conduct a study of the phytoncidity of indoor plants. In the popular science literature, I practically did not find data on the phytoncidal activity of indoor plants, which surprised me very much, because we spend most of the time in residential premises and in public institutions. I had a problem: how can this be done. On the Internet, I managed to find articles on a topic of interest to me. I found out that many scientists working in this field offered their own methods for determining the phytoncidity of indoor plants. The famous Russian scientist B.P. Tokin developed his own methodology. He investigated the phytoncidity of indoor plants using the simplest ciliates. Laboratory of Professor B.P. Tokin, more than 500 plant species with phytoncidal properties were discovered. Based on numerous studies, the time of death of protozoa after non-contact exposure to phytoncidal plants was established. I decided to conduct a study and find out the effect of phytoncides of houseplants growing in the classrooms of our school on protozoa, and also to trace the effect of houseplants on cleaning the air of the biology room from microorganisms.

Objective: study of the influence of volatile phytoncides of indoor plants on biological objects

Main tasks:

Analysis of literature data on this issue.

The study of the composition and biological characteristics of phytoncide-active indoor plants in classrooms.

Study of the effect of tissue juices of indoor plants on ciliates.

Study of the effect of volatile phytoncides of indoor plants on mold fungi.

Study of the effect of gaseous phytoncides of indoor plants on the germination of cucumber seeds.

Conducting a sociological survey of students of MBOU “School No. 41” on the topic “What is

phytoncides?

The relevance of my work is due to the need to find environmentally friendly and, taking into account the growing resistance of microorganisms to chemical antibacterial drugs, effective means of protecting the environment of modern man from pathogenic microorganisms. Plant phytoncides, as a rule, do not disturb the balance of the natural microflora of a person, do not pollute the environment, and microorganism resistance is less likely to develop against them.

Thus, this topic seems to me relevant and practically significant, although remaining unexplored in many aspects. In this work, I conducted a study of the volatile activity of indoor plants, which is of particular importance in terms of proper landscaping of premises and educational institutions.

Solution to this problem we see in the study and application of natural biological helpers - indoor plants with active volatile properties.

The well-known phytoncide-active plants such as zonal pelargonium, fragrant geranium, arborescens aloe, begonia, lemon, Uzambara violet, crested chlorophytum were chosen as objects of study, which are widely known, available in the classrooms of the school and described in the literature. office of biology, geography, technology. According to the tasks set, in the process of research, the following methods: 1. Study and analysis of the literature on this issue; 2. Morphological description of indoor plants and colonies of microbial cells; 3. Microbiological methods: sedimentation method, Lunok method, mathematical statistics method.

Hypothesis: it is assumed that tissue juices and volatile fractions of different types of indoor plants have different effects on microorganisms. Based on this, it is possible to determine the degree of phytoncidity of these plants.

Object of study: some types of indoor plants; culture of the simplest organisms (ciliates).

Subject of study: the influence of tissue juices and volatile fractions of different types of indoor plants on the culture of ciliates.

Methods:

study and analysis of various information sources on this issue;

microbiological methods: cultivation of cultures of microorganisms; determination of the influence of tissue juices and volatile fractions of different types of indoor plants on the culture of ciliates in order to determine the degree of phytoncidality of these plants.

Chapter I. Literature Review

1.1. What are phytoncides

Phytoncides - Greek-Latin word: phyto- (Greek) - plant, cido- (Lat.) - “I kill”. These are biologically active substances of various chemical nature formed by plants. They have the ability to inhibit the development of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, microscopic fungi and even kill them. Phytoncides - main factor plant immunity, these are defenders against pathogenic microbes of humans and animals. Phytoncides are all fractions of volatile substances secreted by plants, including those that are practically impossible to collect in noticeable quantities. They are also called "native antimicrobial substances of plants" (Anikeev, 1983)

1.2. The history of the discovery and study of phytoncides

The ideological father of all research on phytoncides of lower plants and bacteria is the famous Russian biologist I.I. Mechnikov is one of the founders of modern medicine. Volatile phytoncides of higher plants were first discovered in 1928-1930. Mr. A.G. Filatova and A.E. Tebekina. The essence of the main discovery was that higher plants, when injured, produce volatile antimicrobial substances. The tissue (cellular) sap of many plants turned out to be even more active. The term phytoncides itself was proposed by the Russian scientist B.T. Tokin in 1934 to denote volatile substances with antimicrobial properties that are released by plants. B.P. Tokin drew attention to the fact that food products prepared in oriental bazaars, in unsanitary conditions, do not cause outbreaks of infectious diseases. The scientist suggested that the abundance of oriental spices somehow protects food from spoilage. He studied the substances contained in spices and found that volatile components give an antiseptic effect. He proposed to call these "volatile plant poisons" phytoncides.

There are phytoncides contained in plant tissues in dissolved form, and volatile fractions of phytoncides released into the atmosphere, soil, and water. Volatile phytoncides are able to exert their effect at a distance. All plants secrete them in order to protect themselves; Some plants emit small amounts of phytoncides, while others - including onions and garlic - are large. With regard to higher plants, numerous evidence of the role of phytoncides in their immunity was obtained in the experiments of the school of D.D. Verderevsky. Curious observations were made by M.N. Khanin, A.F. Prokopchuk, L.A. Nikolaev, L.V. Krivolazova, Yu.I. Smetanin - employees of the Kuban Medical Institute. Phytoncidal properties were first discovered only in a few plants, but as they were studied, their circle expanded. According to Academician V. G. Drobatko, about 85% of higher plants have them. Doctors and veterinarians became interested in the issue of the effect of phytoncides on pathogens, pathogens of humans and animals.

At the Institute of Microbiology and Virology named after D.K. Zabolotny of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, the problem of phytoncides has found a comprehensive development. In 1945, with the direct participation of Academician VG Drobatko, the preparation Imanin was obtained from the St. John's wort plant. In 1948, this drug was introduced into medical practice and is still used in the treatment of purulent wounds, trophic ulcers and other diseases.

When conducting a series of experiments to identify the effect of phytoncides on the morphology of a bacterial cell, it was found that under their action a relatively rapid and pronounced violation of such structures as the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane occurs, some cells are destroyed even after 3 hours.

The antimicrobial properties of phytoncides led to a large number of studies on their use in medicine, veterinary medicine, plant protection, storage of fruits and vegetables, in the food industry, etc. (Vvedensky 1956)

1.3. Basic information about phytoncides

From a chemical point of view, phytoncides are a complex of gaseous and easily evaporating compounds, which can include both inorganic and organic compounds: simple compounds such as strong acids and ammonia, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, volatile formaldehydes, alcohols, esters of low molecular weight fatty acids, resins. Thus, volatile complexes have a complex chemical composition, which determines the specificity of their action on different groups of microorganisms.

Phytoncides of different plant species are different in their composition and action. The protective role of phytoncides is manifested not only in the destruction of microorganisms, but also in the suppression of their reproduction, in stimulating the vital activity of microorganisms that are antagonists of pathogenic forms for a given plant, in repelling insects, etc. There are phytoncides contained in plant tissues in dissolved form, and volatile fractions of phytoncides released into the atmosphere, soil, water (in aquatic plants). Volatile phytoncides are able to exert their effect at a distance, for example, phytoncides of oak leaves, eucalyptus, pine, etc. In addition, volatile phytoncides cause the appearance of negative ions in the air and reduce the content of heavy positively charged ions in it, which has a good effect on human well-being and health

Active phytoncides are found in onions and garlic: vapors and extracts from them kill Vibrio cholerae, diphtheria bacillus, and pyogenic microbes. According to the generic Latin name of garlic - allium - its active principle is called allicin.

It is worth chewing garlic for a few minutes, as most of the bacteria living in the oral cavity die. The use of plants with a high content of phytoncides contributes to the release of microbes from the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. The bactericidal properties of plants are used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, in particular, the upper respiratory tract. .

Usnic acid - phytoncide from lichen usnea - inhibits tuberculosis bacteria.

1.4. Phytoncidal properties of indoor plants

Academician N. G. Kholodny suggested that the volatile substances emitted by higher plants and found in the air around us are “atmospheric vitamins” or “vitamin-like substances” that can be absorbed by the lungs of a person and have a beneficial effect on his body. Everyone knows the effect of volatile substances in the air of a pine forest and an oak forest on the general well-being of a person and on his nervous system. From this point of view, landscaping of cities, workshops and territories of factories, residential premises by selecting such plants, whose phytoncides act most favorably, is of great health significance.

It is known that a hectare of deciduous forest emits 2 kg of volatile phytoncides per day in summer, coniferous - 5 kg, and juniper - 30 kg of volatile substances harmful to microorganisms. Indoor plants also release phytoncides and purify the air from the microorganisms contained in it. For example, begonias and geraniums reduce the content of microflora in the surrounding air by 43%, cyperus - by 59%, and small-flowered chrysanthemum - by 66%.

Currently, research is underway to select species of indoor plants with bactericidal and protistocidal properties that can cause the death of bacteria and unicellular organisms. Phytoncidal properties have been identified in more than 40 species of greenhouse plants. Scientists have compiled an assortment of indoor plants of tropical origin that can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes at home and in crowded places: in kindergartens, schools, medical and preventive and other institutions, which can be combined into 3 groups:

1st group- plants whose volatile secretions have a pronounced antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal activity against air microflora. (Sansevera three-lane, spotted dieffenbachia, motley scindapsus, antarctic cissus, tetrastigma Voigne, fragrant pelargonium (geranium), Bloom's coleus, evergreen pyramidal cypress, common oleander, evergreen boxwood, Benjamin's ficus).

2nd group- plants whose volatile secretions improve cardiac activity, increase immunity, have calming, anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic effects.

(Attractive monstera, fragrant pelargonium (geranium), Sambac jasmine, common myrtle, lemon).

3rd group- phytofilter plants that absorb harmful gases from the air. For example, a spathiphyllum houseplant is able to absorb acetone, nephrolepis and ficuses absorb formaldehyde. The same group of plants includes: crested chlorophytum, Benjamin's ficus, Antarctic cissus.

In the late 1970s - 1980s. there was a direction, called phytodesign. Its founder, A.M. Grodzinsky, gave him the following definition: "Phytodesign is the use of plants to improve the habitat in artificial systems." The tasks of phytodesign are: purification and improvement of indoor air, humidification, ionization and enrichment with substances that have a beneficial effect on human health, as well as the creation of a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment.

To improve the indoor air environment, plants with high phytoncidal activity are used. The most phytoncide-active are the following: crested chlorophytum, violets, dracaena, yucca, monstera, Arabica and Arabian coffee, Kalanchoe, hibiscus, lemons and others.

1.5. Significance for animals and humans

What do plants and phytoncides primarily affect, if we talk about human and mammalian organisms?

Reduce the quantitative content of microbes in the air up to 250 times per 1 m3. Therefore, walks in forests where such plants grow (coniferous, oak groves, deciduous) improve the condition of the lungs, normalize work respiratory system. They are very useful for patients with tuberculosis and other diseases in this area. Good bronchodilator action in linden, thyme, birch.

It is oak groves that have the ability to normalize high blood pressure, so this treatment is indicated for hypertensive patients.

Many herbs containing phytoncides and vitamins strengthen the immune system, act as a sedative, normalize sleep and mental state (melissa, oregano and others).

These compounds ionize the air, precipitate dust molecules, purify and disinfect the environment. Accordingly, improve the overall atmosphere for the normal development of living beings.

A number of plants help in the fight against colds, infectious and viral diseases(onions, garlic, raspberries, blueberries, radish, mustard and others).

Thus, the value of phytoncides for animal organisms and humans is important. With the help of them, you can save yourself from the use of strong antibiotics synthesized artificially, to prevent the formation of the consequences that they entail. Of course, the action of phytoncides will not be so fast, but it will be softer, more gentle and effective.

Chapter II. Materials and methods of research

In this paper, as a baseline, a variant of the method for determining the phytoncidity of plants, developed by B.P. Tokin, was initially considered.

In this case, the activity of phytoncides, which are directly part of the plant tissue sap, is determined. The main theses of this technique are described below.

Equipment: leaves of houseplants with petioles, microscope, mortar and pestle, pipette, glass slides and coverslips, ciliate culture vessel, cloth for wiping the microscope and glass slide, clean water for rinsing, stopwatch.

Completing of the work: preparation of equipment for work: obtaining tissue juice from plants by preparing gruel, rubbing plant leaves with a pestle and mortar. Squeezing a few drops of the juice of the plant under study through cheesecloth. Applying a drop with a culture of ciliates on a glass slide, observing the activity of ciliates under a microscope at a magnification of 56 times (14 x 4). The procedure for working with a microscope is standard. Further, applying a drop of plant juice next to a drop with ciliates, connecting two drops. Observation of the change in the activity of ciliates until their death, marking the time with a stopwatch. Experiments are carried out twice. Phytoncidal activity of plants is calculated by the formula: A=100:T, where A is phytoncidal activity (as a percentage); T - time of death of microorganisms (in minutes)

This technique was subsequently subjected to careful study on my part, and on the basis of what I studied, I proposed a more simplified method for determining the phytoncidity of indoor plants.

In the future, in this project, research was carried out according to the proposed methodology. Its description is given below.

The methodology of my research is to conduct a series of repeated experiments. Plant raw materials (leaves and cuttings of plants), crushed into gruel, are placed under a microscope in a Petri dish. A drop of water containing a culture of protozoa (in this case, shoe ciliates) is placed on the inner area of ​​the cup with a pipette, and the behavior of microorganisms is monitored for a certain time (1 minute). Observation is carried out as follows: the initial number of microorganisms in the medium is fixed, and then, after a certain time, the number of dead microorganisms is fixed. According to the percentage of dead microorganisms to their initial number in the environment, conclusions are drawn about the phytoncidal properties of indoor plants.

III. Research results and discussion

3.1. Species composition of phytoncide-active houseplants at school.

The research was carried out in the 2016-2017 academic year: from December to February at the MBOU "School No. 41"

Conducting a visual count and determining the most common houseplants in the school showed that the dominant species are: zonal pelargonium, arboreal aloe, crested chlorophytum, fragrant geranium, uzambar violet, lemon, begonia.

1. PELARGONIUM ZONE(lat. Pelargonium)

Geranium family, homeland - subtropics of South Africa, the genus contains about 250 species. The unpretentious plant very common has high, branched stems, reaching a height of 70 cm. Leaves with stipules, light green, rounded kidney-shaped, slightly pubescent. Blooms from early spring to late autumn, forming umbels of flowers, easily propagated by cuttings

2. ALOE TREE(Aloe arborescens )

Aloe tree-like (Latin, also known as “agave”) is an evergreen succulent plant, a species of the Aloe genus of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family (Xanthorrhoeaceae). Its natural range covers South Africa Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Malawi. It has a branched erect stem, the leaves are very thick and juicy, convex from below. The color of the leaf is gray-green, covered with a wax coating, propagated by apical cuttings.

3.LEMON(Citrus lemon ) Lemon (lat. Cítruslímon) - a plant; species of the genus Citrus (Citrus) subtribe Citrus (Citreae) of the Rutaceae family (Rutacea). Lemon is also called the fruit of this plant. Ornamental, evergreen fruit tree.

The smell of lemon stimulates the autonomic nervous system, has an invigorating effect. 4. Chlorophytum crested (Chlorophytum).

Chlorophytum (Chlorophytum) is a perennial herbaceous bush with green leaves, with hanging airy mustaches with small bushes of new plants. Chlorophytum is native to South Africa, where it grows like an epiphyte on the bark of trees. According to some data, the genus Chlorophytum belongs to the Asparagus family, according to others - to the Agave family. In Europe, chlorophytum became known only in the 19th century. mature plant chlorophytum reaches up to 50 cm in diameter and the same in height. The long leaves of chlorophytum are green, pale green with white or cream longitudinal stripes. Long shoots up to 80-100 cm long with small leaves and flowers cascade down from the center of the bush. Chlorophytum flowers are small white stars at the ends of long shoots, which then turn into leaf rosettes with aerial roots.

5. FRAGRANT GERANIUM (lat.Geranium )

Fragrant geranium is an unpretentious, fairly popular garden and indoor plant with a specific smell. The plant is a branched shrub with a well-developed nodular rhizome. The leaves are carved palmately lobed. Covered with villi that, when touched, exude an intense fragrance. The flowers are collected in umbrellas, small, inconspicuous, white-pink color. It is the peculiarity of spreading the unusual strong smell is a business card and main value fragrant geranium.

6. VIOLE OF UZAMBARSKMYA (SENPOLIA) (lat.Saintpaulia )

Saintpaulia(lat. Saintpaulia) a genus of flowering herbaceous plants of the Gesneriaceae family ( Gesneriaceae). One of the most common indoor plants; also known in floriculture as uzambara violet.

It grows in the mountainous regions of East Africa. Inhalation of volatile substances of these plants has a beneficial effect on the psyche, normalizes the heart rhythm, improves metabolic processes, enhances the body's defenses, normalizes the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex, increases efficiency and endurance to physical exertion.

7. BEGONIA (lat.Begonia )

Among begonias, there are annual and perennial herbs, shrubs (occasionally climbing) or subshrubs with a creeping or tuberous thickened rhizome, sometimes with a tuber. The leaves are usually asymmetrical, often beautifully colored (especially in cultivated species). Flowers irregular, unisexual, monoecious. Tepals unequal, brightly colored; the fruit is a box.

So, based on the data I received, it is possible to make conclusion about the fact that the most common plants in classrooms include:

3.2.Experimental studies of the level of phytoncidity of plants.

At the next stage of my research, I set out to determine the culture of protozoa for experiments to establish the level of phytoncidity. As one of the most common, I proposed the culture of shoe ciliates.

Infusoria shoe, paramecia caudate (lat. Paramecium caudatum) - a species of ciliates of the genus Paramecium, is included in a group of organisms called protozoa, a unicellular organism. The organism got its name from the permanent shape of the body, resembling the sole of a shoe.

Cultivation of Infusoria - shoes

Filled with water in 2 jars, with a volume of 3 liters.

1. We take hay and put it in a jar, we do the same operation with a banana peel. Cover with gauze on top.

Observations

Two weeks later, a micropreparation was prepared from the solution.

We saw actively moving unicellular animals.

A smaller drop of plant sap is added to a drop of liquid with protozoa. There is an increase in the movement of protozoa, then a slowdown in movement is detected, and then death follows.

If you detect the time of death, then the volatile activity can be calculated by the formula:

where A is phytoncidal activity, and T is the time of death of protozoa

The reaction of proteas to the action of phytoncides

Conclusion: The most phytoncidal activity is possessed by: fragrant geranium, crested chlorophytum, pelargonium.

3.3. Determination of the effect of gaseous phytoncides of indoor plants on the germination of cucumber seeds.

For the experiment, the seeds of the “Zozulya” cucumber variety were used (leaves of the studied indoor plants, 5 Petri dishes, a mortar and pestle, filter paper, plastic cups with a volume of 0.25 liters, scissors, electronic scales.) Place filter paper in Petri dishes . In the center we place containers with a side height of 0.5 cm (cut out from plastic cups), in which we place a gruel, ground in a mortar from 5 g of the leaves of the plants under study: cup No. 1 - Kalanchoe, No. 2 - geranium, No. 3 - chlorophytum, No. 4 - dieffenbachia, No. 5 - control, filled with water. Around the container along the perimeter, we place 10 cucumber seeds at an equal distance from each other on filter paper moistened with water. The experiment is repeated three times. We place the samples in a warm dark place.

The results of the experiment "Determining the effect of gaseous phytoncides of indoor plants on the germination of cucumber seeds" were filmed on the 5th day:

3.4. Determination of the influence of volatile phytoncides of indoor plants on saprophytic microorganisms:

For the experiment, you need: 5 jars with screw caps, a hard-boiled egg, a needle and thread, an electronic scale, a mortar and pestle, tissues from the studied plant samples, petroleum jelly. At the bottom of the first jar is placed gruel prepared by grinding in a mortar 10 g kalanchoe leaves, the second - geranium, the third - chlorophytum, the fourth - dieffenbachia, the fifth jar is empty - control. Using a needle, we hang five jars of eggs on a thread at a distance of 3-4 cm from the vegetable gruel (we use a paper stopper). Banks are tightly closed with lids, the edges of which are smeared with petroleum jelly. They are placed in a dark warm place for several days. We monitor the condition of the pieces of eggs.

The results of the experiment "Determining the effect of volatile phytoncides of indoor plants on saprophytic microorganisms" were filmed on the tenth day:

3.5. Sociological survey of students of MBOU "School No. 41"

Among students in grades 7-10, a sociological survey was conducted on the topic

"What do you know about phytoncides"

The students were asked the following questions:

What are phytoncides?

2. What function do they perform?

3. What phytoncide-active plants do you know?

4. Do all plants contain phytoncides?

5. How are people and animals affected?

Poll results:

Conclusion:

Having examined all the diagrams, we can say that the students are well aware of the concept of phytoncides and their properties, as well as in which plants phytoncides are contained and how they affect humans and animals

FINDINGS

1. Studied the composition and biological features phytoncide-active indoor plants in classrooms.

2. The study of the effect of tissue juices of indoor plants on ciliates showed that the following have the greatest phytoncidal activity: fragrant geranium (Geranium), crested chlorophytum (Chlorophytum comosum), pelargonium (Pelargonium).

3. The study of the effect of volatile phytoncides of indoor plants on mold fungi showed that the highest volatile activity is observed in diefenbachia (Dieffenbachia leopoldii) and geranium (Geranium).

4. The study of the effect of gaseous phytoncides of indoor plants on the germination of cucumber seeds showed that the shortest root length was observed in dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachialeopoldii) and geranium (Geranium).

5. A sociological survey showed that students do not have quite accurate representation about the properties of phytoncides and their significance.

List of cited literature

1. Anikeev V.V., Lukomskaya K.A.. Guide to practical exercises in microbiology.- M .: "Prosveshchenie", 1983. S. - 127.

2. Bagrova L.A. Children's encyclopedia "I know the world." Plant volume. - M.: TKO "AST", 1996. - S.27 -28.

3. Vvedensky B.A. Great Soviet Encyclopedia.- M .: "Soviet Encyclopedia", 1956. -S. 209-210.

4. Vasil'eva Z.P., Kirillova G.A., Laskina A.S. Laboratory works in microbiology. - M.: "Enlightenment", 1979. - S. 17-18.

5. Verzilin N.M. In the footsteps of Robinson. - M.: "Enlightenment", 1994. - S. 136 -137.

6. Golyshenkov P.P. Medicinal plants and their use. - Saransk. Mordovian book publishing house, 1990. - S.29-30.

7. Kretovich V.L. Fundamentals of plant biochemistry. - M.: "Soviet Science", 1956. S. 218-219.

8. Kudryashova N.I. Lemon treatment. - M.: "Image - Company", 1999. - S. 5 -7.

9. Nuraliev Yu. Medicinal plants. - Nizhny Novgorod. JV "IKPA", 1991. - S.29-31.

10. Sinyakov A.F. About tops and roots. - M ..: "Physical culture and sport", 1992. - S. 211 - 246.

11. Tvorogova A.S. Microbiological experiment at school. - Saransk, "Niva", 1987. - S. 5-10.

12. Shvechikova A.P., Kosogova T.M., Lutsenko A.I. Indoor plants and indoor air purity scientific and methodological journal "Biology at School" No. 1-2 1992. - S. 66 - 67.

12. " encyclopedic Dictionary young farmer” under the editorship of K.A. Ivanovich M .: "Pedagogy", 1983. - S. 329.

13. "Encyclopedic Dictionary of a Young Biologist", ed., M.S. Gilyarovich M.: "Pedagogy", 1986. - P.37.

Almost every person in the house has some indoor plants. We have long been accustomed to them and almost do not notice them. And we certainly don’t think about what the neighborhood with plants brings us, benefit or harm? Of course have . But they are few and in general they are not capable of causing significant harm. There are many more domestic plants that bring invaluable benefits to humans. For example, indoor plants decorate the interior, many of them are medicinal, some are able to repel harmful insects. But one of the most interesting properties some house plants - to purify the air in the room and improve the microclimate.

Such plants are called long word volatile .

[!] Phytoncides are volatile active substances (organic and amino acids, essential oils, alkaloids) secreted by plants.

Phytoncides were first discovered by Russian biologist Boris Petrovich Tokin. The scientist drew attention to the fact that prepared food sold in eastern bazaars and cooked in unsanitary conditions does not cause mass poisoning. It was concluded that oriental spices contained in food disinfect it. Based on this fact, the scientist suggested the presence in plants of special volatile substances called phytoncides. Subsequently, other botanists, both Russian and foreign, joined the study of phytoncides.

Each plant secretes phytoncides and they can have a wide variety of properties, antibacterial, antifugal (antifungal), protistocidal (active against protozoa). Some phytoncides have been fully studied and isolated artificially, while others remain a mystery to humans. And yet, no chemistry is able to replace plants, this natural source of health.

Home plants high in phytoncides

Scientific experiments conducted with house plants have revealed the most active absorber of harmful substances in the room. They turned out to be. Several plants are able to almost completely clear a room of 20 square meters in 24 hours. Chlorophytum can absorb substances such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde (a substance emitted by new chipboard furniture), ammonia, nicotine, acetone. Various pathogenic bacteria and microbes living in the air space of the apartment are also afraid of chlorophytum. To enhance the cleansing properties of chlorophytum, it is recommended to put activated charcoal in a bowl with a plant.

Chlorophytum

Another popular home plant actively participating in the improvement of the airspace of the room - or pelargonium. The most active phytoncides secreted by geraniums fight anaerobic bacteria, such as staphylococci and streptococci. These bacteria cause many diseases: various respiratory tract infections, infections of the skin, digestive tract, muscles and bones. Therefore, it is very important to clean the microclimate in the room, including with the help of pelargonium. In addition, geranium essential oils help relieve fatigue and headaches, increase mental and physical activity person.

dieffenbachia- a plant whose juice contains. But at the same time, dieffenbachia can bring tangible benefits. The fact is that this spectacular plant perfectly purifies the air in the room. Dieffenbachia is especially good at dealing with exhaust fumes, so it is best to place the plant in a room with windows overlooking a busy freeway. Other toxic substances - benzene, formaldehyde, xylene are also neutralized by dieffenbachia phytoncides.

Like dieffenbachia, it is quite a poisonous plant, which is not surprising, because these plants belong to the same family. But, at the same time, aglaonema successfully copes with household air pollutants - trichlorethylene, formaldehyde, benzene - and makes the air in the apartment much cleaner. Also, like geranium, aglaonema is able to cope with streptococcal bacteria.

A separate group of plants with high phytoncidal properties - cacti. Cacti successfully cope with many types of harmful bacteria and microorganisms. There is an opinion that cacti are able to deal with harmful radiation from computer monitors, but there is no scientific evidence for this theory.

Ivy- a spectacular ampelous plant, often found in our apartments. Not everyone knows that ivy is one of the most powerful volatile plants. It purifies the air and successfully fights mold spores, thereby saving us from allergies. Ivy is also recommended to be placed in smoking rooms, as the plant perfectly absorbs and neutralizes tobacco smoke.

Sansevieria or "pike tail" - a very common houseplant. And no wonder: this is one of the most. And sansevieria perfectly cleans the air in the room in which it is located. The plant copes especially well with tobacco smoke and harmful bacteria.

A plant that has recently come into fashion -. Probably everyone will agree, the beauty of dracaena is undeniable. But, at the same time, dracaena has the ability to purify the microclimate in the room, successfully neutralizing such harmful substances as toluene, benzene, formaldehyde and many others.

So, as you can see, home plants can not only decorate our premises and give aesthetic pleasure, but also improve the air space and destroy many harmful substances. Plant care is generally not difficult, but how much benefit and beauty these pieces of nature bring to our homes!

In conclusion, table of the main house plants that purify the air

In the air of any room where people live or work, there are numerous microorganisms. Many indoor plants emit volatile substances that can purify the air from pathogenic bacteria.

Microorganisms are always present in living quarters. Among them there are many that do not cause the slightest harm to people, but there are also pathogens of various diseases. In autumn and winter, the risk of infection with influenza or SARS increases, which are transmitted by airborne droplets. Streptococci and staphylococci are also always present in the premises, and the tubercle bacillus in our time is also not uncommon in places where there are many people.

More and more people began to think about what environmentally friendly methods can be used to clean indoor air. Is it possible that they are able to clean the house from microbes?

Phytoncides inhibit the development of bacteria

All plants have some degree of antimicrobial activity. It is known, after all, that in a pine forest the air is clean, there are almost no pathogenic bacteria in it. coniferous plants emit phytoncides - biologically active substances that kill or inhibit the growth and development of not only bacteria, but also microscopic fungi, protozoa. Essential oils are characteristic representatives of phytoncides. Phytoncides have not yet been studied enough, because most of them cannot be collected in such quantities to conduct laboratory studies.

Indoor plants also emit phytoncides that can purify the air. Researchers from different countries conducted experiments with different types of plants and got encouraging results.

To check whether indoor plants really kill bacteria, two identical test tubes with harmful microorganisms were placed in two identical chambers with ordinary air, and one of the chambers was also placed indoor lemon. Through certain time took air samples from the chambers.

According to the results of the study, it turned out that in the chamber where there was a pot of lemon, the air was much cleaner. Not completely sterile, of course, but it contained several times fewer pathogens than in the control chamber. Pathogenic microorganisms die on their own - they need a nutrient medium to live, suitable conditions(certain temperature, air humidity). But the presence of room lemon greatly accelerated air purification.

This fact is also confirmed by the experiments of Novosibirsk scientists who conducted air studies in one of the city kindergartens. In the premises of this institution, specially selected plants producing phytoncides (aloe, begonia, asparagus) were placed. It turned out that the content of microorganisms in the air of this kindergarten was at a level comparable to the air of sterile rooms in medical institutions.

Pelargonium zonal

Also published are the results of a study of juice from crushed leaves of pelargonium, aloe and kalanchoe on bacterial colonies (staphylococci, tetracocci, bacilli). In accordance with the data obtained, Pelargonium zonal has the highest phytoncidal activity of tissue juices. It acts on all types of test cultures of microorganisms. Aloe showed a phytoncidal effect on tetracocci. Kalanchoe did not act on staphylococci and tetracocci, but acted on the sticks.

What indoor plants emit phytoncides?

All indoor plants are capable of producing volatile substances that are released into the indoor air and have biological activity. But not all of them equally affect people and microorganisms.

For example, a room lemon releases a whole range of substances that have a beneficial effect on a person, purify the air, increase efficiency, and resistance to stress. All plants of the citrus family have the same effect to one degree or another.

Coniferous plants are very effective in cleaning the house of almost all common types of microbes. The most common of them is room. Juniper can destroy streptococci and even tubercle bacillus. In ancient times, they fumigated the rooms of the sick. At home, you can grow decorative juniper. Like araucaria, it does not like high temperatures, but grows well in a cool lobby.

Unlike difficult-to-grow conifers, there are in almost every home. This is one of the most. And it also cleans the air very well! And our great-grandmothers knew about it well. All parts of the plant contain substances that can neutralize viruses and bacteria. Essential oil also affects the human nervous system: its aroma soothes, relaxes, and improves sleep.

There are a lot of such plants: cyperus, peperomia obtuse, myrtle, sansevier and others. All these plants have an antimicrobial effect and can become an effective barrier to the spread of various infections.