Morus alba Maria Mejia

Morus alba Common name: White Mulberry (Russian mulberry, Silkworm mulberry, Moral blanco) Origin: Northern China but widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere habit: short-lived, fast-growing, small to medium sized mulberry tree or shrub. The fruit in the species in the wild is deep purple but in many cultivated plants it varies from white to pink the "white" in the plant’s name refers to its leaf-buds

Morus alba Culture uses by China: - cultivate white mulberry leaves to feed silkworms which has been done for over 4 thousand years ago - The fruit are also eaten dried or made into wine It has also been grown widely from India, Afghanistan, Iran and S.Europe for the leaves in order to feed silkworms In the US a fruitless mulberry was developed for feeding the leaves to silkworms, the pupa/cocoon of which is used in producing silk These trees are now used as an ornamental tree where shade is desired without fruit

Morus alba Therapeutic uses in China & USA and elsewhere: - the fruit is used to treat prematurely grey hair, “tonify” the blood & treat constipation & diabetes - the bark is used to treat cough, wheezing, edema, and to promote urination - also treats fever, headache, red dry and sore eyes - Antihelmintic, antidiarrheal, Laxative - chewed in toothache to avoid further destruction or cavitations of the tooth * A flavanoid, Kuwanon G, isolated from the root bark of M. alba exhibits antibacterial activity against food poisoning microorganisms & Streptococcus mutants (oral microflora)

Morus alba Active compound: - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) (the inhibitory compound extracted from leaf) - Essential amino acids (18) - Sitosterol Mechanism of action: - mode of antibacterial action is inhibition or blocking of cell growth of bacteria - preferential antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria (tooth decay) - reduce absorption carbohydrates like sugar  blood glucose level remains controlled - compared to vancomycin efficacy

Morus alba A Babylonian story that was later incorporated into Greek and Roman mythology attributes the reddish purple color of the white mulberry (Morus alba) fruits to the tragic deaths of the lovers Pyramus & Thisbe

references

Kuan-Tsen Chen Biol 454L Ethnobotany Cinnamomum camphor

Taxonomy Evergreen Tree Family: Lauraceae Location – China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea – Naturalized in Australia and US Common name: Camphor, Zhang shu in mandarin Tall: ft.; the width: 15 ft. The yellowish veins of the leaves and the odor from crushed leaf

Traditional Usages It is widely planted as a shade tree, screen or windbreak. Wood – chests, closets, coffins, instruments, and sculptures.

Active compound- camphor Waxy, white or transparent solid – Ingredient in cooking Kheer in India – Nitrocellulose (Celluloid) – Repellent

Medicinal Use of camphor Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of menthol and acts as slight local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance. – Anti-itch ointments, creams and cooling gels – Throat lozenges and cough syrups – Relieving for sore muscles and arthritic pain – Parasite infection

Toxicity Large amount is poisonous – Seizure – Confusion – Irritability – In China medicine, the camphor oil is forbidden use for pregnant woman.

Citation

Angelica Sinensis

Angelica sinensis "dong quai” General Description: Angelica sinensis is a type of herb related to plants like carrots, parsley, dill and celery. This particular member of the family is most used as an herbal treatment and is best known as an ingredient in Chinese medicine. Plant family: Apiaceace Common Name: dong quai, dang gui, tang-kuei Native to China Grown in East Asia and China The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. Found in damp mountainous regions, on river banks. It has hollow stems that can rise as high as 7 feet. The blooms are greenish white in color. It Blooms from May to August.

Active compounds Dong Quai root has % volatile oils, butylidene phthalide, n-valeropheneone-O- carboxylic acid, dihydrophthalic anhydride, carvacrol, safrole, isosafrol, sesquiterpenes, cadinene, dodecanol, tetradecanol, n-butylphalid, ferulic acid, succinic acid, nicotinic acid, a number of coumarins and furocoumarins, uracil, adenine, ligustilide, folinic acid, beta-sitosterol, vitamin E, vitamin B12 ( mcg/100g), beta-carotene, palmitic acid, angelic acid, angelol, myristic acid, angelicone and sucrose

Medical Usage There are many claims for its supportive value to treat a variety of conditions, but many are for the female reproductive system. This herb has been used very extensively in China, especially after delivery of a child as a postparturition tonic. Dong quai was also used, to regulate menses, as a blood tonic, as a mild sedative, and for abdominal pains. treatment during and after menopause. It has been celebrated by herbalists for containing phytoestrogens, which may help replace missing estrogen and make less noticeable some of the symptoms of menopause. It has also been used for angina, chills, diabetes, hypertension, headaches, nephritis and lumbago. act against Vitamin E deficiency, which may related to its fetus- stabilizing effect, and prevention of testicular disease

Medical Uses Parts Used: Dried Root (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, or Chinese angelica) and Rhizomes Found in tea, herbal preparations, tablets or capsules injected into acupuncture points to inhibit pain Dosage: – 2-6g/day dried root (Women may take 3–4 grams daily in three divided applications) – 4-12mL/day 1:2 fluid extract (usual dosage 3–5mL of extract taken three times per day)

Cautions Dong Quai may actually cause miscarriage, and the herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant. It’s also considered appropriate to treat conditions like anemia or cardiovascular disease. With the latter, Dong Quai does seem to have some anticoagulant effect. It should therefore be used with care if people are taking prescribed medications that have a blood-thinning effect.

Side Effects develops skin rash, photosensitivity, and stomach upset Diarrhea Some people exhibit hypersensitivity to the herb, which may lead to excessive bleeding and occasionally fevers. There have been noted some cases of photosensitivity and a mild laxative effect Some references are concerned about toxicity because of the safrol content of Angelica Sinensis, but with such a substantial amount of usage across centuries of Chinese history, there would appear to be little need for concern when the herb is consumed within the therapeutic range.

References medica.aspx?mmid=