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Herbarium: Medicinal Plants as Information Worthy Worts: Comprehensive Comparison of the Histories, Structures, and Therapeutic Uses of Plants in the Scrophulariaceae and Asteraceae Families In order to better understand the “worts'” categorization, an analysis of the plants within the Scrophulariaceae family (Scrophularia californica, Scrophularia scorodonia, and Galvezia juncea) and two plants within the Asteraceae family (Artemisia douglasiana and Artemisia campestris) was conducted. Through research thus far, it was found that these aforementioned plants share structural similarities in terms of aspects that include venation of the leaves. The most prominent common denominator of the wort category is that they all have therapeutic uses. Among the historical therapeutic uses found in the literature are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant uses. These benefits have been utilized from societies ranging from the American Indians to the Europeans. -By Chris Leung, Catly Do, Fady Tawfik, and Sean Jamali. Exploring the Sages: Medicinal Properties and Appearances of Artemisia Californica and Salvia Apiana Both plants Artemisia Californica and Salvia apiana under the category of sages play important roles in maintaining the growth of their local ecosystems with similar habitats, medicinal properties, and flowering appearances during the times of collection. However, they also share important differences in their flowering and growth patterns as well as the active agents used for their medicinal properties. In analyzing the similarities and differences between these two plants regarding appearances, climate, medicinal properties, and growth patterns, the similarities in how they are able to provide and support their local ecosystems is the big picture idea that can be understood. - By Stephanie Bottomley, Rasika Obla, Tony Ong, and Balpreet Sond. Tea Time: Exploring the Medicinal Properties of Bark-Use Plants from a Traditional Ecological Knowledge Context This page discusses three different plants that contain significant medicinal properties in their bark and have been historically used by indigenous communities throughout North America: Populus tremuloides, Frangula californica subsp. californica, and Amelanchier alnifolia. These species will be compared on a global scale by examining the bark-based applications of two related species from Africa and East Asia: Dovyalis caffra and Rhaphiolepis umbellata. Despite their phenotypic differences and the differences in their medicinal properties, all five of these plants have been used to help relieve symptoms of communicable and chronic diseases through the direct digestion of tea like remedies made from the boiled bark of these plants. -By Saja Zidan, Maha Ulhaq, Kate Santoso, Gillian, Miller, Anna Jovin, and Luc Lorain The History, Comparison, and Analysis of Parasitic Plants Our project presents the process of collecting and researching the special characteristics of parasitic plants. We explore each plant's respective medical practices and compare them to epiphytic plants that are similar to our original plants of interest. In each project, we individually explain how the plants were collected, identified, translated, and classified. The contextual reasons behind this process are also presented and connected to the general unique characteristics of parasitic plants. Each page provides a collection of media images that visually represent the main plant of interest, the epiphytic plant, the historical materia medica image, and the individual journal observations that we made of our respective plants. We offer comparative analysis and highlight important parts of each specimen throughout these photos. - By Khang Vo, Jessica McLaughlin, Alastair Sterns, and Dania Alkoraishi Combating Coughs: The Respiratory Remedies across North America Bioprospecting and the application of materia medica have played central roles in the remedy of physical ailments in humans throughout history. From ancient cultures utilizing extracts from leaves and roots to modern medicinal practices extracting medicinal properties from plants to put into pills and other therapies, materia medica has and remains a relevant and growing practice. Here, we examine various plants from North America and their varied characteristics, though they share similar medicinal properties.- By Raymond Ko, Mari Williams, Elizabeth Pham, Julia Tang, Cienna Henry Milton, and Emma Barrall Antiseptics in Nature: An exploratory analysis of Coptis trifolia and Larrea tridentata The following research studies common properties of plants used as potential antiseptic medicinal use. Explained more in depth later on, the first page introduces the plant Coptis trifolia, and its common characteristics with a similar plant, Thalictrum fendleri. The second page studies Larrea Tridentata found at the UCLA Herbarium and its living species at the UCLA Botanical Garden. The pages also examine other species found at the UCLA Botanical Garden, with references of possible characteristics which may allude to the specificity and uniqueness of the plants and objects. These three species studied share a common use as an antiseptic. - By Neha Shetty, Simran Athwal, Mariah Ghodrat, Madeline Huttie, and Liam Kordmahale-Izaddoust Plant Specimen and their Alias : Exploring the Identity of Plants with Animal in the Name Lycium torreyi and Equisetum laevigatum, both plant species with an animal in their name, were explored for their characteristics and relationship to their respective animals. Through extensive research, we deduce several similarities and differences between our plants that led us to an understanding of why each plant earned their colloquial name, or alias. Lycium torreyi and Equisetum laevigatum, alias Wolfberry and Smooth Horsetail, respectively, have several commonalities and differences to their corresponding animal including physical and character traits as well as their medicinal qualities. Images, observations and outside research portray the many queries and answers to their common name. By Frieda Anastopulos, Alexa Hernandez, Denise Llera, Chelsea Okoro, Grace Randall Precious Polygonaceae: Insight into the Historical Collection and Therapeutic Uses of Polygonum, Eriogonum, and Rumex Genera This comparative analysis took to exploring six species under the Polygonaceae plant family, half of which are housed in the UCLA Herbarium and half of which are located in the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA. Although they shared a meaningful commonality, these plants fell under a total of three genuses, which seems to explain their differences in morphology - as observed in the physical herbarium specimen sheets and the botanical garden visit - and utility, as unveiled by various Materia Medica entries. However, with an understanding of both historical and modern collection processes, this analysis also postulated that such differences could relate to how these plants were collected and their associated metadata. - By Moryel Yashar, Lexie Baughman, Nicole Cohen, Yair Tabibi, Tabetha Sanchez, and Leah Tabibi A History and Analysis of Antiviral Medicinal Plants Medicinal plants vary wildly among cultures around the world, and proper identification, collections, and bioprospecting of these plants expand upon modern medicine and provide new possibilities of drugs. Exploration of historical materia medica, preserved herbarium specimens, and observation of plants both in adaptations and chosen environment allow for the discovery of new medical leads. Three plants in particular, Eclipta prostrata, Astragalus nuttallii var. Nuttallii, and Sambucus canadensis, have historically been documented and used in medicine for their antiviral properties. Through the process of observation as well as investigation of historic cultural uses, much can be learned about these medicinal plants that carry these critical properties. - By Allison Wang, Joanne Kwak, Nina Do, Nicolo Villasis, Sabrina Huang, and Hamza Mojadidi

Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica effects on Cardiovascular System (Group 9)

Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica are medicinal plants that have been found to contain a myriad of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and polyphenol compounds which are known to have significant effects on the cardiovascular system primarily targeting systolic hypertension. Plant extracts and its derivatives ameliorate oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, hypertension that are associated with cardiovascular disease due to their anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, antiviral activity that are elicited to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases risk factors. Cardioprotective effects and health benefits of Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica will be discussed._By: Salma Fawzi, Anaeli Guzman, Rere Huang, Lilliane Martin, Isabel Nakoud, Sriha Srinivasan

The three specimens known as Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica all exhibit medicinal properties that have an immense effect on the cardiovascular system. Some of these effects include anti-inflammatory responses, protection against hypertension, treatment of infections, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties. Amongst the overlapping medicinal properties in Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica, is an understanding of how the plants play a role in numerous cardiovascular processes.

Crataegus douglasii has been used to help protect against heart disease and help control high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Different studies have shown that Crataegus douglasii seems to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and increase coronary artery blood flow. It has also been used to treat boils and skin sores. This plant contains different flavonoids, such as rhamnosides and schaftosides. Flavonoids are phytonutrients found in almost all fruits and vegetables that have anti-inflammatory effects and protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease. Because of the flavonoids, Crataegus douglasii has a positive inotropic effect on the heart by strengthening the force of the heartbeat. This plant has leaves that are broad, long, and serrated at the tip. It has dense clusters of white flowers in the spring and edible fruits that mature to black in late summer. Its flowers have an unpleasant fragrance which tends to attract pollinators such as midges and butterflies. Crataegus douglasii can also be planted for erosion control. This specimen is self-fertile, meaning that both male and female parts can be found on the same plant. The best method of propagating Crataegus douglasii is through seeds and wind dispersal. It is native to wetlands, open moist places, bluffs and slopes, meadows, ditches, and along streams in a large geographic territory. It is most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest.

Urtica dioica subspecies Holoser., or stinging nettle has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its leaves are initially hostile, but can be cooked similar to a vegetable for both nutritional and medical value. The leaves can also be burned into a tea, producing a health tonic filled with flavonoids. As aforementioned, flavonoids have cardiovascular properties, and the tonic is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. U. dioica can produce hypotensive responses, through a vasorelaxant effect mediated by the release of endothelial nitric oxide and the opening of potassium channels, and through negative inotropic action. It can also be turned into a pulp and used externally as a poultice. There are claims that it helps with eczema, urinary tract problems, and cardiovascular benefits, but these claims are less substantiated than health claims related to internal consumption.The plant itself has leaves rich in cellulose, polyphenol compounds, vitamin C, and minerals. They are high in fiber and can be used within basic construction. The stinging nettle can self-reproduce, as it grows with both male and female reproductive organs. It also spreads easily within its locality, with widely spreading rhizomes and stolons. In fact, it is often planted to reduce soil erosion and help the environment in which it is planted. However, it is native to subtropical and tropical Asia, and is common especially in China. However, it can still be found in the North Americas, particularly on the West Coast. Here, hikers often see stinging nettle on trails or bordering neighborhoods, as the name ‘stinging’ implies less danger than what is actually to be feared.

Historically, Bidens pilosa has been used to treat over forty diseases and disorders including inflammation, immunological disorders, digestive disorders, infectious diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and wounds. However, in addition to these common medicinal uses, the bioactive compounds produced by Bidens pilosa have also proven rather useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This includes lowering systolic blood pressure, reducing cardiac hypertrophy, and the potential to treat cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Bidens pilosa is rich in phytochemicals such as polyynes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and phenolics that in addition to treating tumors, inflammation, diabetes, viruses, microbes, and gastrointestinal diseases, have also been found effective in treating cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids, in particular, present many potential cardiovascular health-promoting properties. Bidens pilosa is rich in flavonoid compounds, with evidence of over 60 different flavonoids being produced by the plant. These flavonoids include bioflavonoids and quercetin derivatives which exhibit antioxidant properties that function to reduce the harmful impact of free radicals in the body. Through a series of chemical reactions, free radicals, derived from metabolic processes or through an outside source such as pollutants or chemicals, damage cellular components leading to an increased risk for the development and further progression of cardiovascular diseases. Medical research has found that extracting these flavonoids and constituting them with acetate, butanol, and water creates free radical scavengers, substances functioning to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, the plant is rich in essential oils, these essential oils contain compounds such as monoterpenes and phenolics believed to have anti-hypertensive properties.

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1. Worthy Worts: Comprehensive Comparison of the Histories, Structures, and Therapeutic Uses of Plants in the Scrophulariaceae and Asteraceae Families In order to better understand the “worts” categorization, we analyzed three plants within the Scrophulariaceae family (Scrophularia californica, Scrophularia scorodonia, and Galvezia juncea) and two plants within the Asteraceae family (Artemisia douglasiana and Artemisia campestris). For each plant, we investigated the historical background, physical structures, and therapeutic uses. In our research thus far, we have found that these aforementioned plants share structural similarities with the most prominent common denominator being that they all have therapeutic uses for anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant needs. -By Chris Leung, Catly Do, Fady Tawfik, and Sean Jamali.
2. Exploring the Sages: Artemisia Californica and Salvia Apiana Both plants Artemisia Californica and Salvia Apiana under the category of sages play important roles in maintaining the growth of their local ecosystems with similar habitats, medicinal properties, and flowering appearances during the times of collection. In analyzing the similarities and differences between these two plants regarding appearances, climate, medicinal properties, and growth patterns, the similarities in how they are able to provide and support their local ecosystems is the big picture idea that can be understood. - By Stephanie Bottomley, Rasika Obla, Tony Ong, and Balpreet Sond.
3. Exploring the Medicinal Significance of Bark Use Specimens in an Indigenous North American Context While Indigenous communities have historically used a diverse array of plants for their medicinal properties, plants that contain their medicinal properties in their bark should be highlighted due to their historical significance for both Native American groups and colonialists. In this discussion, we will be highlighting three plants that contain medicinal properties in their bark and have been historically used by indigenous communities throughout North America: Populus Tremuloides, Frangula californica, and Amelanchier alnifolia. Despite their use by indigenous communities, these plants have also been research and explored by colonialists for bioprospecting purposes according to historical records. We will explore the differences between the indigenous uses of these bark use specimens and the uses of colonialists who arrived in North America to analyze how of each these three plants were used amongst different groups. -By Saja Zidan, Maha Ulhaq, Anna Jovin, Gillian Miller, Luc Lorain, Kate Santoso
7. Animal in the Name Throughout Society and Genetics 180: Materia Medica we have researched various characteristics and intersections of our plants with an animal in the name, Lycium torreyi and Equisetum laevigatum. Our extensive research allows us to deduce several similarities and differences between our plants that may lead us to understanding why each plant was named after their respective animals, wolfberry and smooth horsetail. In these pages we will illustrate the commonalities and differences between our plants and the animals in which they are named after. Through images, observations, interpretations and outside research we will portray the various qualities of our plants. -By Frieda Anastopulos, Chelsea Okoro, Grace Randall, Alexa Hernandez, and Denise Llera
9. Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica effects on Cardiovascular System (Group 9) Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica are medicinal plants that have been found to contain a myriad of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and polyphenol compounds which are known to have significant effects on the cardiovascular system primarily targeting systolic hypertension. Plant extracts and its derivatives ameliorate oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, hypertension that are associated with cardiovascular disease due to their anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, antiviral activity that are elicited to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases risk factors. Cardioprotective effects and health benefits of Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica will be discussed._By: Salma Fawzi, Anaeli Guzman, Rere Huang, Lilliane Martin, Isabel Nakoud, Sriha Srinivasan
10. A History and Analysis of Antiviral Medicinal Plants Medicinal plants vary wildly among cultures around the world, and proper identification, collections, and bioprospecting of these plants expand upon modern medicine and provide new possibilities of drugs. Exploration of historical materia medica, preserved herbarium specimens, and observation of plants both in adaptations and chosen environment allow for the discovery of new medical leads. Three plants in particular, Eclipta prostrata, Astragalus nuttallii var. Nuttallii, and Sambucus canadensis, have historically been documented and used in medicine for their antiviral properties. Through the process of observation as well as investigation of historic cultural uses, much can be learned about these medicinal plants that carry these critical properties. - By Allison Wang, Joanne Kwak, Nina Do, Nicolo Villasis, Sabrina Huang, and Hamza Mojadidi

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Bidens pilosa, a specimen collected for the UCLA herbarium, and Roldana petasitis, a live specimen found at the UCLA botanical garden, both share similar physical traits and characteristics designed to enhance their overall reproductive success in nature. Both of the Asteraceae family, Bidens pilosa and Roldana petasitis exhibit traits that enhance seed dispersal, increase pollination, and significantly decrease water loss in hot and temperate climates. First identified and collected in historical Materia Medica, the collection of these specimens serves to enhance scientific knowledge and provide further information regarding the plant distribution and biodiversity in a particular area. Furthermore, the medicinal uses, both historically and presently of Bidens pilosa will be presented._By Lilliane Martin and Rere Huang.
Crataegus douglasii, a specimen known as Black Hawthorn, exhibits medicinal properties that affect the cardiovascular system. This specimen belongs to the Rosaceae family. Throughout history, Crataegus douglasii has been used to help protect against heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Studies have further shown that Crataegus douglasii may improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and increase coronary artery blood flow overall. By Anaeli Guzman and Salma Fawzi
Abstract. The Urticaceae family is a family of flowering pants also known as the nettle family. Two example species in this family are Urtica dioica, or the stinging nettle, and Boehmeria nivea A.K.A ramie or china grass. Urtica dioica, like many other Urticaceae species, has stinging hairs on its leaves which make the plant hostile. However, Boehmeria nivea does not have these stinging hairs. Regardless of the hairs, both plant species are edible when cooked and/or seeped into a tea. Both of these plants are very useful medicinally and have a wide range of uses and applications. Both are most famous for being an antioxidant ingredient, but between the two of them offer anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive effects and a variety more. Isabel Nakoud & Sriha Srinivasan

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Bidens pilosa from Materia Medica