By Liliana Usvat
Blog 330-365
Have you planted a tree this year? Have you done lately anything to prevent deforestation ? We need to leave the Earth in a better shape that we found it. Here is a idea for a tree - Orchid Tree
Orchid Tree
(English)
Arbol de las
Orquídeas is
Bauhinia variegata, a native of India and China and a member of the
enormous
Fabaceae (Bean)
Family. The showy, fragrant flowers, 3-4 inches across (7-10 cm) bear 5
or 6 upward-arching stamens. At first the blossoms are white with a dark
pink central spot, but with age flowers turn into deep shades of
magenta, lavender or purplish blue.
At
Hacienda Chichen the Orchid-Tree blooms at the end of the rainy season
(late fall) and eventually is laden with flattish seed pods, foot-long
legumes. Note the unusual leaf shape, which reminds some people of a
cow foot indented on both ends, and others of butterflies with rounded
wings. Flowers are edible in salads
Other Names
Butterfly Tree, Mountain Ebony, Geranium Tree, Purple Bauhinia Bauhinia purpurea, Kachnar
Description
Appearance: Semi-deciduous tree to 15 m (50 ft) tall, with a spreading crown.
Leaves: Alternate, long petioled, to 3 cm (1.25 in)
long, thin-leathery, simple but deeply cleft at apex, forming 2 large
rounded lobes; lower surfaces downy, especially at top of petiole;
blades with 11–13 veins extending from heart-shaped or rounded base.
Flowers: Showy, fragrant, in few-flowered clusters
near stem tips; 5 petals, clawed, overlapping, pale magenta to indigo
(occasionally white), with dark red and yellow also on upper petal; 5
stamens (rarely 6).
Fruit: A flat, oblong pod, to 30 cm (1ft) long, 10–15-seeded.
History
This
plant is grouped into the Leguminosae and subfamily Caesalpinioideae.
The genus contains about 300 species spread around the world in tropical
and subtropical climates. Its name honors two brothers, John and
Caspar Bauhin, noted 16th century European herbalists. The species is
native to a huge range from India to the Malay Peninsula. This is one
parent species of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree.
Lore
Long flat seed pods that follow the seeds is key to its place in the pea family.
Medicinal Uses
In the Ayurvedic texts, sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita, many therapeutic properties have been ascribed to kachnar.
Kachnar is believed to pacify the 3 doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Some of the benefits of extracts of the orchid tree that studies have revealed are :
- Regulate blood sugar. The protein present in the leaves have insulin like activity.
- Protect the kidneys against toxicity and damage due to accumulation of toxic chemicals.
- Protect the liver. Extracts of kachnar protect the liver against carbon tetrachloride toxicity.
- Heal intestinal ulcers by decreasing the output of gastric acids.
- Control the formation of tumors and also possess cancer preventing properties.
- Heal wounds faster when compared to a control group.
- Has tonic and restorative properties.
- Relieve diarrhea and remove intestinal worms.
- Act as a diuretic.
- Have anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties.
- Decoction of kachnar bark is useful in alleviating skin diseases.
- has been used to treat leprosy.
- Kachnar has the capacity to purify the air by cleaning up the
atmospheric and soil pollution. The roots have nitrogen fixing
properties.
- The flowers and buds are useful in flatulence and joint pains.
- A decoction made from the root of the kachnar is said to prevent people
becoming obese.
- An infusion of the flower buds is good to get rid of
coughs.
Some Ayurvedic Remedies With Kachnar
- For Mouth Ulcers & Bad Breath
Take dried bark pf kachnar and pound it coarsely. To 10 grams of
this add 400 ml water. Let it come to a boil and then simmer till about
100 ml of water remains.
Remove from heat, cool a bit and filter the water. Gargle with this
water while still warm. Do this 2 to 3 times daily. This is a very
effective remedy for mouth ulcers and works even where other medications
have failed to provide relief.
- For Diarrhea And Intestinal Mucus
Powder the bark. Take 3 grams of this powder with water twice a day; once in the morning and again in the evening.
- For Difficulty In Urination
Remove the seeds from the long pod like fruit. Powder the seeds.
Take 1 gram of this seed powder twice a day, in the morning and
evening, with water. It relieves problems in urination.
- For Liver Problems And Jaundice
Extract juice from kachnar leaves. Drink 2 times a day. Dose adults 50 ml and children 15 ml.
This juice improves the liver function and reduces enlargement of the liver.
- For Thyroid Problems And Tonsils
Pound about 20 grams of kachnar bark and add 200 ml of water to it. Boil and then simmer the water till it reduces to 50 ml.
Strain and drink.
Drink juice of kachnar leaves.
- For Tumors, Cysts & Fibroids
Boil 5 grams of dry bark or 10 grams of fresh bark in 400 ml of water till the water is reduced to 100 ml. Strain and drink.
Plant and Care
Orchid tree culture is fairly straightforward. Growing orchid trees
thrive in full sun and do well in bright shade. They must have well
drained soil and when planting an orchid tree, care should be taken to
place it outside the reach of a sprinkler system.
Orchid trees, once established, can withstand drought conditions, but cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°F (-9°C).
Links
- http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2325/
- http://saorchard.co.za/tree-care/planting-trees/
- http://www.jyoungpharm.in/article.asp?issn=0975-1483;year=2009;volume=1;issue=1;spage=36;epage=41;aulast=Golwala;type=0
- http://hub.hku.hk/handle/10722/124499
- http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/3/1_MeetingAbstracts/A64
- http://www.indexscholar.com/?record=1138749
- http://www.greenpharmacy.info/article.asp?issn=0973-8258;year=2009;volume=3;issue=1;spage=70;epage=74;aulast=Ghaisas
- http://www.ijppsjournal.com/Vol5Suppl2/6808.pdf
- http://www.japtr.org/article.asp?issn=2231-4040;year=2011;volume=2;issue=2;spage=132;epage=134;aulast=Mali;type=0
- http://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=2009;volume=41;issue=5;spage=227;epage=232;aulast=Rajani
- http://www.academia.edu/3442043/Phytochemical_screening_and_antimicrobial_activity_of_Bauhinia_variegata_Linn
- http://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=rjphyto.2011.89.97&org=10
- http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.ca/2010/07/kachnar-or-orchid-treeexotic-spring.html
- http://www.researchgate.net/publication/221705120_Spectrum_of_Pharmacological_Activities_from_Bauhinia_variegata_A_Review
By Liliana Usvat
Blog 328-365
Have you planted any tree this year? Here is one suggestion.
Royal
Poinciana Trees
(English)
Flamboyan Real (Spanish) Poinciana regia,
Caesalpiniaceae Family.
Endemic to
Madagascar. It grows wild in
Yucatan, Mexico after its introduction in the late
19th Century. In Yucatan, these beautiful flowering
trees became favorite ornamental trees to grow near
Mayan huts, villages, urban avenues and parks.
Its orchid
shaped deep orange-red flowers are truly exquisite, one
petal is different from the rest with light tone and
deep shades of orange magenta spot; flowers grow in
clusters, blooms in May and summer the Flamboyan trees
are fully covered with flowers without their pinnae leaflets
(foliage). Flamboyan seeds grow in large "machete like"
hard pods.
Reforestation
Though they are considered legumes, the seeds are not edible and usually
only are used for propagation purposes. This ornamental tree is
sometimes used to improve soil properties due to its nitrogen fixation
abilities.
The Royal Poinciana is most commonly propagated by seeds. Seeds are
collected, soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours, and planted in
warm, moist soil in a semi-shaded, sheltered position. In lieu of
soaking, the seeds can also be 'nicked' or 'pinched' (with a small
scissors or nail clipper) and planted immediately. These two methods
allow moisture to penetrate the tough outer casing, stimulating
germination. The seedlings grow rapidly and can reach 30 cm in a few
weeks under ideal conditions.
Less common, but just as effective, is propagation by semi-hardwood
cuttings. Branches consisting of the current or last season's growth can
be cut into 30 cm sections and planted in a moist potting mixture. This
method is slower than seed propagation (cuttings take a few months to
root) but is the preferred method for ensuring new trees are true to
form. As such, cuttings are a particularly common method of propagation
for the rarer yellow-flowering variety of the tree.
The Royal Poinciana requires a tropical or near-tropical climate, but
can tolerate drought and salty conditions. The Poinciana prefers an
open, free-draining sandy or loamy soil enriched with organic matter.
The tree does not like heavy or clay soils and flowers more profusely
when kept slightly dry.
Aside from its ornamental value, this garden tree is also used for its
dense foliage and modest height that can provide ample shade. The leaves
of the royal poinciana are pinnate, meaning they are divided like a
feather, and measure about 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) in length. Each
leaf is composed of 20 to 40 pairs of primary leaflets that are further
divided into 10 to 20 pairs of secondary leaflets. These compound leaves
are bright green and very lightweight.
The flowers of the royal poinciana are large and normally a shade of
yellow, orange, or bright red. Each flower has four spreading petals
that measure up to 3 inches (about 8 cm) in length and a fifth petal
called the standard that is upright and a little bigger than the other
petals. The standard is distinctive because of its white and yellow
spots. Another common name of the royal poinciana is peacock flower
because the physical appearance of the flowers is similar to that of a
peacock with its feathers up.
Stories
In the Indian state of Kerala, Royal Poinciana is called Kaalvarippoo which means the flower of Calvary. There is a popular belief among Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala that when Jesus was crucified, there was a small Royal Poinciana tree nearby his Cross.
It is believed that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed over the flowers
of the tree and this is how the flowers of Royal Poinciana got a sharp
red color
Medicinal Uses
- In Bangladesh folk medicine, used for the treatment of diabetes.
Antimicrobial,
- antioxidant,
- hepatoprotective,
- anti-inflammatory.
The plant has several medicinal uses like it is used to treat
- constipation,
- inflammations,
- arthritis and
- hemiplagia.
According to the Web site http://www.silentdoctors.com,
the plant can be used against malaria, as an anti-inflammatory, an
antimicrobial, against staph infections, asthma and is said to kill
cancer cells. Around the turn of the 19th century, the flowers and
leaves were made into a tea to be given to babies before they went to
bed, the site also says. It also is reputed to have been used to treat
asthma and bronchitis.
Studies
• Antibacterial: Delonix
regia was one of 12 medicinal plants studied for antibacterial
activity. The methanol extracts showed more activity than the aqueous
extracts for all 12 plants studied. The most susceptible bacterial were
S. subtilis, followed by S. epidermis.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study
evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of leaves using a
carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models.
Results showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in both models.
• Flowers Constituents / Phenols and Flavonoids: Study
was done to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoidal content of the
flowers. Results showed the flowers to contain significant amounts of
phenols and flavonoids, with the total phenolic content to be much
higher than the flavonoidal content.
• Hepatoprotective / Cytotoxic: Study
of an ethanolic extract isolated three sterols (stigmasterol,
ß-sitosterol, and its 3-O-gucoside), a triterpene (ursolic acid) and
four flavonoids (quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, and rutin), plus
an amino acid. Results showed cytotoxic activity against human liver
cancer cell line (HEPG2). It also showed hepatoprotective
activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage, attributed to the free
radical scavenging property of the flavonoids.
• Antimicrobial: In
antimicrobial screening, a dichlormethane soluble fraction of a
methanolic extract showed strong inhibition of S. paratyphi growth, with
moderate inhibition of S. typhi, S. aureus and S. dysenteriae. Other
fractions showed inhibition of C. albicans, S. cerevisiae.
• Antidiarrheal: Evaluation
of ethanolic extract of D. regia for in vivo anti-diarrheal activity in
experimentally induced diarrhea, prostaglandin E2-induced enteropooling
and charcoal-induced motility test in rats showed dose-dependent
antidiarrheal properties.
• Seed Mucilage / Tablet Binder: Seeds
of plant contain glucomannose. Mucilage obtained from the seeds were
used in the preparation of calcium carbonate tablets. Results showed the
endospermic mucilage obtained from the seeds possesses comparable
binding properties.
• Wound Healing / Flowers: Study
investigated the wound healing properties of Delonix regia in
experimental models in albino rats using incision and excision wound
models. Results showed ethanolic and aqueous extracts of flowers
significant promoted the healing process, as evidenced by increase in
wound breaking strength, percentage of wound contractions, increased
hydroxyproline content and decreased epithelialisation period.
• Antidiabetic: Study
evaluated a methanol extract of leaf for glucose tolerance efficacy in
glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice. Results showed significant
hypoglycemic effect on glucose-loaded mice at every dose.
• Hepatoprotective / Anticancer / Antioxidant: On cytotoxicity testing, D. regia extract showed potent anticancer effect against HepG2 cell line. It also showed dose-dependent hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities attributed to the flavonoids content. (See constituents above)
• Mercury Adsorption/ Anticancer / Antioxidant: Study
evaluated the feasibility of using pods of Delonix regia activated
carbon or the removal of Hg from water by absorption. Results showed a
suitable indigenous active carbon as an adsorbent for the removal of Hg from aqueous solution.
• In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity / Flowers / Cancer Cell Lines: Study
for in vitro cytotoxic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of D.
regia flowers showed anticancer effects against different cell lines
(MCF-7 [breast], carcinoma of cervix HeLa cells, carcinoma of the brain,
and carcinoma of colon).
• Antibacterial / Root Bark: A
methanol extract of root bark of Delonix regia showed efficacy against
all test bacteria (Gram negative E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Gram
positive S. aureus, Strep pneumonia and B. subtilis). (see constituents
above)
• Antinociceptive / Cytotoxic / Leaves: Study investigated the antinociceptive and cytotoxic effects of alcoholic extract of leaves in Swiss albino rats.
Results showed an analgesic effect which me be peripherally
mediated via inhibition of synthesis and release of PGs and other
endogenous substances. Results also showed cytotoxic activity by brine
shrimp lethality assay.
• Diuretic / Flowers: Study evaluated the diuretic activity of a methanol flower extract of Gul Mohr
in Albino rat model. Results showed significant diuretic activity,
with increased urine volume and electrolyte excretion when compared to
control.
• Corrosion Inhibitor / Aluminum: Study evaluated
the inhibitive effect of D. regia extracts in reducing the corrosion
rate of aluminum in acidic medium. Results showed D. regia extracts
inhibited the corrosion of aluminum in HCl solutions.
• Methylene Blue Biosorbent: Dyestuffs
are prominent organic pollutants that industry use and discharge into
surface and subsurface water bodies. Study showed Delonix regia pod to
be a very effective biosorbent in the removal of methylene blue dye from
waste waters.
• Removal of Copper, Cobalt and Lead / Flowers: Study
evaluated the ability of Delonix regia flowers to remove Co, Cu, and Pb
ions through biosorption. Study showed D. regia flower is a viable
agricultural waste for the removal of Co, Cu and Pb ions. The main
adsorption mechanism was possibly a chemisorption reaction.
• Antibacterial / Leaf and Seeds: Study
evaluated various extracts of leaf and seed of Delonix regia
and A. aspera against five bacterial strains. The chloroform seed
extract of D regia and ethanol seed extract of A aspera showed high
inhibitory zone against E. coli than other bacterial strains.
• Antibacterial / Leaf and Seeds: Synthetic
chemicals—methyl orange, phenolphthalein, phenol red, etc.—used as
internal indicators in acid-base titrations are hazardous chemicals.
Study evaluated Delonix regia for use as a natural indicator. Results
showed D. regia flower petal can be used as a natural indicator, neither
harmful to the environment nor causing any health hazard, while also
being economical, simple, pollution free and inert.
• Larvicidal / Leaf and Seeds: A
methanol extract of D. regia flowers were very effective against 3rd
instar larvae of H. puera indicating a potential as bio-pesticide.
• Anthelmintic / Flowers: Fresh
methanol and aqueous extracts of flowers of Delonix regia showed
considerable anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. The
methanol extract was more active. Piperazine citrate was used as
reference drug.
Links
http://www.stuartxchange.com/FireTree.html
http://www.indianetzone.com/43/gulmohur_plant.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-royal-poinciana.htm
By Liliana Usvat
Blog 327-365
Names: Sea
grape
(English), Uva de
Mar (Spanish),
Sak tabka'an (Maya),
Coccoloba uvifera, Polygonaceae
Family.
Native to America coasts. Coastal Sea-grape
shrubs have stout branches, seldom a distinct trunk.
Inland it can grow up to 4 meters high lovely tree;
enjoys full sun with sandy or limestone soil, resists
draught well. Sea-grape's fragrant white flowers spikes
give
bees and
ants
a feast. Fruits clusters are filled fleshy
wild grapes, great food for
birds, bats, and
mammals.
Duration: Perennial, Evergreen
Edible parts of Sea Grape:
Fruit - raw. A sweet but rather insipid flavour. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.
Uses
Coccoloba uvifera is most often used in landscaping, as well as a dune
stabilizer and coastal windbreak. Tall sea grape plants are used to make
a light barrier between coastlines to protect sea turtles
The reddish fruits of the sea grape may be eaten raw, cooked into jellies and jams, or fermented into sea grape wine.
Sea grape wine may also be fermented into sea grape vinegar, which is also useful in cooking.
The sap of the sea grape is used for dyeing and tanning of leather.
It is sometimes used as a subject for bonsai.
History
The first botanical names of the plant were assigned in 1696 by Hans Sloane, who called it Prunus maritima racemosa, "maritime grape-cluster Prunus", and Leonard Plukenet, who named it Uvifera littorea,
"grape-bearer of the shore", both of which names reflect the European
concept of "sea-grape", expressed in a number of languages by the
explorers of the times. The natives viewed it as a large mulberry.
Reforestation and Beach Stabilization
It is moderately tolerant of shade, but will grow towards the sun. It’s
very tolerant of salt so it is often planted to stabilize beaches.
Plants can be used for ground cover, spaced about 60cm apart each way.
Propagation of Sea Grape:
Seed - best sown as soon as it is
ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. It can also be sown in spring in
a greenhouse in a sandy compost. Prick out the seedlings into individual
pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at
least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or
early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in
their first winter. Division in spring or autumn. Layering. 
Medicinal Uses
- Astringent, antidiarrheal, antidysentery.
-
Studies suggest antibacterial, antifungal, photoprotective and glucose lowering properties.
juice and decoction of wood, bark and roots are
used to treat dysentery, hemorrhages, venereal disease.
- Applied externally for rashes and skin afflictions.
- Decoction of leaves used to treat asthma, hoarseness and to wash wounds.
- Astringent roots and bark used in traditional medicine of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
- In the Dominican Republic, decoction of leaves used for
menopausal symptoms, diarrhea, tumors, anemia, skin irritations, asthma.
-The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza.
The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial
vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system. The
stems are also antitussive, diuretic, diaphoretic, febrifuge,
hypertensive, nervine, tonic and vasoconstrictor.
- In the Yucatan, alcohol added to tea made from bark of sea grape is taken for ulcers.
- In French Guiana, astringent juice from whole plant, known
as "Jamaica kino", used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. Decoction of
stem used for intestinal disorders.
- Study of fruit of Coccoloba uvifera for in
vitro antioxidant capacity showed free radical scavenging and
antioxidant properties which may be due to the presence of
phytochemicals in the fruit such as anthocyanins, ascorbic acid,
phenolic compounds, and flavonoids.
- Glucose Lowering:
Case studies have shown glucose lowering effect with daily ingestion
of tea brewed from Coccoloba uvifera leaves. There is concern for lowering
the blood sugar too much, especially with concurrent use of pharmaceutical
hypoglycemics
Preparation of Leaf Extract:
Preparation of leaf extract is done by immersing coccoloba
uvifera leaves in water, heating the water to boiling for about 4 hours.
This brewing time must be just enough to dissolve the compound from
the leaves. The active compounds are resistant to the low gastric pH
and high temperatures.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccoloba_uvifera
http://www.stuartxchange.com/SeaGrape
http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/e/ephedra-distachya=sea-grape.php
