Sambucus canadensis Specimen
1 media/00-5PjCxPNcVZu3zV8mexPC6F.size_1250,0,BL,.jpeg (2)_thumb.jpg 2022-02-28T11:20:55-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045 40021 1 plain 2022-02-28T11:20:55-08:00 20211103 133745 UCLA Herbarium - funded by the National Science Foundation award number 1802199 20211103 133745 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045This page has annotations:
- 1 2022-02-28T11:40:51-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045 Leaf distribution of Sambucus canadensis Allison Wang 3 plain 2022-02-28T11:42:13-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045
- 1 2022-02-28T11:44:12-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045 Flower size and distribution of Sambucus canadensis Allison Wang 2 plain 2022-02-28T11:44:31-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045
- 1 2022-02-28T11:41:58-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045 Flower color of Sambucus canadensis Allison Wang 2 plain 2022-02-28T11:42:14-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045
- 1 2022-02-28T11:42:40-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045 Pointed ends of leaves of Sambucus canadensis Allison Wang 2 plain 2022-02-28T11:42:58-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045
- 1 2022-02-28T11:43:14-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045 Serrated edges of leaves of Sambucus canadensis Allison Wang 2 plain 2022-02-28T11:43:31-08:00 Allison Wang 238ea84044521900ce895655130f58c6d710d045
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2022-02-16T11:38:08-08:00
Sambucus canadensis - the American Elderberry and its Medicinal Usages
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Sambucus canadensis, along with other species of elderberry, have long been used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout history, notably as an antiviral agent. A variety of materia medica helps identify, record, and analyze information about this plant. We have identified specimens in the UCLA Herbarium, Botanical Garden, and historical materia medica in order to better contextualize the defining characteristics of the elderberry genus and its uses. These different forms of record keeping illustrate the methods people have used throughout history to create collections of knowledge and data. - By Allison Wang and Joanne Kwak
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2022-03-09T02:42:50-08:00
Through examination of the plants from the UCLA Herbarium, Botanical Garden, and historical materia medica, while they are not the same species, there are meaningful commonalities between all of the plants that help with identification of this genus. They also give insight into the adaptations and characteristics that define the elderberry genus.
Records of Sambucus canadensis in historical materia medica detail its various parts and properties, which lend themselves to identification through distinct characteristics and later explanation of medicinal properties in the different parts of the plant. A specimen of the same genus, Sambucus nigra, was produced in 1887 by Franz Eugen Köhler for Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Vol. 2. It is a colored plate, which was to help with printing and mass production of this medicinal book. It is depicted showing the components of the plant, including its seeds, berries, leaves, and flowers at different angles and stages of development which allows the viewer to better understand the composition of the plant. Even though this particular materia medica is of a different species, being from the same genus allows us to find key similarities between the species and identify important characteristics. Illustrations such as these would have historically been used to record the usage and identification of medicinal plants.
Historical materia medica is often used to help with the identification of plants, as shown by the UCLA Herbarium specimen of Sambucus canadensis. The specimen was collected near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Montgomery, Maryland by Cora Smith King. The species was determined after its collection by Agnes Smith using the Gray's “Manual” 7th edition, a botany handbook. It was originally misidentified as being in the Valerianaceae “Valerian” family but then was corrected to the Caprifoliaceae “Honeysuckle” family. The key points of collection and preservation of this specimen is to accurately show each part of the plant by pressing it and preserving it as well as including the relevant information in its metadata. With the development of modern database technology, this information can become part of wider collections of knowledge such as CCH2, allowing people all over the world to access this information.
While the materia medica helps with the identification and classification of the specimen, the collection and preservation of it helps with closer examination and annotation as well as future identification in the field. Using information found in materia medica and the herbarium specimen, important features of the plant found in the Botanical Garden are easily identified, such as its serrated leaves and odd-pinnate leaf pattern. Seeing this plant in person, though it is not the exact species, allows one to note key common features as well as contextualization of the plant in its environment, which may connect to some of the adaptations that were able to examine. The culmination of all this information allows for a better identification and understanding of this plant’s adaptations, environment, and it as a whole.
In terms of its medicinal properties, members of the Sambacus genus has historically been used to treat a wide variety of ailments and has noted antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The majority of literature surrounding plants in the elderberry genus is in regards to the european species, Sambucus nigra, or the European black elderberry which is present in Europe and North America. This plant has been used medicinally and culinarily for hundreds of years, leaving historical records throughout Europe. Flowerheads can be used to make elderflower cordial, or fried in batter to make elderflower fritters, while the berries have been used in wines or brandies. The plant was also historically used in medicines by herbalists, especially for flu symptoms. Although historically the European black elderberry was most favored in medicinal use, other species of this genus share its antiviral properties and can be used as medicine. The inner and root bark can be used as a diuretic, emetic, and laxative. The root bark has been used to promote labor, treat headaches, kidney problems and mucous congestion. The leaves and flowers are used as an antiseptic. Elderberry juice contains high levels of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids which is known for its antiviral properties. In the modern world, new research and products containing this plant are being developed for medicinal usage.WORKS CITED
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. -
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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 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.