This site requires Javascript to be turned on. Please enable Javascript and reload the page.

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 Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica effects on Cardiovascular System 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. These compounds are known to have significant effects on the cardiovascular system by primarily targeting systolic hypertension. Plant extracts and their derivatives ameliorate oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension associated with cardiovascular disease. This association is due to the characteristics of anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, and antiviral activity within the specimen. These medicinal outcomes are elicited to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases risk factors. Overall, Bidens pilosa, Crataegus douglasii, and Urtica dioica play a crucial role in cardioprotective effects and health benefits. - By Salma Fawzi, Anaeli Guzman, Rere Huang, Lilliane Martin, Isabel Nakoud, and Sriha Srinivasan 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

The Coffeeberry Plant Remedy: The Ultimate Healer of Native Californians, from Deepest Root to Tallest Leaf

Frangula californica subspecies californica is a plant species more commonly known by the name of the California Coffeeberry. Physically collected specimens dating back to the 19th century combined with documented and passed down medicinal practices from indigenous Californian tribes provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the range of practical uses and characteristics of this versatile species. The examples of the specimen of Frangula californica subspecies californica housed within the UCLA Herbarium collected in 1928 as well as a Frangula californica species californica specimen in the New York Botanical Gardens collected in 1892 serve as the best historical specimen record with adequate metadata. Most compelling is that what appears to be a shrub-like species similar to its neighbors turns out to be a plant with a myriad of diverse medicinal properties from the root to the leaves, treating ailments from toothaches to constipation. - By Kate Santoso and Gillian Miller

Frangula californica subspecies californica is an evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub and is a member of the Rhamnus, or Buckthorn family. The leaves of Frangula californica subspecies californica are commonly 3/4 to 3 inches long that are either narrow or widely elliptic with an acute tip. These leaves are often a shade of dark green and a lighter green underneath. The species has very small white-green flowers that bloom into very small bunches of berries that are 1-1.5 centimeters in size, and bloom in the summertime progressing from red, to purple, to black over time. Many species of birds, black-tailed deer, and even black bears love to feast on these coffee berries. These features will be analyzed in conjunction with their medicinal uses through three sources of Frangula californica subspecies californica.

The first source of analysis is the Frangula californica subspecies californica specimen housed in the UCLA Herbarium. This specimen was collected in San Diego, California 3 miles from Santa Ysabel on the road to Julian on June 22, 1928 by Carl B. Wolf. Apart from noting the plant family and elevation, the metadata is fairly limited. What stands out about this specimen is the intact berries and numerous branches. The purple berries are indicative of the mid-summertime collection, and this varies in color based on upper and undersides as well as varying size within the 3/4 to 3 inches length. We utilized this specimen to conduct inferential observations through annotations to brainstorm adaptive traits and functions.

The UCLA Botanical Garden is home to our exact species, allowing us to observe features when the plant is still alive. The live plant had leaves that were identical in size, but had a far deeper green color than the light leaves of the UCLA Herbarium specimen. The live plant did not yet have the berries that are 1-1.5 centimeters in size due to it being winter and thus outside of blooming season. We were able to collect other materials in the botanical garden in the same vicinity of our plant including frayed leaves that have lost their deep green color, stones, and old berry bunches from late summer that were dried up and dark in color.

Our third source of analysis is our historical materia medica image containing a pressed version of our specimen, Frangula californica/Rhamnus california (Eschsch). A square of paper in the lower right corner contains important metadata concerning the exact location, date, and team involved in the collection of the specimen as well as which herbarium it currently resides in. The specimen was collected on June 8th, 1892 and has one main and thick branch of which smaller and thinner branches break off horizontally to form small bunches of leaves. Oval shaped green leaves with very small brownish/reddish fruit bunches grow out of the very top of the thin branches. There is a barcode with the catalog number at the bottom and the top right hand side contains a ruler. The New York Botanical garden logo is displayed in the top left and there are stamps of herbariums on the top and bottom that additionally detail the movement of the specimen in 1990 from The Brooklyn Herbarium to The New York Herbarium.

This image is significant because it is a very well-preserved and documented specimen that was collected over 100 years ago by J.H. Sandberg and his listed assistants MacDougal and Heller in Idaho. Sandberg is a distinguished Botanist who has published field books from Idaho where this specimen was collected as well as overall botanical collections. The specimen was originally located in the Brooklyn Herbarium, but was moved in 1990 to the New York Botanical Gardens Herbarium. Within the GBIF database that contains over 900 specimen images of this plant, this is within the 5 oldest, and is the most clearly preserved with herbarium information and the most metadata.

The most intriguing feature of Frangula californica subspecies californica is the sheer range of medicinal properties derived from not only every part of the plant, but also to treat such a wide range of ailments. Indigenous Californians such as the Ohlone and Chumash tribes have been using the leaves of Frangula Californica subspecies californica for centuries as a laxative to treat constipation caused by acron consumption, as they are documented to have a “purgative” effect. The leaves can also be used to treat poison oak rashes, rheumatism, and to heal infected sores and wounds. The inner bark of the plant was dried and ground to create a laxative tea as well as for kidney remedies and influenza. Even below the surface, the root of the coffeeberry plant can actually be heated dup and placed in the mouth as a remedy for toothaches. The Kumeyaay utilized an infusion of the berries to create a "tonic" (stimulates, excites) and scientific studies have confirmed antimicrobial properties of Frangula California subspecies california extracts to support indigenous medicinal use.

Works Cited

“Summary of Coffee Berry and Its Traditional Use.” Summary of coffee berry and its traditional use - Kumeyaay Garden - University of San Diego. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Tutka M. 2015. Plant guide for California coffeeberry (Frangula californica). USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center, Lockeford, CA.

This page has paths:

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
Contents of this path:
1. Analysis of Salicaceae Specimens: Populus tremuloides and Dovyalis caffra Populus tremuloides and Dovyalis caffra are deciduous trees that come from the Salicaceae or Willow family. Despite the plants belonging to the same family, Populus tremuloides is found in the northern hemisphere in North America and Dovyalis caffra is found in the southern hemisphere in South Africa. Furthermore, each plant has unique characteristics that distinguish it from the other. Populus tremuloides does not produce any fruits, while Dovyalis caffra produces a yellow edible apple. Despite differences in their leaf shape and flower production, both trees are connected by their similar medicinal properties derived from their bark that were used by indigenous communities to treat pain.- By Saja Zidan and Maha Ulhaq
2. The Coffeeberry Plant Remedy: The Ultimate Healer of Native Californians, from Deepest Root to Tallest Leaf Frangula californica subspecies californica is a plant species more commonly known by the name of the California Coffeeberry. Physically collected specimens dating back to the 19th century combined with documented and passed down medicinal practices from indigenous Californian tribes provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the range of practical uses and characteristics of this versatile species. The examples of the specimen of Frangula californica subspecies californica housed within the UCLA Herbarium collected in 1928 as well as a Frangula californica species californica specimen in the New York Botanical Gardens collected in 1892 serve as the best historical specimen record with adequate metadata. Most compelling is that what appears to be a shrub-like species similar to its neighbors turns out to be a plant with a myriad of diverse medicinal properties from the root to the leaves, treating ailments from toothaches to constipation. - By Kate Santoso and Gillian Miller
3. Amelanchier alnifolia: Native uses and Neocolonial Pharmaceutical Potential Amelanchier alnifolia, known alternatively as the saskatoon, serviceberry, or juneberry, is a deciduous-leaved shrub that grows in temperate forests of Western North America and possesses an extensive horticultural and medicinal tradition. A. alnifolia is well-represented in colonial textual sources, praised by Western-bound settlers and horticulturalists alike for its appearance with little regard to traditional Native uses. Cross-analysis of these historical texts with herbarium records, first-hand observations of the plant in-situ, and culturally-informed Indigenous accounts yield a powerful framework to situate a modern understanding of A. alnifolia’s morphology and medicinal properties, including matters of species utility and accessibility. While disparate components of A. alnifolia may possess tremendous economic and pharmaceutical potential, Western biomedical researchers and agricultural operations are ethically bound to respect Indigenous concepts of sovereignty and resource management through collaboration, mutual exchange, and sustainable harvesting.

This page has paths:

This page references: