Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii
1 media/Astragalus nuttallii_Resized_thumb.jpeg 2022-02-28T11:22:45-08:00 Sabrina Huang 95135d9ef0c46b16243bd55f6ca3fa9825936cb5 40021 7 Banner pink-lavender; fruits inflated. Sprawling decumbent-ascending perennial. plain 2022-03-02T11:38:24-08:00 20211207 144325 UCLA Herbarium - funded by the National Science Foundation award number 1802199 20211207 144325 LA00647865 Fabaceae 36.190665 +-10m 2m Sheltered areas of open rocky seamount. Occasional. Anthony Baniaga (1048) -121.71373 +-10m November 6, 2021 09abe079-a14f-47e7-ace2-0092e2a79e6b Sabrina Huang 95135d9ef0c46b16243bd55f6ca3fa9825936cb5This page has annotations:
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2022-02-16T11:35:28-08:00
The Hidden Gem of the California Coast: Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttalii
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Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii is a flowering plant that lives on the California coast. Its medicinal properties include treating fainting and weakness. Many of the treatments involving Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii have not been assessed by the Food and Drug Administration as they are homeopathic therapies. We compare Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii to Hardenbergia violacea, which belongs to the same family as Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii. We determine the anatomical structures of Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii are adaptations to a moist, sunny, and sometimes windy environment. — By Hamza Yusuf Mojadidi and Sabrina Huang
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2022-03-10T17:05:22-08:00
Our specimen of study is Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii. The plant is commonly known as Ocean Bluff Milkvetch and is found on the California coast (Calflora, n.d.). It is a perennial plant that blooms year-round (“Astragalus Nuttallii, Nuttall's Milkvetch,” n.d.). The specimen we studied was collected in Big Sur, California by Anthony Baniaga, who likely pulled the specimen near the ocean and identified it using the Jepson Manual (Baniaga, 2021; Calflora, n.d.). He may have been the specimen’s sole collector because the collection date – November 6, 2021 – was during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to this specimen, we examined a live Hardenbergia violacea plant – a member of the Fabaceae family – in the UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. Hamza Yusuf Mojadidi collected five items from this plant on February 4th, 2022 at 12:04 pm. Hardenbergia violacea is native to Australia (“Hardenbergia violacea - (Schneev.) Stearn,” n.d.). Lastly, we studied an specimen in the materia medica. Astragalus menziesii is an alternative name for Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii (Calflora, n.d.). A. Menzies collected the Astragalus menziesii A.Gray specimen in 1867 in California (Menzies, 1867). This is one of the earliest, if not the earliest, image we could find of an Astragalus specimen in the Golden State. We hypothesize that 1867 was one of the earliest years on record of a California-based Astragalus specimen due to the state’s addition to the United States during the mid-19th century and the resulting influx of people into the region.
Hardenbergia violacea and Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii leaves are used in homeopathic treatments aimed at body rejuvenation. Homeopathy is a body of medicine that believes in the efficacy of diluted therapies made from materials which trigger reactions in people who do not have an ailment resembling those in people with an ailment, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2021). For example, therapies containing Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii leaves can alleviate fatigue and fainting (“Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf liquid,” 2018; “Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf pellet,” 2020). In 2015, researchers discovered Astragalus roots bolster the immune responses of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a condition that causes difficulties breathing (Jiang et al., 2015; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Astragalus roots can also treat cancer, anemia, heart disease, colds, and diabetes due to “immunologically active” compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and astragalosides II and IV (Mount Sinai, n.d.; Hong et al., 2011, 6-7). Meanwhile, the leaves and flowers of Hardenbergia violacea can heal mouth ulcers and chest pain (Koori Bush Tucker Garden, n.d.).
The Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii appears well-adapted to its habitat. There are three features of the plant that demonstrate this. First, Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii flowers are small and round. The flowers' size is likely due to the plant’s preference for smaller pollinators like bees. The flowers are also a combination of purple, dark yellow, and white – all of which are significantly duller than the bright purple of Hardenbergia violacea flowers. We predict the dullness may be an evolutionary response to Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii’s habitat. The California coast could have more animals with a preference for preying on plants compared to Australia. Plants with less conspicuous flowers could avoid being eaten. Second, the plant's offshoots are covered on both sides by leaves. This is known as a compound leaf (“Astragalus Nuttallii, Nuttall's Milkvetch,” n.d.). Each sub-leaf is light green, smooth, and veinless. Smaller and more abundant leaves may allow the plant to maximize energy absorption in an environment with cloud coverage. Lastly, Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii has skinny, supple branches. Strong gusts from the Pacific Ocean mean the plant lives in windy conditions. Thin branches enable the plant to sway back and forth as opposed to thicker branches or stems, thus spreading seeds or pollen.WORKS CITED
“Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf liquid.” (n.d.). National Library of Medicine DailyMed. Accessed January 28, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=cef7c574-a7d6-4068-af3a-b9d3c3bb2ffc&type=display“Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf pellet.” 2020. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=fc300ba2-70e2-42ac-9f5a-b8a6f6bde4ba&type=display“Astragalus Nuttallii, Nuttall's Milkvetch.” (n.d.). The American Southwest. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/astragalus-nuttallii.html#:~:text=Plants%20bloom%20all%20year.Baniaga, A. (2021). “Astragalus nuttallii var.. Nuttallii.” University of California, Los Angeles, CCH2. LA00647865.CalFlora. (n.d.). “Astragalus nuttallii.” Accessed January 23, 2022. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=896Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).” Last reviewed February 22, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcopd%2Findex.htm.“Hardenbergia violacea - (Schneev.)Stearn.” (n.d.). Plants for a Future. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hardenbergia+violacea.Hong, F., Xiao, W., Ragupathi, G., Lau, C. B., Leung, P. C., Yeung, K. S., George, C., Cassileth, B., Kennelly, E., & Livingston, P. O. (2011). The known immunologically active components of Astragalus account for only a small proportion of the immunological adjuvant activity when combined with conjugate vaccines. Planta medica, 77(8), 817–824. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1250574Jiang, D. et al. (2015). Milkvetch root improves immune function in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Bio-medical materials and engineering, 26(s1), S2113-S2121.Koori Bush Tucker Garden. (n.d.) Greening Australia. Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GUIDE_Koori-Bush-Tucker-Garden-Book.pdf#:~:text=The%20leaves%20and%20flowers%20were,purpose%20of%20detox%20and%20cleansing.Menzies, A. (collector). 1867. “Astragalus menziesii.” The Herbarium Catalogue, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, K000061842.Mount Sinai. (n.d.). “Astragalus.” Accessed January 28, 2022. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/astragalus.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Homeopathy: What You Need To Know. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy. -
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2022-02-23T11:29:36-08:00
A History and Analysis of Antiviral Medicinal Plants
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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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The medicinal usages of plants dates back 60,000 years. In the search for the rescue of various ailments, humans turned to plants and their then-mysterious medicinal properties that gave relief. The oldest recorded evidence of plants being used medicinally was approximately 5,000 years ago on a Sumerian clay slab found in Nagpur. The clay slab had on it “12 recipes for drug preparation referring to over 250 various plants…” (Petrovska). As we fast forward in time, humans continuously look to plants to solve modern-day illnesses. Specifically, the Boots drug company from Nottingham, England was the first to express interest in screening 288 plants for anti-influenza activity in the 1950s (Mukhtar et al.) Even today, scientists look towards plants to find treatments for new onset illnesses like the coronavirus. This project focuses on three species of plants (Eclipta prostrata, Astragalus nuttallii, and Sambucus canadensis) and compares and contrasts their existence in nature and the various antiviral medicine properties they offer.
The three plant species share similarities as to their location and characteristics. The three plant species were all collected within the United States and have samples that are housed in the UCLA Herbarium. Based on materia medica and research, scientists have found historical and modern-day evidence that these plants offer antiviral, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these plants have a long history of usage for a variety of ailments. For example, the water extract of Eclipta prostrata contains “one of the most inhibitory [activities] against HIV-1 integrase” (“Antiviral Plant Extracts”). Several compounds have been extracted from the plant with coumestan derivatives like wedelolactone showing particular antibacterial effects (Timalsina & Devkota). Other chemicals like saponins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids show some promise for the other uses of Eclipta prostrata. The plant is prepared in several ways, mainly involving a tea, decoction, or extract of the leaves, roots, or the whole plant (Jahan et al.). Another plant that shares antiviral properties, was collected in the United States, and has records stored in the UCLA herbarium is Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii. More specifically, the leaves of Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii are used in homeopathic treatments aimed at body rejuvenation. Therapies containing astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii leaves can address weakness and fainting (“Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf liquid,” 2018; “Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf pellet,” 2020). The Chinese have used Astragalus plant roots to stave off disease, enhance immunity, lower blood pressure, and kill bacteria in humans for at least two millennia (Jiang et al., 2015). Currently, Astragalus roots are used to treat cancer, anemia, heart disease, colds, and diabetes (Mount Sinai, n.d.). The third species of plants that have historically exhibited antiviral properties is Sambucus canadensis. Its berries are edible and can serve as a source of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that helps the body form proteins necessary for growth and survival. The inner and root bark can be used as a diuretic, emetic, and laxative, while the leaves and flowers are used as an antiseptic. Additionally, elderberry juice contains high levels of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids which is known for its antiviral properties.
Despite the similarities between these three aforementioned plants, their individual therapies differ, especially in the production process. While treatments containing Sambucus canadensis are being developed into marketable products for widespread use, those containing Eclipta prostrata have specific uses in the various regions in which they are found. For example, the leaves and juice of Eclipta prostrata are used in a remedy for snakebites in Brazil and in Ayurvedic medicine on the Indian subcontinent. It’s notable that the flowers are rarely used compared to the leaves, shoots, and juice of the plant. Eclipta prostrata is traditionally consumed as a decoction or tea of certain parts of the plant. Meanwhile, therapies made from Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii leaves have not been evaluated or approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration “Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf liquid,” 2018; “Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf pellet,” 2020).
The three plant species differ somewhat in their origins, herbal preparations, and phytocompounds. Eclipta prostrata can be found within the United States but most of its range is found within humid, tropical areas such as India, China, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii however is found only along the California coast (Calflora, n.d.). Sambucus canadensis lives across North and South America. Furthermore, these plants differ greatly in their structure. Astragalus nuttallii var nuttallii is a small perennial plant with compound leaves and purple flowers (“Astragalus Nuttallii, Nuttall's Milkvetch,” n.d.). Eclipta prostrata is a summer annual with purplish stems and small white flowers. Eclipta prostrata grows to less than 2 feet tall and stays close to the ground. On the other hand, Sambacus canadensis is a woody deciduous shrub or small tree and can grow between 9 and 12 feet tall. While Eclipta prostrata and Sambacus canadensis have whole leaves, Astragalus nuttallii var nuttallii leaves are made of smaller leaves – likely an adaptation to an environment with high levels of sun exposure. Eclipta prostrata has wedelolactones, flavinoids, and phenolic acids while the juices of the fruit of Sambucus canadensis contain anthocyanins, which are known for having antiviral properties. Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii have Astragalosides II and IV, saponins, and flavonoids, which are all “immunologically active” compounds (Hong et al., 2011, 6-7). Even with these differences in physical appearance, compounds, and taxonomy, these plants have separately evolved to possess antiviral properties.
Eclipta prostrata, Sambucus canadensis, and Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii are all examples of plants whose medicinal uses will likely have significant implications in a world dominated by synthetic compounds whose efficacy is waning by the day. All species have antiviral properties that can treat common ailments. The juice and leaves of Eclipta prostrata are most commonly concocted to treat hepatic/liver ailments (i.e., hepatitis, jaundice), gastrointestinal illnesses, and wound infections. Most notably, it is also used to kill and inhibit the growth of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitos. Sambucus canadensis can treat headaches, kidney problems and mucous congestion in addition to weakening influenza viruses A and B. Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii leaves can increase energy levels, while astragalus roots can treat colds and certain kinds of cancer (Mount Sinai, n.d.).WORKS CITED
“Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf liquid.” (n.d.). National Library of Medicine DailyMed. Accessed January 28, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=cef7c574-a7d6-4068-af3a-b9d3c3bb2ffc&type=display.“Astragalus menziesii- astragalus nuttallii leaf pellet.” 2020. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=fc300ba2-70e2-42ac-9f5a-b8a6f6bde4ba&type=display.“Astragalus Nuttallii, Nuttall's Milkvetch.” (n.d.). The American Southwest. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/astragalus-nuttallii.html#:~:text=Plants%20bloom%20all%20year.CalFlora. (n.d.). “Astragalus nuttallii.” Accessed January 23, 2022. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=896.Hong, F., Xiao, W., Ragupathi, G., Lau, C. B., Leung, P. C., Yeung, K. S., George, C., Cassileth, B., Kennelly, E., & Livingston, P. O. (2011). The known immunologically active components of Astragalus account for only a small proportion of the immunological adjuvant activity when combined with conjugate vaccines. Planta medica, 77(8), 817–824. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1250574.Jahan, Rownak, et al. 2014. “Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae).” International Scholarly Research Notices 2014:385969.Jiang, D. et al. (2015). Milkvetch root improves immune function in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Bio-medical materials and engineering, 26(s1), S2113-S2121.Mount Sinai. (n.d.). “Astragalus.” Accessed January 28, 2022. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/astragalus.Sahpira-Nahor O, Zakay-Rones Z, Mumcuoglu M. 1995. "The Effects of Sambucol ® on HIV infection in vitro." Ann Israel Congress Microbiol February 6-7.Schmitzer, Valentina, Robert Veberic, and Franci Stampar. 2012. "European elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) and American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.): Botanical, chemical and health properties of flowers, berries and their products." In Berries: Properties, Consumption and Nutrition, edited by Carlo Tuberoso, 127-148. Waltham, MA: Nova Biomedical.Zakay-Rones, Z, and E. Thorn, T. Wollan, and J. Wadstein. 2004. "Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections." Journal of International Medical Research 32:132-140.