Central and South America Jenny Aleman-Zometa Monique Quiroz
Annette Diaz-Santana Yessenia Velazco
Slide 2
Bixa Orellana
Slide 3
Taxonomy Family: Bixaceae (Lipstick-Tree family) Genus: Bixa
Species name: Bixa Orellana Common English names: Annatto, Lipstick
Tree Common Spanish names: Achote, Bija Shrub, 6-20 meters high,
age up to 50 years Shade-intolerant, grow in disturbed areas
Slide 4
Traditional Uses Indigenous groups in Piura, Peru Shoots
Diarrhea Aphrodisiac astringent. Also used to treat liver disease
and hepatitis. Traditional healers in Peruvian Amazon squeezed
juice from leaves Inflammation eye infections Columbian traditional
healers Antivenin for snakebites Seeds used as an expectorant Roots
used for digestion and as an anti-tussive In Guatemala leaves and
roots used for treatment of gonorrhea Used in Caribbean folkloric
medicine to treat diabetes mellitus
Slide 5
Modern Uses Used as food colorant Brazilian herbal medicine
Leaf decoction heartburn stomach distress caused by spicy foods
mild diuretic mild purgative. Also used for fevers, malaria and
topically to treat burns Peru Dried leaves boiled for 10 minutes in
1 liter of water. One cup is served warm or cold 3 times daily
after meals to treat prostate disorders, internal inflammation,
arterial hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, kidney failure,
and to eliminate uric acid. Also recommended as a vaginal
antiseptic and as a wash for skin infections United States Used to
keep a healthy cholesterol balance, combat arterial plaque and
maintain healthy glucose and triglyceride levels.
Slide 6
Active compounds Norbixin, water-soluble annatto derivative,
found to retard oxidative deterioration (2003). Bixin is a
carotenoid responsible for producing color.
Slide 7
Research The leaves showed some activity against gonorrhea,
however the roots did not. (1995) Crude ethanolic extracts from
leaves showed potential antibacterial effect against S. aureus
(2009) Preliminary investigations performed on dogs given crude
plant extracts indicate that it exhibits hypoglycaemic properties,
it increased plasma insulin concentrations (2005). Annatto extracts
showed good free radical scavenging capacity and color properties,
new functional applications for such extracts should be explored by
the food and cosmetic industries (2008).
Slide 8
Literature Cited Caceres, A., H. Menendez, E. Mendez, E.
Cohobon, B. E. Samayoa, E. Jauregul, E. Peralta, and G. Carillo.
Atigonorrhoeal activity of plants used in Guatemala for the
treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. (1995). Journal of
Ethnopharmacology. 48:85-88. Cardarelli, C.R., M. T., Benassi, and
A. Z. Mercadante. Characterization of different annatto extracts
based on antioxidant and colour properties. (2008). LWT-Food
Science and Technology. 41:1689-1693. Kiokias, S., and M. H.
Gordon. Antioxidant properties of annatto carotenoids (2003). Food
Chemistry. 83: 523-529. Ongsakul, M., A. Jindarat, and C.
Rojanaworarit. Antibacterial effect of crude alcoholic and aqueous
extracts of six medicinal plants against staphylococcus aureus and
escherichia coli. (2009). 23:153-156. Russell, K.R.M., E.Y. St. A.
Morrison, and D. Ragoobirsingh. Hypoglycaemic activity of Bixa
orellana extract in the dog. (2008). Methods Find Exp Clin
Pharmacol. 30:301-305.
http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Bixa%20orellana.pdf
https://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=1760
http://www.virtualherbarium.org/gl/bixa/bixaorellana.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annatto
Slide 9
Carica Papaya
Slide 10
Taxonomy Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order:
Brassicales Family: Caricaceae Common names: Papaya, pawpaw, mugua,
fruta bomba, lechosa, melon tree -not to be confused with pawpaw
(Asimina triloba) or mugua (Chaenomeles speciosa or Pseudocydonia
sinensis )Asimina trilobaChaenomeles speciosaPseudocydonia sinensis
*Papaya is closely related to the passionflowers (Passiflora
spp)Passiflora spp Fruit tree, grows 6-20 ft. It has a branchless
trunk and a palm like head foliage at the top. They flower and
produce fruit. The trunk remains soft wooded and does not develop
true bark.
Slide 11
Growth Habit Papaya is native to southern Mexico, Central
America and northern South America. It thrives in tropical and
frost free subtropical regions and is now cultivated in most
tropical countries (Brazil, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Indonesia,
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines and Jamaica). -In the
U.S., papaya is cultivated in Hawaii, southern California and South
Florida. First fruit tree to have its genome deciphered.
Slide 12
Active Compounds Papain and Chymopapain Proteolitic enzyme that
aids in digestion (breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats)
Papain is obtained from a milky sap (latex) produced by the papaya.
-Unripe fruit & leaves -Sex of tree Processes of attaining the
latex must be done manually and is time consuming
Slide 13
Uses of C. Papaya Food -The ripe fruit is usually eaten raw,
without its skin or seeds. Unripe fruit is eaten cooked in curries,
salads, and stews. Has a high amount of pectin, which can be used
to make jellies. -Fruit juice is a popular beverage. -Black seeds
are edible and have a spicy taste. Sometimes ground up and used as
a substitute for black pepper -In some parts of Asia the young
leaves of papaya are steamed and eaten like spinach Cooking -Unripe
fruit and trees leaves are rich in papain, used in tenderizing meat
(check your powdered meat tenderizers) - Also used in chewing
gum
Slide 14
Uses of C. Papaya Cosmetically -used in some toothpaste,
shampoos, and face-lifting preparations Medicine - Digestive
problems, antihelmenthic (seeds also known to cause this),
treatment of arthritis,diabetes, applied topically to remove
freckles or brown spots on the skin -Juice is used to treat cuts,
rashes, stings, ulcers, warts, burns, and cancerous growths on the
skin -Infusion prepared with the flowers stimulates menstruation
-Decoction prepared by boiling the ripe papaya in water is said to
cure diarrhea and dysentery among children -Leaves are also made
into tea as a preventative for malaria -Harrison Ford was treated
for a ruptured disc incurred during filming of Indiana Jones by
papain injections
Slide 15
Uses of C. Papaya Women in many countries (India, Bangladesh,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka) have long used green papaya for its
contraception and abortion properties. -Enslaved women from the
West Indies Medical research in animals has confirmed its
contraceptive and abortion properties. -0.1-3.2 mg/ml induced
spasmodic contraction of the uterine muscles -Papaya seeds have
contraceptive effects in adult male langur monkeys (decrease in
sperm viability and increase in sperm abnormality) -Unripe papaya
in large dosages may cause this effect, however, ripe papaya is not
teratogenic and will not cause miscarriage in small amounts.
Slide 16
A few more research findings Fruit and seed extracts have
pronounced bacterial activity as antibacterial agents against E.
Coli and Staphylococcus aureus Extract made from papaya leaves into
a tea showed dramatic anticancer effects including cancers of the
cervix, breast, liver, lung, and the pancreas Juice of papaya seems
to inhibit cancer growth in in vitro studies, thought to be due to
lycopene or the immune system stimulation Seed extract may help
protect the kidneys
Slide 17
References 1."Papaya." Herbs To Herbs. 1 Jan. 2002. Web. 28
Nov. 2010.. 2."Carica Papaya {Caricaceae} Papaya." EEB Greenhouse
Home Page. Web. 28 Nov. 2010.. 3."Carica Papaya." Wikipedia, the
Free Encyclopedia. Web. 28 Nov. 2010.. 4.Nutr, J. "Papaya (Carica
Papaya) Consumption Is Unsafe in Pregnancy: Fact or Fable?
Scientific Evaluation of a Common Belief in Some Parts of Asia
Using a Rat Model." PubMED (2002): 199-203.
Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 01 Aug. 2002. Web. 28 Nov. 2010.
5.Rahmat, Asmah Et Al. "Antiproliferative Activity of Pure Lycopene
Compared to Both Extracted Lycopene and Juices from Watermelon
(Citrullus Vulgaris) and Papaya (Carica Papaya) on Human Breast and
Liver Cancer Cell Lines." Scialert (2002): 55-58. 1 Mar. 2002. Web.
28 Nov. 2010.. 6.University of Florida. "Papaya extract thwarts
growth of cancer cells in lab tests." ScienceDaily 10 March 2010.
28 November 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100309182449.htm?utm_source=feed
burner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily
%3A+Latest+Science+News%29 7.G, Yismaw. "The Invitro Assessment of
Antibacterial Effect of Papaya Seed Extract against Bacterial
Pathogens Isolated from Urine, Wound and Stool." Unbound Medline
(2008): 46. Unboundmedicine.com. Jan. 2008. Web. 28 Nov.
2010..
Slide 18
Smilax Regelii: Sarsaparilla
Slide 19
Taxonomy, distribution and ecology: Smilax Regelii Family:
Smilacaceae Genus: Smilax Species: regelii Termed: Honduran or
brown sarsaparilla Related to Lily Brambled Vine that can grow up
to 50m Part used: Root 6-8 feet, odorless and tasteless Range:
Northern Central America: Honduras, Caribbean and Mexico
Slide 20
Active Compounds Plant Steroids: sarasapogening, smilagenin,
sitosterol, stigmasterol, and pollinastanol Saponins: sarsasaponin,
smilasaponin, sarsaparilloside, and silosterol glucoside Can be
synthetized into human steroidss in lab such as estrogen and
testorene
Slide 21
Ethnomedical uses Used for centuries by the indigenous people
of Central and South America for sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin
ailments, and as a general tonic for physical weakness found by New
World trader and introduced into European medicine in the 1500s
Tribes in Peru and Honduras used it for headaches, joint pain and
common cold. Shamans in the amazon use the root internally and
externally for leprosy and other skin problems.
Slide 22
Modern Uses Main uses 1. Psoriasis, dermatitis, leprosy and
other skin disorders 2. blood purifier and general detoxification
aid 3.general tonic, stimulant and hormonal regulator 4. arthritis,
rheumatism and autoimmune disorders which cause inflammation 5.
Syphilis treatment Biological Research In 1942, it was reported in
the New England Journal of Medicine to improve the condition of
psoriasis dramatically Possible mechanism of action Sarsaponin
binding to endotoxins in skin
Slide 23
Traditional preparation One-half to 1 cup of a standard root
decoction 2-3 timesdaily. 1-2grams of root powder in tablets or
capsule daily 2-3 ml of a standard tincture of fluid extract may be
taken twice a day Soft drinks and beverages
Slide 24
Sources "Database Entry: Sarsaparilla - Smilax Officinalis,
Sarsaparilla, Smilax Aristolochiaefolia, Smilax Glabra,
Sarsaparilla, Smilax Febrifuga, Smilx Ornata, Chinese Sarsaparilla,
Smilax Regelii, Smilax Japicanga." Wealth of the Rainforest -
Pharmacy to the World from Raintree Nutrition, Inc. Web. 29 Nov.
2010.. "Smilax Regelii Information from NPGS/GRIN." GRIN National
Genetic Resources Program. Web. 29 Nov. 2010.. "Smilax Regelii."
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 29 Nov. 2010..
Slide 25
Mimosa pudica Yessenia Velazco
Slide 26
Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant) (pudica = shy), is a creeping
annual or perennial herb. Also known as sensitive plant, humble
plant, shameful plant, sleeping grass, touch-me-not. It belongs to
the Magnoliopsida group, familiy Fabaceae, and sub-family
Mimosaceae The species is native to South America and Central
America, but is now a pantropical weed. It grows in most
well-drained soils and soils with low concentrations of nutrients.
Repeated burning encourage its spread in pastures. Sensitive plant
is shade intolerant and does not compete with tall vegetation or
grow under forest canopies. GENERAL INFORMATION
Slide 27
TRADITIONAL USES Ayurvedic medicine used its root in the
treatment of leprosy, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complaints,
inflammations, burning sensation, asthma, and blood diseases. Unani
healthcare system used its root in the treatment of diseases
arising from blood impurities and bile, bilious fevers, jaundice,
and leprosy. Decoction of root was used with water to gargle to
reduce toothache. It is very useful in diarrhea (athisaara),
amoebic dysentery (raktaatisaara), bleeding piles, and urinary
infections. It is mainly used in herbal preparations for
gynecological disorders, bronchitis, general weakness and
impotence.
Slide 28
In Western medicine, Mimosa pudicas root is used for treating
insomnia, irritability, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hemorrhoids,
skin wounds, and diarrhea. It is also used to treat whooping cough
and fevers in children, and there is some evidence to suggest that
it effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. All
parts of the Mimosa plant are reportedly toxic if taken directly.
Its consumption is not recommended to pregnant or nursing ladies.
Due to these reports, it seems to be best to consult a physician
before using Mimosa internally. Modern Uses RESEARCH Research
regarding safety in young children or those with severe liver or
kidney disease have not been found. Mimosa mucilage is a promising
mucoadhesive polymer for deliver of buccal drugs. A research study
was conducted at the Department of Chemistry, Cotton College,
Assam, India (August 2007). The researchers found that the
components present in the roots of the herb changed the timings of
the release of many birth associated hormones leading to extension
of pregnancy. They concluded that the herb posses anti-fertility
properties.
Slide 29
Active components Mimosine: Toxic alkaloid. Immobilizes the
filariform larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis in less than one
hour. Potent antiproliferative and apoptotic effects. Appears to
inhibit the myotoxicity and enzyme activity of cobra venom.
Adrenalin like substance has been identified in the extract of its
leaves. Some workers have reported the presence of Crocetin
dimethyl Easter in the extract of the plant. Roots contain tannin
up to 10% and seeds contain a mucilage. The plant extract contains
green yellow fatty oil up to 17%. The plant is reported to contain
tubuline and a new class phytohormone turgorines is found to be
active in the plant.
Slide 30
Remarkable Feature Mimosa pudica is remarkable because of its:
Nyctinastic and seismonastic movements. The movements are the
result of a rapid loss of pressure in strategically situated cells
that cause the leaves to droop right before ones eyes. This
evidence led to the rejection of the hypothesis that Mimosa pudica
had nerves and muscles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0LFBM3hOLs&feature=related
Slide 31
REFERENCES Ahuja M., S. Kumar, M. Yadav. Evaluation of Mimosa
Seed Mucilage as Bucoadhesive Polymer. (2010). The Pharmaceutical
Society of Japan. 130: 937-944.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimosa_pudica
http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Mimosa%20pudica.pdf
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/sensitive_plant.htm
http://www.ecosensorium.org/2010/03/mimosa-pudica-and-its-applications-
in.html
http://herbs.ygoy.com/2009/11/04/can-the-herb-mimosa-pudica-replace-the-
contraceptive-pills/