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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 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

Eclipta prostrata Materia Medica

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Eclipta prostrata: The False Daisy Eclipta prostrata, a medicinal plant mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including India, China, Southeast Asia, and Brazil, displays properties that help treat liver disorders like jaundice, respiratory illnesses like asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea. Eclipta prostrata is also said to remedy snakebites, promote hair growth, and mitigate balding. Through an analysis of an Eclipta prostrata specimen from the UCLA Herbarium, a live specimen of a sister plant found in the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, and various historical materia medica, we will describe the plant’s origins and applications. - By Nicolo Villasis and Nina Do. Eclipta prostrata is a medicinal plant found in the United States and in tropical and subtropical regions and is said to treat various ailments. Information about the plant can be found in the UCLA Herbarium, a related plant (Bahiopsis lanata) in the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, and from historical materia medica.

An Eclipta prostrata specimen was collected between a bike path and railroad tracks in west Los Angeles. It was identified by comparing the characteristics of the collected specimen to various texts and previous research such as field notebooks, the Jepson Manual, and specimens collected at other institutions. Furthermore, it was preserved carefully using the herbarium’s process of preservation that includes carefully and aesthetically placing the sample onto a special type of paper with glue. This is to preserve the specimen for later analysis.

Since Eclipta prostrata is not grown in the botanical garden at UCLA, a live Bahiopsis lanata specimen can offer information about Eclipta prostrata, given that both plants are from the Asteraceae family. Found in the California native plants bed, it grows elevated on a bed of concrete. Bahiopsis lanata natively grows in Baja California, similar to how Eclipta prostrata grows in Los Angeles. In addition to more arid regions, Eclipta prostrata grows in more tropical locales like India, Southeast Asia, China, and Brazil. Eclipta prostrata has also been found near streams across the United States, commonly found as a weed in warm areas. Though both Eclipta prostrata and Bahiopsis lanata grow low to the ground and have yellow flowers, Bahiopsis lanata has a clustered leaf pattern at its base and a tall shoot that ends in its flower. Eclipta prostrata, on the other hand, has leaves along its main stem with smaller branches rather than the shrub-like growth of Bahiopsis lanata.

Eclipta prostrata is said to treat various diseases but the major medicinal uses are for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and dysentery, respiratory illnesses like asthma, hair loss, fever, skin disorders, wounds, and liver disorders like jaundice. Practitioners in Brazil have used Eclipta prostrata as a remedy for snakebites. Eclipta prostrata has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in the Indian subcontinent, where the plant is commonly called Bhringraj. Chemicals responsible for the plant’s medicinal uses include “coumestan derivatives, steroidal and triterpenoid saponins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and substituted thiophenes” (Timalsina & Devkota). 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.).

WORKS CITED
“CCH2 PortalDetailed Collection Record Information.” n.d. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://www.cch2.org/portal/collections/individual/index.php?occid=5217100&clid=0.
“March 2017 – Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.” n.d. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://www.botgard.ucla.edu/march-2017/.
Timalsina, Deepak, and Hari Prasad Devkota. 2021. “Eclipta Prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities.” Biomolecules 11 (11): 1738. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11111738.
“V.3 - An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions : - Biodiversity Heritage Library.” n.d. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/15536#page/476/mode/1up.
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 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 and 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.

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. 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. 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 be used to alleviate fatigue and weakness. More broadly, astragalus roots can treat cancer, anemia, heart disease, colds, and diabetes.
WORKS CITED
Jahan, Rownak, et al. 2014. “Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae).” International Scholarly Research Notices 2014:385969.
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.