Leaves contain chemicals that are aromatic, meaning they have qualities that make them volatile and detectable by smell, unlike the aromatic definition in organic chemistry.
Examples of the use of aromatherapy with these aromatic compounds.
Efficacy of Aromatherapy
General Use
Aromatherapy utilizes various plant extracts, including oils, for therapeutic purposes.
Clove Oil
Used in aromatherapy and flavoring due to its powerful analgesic properties.
Contains active compounds called terpenoids.
Terpenoids in Common Plants
Cinnamon
Derived from the bark of a tree, contributes to its distinctive flavor and aroma through terpenes.
Citrus Oil and Ginger
Demonstrated strong antibacterial properties attributed to terpenoids.
Camphor
Recognizable scent associated with products like Vicks VapoRub.
Edible forms are used as flavoring in many Indian desserts.
Menthol
Commonly used to alleviate chest congestion and as a flavoring agent.
Variations in mint species result in different terpene combinations leading to diverse flavors from strong peppermint to sweet mint.
Salvinorin A
An active diterpene from Salvia divinorum, known for its hallucinogenic effects, differentiated from typical alkaloid hallucinogens.
Historically used by Mexican curanderos in divination ceremonies.
In 2010, labeled as a dangerous drug in Georgia, though still able to grow in the wild.
Glycosides
Definition and Taste
Glycosides contribute to the bitter flavor in many vegetables, notably those in the Brassicaceae family (mustard family).
Examples:
Common members include kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.
Bitter flavor generated from glucosinolates, which serve as natural pesticides for plants.
Health Implications
Low concentrations of glucosinolates have anti-cancer properties, notably present in broccoli sprouts.
High levels can lead to toxicity, as seen with mustard gas.
Medicinal Use and Toxicity of Glycosides
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Contains digitalins used for treating congestive heart failure but can be toxic in higher concentrations.
Caution advised when planting due to potential toxicity to pets and children.
Doctor William Withering's 1775 documentation of foxglove for heart conditions as a pioneer of herbalist medicine.
Prunus Species
Bitter almonds, apple seeds, cherries, and peaches contain amygdalin, which can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Almond smell associated with cyanide as a warning sign.
Conservation and Ethnobotanical Issues
Threats to Medicinal Plants
Noted decline in rainforest biodiversity, with less than 1% of plant species evaluated for medicinal properties.
Deforestation and wildcrafting as significant threats to species existence.
Overharvesting of plants like ginseng impacting availability.
Universal Health Care and Access
Approximately 80% of the global population relies on traditional plant-based medicines due to limited access to conventional healthcare.
Bioprospecting and Ethical Concerns
Researcher and pharmaceutical companies identifying plants for drug development often face criticism regarding fair benefit sharing.
Term "biopiracy" refers to exploitative practices of obtaining indigenous knowledge without fair compensation.
Merck's INBIO project in Costa Rica presents both opportunities and challenges in bioprospecting.
Recommendations for Further Research
Ethnobotanical Research
Refer to resources like James Duke's phytochemical database, Green Pharmacy, UMD Native American ethnobotany repository, and US Forest Service.
Distinguish traditional use from commercial recreational use in research (e.g., vision quests versus smoking marijuana).
Detailed exploration of plants highlighted in the presentation will require extensive research and accurate specifics.