Radiation decontamination of dill fruits (Anethi graveolentis fructus)

The aim of the work was to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on microbial contamination and the chemical composition. For analysis infrared spectra of dill fruits have been used. The object of the study was dill fruits (Anethi graveolentis fructus), used both as food and medicinal plant material. The effects of gamma and electron radiation doses on microbiological properties of the plant material were investigated. The study was carried out in accordance according to the methodological guidelines of the General Pharmacopoeia Monograph “Microbiological Purity (the 15th edition of the State Pharmacopeia of the Russian Federation). The optimal radiation dose to dill weeds decontamination was found to be 9 kGy of gamma radiation and 5 kGy of electron radiation. Infrared spectra of dill weeds were used as the control, unirradiated and those exposed to electron beams and gamma rays. No changes in peak maxima positions were observed. It means that the structure of chemical bonds remains intact. Thus, new experimental data were obtained, providing a more detailed understanding of the biocidal effects of various types of ionizing radiation on the studied plant material, as well as the impact of radiation treatment on its chemical composition. The results of this study have practical significance, as they aim to improve the quality and safety of herbal medicinal products. Radiation treatment effectively ensures the microbiological purity of products, extending their shelf life and simplifying storage, thereby making the products more accessible to consumers.