OBTAINING AND CLASSIFYING PRODUCTS FOR FOLK MEDICINE FROM THE BLACKBERRY (RUBUS) PLANT

Аннотация

This article explores the collection, classification, and application of blackberry (Rubus spp.) plant materials in traditional (folk) medicine. Emphasis is placed on the therapeutic potential of various parts of the plant—berries, leaves, roots, and seeds—based on their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects. Drawing on contemporary scientific literature and traditional practices, the article highlights the role of blackberry-derived products in gastrointestinal treatment, respiratory ailments, dermatological conditions, and metabolic regulation. It also discusses techniques forharvesting and preparing medicinal forms and reviews promising elite cultivars with enhanced bioactive profiles. The study incorporates findings from research on biochemical content and breeding trends of elite blackberry genotypes for improved medicinal efficacy. Kеywоrds: blackberry, Rubus, folk medicine, phytotherapy, herbal remedies, anthocyanins, elite cultivars. INTRОDUСTIОN Blackberries, botanically classified under the genus Rubus, are not only a valuable fruit crop but also a long-standing staple in traditional medicine across various cultures. Known for their distinctive flavor and rich phytochemical composition, blackberries have been used to treat ailments ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to skin infections and nervous system imbalances. The resurgence of interest in natural remedies and functional foods has led to a re- examination of blackberries not only as nutritional sources but as pharmacologically active botanicals. Traditional uses have often involved the whole plant: berries for their astringent and antioxidant effects, leaves for gastrointestinal and anti-inflammatory applications, and roots for bleeding disorders and diuresis. Recent scientific advancements have validated many of these uses and have also identified new bioactivities, such as anti-tumorand neuroprotective properties, linkedto theplant’spolyphenolic and anthocyanin content [1]. MАTЕRIАLS АNDMЕTHОDS The medicinal utility of blackberry products is directly tied to their complex biochemical profile. The fruit is particularly rich in vitamins C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium, manganese, and magnesium. The leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, and organic acids (including salicylic, malic, and citric acids), while the seeds are notable for their fatty oil content (9–12%). Blackberries exhibit significant antioxidant properties due to their anthocyanin and polyphenol content, which aid in scavenging free radicals, stabilizing capillary membranes, and protecting cellular structures from oxidative damage. In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed theireffectiveness ininhibiting tumorcell proliferation, particularly in breast, colon, and prostate cancer models. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticoagulant effects support theircontinued use inphytotherapy [2]. RЕSULTSАNDDISСUSSIОN For medicinal purposes, leaves and berries are collected during peak summer months. Leaves are air-dried in shade or gently heated to preserve their bioactivity. A traditional method 195 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS ISSN:3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293 Volume 11,issue2,May 2025 https://wordlyknowledge.uz/index.php/IJSR worldly knowledge Index: googlescholar, research gate, research bib, zenodo,open aire. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=ru&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=wosjournals.com&btnG https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Worldly-Knowledge https://journalseeker.researchbib.com/view/issn/3030-332X involves fermenting leaves slightly before drying to enrich their flavor and medicinal potency. Roots are harvested in late autumn, washed, chopped, and boiled or infused. Storage in glass containers and low humidity environments is recommended to retain the medicinal integrity of theplant material. Recent advances in blackberry breeding have led to the development of elite cultivars with improved phytochemical properties, such as higher anthocyanin and vitamin C content, better disease resistance, and early maturation. According to research conducted at the Russian VNIISPK institute, elite genotypes derived from ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Cheyenne’ cultivars have demonstrated significantly higher levels of biologically active compounds (up to 1050 mg/100g ofR-activesubstances) compared to conventional varieties [3]. These improvements directly affect the medicinal potential of the berries. Breeding efforts focused on larger berry mass, increased content of polyphenols, and enhanced flavor profiles also benefit folk medicine applications, as more potent raw material becomes available. Additionally, the move towards thornless and more winter-hardy cultivars enhances the feasibilityof sustainablecollection for herbal useincolder climates. An important aspect of using blackberry (Rubus) in folk medicine lies not only in identifying the curative properties of individual plant parts, but also in understanding