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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

The Growth and Wilt of Artemisia californica

The three plants, Artemisia Californica from the UCLA Herbarium, Botanical Garden, and the materia medica are California sagebrushes that are supported by a wide branch system, strong root system, and have small needle-like leaves with small budding yellow flowers. The three plants have similar appearances with graying leaves and branches almost appearing wilted with sparse regions of growing green leaves and yellow flowers. In analyzing the significance of their appearance, factors such as climate, medicinal properties, and seasonal growth patterns can be used to understand the key roles of Artemisia Californica as an essential plant to support their local ecosystems and provide insight into drug research benefits. - By Rasika Obla and Stephanie Bottomley

Artemisia californica, from the family Asteraceae, is a small shrub plant native to Southern California and Northern Baja California. Colloquially known as California sagebrush, the fragrant plant has small, needle-like leaves and delicate yellow flowers that grow together on strong, thick branches. These branches anchor the plant and help it grow in its characteristic rounded shape. It needs very little water and is considered a hearty plant that can withstand drought, cold, heat, and harsh sun without dying. Under optimal conditions, it can grow very quickly. While it typically is only three to four feet in height, it can be as short as one foot or as tall as eight feet in total.

In Materia Medica, the plant sample was collected by Melanie Howe in San Diego County in 1990. It was found with very little vegetation surrounding it, following burns in the area after a San Diego fire in the 1980s. The actual plant specimen was pressed, dried, and then preserved. This specific sample was inferred to be classified as the genus Artemisia and species Californica under the kingdom Plantae due to being found in the coastal region of San Diego County where it commonly grows and has appearances of sagebrush.

The comparable specimen in the UCLA Herbarium was collected by Arthur C. Gibson on July 25th, 2001 in Ventura, CA in the Santa Monica Mountains. It was taken from the Wildwood Regional Park along a service road going from Canyon Trail to Teepee Road. It was described as an aromatic shrub that first flowers in the early summer months. To provide context for the appearance of the plant, the physical metadata of the specimen indicates that the plant was collected in the summertime, in a harsher climate that contributes to the browned look of Artemisia Californica.

The Artemisia californica plant in the Botanical Garden was only about three and a half feet tall and seemed to appear wilted, most likely due to the fact that we viewed it outside of its natural blooming window, which takes place from April to October every year. It resembled the classic California sagebrush plant, with sparse, delicate flowers, small green needle leaves, and more of a silvery gray color overall during the winter. Its fragrant smell was still detectable, despite its near hibernating appearance.

This plant has several medicinal uses. Its leaves, seeds, and oils can be processed in various ways to treat pain. Its most notable active agent is eucalyptol, a monoterpenoid, which shows antinociceptive activity. Useful in mitigating the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, a liniment ointment is applied to aching joints. Although this treatment has been used by several Native American tribes for centuries, it has recently been put to the test in clinical research. In a 2013 study by the University of Southern California, all 42 patients given treatment containing California Sagebrush reported relief from moderate to severe pain within twenty minutes.

Artemisia californica is an understated but truly remarkable plant. Its contributions to our local ecosystem and its known medicinal properties as well as its potential drug benefits warrant a sustained research effort.

WORKS CITED

NielsenEditor-In-Chief, Lorin. “Types of Sage from Culinary to Colorful.” Epic Gardening, August 24, 2021. https://www.epicgardening.com/types-of-sage/.
“Sage.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/plant/sage-plant.

Howe, M. 1990. "Artemisia californica." Global Biodiversity Information Facility, CCDB-24908-A03.

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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.
Contents of this path:
1. The Growth and Wilt of Artemisia californica The three plants, Artemisia Californica from the UCLA Herbarium, Botanical Garden, and the materia medica are California sagebrushes that are supported by a wide branch system, strong root system, and have small needle-like leaves with small budding yellow flowers. The three plants have similar appearances with graying leaves and branches almost appearing wilted with sparse regions of growing green leaves and yellow flowers. In analyzing the significance of their appearance, factors such as climate, medicinal properties, and seasonal growth patterns can be used to understand the key roles of Artemisia Californica as an essential plant to support their local ecosystems and provide insight into drug research benefits. - By Rasika Obla and Stephanie Bottomley
2. White Sage with Medicinal and Healing Properties: Salvia Apiana In analyzing Salvia apiana from three different sources of the UCLA Herbarium, the UCLA Botanical Garden, and the Materia Medica, the project will provide a comprehensive review of the characteristics, historical context, and medicinal properties of white sages. Although the leaves have long wilted in the species displayed by the UCLA Herbarium, the three plants all have similar attributes in leaf structure and stem consisting of dried out flowers that are in a bud-like conical shape. By surveying the similarities and differences in these features across the three sources, we are able to compose literature that traces the growth patterns, evolutionary features, climate, and medicinal properties in order to understand its significance and role within the ecosystem. - By Tony Ong and Balpreet Sond

WORKS CITED

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