Medicinal Orchids of Asia


Book Description

This unique book brings together a wealth of data on the botanical, ethno-medicinal and pharmacological aspects of over 500 species of Asian medicinal orchids. It starts off by explaining the role and limitations of complimentary and herbal medicines, and how traditional Asian medicine differs from Western, “scientific” medicine. The different Asian medical traditions are described, as well as their modes of preparing herbal remedies. The core of the book presents individual medicinal orchid species arranged by genera. Each species is identified by its official botanical name, synonyms, and local names. Its distribution, habitat and flowering season, uses and pharmacology are described. An overview sums up the research findings on all species within each genus. Clinical observations are discussed whenever available, and possible therapeutic applications are highlighted. The book closes with chapters on the conservation of medicinal orchids and on the role of randomized clinical trials.




Orchids as Aphrodisiac, Medicine or Food


Book Description

Did you know that Vanilla was formerly served as aphrodisiac by Cassanova and Madam Pompadour, and Elizabeth I loved its flavor? This is the first book that provides a complete worldwide coverage of orchids being employed as aphrodisiacs, medicine or charms and food. Opening with an in-depth historical account of orchids (orchis Greek testicle), the author describes how the Theory of Signatures influenced ancient herbalists to regard terrestrial orchid tubers as aphrodisiacs. Doctors and apothecaries promoted it during the Renaissance. Usage of orchids in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurvedic Medicine; by Tibetan yogins and Amchi healers for longevity pills, tonics and aphrodisiacs; by Africans to prepare 'health promoting' chikanda or as survival food when lost in the Australian bush are some highlights of the book. Early settlers in America and the East Indies often relied on native remedies and employment of orchids for such needs is described. Also covered are the search for medicinal compounds by scientists, attempts to prove the orchid's efficacy by experiment and the worry of conservationists.




Healing Orchids


Book Description

Famed for their exotic beauty and richness in variety, orchids may be found in all continents of the world except Antarctica. Although the plants are widely cultivated both in homes and farms, few people realize that many species of orchids have legendary healing qualities that have been used for centuries by Chinese, Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines for such conditions as skin eczema, depression, indigestion, heart disease and high blood pressure.This little highly-readable volume with beautiful illustrations helps you discover fascinating plants that are pleasing to behold yet may also help you attain good health. Read about the Dendrobium as a yin tonic that improves complexion and boosts the immune system, the enticing aroma of Vanilla found in ice cream but also reputed to heal sexual dysfunction, Bletilla that helps in cancer cure, Gastrodia for post-stroke rehabilitation, as well as other genera and species of healing orchids.Written by two Chinese physicians with training in biomedical science, the book also offers a unique perspective of biomedical explanations for healing orchids.




Orchids Phytochemistry, Biology and Horticulture


Book Description

This reference work provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of the latest developments in orchids’ biology, biotechnology and phytochemistry, and it also explores the applications of orchids in medicinal chemistry, nutrition and cosmetics industry. Chapters from expert contributors are organised into six sections and cover the entire gamut of orchid research and uses. In this work, readers will learn about topics such as biogeography and diversity of orchids, their biology and environmental factors, their horticulture and phytochemistry, and their use in agri-food, medicinal and perfumery industries. This book will appeal to graduate students, scholars, researchers interested in botany, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology and phytochemistry. Industrial scientists and those involved in marketing flowers and phytochemicals, plants and their extracts will also understand the importance of this reference work.




Orchids in Traditional Medicine


Book Description

Orchids are beautiful, aren’t they? Decorations made of these spectacular plants make the whole atmosphere divine! Their range of colour, the pattern of the flowers and the dots and ridges on the floral parts make them unique and ‘different’. Interestingly, they are the most well-praised medicinal plants in the world. For ages, most countries have been harbouring and using these plants to treat several ailments like that in Ayurved, ancient Chinese medicine, etc. They’re also advocated and boasted for potential healers. Besides, numerous folklore uses, which may or may not be documented, can be traced. Being very juvenile, our research has provided scanty (as compared to their actual uses) information on the validation part of these plants. Orchids in Traditional Medicine tries to take you to the mysteriously beautiful world of orchids, providing a glimpse into understanding their potential and medicinal uses. It also seeks to putatively understand the Ayurvedic doctrine and the existing disputes regarding the use of orchids. Let us now explore the world of medicinal orchids!




The Orchids of Nepal


Book Description




Commercial Orchids


Book Description

Orchids account for a large share of global floriculture trade both as cut flowers and as potted plants, and are estimated to comprise around 10% of international fresh cut flower trade. The average value of fresh cut orchids and buds trade during 2007-2012 was US$ 483 million. In 2012, there are more than 40 countries exporting orchids and 60 countries importing orchids around the world, with the total size of the global trade equaling US$ 504 million. In India, about 1350 species belonging to 186 genera represent approximately 5.98% of the world orchid flora and 6.83% of the flowering plants in India. The publication on “Commercial Orchids” is presented in 15 interesting chapters vividly highlighting the global orchid industry, bio-diversity, conservation and bio-piracy of genetic resources, morphological and molecular characterization of valuable species, breeding approaches for improved genotypes, production of quality planting materials, physiology of tropical and temperate orchids, climate change and its impact on orchid productivity, production technology of commercial epiphytic orchids for cut flower, production technology of commercial terrestrial orchids for cut flower, orchids for pot culture, hanging baskets and tree mounting, medicinal and aromatic orchids, post-harvest management of cut flowers of commercial orchids, value addition and marketing.




The Orchid in Lore and Legend


Book Description

Berliocchi (1953-1999), former lecturer in garden history at the University of Reggio Calabria, Italy, presents a lively history of orchids, including myths and legends, their uses from prehistory to modern times, patrons and hunters, arts and customs, the plants' habitat and structure, descriptions of the genera, and basic culture. Fine period color plates and b&w illustrations throughout. A translation from Italian of Il Fiore Degli Dei, L'Orchidea dal Mito Alla Storia, 1996, Nuovi Equilibri, Viterbo, Italy.Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.




Orchid Conservation


Book Description




Environmental Pollution and Medicinal Plants


Book Description

Environmental Pollution and Medicinal Plants presents information on the impact of environmental pollution on the performance of medicinal plants at various levels including damage detection, adaptation, tolerance, and physiological and molecular responses. This title draws attention not only to seeking new bioactive compounds for herbal drug preparation, but also on ensuring high standards of quality through evaluation of the chemical purity of medicinal plants growing under polluted conditions. It discusses the latest trends and responses of medicinal plants, indicating their tolerance and adaptation to environmental pollution. This book also focuses on secondary metabolites, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds associated with medicinal plants growing in contaminated conditions. This book will be indispensable for students and professionals working in the field of environmental pollution, medicinal plants, and herbal medicine, as well as for plant biologists, economic botanists, molecular biologists, and biotechnologists. . KEY FEATURES Explains the global trend of environmental pollution and its impact on medicinal herbs with the help of clear text and attractive illustrations. Provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants and their interaction with environmental pollution in terms of damage detection, repair, acclimation, tolerance, adaptation, and physiological responses. Discusses the production of secondary metabolites, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds (used for herbal drug preparation) in medicinal plants growing in the vicinity of contamination and pollution load. Highlights opportunities and future challenges in "omics" studies on medicinal plants.