Please click here for Therapeutic Orchids A-C only, D only, E-G only, H-K only, L only, M-P only and Q-Z only
Historical Perspective on Medicinal Orchids of Asia with special focus on Singaporean Native Orchids
Orchids are well-known for decorative and aromatic values than its medicinal properties. Worldwide, there are over 25,000 species in approximately 850 genera but only 2 % have a published medicinal usage.
We found ancient usage in almost all cultures.
CHINA (Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM) - It is estimated that approximately 1200 species of orchids belonging to 174 genera occur in China. Chinese were first to use orchids for medicinal use. Shên-nung described Bletilla striata and a Dendrobium species in his Materia Medica of the 2800 BC. In AD 1233, Chao Shih-Kng wrote Chin Chan Lan P'u, where he describes 20 species and how to grow them.
ARABIA - The earliest medical use of plant is in a 4000-year-old Sumerian clay tablet, but no one knows if this included any orchids. But we found a popular traditional drink, SELAP. This is flour made by grinding tubers of orchis militaris, orchis mascula, and other kinds of orchids. Selap is popular in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. It was popular during the time of the Ottoman Empire. It is said to be effective in curing sore throat, digestive problems, diarrhea, and gum disease.
INDIA - 2000BC's medicinal system included īvantī, Jīvaka, Ṛṣabhaka, Rāsnā, Mānakanda, Pañcagula. These are used in Ayurveda are said to be orchids. There are over 50 species of orchids in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Ashtavarga is a rejuvenator, a tonic made by eight medicinal plants. The Sanskrit names for these eight plants are Meda, Mahameda, Kakoli, Ksheer Kaoli, Riddhi, Vriddhi, Rishbhaka, and Jeevak (Jivaka). Of these 2 are orchid- Riddhi and Vriddhi. These two are species of Habenaria, possibly H. edgeworthii Hook f. ex Collett (¼ Platanthera edgeworthii), and H. intermedia D. Don (¼ H. arietina).
Cymbidium aloifolium among the 84 angiospermic plant species that they used as medicine.
NEPAL & TIBET - In Nepal, two orchids, Cypripedium himalaicum (Amchi khu juk pa) and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Amchi wangpo lagpa) are employed by Amchi physicians practising Tibetan medicine. In the region, Nepal ranked highest in usage of Orchids. They made use of 17 genera of orchids (Brachycorythis, Calanthe, Coelogyne Cymbid- ium, Cypripedium, Dactylorhiza, Dendrobium, Gymadenia, Habenaria, Luisia, Malaxis, Plantathera, Pleione, Rhynchostylis, Satyrium, Thunia and Vanda) and left out only Epipactis and Pholidota which were used by other tribes.
INDONESIA & MALAYSIA - Malays did not distinguish between species and they often substituted one species of Dendrobium for another, all covered by the common name anggrek. In treating earache, juice squeezed from a heated pseudobulb was used, and the orchid chosen would usually be Bulbophyllum vaginatum or Dendrobium crumenatum.
GREECE- Testicles are pronounced as "orchis" in Greek. Theophrastus (372–286 BC) named the orchids from that word, as the underground tubers of many European terrestrial orchids resemble a pair of testicles. He also mentioned that Orchids have medicinal properties.
AFRICA - Southern Africa is home to approximately 494 orchid species, of which 49 are used in African traditional medicine. They are used to treat cough, diarrhea, madness, fertility, pain, nausea, and intestinal worms etc.
AMERICA - Unfortunately, Native American culture and documents have been lost to time. The closest usage we found was by the Aztecs who primarily used Vanilla. Today its medicinal uses are confined to relieving nausea and improving food intake in patients receiving chemotherapy. Word ‘vanilla’ is derived from the ‘vainilla’ which is derived from Latin word ‘vagina’ or pod or sheath.
JAPAN (Kanpo)- In 1728, Jo-an Matsuoka described species of Cymbidium, Neofinetia, Aerides, Dendrobium and Bletilla. There seems to be class differentiation to growing Orchids. The Samurai are know to grow Neofinetia falcata, the merchants grew Cymbidium, and possibly the peasants grew Bletilla. We aren't sure how many of these orchids were actually used as medicines.
KOREA (Korean Traditional Medicine- TKM) - The oldest TKM book in existence today is King Sejong’s 85-volume Hyang Yak Jip Sung Bang compiled in 1433. Tianma (Gastrodia elata) is a traditional herb in Korea for the treatment of neurological disorders such as scotodinia, paralysis and epilepsy.
AUSTRALIA - Australian aborigines and early settlers regularly used orchids. Orchids was also part of their regular diet - Gastrodia sesamoides (roasted), Dendrobium speciosum, Caladenia species and Diuris maculata (sweet-tasting). They used Cymbidium canaliculatum (dysentery), Cymbidium madidum (Oral contraceptive and dysentery), Dendrobium teretifolium (Rub leaves to relieve pain) ; Dendrobium discolor (anti-inflammation and cure for ringworm)
Many researchers have documented other medicinal plants. If you are looking for that, this is not the right place. Here we are documenting only medicinal Orchids.
We found ancient usage in almost all cultures.
CHINA (Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM) - It is estimated that approximately 1200 species of orchids belonging to 174 genera occur in China. Chinese were first to use orchids for medicinal use. Shên-nung described Bletilla striata and a Dendrobium species in his Materia Medica of the 2800 BC. In AD 1233, Chao Shih-Kng wrote Chin Chan Lan P'u, where he describes 20 species and how to grow them.
ARABIA - The earliest medical use of plant is in a 4000-year-old Sumerian clay tablet, but no one knows if this included any orchids. But we found a popular traditional drink, SELAP. This is flour made by grinding tubers of orchis militaris, orchis mascula, and other kinds of orchids. Selap is popular in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. It was popular during the time of the Ottoman Empire. It is said to be effective in curing sore throat, digestive problems, diarrhea, and gum disease.
INDIA - 2000BC's medicinal system included īvantī, Jīvaka, Ṛṣabhaka, Rāsnā, Mānakanda, Pañcagula. These are used in Ayurveda are said to be orchids. There are over 50 species of orchids in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Ashtavarga is a rejuvenator, a tonic made by eight medicinal plants. The Sanskrit names for these eight plants are Meda, Mahameda, Kakoli, Ksheer Kaoli, Riddhi, Vriddhi, Rishbhaka, and Jeevak (Jivaka). Of these 2 are orchid- Riddhi and Vriddhi. These two are species of Habenaria, possibly H. edgeworthii Hook f. ex Collett (¼ Platanthera edgeworthii), and H. intermedia D. Don (¼ H. arietina).
Cymbidium aloifolium among the 84 angiospermic plant species that they used as medicine.
NEPAL & TIBET - In Nepal, two orchids, Cypripedium himalaicum (Amchi khu juk pa) and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Amchi wangpo lagpa) are employed by Amchi physicians practising Tibetan medicine. In the region, Nepal ranked highest in usage of Orchids. They made use of 17 genera of orchids (Brachycorythis, Calanthe, Coelogyne Cymbid- ium, Cypripedium, Dactylorhiza, Dendrobium, Gymadenia, Habenaria, Luisia, Malaxis, Plantathera, Pleione, Rhynchostylis, Satyrium, Thunia and Vanda) and left out only Epipactis and Pholidota which were used by other tribes.
INDONESIA & MALAYSIA - Malays did not distinguish between species and they often substituted one species of Dendrobium for another, all covered by the common name anggrek. In treating earache, juice squeezed from a heated pseudobulb was used, and the orchid chosen would usually be Bulbophyllum vaginatum or Dendrobium crumenatum.
GREECE- Testicles are pronounced as "orchis" in Greek. Theophrastus (372–286 BC) named the orchids from that word, as the underground tubers of many European terrestrial orchids resemble a pair of testicles. He also mentioned that Orchids have medicinal properties.
AFRICA - Southern Africa is home to approximately 494 orchid species, of which 49 are used in African traditional medicine. They are used to treat cough, diarrhea, madness, fertility, pain, nausea, and intestinal worms etc.
AMERICA - Unfortunately, Native American culture and documents have been lost to time. The closest usage we found was by the Aztecs who primarily used Vanilla. Today its medicinal uses are confined to relieving nausea and improving food intake in patients receiving chemotherapy. Word ‘vanilla’ is derived from the ‘vainilla’ which is derived from Latin word ‘vagina’ or pod or sheath.
JAPAN (Kanpo)- In 1728, Jo-an Matsuoka described species of Cymbidium, Neofinetia, Aerides, Dendrobium and Bletilla. There seems to be class differentiation to growing Orchids. The Samurai are know to grow Neofinetia falcata, the merchants grew Cymbidium, and possibly the peasants grew Bletilla. We aren't sure how many of these orchids were actually used as medicines.
KOREA (Korean Traditional Medicine- TKM) - The oldest TKM book in existence today is King Sejong’s 85-volume Hyang Yak Jip Sung Bang compiled in 1433. Tianma (Gastrodia elata) is a traditional herb in Korea for the treatment of neurological disorders such as scotodinia, paralysis and epilepsy.
AUSTRALIA - Australian aborigines and early settlers regularly used orchids. Orchids was also part of their regular diet - Gastrodia sesamoides (roasted), Dendrobium speciosum, Caladenia species and Diuris maculata (sweet-tasting). They used Cymbidium canaliculatum (dysentery), Cymbidium madidum (Oral contraceptive and dysentery), Dendrobium teretifolium (Rub leaves to relieve pain) ; Dendrobium discolor (anti-inflammation and cure for ringworm)
Many researchers have documented other medicinal plants. If you are looking for that, this is not the right place. Here we are documenting only medicinal Orchids.
What makes these Orchids Medicinal
Phytoalexins, Hydrocarbons, Terpenes (Terpenoids & Steroids), (Triterpenes & Steroids), (Stilbenoids & Bibenzyls), Phenanthrenes, Alkaloids, Phenols, Flavonoids and Polysaccharides
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Most Important Traditional Therapeutic Orchids of Asia and Singapore
Acampe Lindl.
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Acampe (sub species carinata (Griff.)) Panigrahi
Indian Name: Kano Kato. OR Thai name: Phaya mue lung The name Acampe or Greek akampes means (rigid), which is the character of the plant. Also called ‘rigid air flower’, Acampe is a robust, monopodial epiphyte with coriaceous leaves and rigid flowers. It is easily found in throughout Thailand, and is also found in Myanmar, Sikkim, Mumbai, the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. Herbal Usage: The entire plant is used in rural Thailand as a tonic to strengthen the body. Root paste is applied externally on scorpion and snake bites in the eastern peninsular Indian state of Orissa. Here, leaf paste is consumed with a clove of garlic daily for 7 days to obtain relief from chest or epigastric pain. At Uttarakhand in Western Himalaya, A. carinata is used to treat rheumatism, sciatica and nerve pain. Some of the phytochemicals like alkaloid, anthocyanins, arundinan, bibenzyl, cypripedin, dendrobine, gigantol, glucoside, glycoside, gymopusin, hircinol, jibantine, kinsenoside, loroglossin, nidemin and orchinol, phenanthrene, phenanthropyran, rotundatin and moscatin, stilbenoid, triterpenoid are reported from Acampe Genome. |
Acampe praemorsa
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Acampe praemorsa
Indian names: Marabale, Maravasha, Khanbher, Nakul, Rasna, Taliyamaravada, Rasna, Kano-kato, Gandhata ; Nepali names: Parajivi (name is widely applied to epiphytic orchids) Chinese name: Duanxucui Lan (short crispy orchid) Myanmar name: Mee ma long pan Thai name: Chang saraphi noi Rasna, a decoction of the roots of A. praemorsa, is a bitter tonic that is considered to be a specific remedy for rheumatism in India. Its usage also extends to the treatment of sciatica, neuralgia, syphilis and uterine disorders in the country. The primitive Dongria Kandha tribe from Niyamgiri Hills consume a tablespoon made from the roots of A. praemorsa on an empty stomach, twice daily for 15 days, when they suffer from arthritis. Koya tribe from Andra Pradesh uses the pulverised plant, mixed with egg white and calcium to produce a paste for application on fractured limbs to promote healing. In Nepal, the powdered root of A. praemorsa is used to treat rheumatism or to produce a cooling effect. Acampe Praemorsa contains natural flavidinin (CAS Number: 83925-00-2) and the phenanthropyran named praemorsin (CAS Number ：159736-36-4) |
Acampe rigida Hunt OR Acampe multiļ¬ora
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Acampe rigida Hunt OR Acampe multiflora
Chinese names: Duohuacui Lan or Jiawandailan, Taiwanhouchun Lan, Changyejiawandai Lan Hongkong Name: Banana orchid Taiwan, Jiao Lan, pa chio lan Thai names: Chaang sarapee, Ueang sarapi, Ueang jed poi Perhaps the most important name is its Chinese medicinal name: Heishanzhe. The Chinese herb Heishanzhe (A. rigida) is obtained from Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan. Chinese medicinal texts state that its roots and leaves relax muscles and joints, promote blood circulation and relieve pain, hence it is used to treat traumatic injuries and fractures. In Laos, leaves were used in making mats. In Thailand, the entire plant is used as a tonic to strengthen the body. Active Ingredients that made it medicinal are: 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4- hydroxybenaldehyde and 4-methoxymethyl phenol. |
Acriopsis liliifolia
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Acriopsis liliifolia
Malay Names: Anggerek darat, Sakat Ubat Kepialu, Pemolek The name is derived from Greek acris (locust) and opsis (resembling). They are common in low- land forests and on roadside trees throughout Southeast Asia. Ants often build gardens around its pseudobulbs, because lipids on the seed coats of the orchid attract ants that assist in their dispersal. A decoction of the leaves and roots was used as an antipyretic in Malaya (Ridley 1907; - Head of Singapore Botanical Garden and Burkill 1935). In Indonesia, juice from the pseudobulbs was dropped into the ear to cure earache or tinnitus, and pulverised pseudobulb was plastered on the head or abdomen to treat fever and hypertension. Roots are used for treating rheumatism in the Western Ghats in India. |
Aerides crispa Lindl.
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Aerides crispa Lindl.
The generic name, ‘children of the air’, is derived from Greek aer (air) and eides (resembling), referring to its epiphytic nature and the way such orchids are cultivated. A. crispa is a large, tough, robust epiphyte. Young leaves are typically covered with purple spots. Inflorescence is up to 35 cm long, drooping, branching, loosely many-flowered. Ear-drops prepared by boiling the pulverised plant in neem oil, are instilled 2–3 drops at a time into the ear every night to treat earache in the Western Ghats. A. crispa contains aeridin, a bactericidal phenanthropyran. The contribution of aeridin to the management of earache is undetermined, but it works as a bactericide. |
Aerides falcata Lindl. & Paxton
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Aerides falcata Lindl.
Chinese name: Zhijia Lan Thai names: Ueang Kulaab Krapao Perd They smell so nice and work so well! A. falcata produces numerous sprays of extremely fragrant, white flowers, about 30 to a spray. A. falcata is distributed throughout Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar, but not further south. In Vietnam, it is fed to weak infants as a tonic. Its seeds are sprinkled on boils and other skin disorders to help heal the lesions. |
Aerides multiflora Roxb.
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Aerides multiflora Roxb.
Thai names: Uang Kulap Malai Daeng Its leaf paste is applied to cuts and wounds in India and Nepal. But the powdered leaf is made into a tonic. The tubers have an antibacterial effect in vitro and the leaves are believed to have antimicrobial effects. |
Aerides odorata Lour.
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Aerides odorata Lour
Common name: Fragrant Aerides Chinese name: Xianghuazhijia Lan (fragrant flowered Zhijia orchid) Indonesian names : Angkrek Lilin, Lau Bintang in Kalimantan Thai name: Ueang Kulaab Krapao Pid Indian name: Hameri in Orissa This is a widespread species which grows into a magnificent clump especially if it gets direct sunlight for half a day and is located near water. It is commonly found in Singapore and blooms around Aug-sept. Flowers are in bunch of 20-30, that lasts 2 weeks and are very fragrant. In Nepal, a paste prepared from the leaves is applied over cuts and wounds. Fruits of A. odorata are used to heal wounds in India. Juice extracted from the leaves is used to treat boils in the ear and nose. Vietnamese sprinkle the seeds over the lesions to heal boils and other skin disorders. Hill tribes in Orissa combine the fresh root of A. odorata with root powder from Saraca asoca, bark from Azadirachta indica and common salt to prepare an oral medicine for painful swollen joints. They also use juice from the leaves to treat tuberculosis. How it works? - Extract of A. odorata exhibits inhibitory activity against antibiotic-sensitive, penicillin-resistant and kanamycin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, common organisms in stools, on skin and in superficial infections. Phytoalexins such as aeridin possess antimicrobial effects. An oral Indian preparation of this Orchid, contained natural salicylate (basis of Aspirin). Chemically speaking - It has gigantol, imbricatin, methoxycoelonin and coelonin. It also contains 5 minor constituents- phenanthropyran, 2 dihydrophenenthrene derivatives and 2 phenenthrenes {aerosanthrene (5-methoxyphenenthrene-2,3,7- triol) and aerosin (3-methoxy-9,10-dihydro- 2,5,7-phenanthrenetriol)} |
Agrostophyllum Bl.
Medicinal Compounds in Agrostophyllum
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Agrostophyllum stipulatum ssp. bicuspidatum .
Chinese name: Heye Lan The generic name comes from Greek, agrostis (grass) and phyllon (leaf). Flowers are small and self- pollinating and are considered mythical. The Kalabit in Sarawak wear parts of the orchid as talismans to protect against curses. Talismans and charms are very much a part of native Asian medicine. They do not make sense to most medicine practitioners hence we have listed several medicinal chemicals which have been extracted from this or subspecies. This includes-
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Amitostigma Schltr
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Amitostigma gracile (Blume) Schltr
Chinese names: Xitingwuzhu Lan (slim standing no pillar orchid), Xiewuzhu Lan (slim standing no pillar orchid), Huawuzhu Lan (no pillar/ column orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Duyeyizhiqiang Amitostigma are small, montane, terrestrial orchids of the Himalayas, China and Japan. Plants are small, with spheroid, subterranean tubers. The generic name is derived from three Greek words, a (not) mitos (thread) and stigma (stigma). Herbal Recipes-
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Amitostigma pinguicula
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Amitostigma pinguicula
Chinese names: Dahuawuzhu Lan (big flower no pillar orchid) The entire plant is used in preparing medicine in various forms. It is used as cure for detoxification, to reduce heavy swellings, in the treatment of trauma and snake bites, as an antidote for poisons and to treat haematemesis. This medicinal orchid is found in Fujian, Zhejiang, Hubei and Sichuan. |
Amitostigma simplex
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Amitostigma simplex
Chinese names: Huanghuawuzhu Lan (yellow flower no pillar orchid) It's found on grassy slopes above 2300–4400 m in western Sichuan and Southwestern Yunnan. Unfortunately, it is on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This can be substituted by Amitostigma pinguicula as the usage is same. |
Anacamptis Rich
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Anacamptis Rich
It derives its name from Greek anakamptein (to bend back). A dozen species are distributed in grasslands in the northern Iran, the Middle East and southern and central Europe. Tubers of Anacamptis are harvested to make salep, once thought to be an aphrodisiac and super-nutrient throughout Europe. |
Anacamptis coriophora
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Anacamptis coriophora
Common name: Bug orchid Flowers are small, green to deep wine-red. Tepals are joined to form a hood above the column. P-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, an aglycone of gastrodin, has been isolated from many terrestrial and mycoheterotrophic orchid species. In rats, gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol facilitate memory consolidation and retrieval. p-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol also has skin whitening effects because it inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that catalyses the formation of the skin pigment, melanin. |
Anacamptis laxiflora
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Anacamptis laxiflora
Common name: Jersey Orchid Indian name: Salep misri , shala misriri In India, the tubers were used as an expectorant, an astringent and as nourishment. Powder prepared from dried tubers was used to prepare salep, a drink that was alleged to boost one’s libido and sexual performance. Salep drinking boomed during the heyday of the Ottoman Empire when even sultans took to eating halva made with salep. Fun fact- No one knows why, but in Iran and Afghanistan, grazing goats and sheep avoid this orchid |
Anacamptis morio ssp. picta
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Anacamptis morio ssp. picta
Tubers are harvested in Iran for use as salep, a health drink and also considered to be super food. In Europe, Anacamptis species are protected. Although untrue, it was once believed that salep contained the greatest amount of nourishment in the smallest bulk. To protect against famine at sea, it was proposed that salep should constitute part of a ship’s provision at all times. Orchid tubers (not salep) are fed to weak children cut off from other supplies . |
Anacamptis palustris
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Anacamptis palustris
Common name: Bog orchid Salep is made from few types of Anacamptis. This also is harvested in Iran for use as salep . |
Anacamptis pyramidalis
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Anacamptis pyramidalis
Like mentioned above, Salep is made from few types of Anacamptis. This is harvested in Turkey (and Iran) for use as salep . Best grades of salep should have a mucin content greater than 40 % and an ash content which is lower than 5 %. This orchid has mucin content of 44.72 % and an ash content of 1.72 %, which makes it one of the top 5 choices to make Salep. It produces two phytoalexins, orchinol and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and hence is used in skin whitening. It also exhibits antioxidant and scavenging capacities in vitro. |
Anoectochilus Blume
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Anoectochilus Blume
Chinese name: Jinxian Lan (gold thread orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Jianxianlan Anoectochilus has beautiful, soft, velvety, almost oval foliage decorated with fine golden veins. They are called Jewel Orchids because as a group they possess distinctive velvety foliage with attractively coloured veins. The generic name, Anoectochilus, is derived from Greek, anoektos (open) and cheilos (lip). There are about 40 sub-species, distributed from Sri Lanka, Singapore, India and across southern China. |
Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata
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Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata
Chinese names: Jinxian Lan (gold thread orchid); Benshanshisong (mountain stone pine), Jinqianzicao (golden currency notes baby grass), Shucan Lian (tree and grass lotus), Yaowang (King of Medicine); Yaofu (strong medicine), Wusen, Taiwan jewel orchid. In Taiwanese (Hokien dialect): Kim soa lian (gold thread lotus), Kim chi a chha (gold streaked herb), Oa ke chahau (black herb) A. formosanus is found throughout Taiwan in primeval forests or in bamboo stands at 500–1500 m, and in the Ryukyu Islands. The entire plant is used in TCM for cooling the blood, to smooth the liver, as an antipyretic and for detoxification. It is also used to treat tuberculosis diabetes, bronchitis, kidney infection, bladder infections, cramps, snake bites and stomach ache. The entire plant is used for treating pain at the waist and knee, numbness, haematemesis, nocturnal emission, nephritis, vaginal discharge and convulsions affecting children. Scientists in China found 8 compounds in Orchid, with their own benefits
Scientist in Tokyo further found that wild A. formosanus grown contained ten compounds including kinsenoside, which has hepato-protective properties.
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Anoectochilus koshunensis Hayata
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Anoectochilus koshunensis Hayata
Chinese name: Gaoxiong Jinxian Lan (Gaoxiong golden thread orchid) Taiwanese name: Kaohsiung (jewel orchid). Other common names: Hengchunjinxianlian (Hengchun golden thread lotus); Jinxian Lan (golden thread orchid). In Taiwanese (Hokien) dialect: Ko hiong kim soa lian; Heng chhun kim soa lian The whole plant “cools the blood and smoothes the liver”. It is antipyretic and removes toxins. Commonly used to treat haemoptysis from tuberculosis, diabetes, bronchitis, nephritis, cystitis, convulsions and snake bites. Kinsenoside and Five sterols, including a new one with a non-conventional side chain [26-methylstigmasta-5,22,25, (27)-trien-3 beta- ol], together with a megastigmane glucoside and 20-deoxyadenosine, was isolated from this Orchid. |
Anoectochilus reinwardtii Blume
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Anoectochilus reinwardtii Blume
A. reinwardtii is found in Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Maluku at 1400–1700 m and it is believed to have magical powers. The Iban and Kelabit tribes of Borneo use the orchid to treat infertility. Supposedly infertile woman would conceive if leaves of a single plant are placed under their sleeping mat. |
Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.
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Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.
Sri Lankan name: Wanna rajah (“that which glistens in the woods”). Taiwanese name:Yaowang (King medicine) This Orchid has dark velvety-green/purplish-red with a complex network of golden veins. This small, terrestrial, jewel orchid thrives in humus rich soil in continental East Asia including China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and also the Himalayan foothills and Sri Lanka. It is a medicinal herb that enjoys widespread provincial usage in Taiwan and Fujian. It is used to treat hepatitis, splenic disorders, hypertension, cancer, tuberculosis, impotence, fever, snake bites and even slow development in children. In Fujian, it is considered to be a panacea for numerous ailments. It is also used in Indian medicines. Several therapeutic compounds have been isolated from this therapeutic orchid. · Zhonghua Bencau Kinsenoside, a glycoside and a major component has anti-glycaemic activity. · Other medicinal compounds are- beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3R)-hydroxybutanolide. · stearic acid · palmitic acid · beta-sitosterol · succinic acid · p-hydroxybenzy-laldehyde, daucosterol, · methyl 4-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-hutanoate, · p-hydroxycinnamic acid · 0-hydroxy phenol · Ferulic acid, · quercetin, · daucosterol, · cirsilineol, · p- hydroxybenzylaldehyde · 2 novel sorghumol triterpenoid acyl esters · a new alkaloid (anoecochine) · and a known triterpenoid (soghumol) |
Anthogonium Lindl.
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Anthogonium Lindl.
Chinese name: Tongban Lan (barrel petal orchid) The generic name is derived from Greek, anthos (flower) and gonia (angle). It probably refers to “the curious angle at which the tubular flower is joined to the pedicellate ovary”. This is a small genus of terrestrial or occasionally saxicolous herbs with a single species in China |
Anthogonium gracile Wall ex Lindl.
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Anthogonium gracile Wall ex Lindl.
Chinese name: Tongban Lan (barrel petal orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Honghuaxiaodusuan Thai name: Wan phrao It is a small, slender, terrestrial Orchid which is found in Sri Lanka and the eastern Himalayas to the southern Chinese provinces of Xizang, Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi, and also in the northern parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The plant produces Batatasin III (Batatsin II is a phytoalexin with antifungal properties.) and is used to treat menstrual disorders and to prevent pain. |
Apostasia nuda R. Br.
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Apostasia nuda R. Br.
Malay names: Si sarsar bulang, Si marsari sari, Duhut bane-bane, Poko pulumpus bedak, Dudulu ingap, Kniching pelandok Apostasia is a genus of seven primitive terrestrial orchids. It is fairly common in lowland dipterocarp forests in Malaysia but is not easily recognised as an orchid. It is also distributed in Myanmar, southern Thailand and Indonesia in lowland forests. Roots are boiled and made into poultices to treat diarrhoea in Malaysia, and an infusion of the fruit was a local remedy for sore eyes (Burkill). Mr Burkill and also his father were directors of the Singapore Botanic Gardens at different times. |
Apostasia wallichii R. Br.
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Apostasia wallichii R. Br.
Chinese name: Jianyeni Lan Thai name: Tan khamoi, Ma thon lak Indonesian name: Djukut mayang kasintu (grass like tail feather of jungle cockerel) Malay name: Hanching fatimah, Kenching Fatimah It is distributed from Nepal, Assam (India), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hainan and south-west Yunnan (in China) and through Southeast Asia to even New Guinea and Australia. Flowering is not seasonal. The root is used as a tonic in Thailand. It was used as an antidiabetic agent in Malaya |
Appendicula Blume
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Appendicula cornuta Blume
Appendicula is a genus with 163 species, distributed from India and China throughout Southeast Asia to the Pacific. Being a fairly common and widely distributed lowland species in Southeast Asia, it is not surprising that Appendicula cornuta Blume was used in Indonesian folk medicine. Alkaloid was detected in this Orchid and its stem-juice is used in Maluku as a medicine for whitlow. |
Arachnis
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Arachnis Blume
Chinese name: Zhizhu Lan The Greek word arachne (spider, scorpion) Members of the genus are commonly known as Scorpion Orchids. Arachnis is distributed in Peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Hybrids between Arachnis and other monopodial orchids travel well, and they were used to initiate the transcontinental cut flower orchid industry. Intergeneric hybridisation involving Arachnis is extensive. |
Arachnis moschifera
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Arachnis moschifera
Thai name: Ueang maeng mum It is found in Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra and Borneo. Although this species is not native to Singapore, Mr. Cedric Errol Carr managed to collect its natural hybrid, A. maingayi, which was growing on coastal mangrove in Pulau Seletar. A. maingayi is a natural hybrid between A. flosaeries and A. hookeriana They have very strong musk scent. The species was previously known as A. moschifera because of the scent. Ibans of Sarawak apply sap from the orchid plant onto the painful site to relieve toothache |
Arundina Blume
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Arundina Blume
Chinese name: Zhuye Lan (bamboo leaf orchid). In Taiwanese (Hokien) dialect: chiau a hoe Arundo is Latin for ‘reed’. Arundina is a grass-like, terrestrial orchid which resembles bamboo in vegetative form, and Cattleya in the appearance of its flowers. Arundina is a familiar orchid in Southeast Asia. It is found in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, southern China and Southeast Asia to the Ryukyu Islands and Tahiti. |
Arundina graminifolia
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Arundina graminifolia - It was one of 3 orchid that reappear in Krakatoa after the massive volcanic eruption in 1883 .
Common name: Bamboo Orchid Chinese names: Zhuye Lan (bamboo leaf orchid); Changgan Lan (long stem orchid) Shiyu Lan (jade stone orchid); Hu Lian (lake lotus); Caojiang (ginger grass); Dayeliaodiaozhu (big leaf bamboo); in Taiwan: bird orchid Indonesian name: Anggerik Bamb; in Sundanese: Handjuwang Sapu Malaysian name: Phanyar among the aboriginal Jakuns of Johor Myanmar name: Wah thitkhw Thai name: Ueang Pai Vietnamese name: Lan say It flowers throughout the year in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. In Thailand, the flowering season extends from August to March, but in the Kachin and Shan states of adjacent Myanmar, the flowering season is reversed, March to July. The herb is bitter, neutral, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It is also thought to have antibacterial properties. In India the bulbous stem- scrapings are used to heal cracks on the skin. In Hong Kong the whole plant or pseudobulb is used both- fresh or sun-dried. The orchid is used for a variety of conditions ranging from hepatitis and jaundice to urinary tract infections, oedema, rheumatic pain, trauma and snake bites. In China (particularly in Yunnan & Guangxi), a decoction prepared by boiling 9–15 g of the whole plant is used for pain relief, the treatment of bruises, oedema, abdominal pain, intestinal parasitic infestation, jaundice, pulmonary tuberculosis, mental illness, rheumatism and bleeding from knife wounds. What makes it medicinal-
5 phenanthrene were also isolated. Their properties are still under research :
Important antitumour activity was exhibited by the first three compounds, maxi- mal in compound 3 which possesses an open bibenzyl ring:
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Bletilla foliosa
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Bletilla foliosa
Chinese name: Xiaobaiji (small Baiji; small white root) Vietnamese name: Bach cap; Hoa lan tia Flowering season is May to June. The species is found in Yunnan, Myanmar and Thailand. It is an outstanding astringent and promotes wound healing. It is also an excellent embolic material. |
Bletilla formosana
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Bletilla formosana
Chinese names: Taiwanbaiji (Taiwan Baiji), hyacinth orchid, Chinese ground orchid, white rhizome orchid, Xiao Baiji (Small Baiji) Japanese name: Shi-ran (purple orchid) Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses the stems to strengthen the lungs, stop bleeding and reduce swelling. It is also used to treat patients suffering from tuberculous cough, bronchiectasis, bleeding peptic ulcers and nose-bleed. In India, scrapings of the stem are applied to treat cracks on the heel. What makes it medicinal?- 12 dihydrophenanthrenes including blestriarene B have antimicrobial effects on two pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections, and Streptococcus mutans, which causes dental decay. |
Bletilla ochracea
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Bletilla ochracea
Chinese name: Huanghua Baiji (yellow flower white mucilaginous root) Phenanthrenes with antimicrobial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) are present in Bletilla ochracea . |
Bletilla striata
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Bletilla striata
Chinese name: Baiji (white mucilaginous root, white chicken), Gangen (sweet root), Baigen (white root), Baijiertou (white hen’s head/ top), Shantianji (mountain frog) Lian Ji Cao. Bak-kup in Hong Kong, Taiwanese (Hokien) dialect: Peh kiu (white ginger) Japanese: Shiran (purple orchid, Japanese Urn Orchid) Korean name: Jaran Vietnamese names: Bach cap; Hua lan tia It is distributed in China, Korea and Japan. To meet demand, it is also commercially grown in Guizhou, Yunnan, Jiangxi and Guangxi. Guizhou produces the largest quantity of top-quality Baiji. Its taste is stated as bitter, sweet and acerbic. According to TCM its nature is slightly cold, hence it benefits the lungs, liver and stomach meridians. According to TCM, the tubers need to be cut into thin slices or crushed into a fine powder after cleaning and drying. This when chewed become gluey. The cut surface is brittle, translucent-white and somewhat sticky with faint odour. The powder is different and is slightly yellowish, odourless and bitter. This powder when mixed with water it turns gluey hence it should be stored in air-tight containers. Tubers are used in the treatment of swelling and haemorrhage. It reduces swelling and promotes regeneration of muscle and other tissues. It is given to patients with tuberculosis that cough up blood due to bleeding in bronchiectasis. It also helps with gastric bleeds, bleeding from trauma or burns, bleeding pustules, bleeding ulcers, fissure-in-ano and skin fissures of extremities caused by exposure to cold. They are used to treat sores, scaling and chapped skin. In Vietnam, it is made into an emollient for burns. Five antimicrobial agents consisting of 3 bibenzyls & 2 dihydrophenanthrenes were found in this orchid. Bibenzyls Are:
Scientists have isolated antihelminthic substance from the tubers of B. striata growing on Gangweondo (Korean peninsula), which workks against Clonorchiasis. Clonorchiasis is a disease caused by eating raw freshwater fish or snails that carry the encysted cercaria of the liver fluke. Clonorchiasis leads to cholecystitis (infection of the gall blad- der), bilary adenomatous hyperplasia, bile duct obstruction, cholangiofibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver and an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma A novel gene carrier has been developed from bioactive glucomannan, a polysaccharide isolated from B. striata (BSP). In the experiment, they successfully inhibited the expression of TNF-alpha. Scientists expect cBSP to be capable of conveying antisense nucleotides (e.g. oligodeoxynucleotide and small inter- ference RNA) for anti-inflammatory therapy. Conjugated B. striata polysaccharide is a promising avenue for the delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumours. It is also used as an embolization agent to treat unresectable liver tumours. |
Bletia hyacinthina
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Bletia hyacinthina
It is used as a remedy for dysentery, haemorrhoids and ague in Malaya region. It was also applied as a soothing medication over the abdomen of children with dyspepsia. It is commonly considered demulcent and is used in the diseases of a dyspeptic character. It is also used in treatment of burns, wounds and other skin diseases. |
Brachycorythis
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Brachycorythis obcordata
Chinese name: Baoye Lan Nepali name: Gangdol Common name: Heart shaped Brachycorythis Brachycorythis is a genus of over 30 predominantly terrestrial orchids distributed in Africa and tropical Asia. The name is derived from the Greek brachy (short) and korys (helmet). B. obcordata is distributed in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It flowers June to August in Bangladesh; July to August in Nepal; July to September in Bhutan. The root is an astringent, expectorant, antidiarrhoeal, with use as a tonic in Nepal. Boiled pseudobulbs are eaten as food. Leaves and shoots are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable. |
Bromheadia finlaysoniana
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Bromheadia finlaysoniana
Malaysian names: Seraman in Kelabit, Wi buntak (Iban), Busak paya (Malay) There are 17 species distributed from Sri Lanka across Southeast Asia to Australia. Two Malaysian species, B. brevifolia and B. ruprestris, occur in the highlands. finlaysoniana is a Malaysian lowland species. On some days the flowers are plentiful whereas on other days there are no flowers. This is because when flower buds reach 12 mm in length, their growth abruptly slows down and this allows younger buds to catch up. An unusually cool day accelerates their development and 7 days later the orchid flowers gregariously. Mr. Burkill reported that in Malacca, a decoction of the roots was consumed for rheumatism. In Peninsular Malaysia, flower stalks was chewed for treating asthma. In Sarawak, it was used to treat body aches |
Bulbophyllum Thouars
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Bulbophyllum Thouars
Chinese name: Shi duo Lan The generic name is derived from Greek bulbo (bulb) and phyla (leaf). Bulbophyllums are very easy to grow and they flower readily, usually following a drop in temperature occasioned by a storm. Medicinal usage have been reported for only 23 species. |
Bulbophyllum affine
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Bulbophyllum affine
Chinese name: Chichunshidou Lan (red lip stone bean orchid), Gaoshifodou Lan (Gaoshifo bean orchid), Wenxing Lan (stripe star orchid) Widely distributed from the Ryukyu Islands of Japan through China, Indochina, Thailand and Myanmar to the foothills of the Himalayas. In Taiwan, the entire plant is used as a tonic, antipyretic, to reduce phlegm, and to stop bleeding . |
Bulbophyllum ambrosia
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Bulbophyllum ambrosia
Chinese name: Fangxuianshidou Lan (fragrant stone bean orchid), Xiangshidou Lan (fragrant stone bean orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Fangzhucao Fragrant flowers are borne singly, 2 cm across, white with crimson longitudinal stripes during February to May. Herbs are obtained from Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan and may be harvested throughout the year. They are used fresh , steamed or dried. Taste is dry, bland and cold in nature. Chinese CTM uses a decoction of the plant, prepared by boiling dried herb to treat hepatitis, coughs and heat in the lungs. |
Bulbophyllum andersonii
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Bulbophyllum andersonii also Cirrhopetalum andersonii and Cirrhopetalum henryi Rolfe
Chinese names: Shumaojuanban Lan (comb hat roll petal orchid), Chenhongjuanban Lan (orange color roll petal orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Yipicao This pretty Cirrhopetalum is native to Guangxi, SW Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan in China, and in Vietnam, Myanmar, Sikkim and India. In China, flowering period is February to October, in Sikkim, September to October. The entire plant is used for expelling wind and removing dampness, improving blood flow, stopping coughs and clearing retention of food. A decoction of 6–15 g of the plant is used to treat rheu matism. For feminine weakness, the prescription calls for a soup to be prepared with 6–15 g of the herb and chicken meat or pork. B. andersonii contains
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Bulbophyllum careyanum
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Bulbophyllum careyanum
Foul smelling pseudobulb is conical with a single elliptic leaf at its apex. Inflorescence arises from this base. It is distributed in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Herbal Usage: Poultices made with the pseudobulbs and leaves are used to treat burns on the skin. |
Bulbophyllum cariniflorum
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Bulbophyllum cariniflorum and Bulbophyllum densiflorum
Chinese name: Jianyeshiduo Lan Indian name: Sumura It is found in China northern Thailand, northeast India, Bhutan and Nepal. It grows in moist habitats, and between May and June, following the arrival of the monsoon rains. A paste made from the dried roots, black pepper and cow’s milk is taken for several days to induce abortion during the first trimester in the districts of Mondanala and Sutanguni in the Niyamgiri Hill Ranges of Orissa, India. |
Bulbophyllum cylindraceum
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Bulbophyllum cylindraceum
Chinese Name: Dabaoshidou Lan (large bud stone bean orchid) Dense dark purple flower look like catkin. In China, it flowers from October to January, in October to January in Bhutan and November in Nepal. It is obtained from Sichuan and Yunnan. Entire plant is used to treat painful joints and numbness. |
Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris
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Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris Syn. Bulbophyllum lepidum (Blume) J.J. Sm., Cirrhopetalum lepidum (Blume) Schltr.
Thai names: Phet phra in, Sa mai, Khon dam phi Widely distributed in Southeast Asia but not further east than Borneo. The olive-green flowers are found throughout the year with a peak during the rainy seasons which are determined by monsoons. In Thailand, the pseudobulb is widely used to treat oedema whereas the entire plant is used to treat liver dysfunction. |
Bulbophyllum griffithi
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Bulbophyllum griffithi Syn. Bulbophyllum calodictyon Schltr., B. chitoense S.S. Ying, Sarcopodium griffithi Lindl
Chinese name: Duanchishiduo Lan (stone bean orchid), Xiaolushidaolan (small green stone bean orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Shichuanlian Grows in central Taiwan, south- east Yunnan, Vietnam, northeast India, Bhutan and Nepal. It flowers in February, August and October to November in China, and in August at the Khasia Hills and in Sikkim in northeast. Main usage is to treat chronic coughs, bronchitis and sore throat. Fresh or dry pseudobulbs are used for treating pulmonary condition to relieve coughs, pain and reduce inflammation. Paste can also applied to fractures, infected breasts, abscesses and all types of sores. |
Bulbophyllum inconspicuum
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Bulbophyllum inconspicuum
Japanese name: Mugiran (Wheat Orchid) Chinese medicinal names: Maihu (Wheat epiphyte), Guoshanye (leaf over fruits) Yiguayu (one hanging fish); Yangnaicao (goat’s milk herb); Yaquezui (bird mouth), Linzhijiao; Shiyangmei (rock berry); Wangniantao (10,000 peach); Zishangye (leaf on paper); Guazilian (seed lotus); Shilongshiwei (stone dragon and stone tail); Qixiantao (seven immortal peach); Shixiantao (stone immortal peach); Xiaokuozi Lan (small button orchid); Shiwenchong (rock mosquito) Huangdoubian (soyabean whip) Loushanglou (building over building) Shilianzi (stone lotus seeds) Genshangzi (seeds above the roots); shi yu (stone bean). It can cure fever and coughs, hundred-day cough (whooping cough, pertussis), bronchiectasis , coughs associated with tuberculosis , Damage of yin by febrile illness and polydipsia. It can also be used for Painful, swollen joints , children’s frightfulness, coughs with hoarse voice, external injuries , facial acne and skin ulcers. They have also been known to cure menstrual irregularities and tooth ache. |
Bulbophyllum kwangtungense
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Bulbophyllum kwangtungense
Chinese name: Guangdongshidou Lan (Guangdong Province stone bean orchid) A miniature Bulbophyllum that flowers from May to August. It thrives on rocks in forests of China, Hong Kong and Lantau Islands. Pseudobulbs can be used fresh or steamed & powdered. The entire plant is used to treat coughs, reduce “heat”, clear “wind”, and convulsions in children. Taste is dry, bland and cold in nature. It releases heat, nourishe yin and relieves swelling. It is also used for rheumatism and arthritic pain, traumatic injuries and mastitis. For external use, pounded pseudobulbs are apply to affected parts. The Chinese Materia Medica advises that should be used with caution by people who have a “cold body”. It contains
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Bulbophyllum laxiflorum
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Bulbophyllum laxiflorum Syn. Bulbophyllum radiatum
Chinese names: Fusheshidou Lan (radiating stone bean orchid); Yashe Lan (Duck tongue orchid) Chinese medicinal names: Shizao (Stone date); Shiduo (stone bean); Yanduo (stone bean); Jinduo (golden date); Shimi (Stone rice); Duyiyanzhu (Single leaf cliff pearl) Found in southeastern China, Myanmar, Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. B. laxiflorum is believed to enrich the Yin and benefit lungs by clearing phlegm and stopping haemoptysis. It also helps stomach by improving appetite, helping digestion and relieving dry throat. |
Bulbophyllum leopardinum
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Bulbophyllum leopardinum
Chinese name: Duantingshiduo Lan Widely distributed in Nepal, Bhutan, India, China . Poultice made with the pseudobulbs is used in Nepal to treat burns on the skin . Active compound - phenenthrine and bulbophyllanthrin. |
Bulbophyllum levinei
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Bulbophyllum levinei
Chinese name: Chibanshidou Lan (tooth petal stone bean orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Duyeyanzhu It is used to treat swellings. It “benefits yin, reduces heat”, hence used to treat sore throat, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and fever. For decoction, 6–15 g dried herb or 30–60 g of fresh herb is boiled. For external usage, plant pulverised to make a paste. |
Bulbophyllum lobbii.
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Bulbophyllum lobbii. Syn. Bulbophyllum siamense.
Thai name: lin fa in Ubon Rachthani In Thailand, leaves are used to treat burns. This has a very unique with a very distinct smell. Bulbophyllum is parent to at least 1800 orchids, but lobbii is special. |
Bulbophyllum neilgherrense
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Bulbophyllum neilgherrense
Yellow flowers appear in February, in the southern states of India, in Malabar and Nilgiri Hills. Pseudobulbs are used as a tonic for rejuvenation. |
Bulbophyllum odoratissimum
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Bulbophyllum odoratissimum
Chinese names: Mihuashidou Lan (small flow- ered stone bean orchid), Xiaohaoshi Ganlan (small stone olive), Shimi (stone rice); Mitoushidou Lan (dense head stone bean orchid) Medicinal name: Guoshangye (leaves on fruit); Xiaoguoshangye (small Guoshangye); Shicuanlian (rock string lotus) Myanmar name: Thazin hmwe Distributed China and Tibet, to Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. In China, it flowers from April to August; Myanmar, April to June; Bhutan, May to September; Nepal, April to August; and in Thailand, May to July. The flowers smell sweet and very nice. Herbal prescriptions:
Compounds extracted:
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Bulbophyllum pectenveneris
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Bulbophyllum pectenveneris
Chinese name: Huanghuajuanban Lan (yellow flower folding petal orchid), Huanghuashitou Lan (yellow flower stone bean orchid) The whole plant is supposed to have ability to improve circulation and to stop pain in the joints, muscles and bones. |
Bulbophyllum reptans
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Bulbophyllum reptans
Chinese name: Fushengshidou Lan (conceal life stone bean orchid); Baihuashidou Lan; Shidou Lan Chinese medicinal name: Shilianzi It enriches yin, and helps in clearing phlegm. It also improves appetite, helps digestion, relieves dry throat. Several phenanthrenes have been isolated including coelonin, flavanthrin, confusarin, gynopusinblestriarene A (flavanthrin), cirrhope- talanthrin, reptanthrin and isoreptanthrin. |
Bulbophyllum retusiusculum
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Bulbophyllum retusiusculum
Chinese name: Yellow Comb Orchid Thai name (in Ubon Rachthani): Ma tak khok Widely distributed from Hunan, Taiwan, Hainan, Sichuan and Yunnan southwards to Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina and Peninsular Malaysia, to Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Thai herbalists use the whole plant to make a tonic . |
Bulbophyllum rufinum
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Bulbophyllum rufinum
Thai names: Ma tak khok, Ueang kip ma ya, hang krarok, om hin (in Ubon Rachthani) In Thailand, the entire plant is used as a tonic and to treat asthma |
Bulbophyllum sterile
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Bulbophyllum sterile
Also Bulbophyllum nilgherrense Wight; Cirrhopetalum neilgherrense (Wight) Wight,; B. rosemarianum Leaf and pseudobulb extracts of B. sterile inhibited the growth of five strains of bacteria, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Tubers of this orchid are eaten for good health by the Valmikis tribe of India. |
Bulbophyllum umbellatum
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Bulbophyllum umbellatum
Syn. Cirrhopetalum maculosum. It is distributed in the western Himalayas and Thailand. Cirrhopetalanthrin, a dimeric phenanthrene derivative, has been isolated from the orchid. It is used as swarna jivanti in Ayurvedic preparations The roots of the orchid are said to promote longevity . |
Bulbophyllum vaginatum
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Bulbophyllum vaginatum
Syn. Cirrhopetalum vaginatum Malay name: Magrah batu (stone orchid) It is a common lowland orchid and in Singapore, their favourite place are on the Rain Tree, along roadside. In Malaysia, it is found on old Angsana, Jambu Laut and few other trees. Flowering is triggered by a sudden drop in temperature generally after a rainstorm. Phytochemistry: 21 phenanthrenes, dihydrophe- nanthrenes, bibenzyls, phenanthrofuran and other aromatic compounds were extracted. It has 4 unique chemicals which have not been found in other Orchids. One such unique compound is a very complex molecule, phenanthro(4,3-b)furan. Bulbophyllums are rich in phenanthrenes and stilbenoids. 18 different chemical compounds from 6 species of Bulbophyllum Scientists believe that phenenthrenes from Bulbophyllum should be investigated for antitumour activity. Herbal Usage: In Malaya, juice from the roasted pseudobulb of this orchid was dropped into the ear to treat earache. In China and Nepal it is used to treat respiratory infections and fractures. Zhongyao Da Cidian mentions 5 prescriptions to treat various conditions associated with inflammation. In each case, it is used in combination with other herbs. In Myanmar, women prepare a hair tonic and shampoo by mixing ground Bulbophyllum with pulverised bark, seeds and fruit to make a sticky fluid used when washing their hair. This is to cure dandruff, promote hair growth and improve hair colour. |
Genus: Calanthe Brown
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Genus: Calanthe Brown
Calanthe, commonly called Christmas orchids, is a genus of about 220 species. Chinese name: Xiaji Lan (prawn spine orchid) Japanese name: Ebine They are terrestrial plants with thick roots, small oval pseudobulbs and large corrugated leaves. The sepals and petals are narrow and a similar size to each other and the labellum usually has spreading lobes. Calanthe are sympodial orchids with short stems and several plicate, elliptical leaves that are spirally arranged, or arranged in two rows, ensheathing the stem. Inflorescences arise at the side or from the base and carry many showy flowers on a short raceme. Calanthe is the first orchid species to be artifi- cially hybridised by man. Calanthe, was derived from two Greek words, kalos (beautiful) and anthe (bloom), meaning ‘beautiful flower’. |
Calanthe alismifolia
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Calanthe alismifolia Lindl. and Calanthe nigropuncticulata Fukuyama
Chinese names: Zexiexiaji Lan, Xidiangenjie Lan Taiwan: black- spotted Calanthe; white flower Calanthe Chinese medicinal name: Zongyeqi Plants are harvested in summer and autumn, washed clean and sun-dried for future use. For consumption, decoction is made with 6–12 g of the whole dried plant. The herb is acrid, bitter and considered cool in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the whole plant is considered antipyretic. It is believed to detoxify, remove gas, reduce stasis of blood and reduce swellings. It also improves blood circulation, and heals ulcers and traumatic injuries. |
Calanthe alpina Hook
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Calanthe alpina Hook Syn. Calanthe fimbriata Franch.
Chinese name: Liusuxiaji Lan (tassels prawn spine orchid) Medicinal names: Mayaqi (horse teeth seven). The name is same as Calanthe davidii; Jiuxilian (nine son lotus), Daxiancao (large divine herb) Herbal Usage: It is prescribed for stomach ulcer, acute distension of the stomach, hepatitis, scrofula, toothache, sore throat, common colds, painful joints, fatigue, snake bite, and traumatic and chest injuries. Roots and stem are used to remove “heat” and toxins, relieve pain, and dispel “wind” or to hasten the disappearance of ecchymosis. It can be used in three ways- 1- in decoction, using 15–30 g fresh herb 2- in decoction, treat chronic pharyngitis, 30 g together with Ba zhao long 60 g 3- as a paste for external application, just grinding a suitable amount of Mayaqi The herb is collected in summer from Hebei, Shanxi, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Yunnan and Sichuan. |
Calanthe brevicornu Lindl.
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Calanthe brevicornu Lindl. Syn. Calanthe lamellosa Rolfe
Chinese name: Shenchunxiaji Lan (kidney lips prawn spine orchid) Herbal Usage: CHM employs the root to counter ‘heat’, promote diuresis, arrest bleeding, reduce swelling, and to treat nephritis or the presence of blood in the urine. It is usedused to promote expul- sion of an incompletely delivered placenta, recov- ery after a stillbirth, or to stop abdominal pain caused by ‘poor air’ It flowers from May to June. It is distributed from northeast India, Bhutan and Nepal to Xizang, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hubei and Guangxi in China. Flowers smell like cinnamon. |
Calanthe cardioglossa Schltr.
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Calanthe cardioglossa Schltr.
Thai names: Ueang namton, Uang liam Flowering season is November to February and it is distributed in northern, northeastern, eastern and southern Thailand and in Laos and Vietnam. Herbal Usage: The stem is used as a tonic in Thailand. |
Calanthe ceciliae Rchb.
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Calanthe ceciliae Rchb. f.
Malay name: Sebueh The species is distributed in Assam, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia Sumatra and Java. Herbal Usage: Mr. Burkill (Singapore) reported that in Sumatra the flowers were used as a poultice to relieve the pain of ulcers. |
Calanthe davidii Franch.
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Calanthe davidii Franch.
Chinese name: Jianyexiaji Lan (sword leaf prawn spine orchid) Changyegenjie Lan Chinese medicinal name: Mayaqi (the name is shared with Calanthe alpina) Description: Flowers are numerous, crowded, randomly orientated. It is distributed from India across southern China to Taiwan and southern Japan. It is probably seriously endangered or extinct in the Himalayas now. Herbal Usage: Herb (Mayaqi) refers to both C. alpina and C. davidii. They are used in range of Chinese Herbal Medicine . |
Calanthe densiflora Lindl.
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Calanthe densiflora Lindl.
Chinese name: Zhuyegenjie Lan (bamboo leaf segmented root orchid), Mihuaxiaji Lan (prawn spine flower orchid) It is a terrestrial herb found in shaded hardwood forests of southern Himalayas, China, Indochina and Japan. In Taiwan, it is found below 1500 m throughout the island. It is the last Calanthe to flower in Taiwan, flowering from October to December. Herbal Usage: Taiwanese Chinese Herbal uses whole plant to improve blood circulation, and reduce stasis of blood and swellings. It is also used to remove gas and humidity and to treat rheumatism, backache, pain affecting the lower limbs, running sores and traumatic injuries. |
Calanthe discolor Lindl.
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Calanthe discolor Lindl.
Chinese names: Xiaji Lan (prawn spine orchid) Chinese medicinal names: Jiuzilianhuancao (nine united sons flowering herb)—this name also refers to Calanthe tricarinata; zhu chuan zhu (string of beads); ye baiji (night white chicken); Roulainhuan (meat in circles); Jiujiechong (nine segment bug); Yichuanniuzi (string of buttons). Phytochemistry: 4 compounds found in this orchid improve blood flow through the skin and promoted hair growth. These are - calanthoside (indole, S,O-bisdesmoside), glucoindican, calaliukiueno-side, calaphenanthrenol. It also has tryptanthrin, indirubin, isatin and indicant. Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Huadong (in Guangdong Province). It is used to dissolve extravasated blood and improve circulation. Entire plant, roots and stem are used to improve blood flow, and to heal abscesses, scrofula, rheumatism, bone pain and traumatic injuries. It is also used to treat skin ulcers and haemorrhoids. |
Calanthe graciliflora Hayata
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Calanthe graciliflora Hayata Syn. Calanthe hamata Hand. Mazz
Chinese names: Goujuxiaji Lan (splayed hooks prawn spine orchid), Xiyegenjie Lan (fine leaved, segmented root orchid), Xihuagenjie Lan (fine flowered, segmented root orchid), Zhihuagenjie Lan (brocade flower segmented root orchid), Goujuxiaji Lan (hooked prawn spine orchid) in Taiwan: slender flower Calanthe Chinese medicinal name: Silima Herbal Usage: In Taiwan, the entire plant is used to relieve fever and for detoxification. It boosts yin elements, benefits the lungs, improves blood flow, reduces stasis of blood, detumescence, and stops pain and coughing. On the mainland, the entire plant is used to treat rheumatism, bone pain, traumatic injuries. |
Calanthe mannii Hook
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Calanthe mannii Hook
Chinese Name: Xihuaxiaji Lan (Small Flowers Prawn Spine Orchid) In Chinese herbal medicine, C. manii is used for stomach heat, scrofula and abscess. |
Calanthe masuca
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Calanthe masuca (D. Don) Lindl. Syn. Calanthe sylvatica (Thou.) Lindl.
Chinese names: Changjuxiaji Lan (long spur prawn spine orchid), Zihuaxiaji Lan (purple flower prawn spine orchid), Shankala, Shanzhizhu (mountain spider) Myanmar Name: Thazin gyi myo kywe Nepali Name: Pakha phul Description: This was the parents of the first hybrid orchid to be bred by man. This is a highly variable. Plants from the Chinese mainland are larger. Nepalese plants have flowers of deep violet. Flowers in Bhutan are violet to purple. Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Fujian, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong and Xizang. The entire plant is used as an ano- dyne. It also reduces swellings, removes toxins and repairs wounded tissues, removing abscesses. In Nepal, a paste made from the stem is applied to treat dislocated bones. The flowers are used to arrest epistaxis, Pseudobulbs are also used to treat nose bleeds . |
Calanthe plantaginea Lindl.
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Calanthe plantaginea Lindl.
Herbal Usage: Harvested tubers are washed, sun-dried and rendered into powder form. In Nepal, the powder is mixed with milk is consumed as a tonic and aphrodisiac |
Calanthe puberula
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Calanthe puberula Lindl. Syn. Calanthe similis Schltr.
Chinese names: Lianexiaji Lan (sickle lip orchid), Fanjuangenjie Lan (counter folding root segment orchid), Juanegenjie Lan (fold- ing calyx root segment orchid), Lianyexiaji Lan (sickle leaf prawn spine orchid): Jiaxiaji Lan (fake prawn spine orchid), Xiangsixiaji Lan (similar prawn spine orchid) Zigenjie Lan (purple root orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Lianexiaji Lan (sickle lip orchid) Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Yunnan, Guangxi and Guandong. The whole plant is used in Chinese Herbal Medicine to treat scrofula, and sores that itch. It is antipyretic and detoxifies. Used for running sores, it improves blood flow and stops pain. It is used to treat ulcers, scrofula, mange, scarlet fever, amenorrhoea, trauma and dysentery in Taiwan. |
Calanthe tricarinata Lindl.
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Calanthe tricarinata Lindl.
Chinese name: Sanlengxiaji Lan (triangular prism prawn spine orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Jiuzilianhuancao (nine united sons flowering herb) This name also refers to Calanthe discolor; Roulianhuan Herbal Usage: It is found in Shanxi, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou and Xizang. Leaf paste is used to treat wounds and eczema in Nepal. In that country, leaves and pseudobulbs are valued as aphrodisiacs. In Uttarakhand, West Himalaya, roots and leaves are used to treat jaundice and typhoid. In China, the root is used to stimulate blood circulation, relax muscles and joints, remove wind and stop bleeding. It is used in the treatment of stomachache, arthritis, lumbar muscle degeneration and traumatic injuries. |
Calanthe triplicata (Willimet) Ames
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Calanthe triplicata syn. Calanthe veratrifolia R. Br. ex Ker Gawl.
Chinese names: Sanzhexiaji Lan (three layered shrimp’s spine), Baihe Lan (white crane orchid), Shishangjiao (leaf on the stone), Roulianhuan (meaty chain of rings); Paiwan (put in order and bend in a stream), embossed banana leaf orchid Chinese medicinal name: Shishangjiao (leaf on the stone) Japanese name: Tsuru Ran Thai name: Ueang Kao Tog Indonesian names: Lau Bawang in Kalimantan Barat; Angkrek Popotjongan, Ahan Malona (Amboin); Bunga Tiga Lapis (Maluku); Guru ni Hambing (Batak Toba) Lumbu Hutan (Sumatra and Timor); Seugeundeu (Gajo Singkut in Batak Karo) Anggrek bayi tidur (Sulawesi) Phytochemistry: Leaves of C. triplicata produce indigo when bruised. Herbal Usage: In Taiwan use the root to treat rheumatism, backache and traumatic injuries including fractures. The whole plant is a diuretic. In Karnataka the roots are used for diarrhoea and toothache. In Arunachal Pradesh, the roots are an ingredient in a remedy for swollen hands, and, in a separate combination, used for treating diarrhea. Various parts of the plant are used to treat toothache. Pseudobulbs are a masticatory for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders while flowers are used to relieve toothache. Root extract is used to treat diarrhoea and toothache. Rumphius from 17th century Amboin (Sulawesi) noted that the plant was “quite sharp” and cautioned regarding its use. He said that, the taste of the roots is insipid, but suddenly it becomes quite sharp, “like some Gentiana, burning the mouth, so that one’s lips will swell, one’s throat gets hoarse, and one even feels this sharpness in the leaves, wherein it differs from all Angreks”. Back then, the roots were used together with nutmeg, cloves and two types of ginger “rubbed together and tied to” the swollen hands |
Calanthe vestita Wall ex Lindl.
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Calanthe vestita Wall ex Lindl.
Thai name: Khao Malila Myanmar name: Thazin gyi ahphyu Herbal Usage: It reduces stasis of blood, improves blood circulation and detoxifies. In Chinese herbal medicine, it is used for swellings of different kinds- aetiology, abscess, trauma, arthritis, and painful joints. Wine fortified by the roots of some Calanthe species was reportedly used in China to treat traumatic injuries and internal bleeding. In Southeast Asia is used in Vietnam to treat rheumatism. Ayervedic use it to treat rheumatism, backache and trauma. In Amboin, the root of C. triplicata is a component of a remedy for swollen hands. In Sumatra, its flowers are used to relieve pain from dental caries. Phytochemistry: Leaves of C. vestita contain flavone C-glycosides. Herbal Usage: In Vietnam, crushed bulbs are rubbed over aching bones of people suffering from rheumatism. Six bacterial strains belonging to the genera Athrobacter, Bacillus, Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas have been isolated from the roots. Calanthe has two great benefits 1- a hair-restoring property, and 2- a possible anticancer agent. Calanthoside, glucoindican, calaliukiuenoside and calaphenanthrenol present improved blood flow through the skin and promoted hair growth. Calanquinone A from C. arisanensis exhibited potent antitumour activity against lung (A549), prostate (PC-3 and DU145), colon (HCT-8), breast (MCF7), nasopharyngeal (KB) and vincristine-resistant nasopharyngeal (KB-VIN) cancer cell lines. Calanquinone A induces s-phase arrest and apo- ptosis of glioblastoma (brain tumour) cell types A172, T98 and U87 by decreasing cellular glutathione. It also contains other calanquinones (B and C). Four new 9,10- dihydrophenanthrenes, calanhydroquinones A, B, C and calanphenanthrene A, and several other known compounds |
Callostylis bambusifolia
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Callostylis bambusifolia (Lindl.) S.C. Chen & J.J. Wood Syn. Eria bambusifolia Lindl.
Indian name: Mundabai The species is distributed from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and southern Yunnan to northeast India down to Orissa state. Herbal Usage: The entire plant is used to treat stomach upsets in India (Dongria Kandha hill tribe). A plant of Callostylis bambusifolia (syn. Eria bambusifolia) and another of Aegle marmelos (not an orchid) are separately burnt to ashes in earthen pots, and thereafter their ash is mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Half a tablespoon is administered on an empty stomach twice a day for one week to treat hyperacidity and stomach upsets. |
Cephalanthera erecta
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Cephalanthera erecta (Thunb.) Blume
Chinese name: Yin Lan (silver orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Yin Lan (silver orchid) It is native to the Eastern Himalaya, China and Japan, growing amidst grasses and low shrubbery. Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Shanxi, Hubei, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong and Sichuan. Plant is used to treat fever, thirst, urinary infection. It is diuretic. |
Cephalanthera falcata (Thunb.) Lindl.
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Cephalanthera falcata Lindl.
Chinese names: Jin Lan (gold orchid), Lianyetourui Lan (pistal above sickle leaf orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Jin Lan (gold orchid) Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan. The entire plant is anti heat, and relieves fever. It is used to treat sore throat and toothache. |
Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch.
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Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch.
Chinese names: Changyetourui Lan (pistal above the long leaf orchid), Tourui Lan Phytochemistry: Alkaloids, quercetin and kaempferol-O-glycosides are present in C. longifolia. Loroglossin is present in this Orchid. Herbal Usage: Roots and stems are used for nocturesis and enuresis in TCM. In Arunachal Pradesh, roots and rhizomes are valued as tonic. Antibiotics might be present in the mixotrophic C. falcata which is used to treat toothache and sore throat. It is on the red list of endangered orchid species. |
Changnienia amoena Chien
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Changnienia amoena Chien
Chinese names: Duhua Lan (solitary flower orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Changnian Lan Herb is obtained from Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan and Sichuan Herbal Usage: To treat bloody phlegm, a decoction is prepared with 15–30 g of dried or 60–90 g of fresh herb, then sweetened with white sugar and drunk day and night before meals. To treat sores, a poultice is made by mixing fresh pulverised plant with salt. The whole plant together with its roots is regarded as antiheat and antitoxic. It cools the blood. It is used in the treatment of coughs, blood-streaked sputum, sores and furuncles. |
Cleisostoma birmanicum (Schltr.) Garay
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Cleisostoma birmanicum (Schltr.) Garay
Laotian name: Ka dam phi It occurs in Hainan, Indochina, Thailand and Myanmar. Herbal Usage: The orchid was used to treat orchitis in Laos. |
Cleisostoma fuerstenbergianum y
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Cleisostoma fuerstenbergianum Kraenzl Syn. Cleisostoma flagelliforme (Rolfe ex Downie) Garay
Chinese name: Changyegeju Lan (long leaf separate distance orchid) Thai names: Kloi nam thai in Ubon Ratchathani; kang pla Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Hainan and Yunnan. The whole plant is used as a remedy for heat and toxins, sore throat and tonsillitis in China. Leaves are used to treat diabetes in Thailand. |
Cleisostoma paniculatum (Ker-Gawl) Garay
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Cleisostoma paniculatum (Ker-Gawl) Garay
Local names: big centipede orchid; tiger stripes; Taiwan centipede; purple stripes The species is distributed from Taiwan southwards to Fujian, Hong Kong, Vietnam, north- eastern and central Thailand and northeast India Herbal Usage: The entire plant is used to boost yin, treat coughs and to strengthen the lungs in Taiwan. |
Cleisostoma tenuifolium (L.) Garay
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Cleisostoma tenuifolium (L.) Garay
Common name: delicate leafed Cleisostoma Old Malabarese name: Mau Tsjerou Maravara, Ambo keli; Kolli Tsjerou Mava-maravara, Abo-tia Herbal Usage: It is used in western peninsular India to treat kidney disorders, leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea and scalds. Made into a poultice, Kolli Tsjerou Mava- maravara was used to reduce pain and swelling of abscesses and to promote their rupture. Plant was also blended in vinegar and administered to expel kidney stones, treat dysuria, gonorrhoea, other forms of white vaginal discharge and heavy menstrual loss. |
Cleisostoma williamsonii
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Cleisostoma williamsonii (Reichb. f.) Garay Syn. Cleisostoma hongkongense (Rolfe) Garay
Common Name: Dianmiangeju Lan (Yunnan - Myanmar separate distance orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Longjiaocao Taste is mildly sweet and sour, and it is neutral in nature. It is mildly sweet and sour in flavour, neutral in nature. Herbal Usage: The Chinese herb is obtained from Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan throught out the year. It is sometimes dried for future usage. Plants can be harvested throughout the year. They are washed and sun-dried. The whole plant is used to improve blood circulation, relax muscles and joints, clear phlegm and stop coughs. It is used in treating pulmonary tuberculosis, viral encephalitis, stroke, polio, backache and indigestion in children. It simulates circulation, relaxes muscles and joints, stops coughing and is an expectorant. A Guangxi Materia Medica mentioned that it was used during epidemics of encephalitis B and to treat patients with tuberculosis or paralysis resulting from stroke or poliomyelitis, and malnourished children. |
Coelogyne barbata Lindl. ex Griff.
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Coelogyne barbata Lindl. ex Griff.
Chinease name: Xuchunbeimu Lan (beard and lip pearl shell orchid), Ranmaobeimu Lan Chinese medicinal name: Fengian 1- Decoction, use 15–30 g of plant. It is used for cough (lung heat), sore throats, Pain associated with hernia or scrotal swelling. 2- For external use: an appropriate amount, pulverise and apply. The paste is used on Bruises and Sprains, Chapped hands and feet. |
Coelogyne corymbosa Lindl.
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Coelogyne corymbosa Lindl. syn Pleione corymbosa (Lindl) Kuntze
Chinese name: Yanbanbeimu Lan (eye spotted pearl shell orchid), Beimu Lan (pearl shell orchid), Zhixueguo (haemostatic fruit); Shibajiao (stone palm leaves); Duiyeguo (fruit with a pair of leaves); Xiaoluji (small green Chinese elder) Chinese medicinal name: Beimu Lan (pearl shell orchid); Guoshangye (leaves above the fruit) Newari name: Tuyu kenbu swan Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Yunnan and Xizang. It may be collected at any time of the year. Pseudobulbs or entire plant are used to treat fractures and soft tissue injuries. The herb is used as a haemostatic and to relieve pain. It reduces heat, stops coughs, and is taken for coughs, flu and bronchitis. Four common prescriptions are:
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Coelogyne cristata Lindl.
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Coelogyne cristata Lindl. Coelogyne speciosissmum D. Don
Chinese name: Beimu Lan (pearl shell orchid). Note that this name does not distinguish it from the preceding species. Indian name: Hadjojen (bone joiner) Nepali names: ban maiser, jhyanpate in Chepang dialect; chandi gabha (Nepali), syabal (Tamang) Distributed throughout Nepal, Bhutan and north- ern India, Bangladesh, Tibet and Myanmar. Phytochemistry: Ethanolic extract of cristata is strongly bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus and moderately against Escherichia coli . Coelogin and coeloginin, and two novel 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, coeloginanthridin and coeloginanthrin, were isolated from air-dried, finely-ground whole plant. 4 compounds possess the biological activities of phytoalexins and endogenous plant growth regulators. Modern research support the notion that the folk tradition of using C. cristata to treat fractured bones in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand may have a rational basis. Herbal Usage: Hadjogen (means bone joiner) is used in the Himalaya to treat fractured bones in animals. It is used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea in Myanmar. In Nepal an infusion of pseudobulbs is used to correct constipation. Nepalese also use this orchid as an aphrodisiac. Juice squeezed from the pseudobulbs is applied to boils and to wounds on the hooves of animals. |
Coelogyne fimbriata Lindl.
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Coelogyne fimbriata Lindl.
Chinese name: Liusubeimu Lan (tassels pearl shell orchid) Myanmar name: Ngwe hnin phyu myo kywe Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Hainan, Guangdong, Yunnan and Xizang. In Chinese herbal medicine, the whole plant is used to reduce heat. |
Coelogyne flaccida Lindl.
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Coelogyne flaccida Lindl.
Chinese names: Lilinbeimu Lan (chestnut scales pearl shell orchid), Guishangye (the leaf above fruits) Chinese medicinal name: Jidatui Nepali name: Thur gava Phytochemistry: Phenanthrenes and stilbenoids have been isolated from this orchids - flaccidin, soflaccidin and isooxoflaccidin. Herbal Usage: Herb collected from Guizhou and Yunnan is a popular medicine among the minority tribes in both provinces. In China, the whole plant is used to clear heat, counter dryness, promote the production of body fluids, and to clear phlegm and stop coughs. Pseudobulbs are made into a paste in Nepal and applied to the forehead to treat headache, while the juice treats indigestion. |
Coelogyne fuscescens Lindl.
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Coelogyne fuscescens Lindl.
Chinese name: Hechunbeimu Lan Thai names: Sing to, phaya rat, phao hin Herbal Usage: The whole plant is considered aphrodisiac in Thailand.Stems are also used to treat burns and otitis media. In Nepal, abdominal pain is treated with juice extracted from pseudobulbs or a poultice made with it. |
Coelogyne leucantha W.W. Sm.
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Coelogyne leucantha W.W. Sm.
Chinese name: Baihuabeimu Lan (white flower pearl shell orchid) Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Yunnan. Pseudobulbs and sometimes the entire plant is used to lessen heat, stop coughs, improve blood flow, reduce pain, promote the union of fractured bones and repair torn tendons. |
Coelogyne nitida (Wall ex D. Don) Lindl.
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Coelogyne nitida (Wall ex D. Don) Lindl. Syn. Coelogyne ochracea Lindl.
Chinese name: Mijingbeimu Lan Nepali names: Silver Orchid in English, bhyanpat (Chepang), Salida, Sanit (Gurung), Chandi gabha, para phul (Nepali) Phytochemistry: Ochrolide, a phenanthropyrone, and Ochrone A, 9.10-dihydro-1,4-phenanthraquinone together with coelonin are present in this orchid. Also a ochrolic, a monomeric phenanthrene derivative and a precursor to phenanthropyrones, was isolated. Herbal Usage: Juice of the pseudobulb is recommended for stomach ache in Nepal. |
Coelogyne occultata Hook. f.
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Coelogyne occultata Hook. f. syn Pleione occulta (Hook f.) Kuntze
Chinese name: Luanyebeimu Lan (ovate leaf pearl shell orchid) Chinese medicinal names: Luanyebeimu Lan (ovate leaf pearl shell orchid); Youguashihu (squashed epiphyte) Usage: Herb is obtained from Yunnan and Xizang. It nourishes yin, protects the kidney, nourishes the stomach and promotes the production of body fluids. Plant is used to treat hot flushes, fever, nocturnal emission, backache, anorexia and gastritis. |
Coelogyne ovalis Lindl.
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Coelogyne ovalis Lindl.
Chinese name: Changlinbeimu Lan Indian name: Jeevanti Phytochemistry: Lot of molecules are present, namely- 2,7-dihydroxy-3,4,6- trimethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene, coelogin, coeloginin, flavidin, flavidinin, batatasin III, imbricatin, beta-sitosterol and its glycoside and a new bibenzyl compound, 30-o-methylbatatasin III. Flavidin and coelogin showed spasmolytic activity. Flavidin produced 50% and 90% inhibition of barium chloride-induced spasm of the guinea pig. Herbal Usage: It is known as Jeevanti which means ‘promoting life’, and in this respect it is used as a tonic. In Nepal, pseudobulbs are regarded as aphrodisiacs, hence the name Jeevanti. It is also used in western and southern India to treat coughs, urine infections and eye disorders. |
Coelogyne prolifera Lindl.
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Coelogyne prolifera Lindl. Syn. Coelogyne flavida Hook. f.
Chinese name: Huanglubeimu Lan Nepali names: Liso in Gurong dialect, Thurgaujo (Nepali) Phytochemistry: Flavidin, 9,10- dihydrophenanthrene derivative, has been isolated. Four related compounds, flavidinin and oxoflavidinin a 9,10-dihydrophenanthropyran named flaccidin and imbricatin are also present in the orchid. Herbal Usage: Paste made with pseudobulbs of C. prolifera is rubbed on the back to relieve backache and to treat boils in Nepal. |
Coelogyne punctulata Lindl.
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Coelogyne punctulata Lindl.
Usage: Pseudobulbs are dried and made into powder for use to treat wounds and burns in northern India. It is used to treat dry coughs and bleeding resulting from trauma in Vietnam. |
Coelogyne stricta (D. Don) Schltr
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Coelogyne stricta (D. Don) Schltr. Syn Coelogyne elata Lindl.
Indian name: Harjojan Phytochemistry: A 9,10- dihydrophenanthropyrone and a 9,10- dihydrophenanthrene named coelonin was obtained from this orchid. The phytoalexins exhibit bacterostatic and fungistatic activities. Usage: In northeast India, it is used to promote healing of bones and is applied externally to fractured limbs. Poultice made with pseudobulbs is applied to relieve headache and fever in Nepal . |
Coelogyne trinervis Lindl.
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Coelogyne trinervis Lindl.
Thai name: Ueang mak It is sacred in some parts of Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) and here it was believed that the abundance of the rice harvest could be predicted by seasonal profusion of its flowers. Herbal Usage: In Thailand, the tuber is used to treat fractures and sprains. It is used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea in Myanmar whereas infusion of its pseudobulbs is used to treat constipation or indigestion in Nepal. This suggests that the pseudobulbs of the orchid may contain heat-labile and heat-stable compounds with opposing actions, as is the well-known case with Angelica sinensis. C. cristata contains coelogin (a 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene derivative) which has been shown to reduce intestinal spasms. The observation supports the Burmese herbal usage of the orchid. C. cristata is sometimes used to treat headache and fever in Nepal. Three species of Coelogyne are regarded as aphrodisiacs. Uniflorin, a steroidal ester, 4 phenanthrene derivatives, coelogin, coeloginin, coeloginanthridin and coeloginanthrin were extracted from this plant. The last four compounds possess the biological activities of phytoalexins and endogenous plant growth regulators. |
Conchidium muscicola (Lindl.)
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Conchidium muscicola (Lindl.) Rausch.Syn. Eria muscicola (Lindl.) Lindl.
Sanskrit Name: Jivanti Herbal Usage: The Sanskrit word Jiva means ‘life’ and the term Jivanti is used for many herbs which are considered to be powerful tonics possessing rejuvenating and life- prolonging properties. They also act as aphrodisiacs. The pseudobulbs are used in India to treat diseases of the heart and lungs, disorders of the nervous system, eye, ear and skin, facial tumours, fever and rabies. Usage in Nepal is fairly similar: it is used to treat heart, lungs and psychiatric disorders. |
Genus: Corymborkis Thouars.
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Genus: Corymborkis Thouars.
Chinese name: Guanhua Lan The five species in this genus are widely distributed in the lowlands throughout the tropics. They are rarely cultivated because their flowers are ephemeral. |
Corymborkis veratrifolia (Reinw.) Blume
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Corymborkis veratrifolia (Reinw.) Blume
Chinese name: Guanhua Lan Malaysian name: Kayu Hok in aboriginal Semang Phytochemistry: Alkaloid is present in Corymborkhis veratrifolia. Herbal Usage: In India, juice freshly extracted from the leaves is used as an emetic. It is used to treat cuts on the feet in the British Solomon Islands. |
Genus: Cremastra Lindl.
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Genus: Cremastra Lindl.
Chinese name: Dujuan Lan (Azalea orchid) The generic name is derived from Greek kremastra (flower stalk) which is the conspicuous feature of the genus. |
Cremastra appendiculata
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Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino Syn. Crematra variabilis (Blume) Nakai; Cym- bidium wallichiana Lindl.
Chinese name: Mabian Lan (horse whip orchid), Dujuan Lan (Azalea orchid); Shancigu (kind mountain lady), Maocigu (kind furry lady), Sandangu (three layer hoop) Japanese: Sai-hai ran (purple orchid standard), Sanjiko Korean: Sanjago, Yaknancho Medicinal names: The Chinese Shancigu also refers to Pleione bulbocoides. It is Sanjiko in Japanese, and Sanjago in Korean. Their similarity denotes an ancient common origin. Phytochemistry: It has 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(3-hydroxy- 4-methioxybenzyl)-6-methoxychroman-4-one is the homoisoflavanone that inhibits basic fibroblast growth factor. It also inhibits inflammatory and allergic response in mast cells, and ultraviolet beam-induced skin inflammation by reducing cyclooxidagenase-2-expression and NF-kappa B nuclear localization. Tyrosine is the enzyme that promotes melanin formation, darkening of skin and UV protection. Scientists isolated several compounds , some of which can be used in cancer treatment. Herbal Usage: It was first listed as a medicinal herb in Chen Can Qi’s Ben Cao Shi Yi (Omissions from the Medica Medica) compiled around 720 AD, during the Tang Dynasty. Stem was used to treat impotence, tuberculosis, fever, frostbite, snake bites and poisoning in general. It was also used to treat abscesses and swellings. Paste made with the pseudobulb was spread over a boil to heal it. In Japan, the Ainu chew on a pseudobulb of C. appendiculata to relieve a toothache. They also use it to treat snake bites and insect bites |
Crepidium acuminatum (D. Don.) Szlach.
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Crepidium acuminatum (D. Don.) Szlach. Syn. Malaxis acuminata D. Don., Microstylis wallichii Lindl.
Indian names: Jeevak in Hindi, Jivak (Tamil), Jivakam (Malayalam), Jivakam (Tekugu, Jivakamu (Kannada), Jivaka (Sankrit): Lahsunia (vernacular name in Kumaun Himalaya) Ayurvedic names: Jivak, Rishvak, Rishbhaka, Bandhura, Dhira, Durdhara, Gopati, Indraksa, Kakuda, Matrika, Visani, Vrisa, Vrisnabha Pseudobulbs are used to treat bleeding disorders, fever, tuberculosis and a sensation of heat, emaci- ation, dysentery, rheumatism and insect bites. It is incorporated into the Ayervedic tonic “Chyavanprash”, a popular herbal preparation for promoting health and preventing illness . Jeevak or Jivak (C. acuminatum) features in the following formulations: Astavargha churna, Chyanprash rasayan, Chitrakadi taila, Vachadi taila, Mahakalyan ghrita, Mahamayura ghrita, Mahapadma taila, JIvaniya ghrita, Vajkaran ghrita, Brahini gutika and Himvana agada. Malaxis cylindrostachya (Lindl.) Kuntze and Malaxis mackinnoni (Duthie) Ames are some- times used when C. acuminatum is not available. Other substitutes are Pueraria tuberosa (Vidara kand), Centaurea behen (Safed behmen), Centaurium roxburghii (D. Don) Druce (or Lal behmen) and Tinospora cordifolia (Guruchi). |
Crepidium resupinatum (G. Forst.) Szlach.
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Crepidium resupinatum (G. Forst.) Szlach. Syn. Seidenfia rheedii (Sw.) Szlach. (see Liparis rheedii Sw.); Seidenfia versicolor Marg. & Szlach.
Phytochemistry: Pseudobulb of C. acuminatum contains an alkaloid, glycosides, flavonoids, beta sitosterol, piperitone, 0-methylbatatasin, 1,8-cineole, citroenelal, euge- nol, glucose, rhamnose, coline, limonene, p- cymene and ceryl alcohol. An alkaloid, grandifoline, isolated from this orchid is a glycosidic derivative of nervogenic acid esterified with laburnine. Pseudobulb extracts of C. acuminatum contain polyphenols which possess antioxidant activity. Herbal Usage: In the western part of the Indian peninsula, a potion made with the plant is used to treat fever, biliousness and infantile epilepsy. |
Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw.
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Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. Syn. Cymbidium pendulum (Roxb) Sw.
Chinese name: Wenban Lan (stripe petal orchid), Yingyediao Lan (stiff leaf hanging Cymbid- ium), Chuihuadiao Lan (pendulant flower Cymbidium), Diao Lan (hanging Cymbidium), Dabi Lan (lean-on-the-wall Cymbidium) Chinese medicinal name: Yingyediao Lan (stiff leaf hanging Cymbidium) Thai name: Ka Re Ka Ron Vietnamese Name: Kim bien Laotian names: Lung khao, Huan so pet, Kin loum, Khi mot top Indian name: Supurn in Orissa State, boat orchid; panaipulluruvi (Valaiyans in Tamil Nadu) Myanmar name: Thit tet lin nay Nepalese name: Harjor in Tharu English name: boat orchid Phytochemistry: C. aloifolium contains several phenanthrenes: aloifol I and II, coelonin and 6-methoxycoelonin, cymbinodin A, cymbinodin B a polyoxygenated phenanthrene derivative designated pendulin, and a 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,8-trimethoxyphe-nanthrene named denthyrsinin. Herbal Usage: Leaves have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In Indian traditional medicine, juice is extracted from the whole plant by pounding it with ginger and a small amount of water is used to induce vomiting and diarrhoea, or to cure chronic illness, weakness of the eyes, vertigo and paralysis . Tribes Konda of East Godavari district used the roots for treating cracks on the feet. Tribal Koyas of Khammam district used a similar preparation for setting fractures. Tribal residents at Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka use the mucilage extracted from the orchid leaves to stop bleeding from leech bites. |
Cymbidium bicolor Lindl.
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Cymbidium bicolor Lindl.
Sri Lankan name: Visa Dhooli (Poison Dust); Beyudhuru (not specific; also used forPholidota imbricata) It is distributed from India, Sri Lanka, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Sumatra, Malaysia, Kalimantan, Philippines and Sulawesi. Herbal Usage: Leaves are used for treating fractures in southern China. |
Cymbidium crassifolium
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Cymbidium crassifolium Herb. Syn. Cymbidium mannii Rchb.
Chinese name: Rouye Lan (tender leaf Cymbidium) The medicinal plant is collected from Guangxi and Yunnan. Herbal Usage: Leaves of C. bicolor are used for treating fractures. |
Cymbidium devonianum Paxton
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Cymbidium devonianum Paxton
Chinese name: Fu Lan Nepali name: Thir gava Vietnamese name: Gam ngu sac The species is distributed in Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, Yunnan, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam on mossy rocks and trees. Herbal Usage: In Nepal, a paste of the root is applied on boils. Plant is decocted until it is reduced to half. The decoction is consumed in small amounts three times a day for coughs and colds. |
Cymbidium elegans Lindl.
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Cymbidium elegans Lindl. var. elegans Syn. Cymbidium longifolium D. Don.
Chinese name: Suocao Lan They have numerous flowers on the rachis. Lamellae on the lip are without any appendages. Herbal Usage: Salep made with the plant is used as demulcent or emetic in India. Fresh juice extracted from the leaves is used to arrest bleeding, especially from deep wounds. |
Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Sw.
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Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Sw.
Thai name: Chu lan Chinese names: Lan (orchid), Guo Lan (National Orchid), Gog Lan (Nation’s Orchid), Jian Lan (Jian orchid), Dajing Lan (large, lush orchid), Jinbaolisuxin Lan (golden centered, quietly elegant orchid), Suxin Lan (quietly elegant heart orchid), Guanlanhua (official orchid flower), Lancao (orchid herb, orchid grass), Shanlanhua (mountain orchid flower), Kienlan (Fukien or Fujian Orchid), four sea- son orchid, rock orchid, etc. Medicinal names: Jian lan hua (famous orchid flower); Jian lan gen; Qiu Lan (autumn Cymbidium); Ba Yue Lan (Eighth month Cymbidium); Guan Lan (official Cymbidium) It is frequently featured in Chinese paintings of the orchid that suggest grace and contentment. A standard advice to aspiring Chinese artists is to “Paint Cymbidium ensifolium when you are happy; bamboo when you are angry.”. This is the popular, fragrant Cymbidium which many oriental scholars identified with Confucius when he likened the company of good friends to a room full of fragrant orchids. The species is widely distributed throughout subtropical Asia.The herb is collected in autumn. TCM states that its taste is acrid; neutral. The entire plant is decocted and used to reinforce the body fluids, nourish blood (yin), ‘smooth the lungs’, reduce phlegm and stop coughing. It also stops pain, especially dysmenorrhoea, and corrects amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), giddiness, coughing and haemoptysis in tuberculosis. In India, rhizomes are boiled and consumed to treat gonorrhoea. |
Cymbidium faberi Rolfe
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Cymbidium faberi Rolfe
Chinese names: Jiuhua Lan (nine flower orchid), Yijingjiuhua (nine splendour flower), Tubaibu (wild hundred steps); Taiwanyijingjiuhua (Taiwan Jiuhua blossom), Hui Lan (pure heart orchid), Changye Lan (long leaf orchid), Huaqi Lan (clearing gas orchid) . In Taiwan: multi-flowered orchid Medicinal name: hua qi lan It occurs south of the Yellow River in China, in Taiwan, and in Nepal, Bhutan and northeast India. Herbal Usage: Herb is collected in autumn. After washing, leaves and roots are removed from the pseudobulbs which are sun-dried for storage. The root is bitter, sweet, mild and slightly poisonous. It is used for the relief of headache or coughs, and to destroy insects, worms and lice. A decoction is taken for headache, while 6 g in decoction is consumed with white wine once a day to relieve coughs. To clear the bowel of ascaris (round worms), 500 g of powder is added to wheat powder and made into buns. These are consumed over 3 days. |
Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl.
Malay name: Sepuleh Thai name: Ka Re ka Ron Pak Pet Phytochemistry: 7-O-glycosides of vitexin and isovitexin was identified from C. finlaysonianum. Herbal Usage: Mr. Burkhill reported that the Malay medicine men used it to remove bewitchment in Telok Anson, in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. Malay name for treating illness is, sepuleh which ranslates as “restorative”, i.e. restoring to health. |
Cymbidium floribundum Lindl.
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Cymbidium floribundum Lindl. Syn. Cymbidium floribundum Lindl. var. pumilum (Rolfe) Y.S. Wu et S.C. Chen; Cymbidium pumilum Rolfe
Local name: Duohua Lan (many flowered Cymbidium) This epiphytic, occasionally terrestrial or saxicolous Cymbidium is widely distributed through central and southern China. Plants are found in at the edge of forests or on sunny cliffs and along ravines, and very rarely on rocky soil. Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Huadong, Huanan and Tibet. Japanese honey bees are attracted by fragrances emitted by C. floribundum which resemble compounds present in their mandibular glands. These are a mixture of 3-hydroxy octanoic acid and 10-hydroxy (E)-2-decenoic acid. |
Cymbidium goeringii (Rchb. f) Rchb. f.
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Cymbidium goeringii (Rchb. f) Rchb. f.
Local names: Chun Lan (spring orchid), Riben Chun Lan (Japanese spring orchid), Diaolanhua (hanging orchid flowers); Cao Lan (grass orchid); Shan Lan (mountain orchid); Shuangfeiyan (twin flying sparrow) Japanese: Hokuro (black seeds/age spots); Jiji- baba (grandpa and grandma) C. goeringii is admired for its faint floral fragrance. This is constituted by a blend of methyl-cis(z)-dehydrojasmonate, (E) neroldol, 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene, 1,2,3,5-tetramethox- ybenzene and other jasmonates . It is widely distributed throughout most of China, Bhutan, India, Korea and Japan. flowers from January to March and prefers stony habitats, shrubby slopes or sparse forests. Phytochemistry: Cymbidine A, a monomeric peptidoglycan-related compound isolated from C. goeringii, possesses diuretic and hypotensive activities. Gigantol isolated from whole plants exhibits inhibitory effects of LPS-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in macrophages. It is a potent inhibitor of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6(IL-6) release, and it influences mRNA expression of these cytokines in a dose- dependent manner. These effects are produced through its ability to block nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. Herbal Usage: According to TCM, roots improve blood flow, cool the blood and detox- ify. The herb is used to treat traumatic injuries, bleeding from such injuries, and fractures, clear heat in the lungs, and relieve coughs and sore throat, stop the production of blood streaked phlegm, and treat haematuria and rabies. The entire plant is used to treat fever, large round worm infestation (ascariasis), abdominal colic associated with worm infestation, poor health, weak kidneys, dizziness, backache, sweating and piles. |
Cymbidium hookerianum Rchb. f.
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Cymbidium hookerianum Rchb. f.
Chinese name: Hutou Lan Chinese medicinal name: Hutou Lan It flowers from February to May in Bhutan; January to April in China. Herbal Usage: Seeds are applied on cuts and injuries as a haemostatic in India. The Chinese herb which consists of the whole plant obtained from Yunnan is used to treat fractures and traumatic soft tissue injuries. |
Cymbidium iridioides D. Don
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Cymbidium iridioides D. Don Syn. Cymbidium giganteum Wall ex Lindl.
Chinese name: Huang chan Lan Phytochemistry: C. iridioides contains a triterpene glucoside, cymbidoside and a taraxerane triterpenoid, taraxerone, gigantol and sitosterol. Taraxerone was inactive against leukaemia, or renal and ovarian cancer cell lines. Herbal Usage: In Nepal, juice from the leaves of C. iridioides is used as a haemostatic on wounds. In the Khasi Hills in India, leaf juice is used to stop bleeding from wounds and for diarrhea. |
Cymbidium kanran Makino
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Cymbidium kanran Makino
Local Name: Han lan (frigid Cymbidium orchid), winter orchid, Cao Lan (grass orchid) This magnificent species enjoys much popu- larity among Chinese growers on account of its elegant form and strong fragrance. It flowers from August to January but mostly in December and January. Herbal Usage: Herb is obtained from Huadong, Huanan and Yunnan. Chinese herbalists employ the entire plant to “purify the heart”, smooth the lungs, or to stop coughs and asthma. Roots are used for treating gastroenteritis and ascariasis. |
Cymbidium lancifolium Hook.
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Cymbidium lancifolium Hook.
Chinese names: Soushan Hu (searching moun- tain tiger), Zhupo Lan (bamboo and pine): Tuer Lan (rabbit ear orchid); Diqingmei (green floor plum); Xuli Cao (Through-the-ages herb, everlasting Herb). In Taiwan: white bamboo-leaf orchid. Indonesian name : Ki Adjag in Sunda It flowers in April in Hong Kong and from May to August on the Chinese mainland. This is possibly the least attractive species in Cymbidium. Phytochemistry: Saponins are present in C. lancifolium. Alkaloids are absent. Herbal Usage: In China, the entire plant is used to relieve rheumatism, improve blood flow, and to treat traumatic injuries. |
Cymbidium macrorhizon Lindl.
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Cymbidium macrorhizon Lindl.
It occurs along riversides, at forest margins or on open grassy slopes from southern China, Vietnam and Thailand to Myanmar and the southern Himalayas up to Pakistan. Herbal Usage: In northern India, rhizomes of C. macrorhizon are used as diaphoretic and febrifuge, and also to treat boils and rheumatism. |
Cymbidium sinense (Jacks.) Willd.
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Cymbidium sinense (Jacks.) Willd. Syn. Cymbidium chinense Heynh.
Chinese names: Baisui Lan (New Year Greeting Orchid, Pay a New Year’s Call Orchid), Baosui Lan (Congratulations for the New Year), Chun Lan (spring orchid), Mo Lan (dark orchid). Its appears from India to Myanmar, northern Thailand, Vietnam and east China to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. In China, it has a long flowering period that extends from October to March. Herbal Usage: The whole plant or just the roots may be used. Roots are collected in autumn and sun-dried for storage. They purify the heart and lungs, and stop coughs and asthma. A decoction prepared with 30 g of the herb is used to treat dry coughs. |
Cymbidium wilsonii (Rolfe ex De Cock) Rolfe
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Cymbidium wilsonii (Rolfe ex De Cock) Rolfe
Chinese names: Duanyechutou Lan (short leaf tiger head orchid), Diannanhutou Lan The lip becomes purplish-red after pollination. Flowering season is February to April. Herbal Usage: Herb is collected from Yunnan. Roots used to treat weak lungs, coughs, bronchitis, tonsillitis and body ache. Cymbidiums have been cultivated as house plants in the Far East for more than 2000 years. Ten aromatic glycosides were isolated from fresh flowers of the hybrid Cymbidium Great Flower ‘Marie Laurencin’, and two of these were new discoveries, namely marylaurensinosides D and E . An interesting group of compounds in Cymbidium are the lectins, a new class of antivirals which bind to N-linked oligosaccharide elements of enveloped viruses. Test tube experiments showed that mannose-specific lectins from a Cymbidium hybrid and Epipactis helleborine prevent human immunodeficiency (AIDS) viruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) from reproducing themselves. |
Cypripedium cordigerum D. Don
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Cypripedium cordigerum D. Don
Chinese name: Baichunshao Lan Nepali Name: Jibri Cypripedium cordigerum occurs in grassland, meadows and pine forests in central and western Nepal, southern Tibet, Bhutan, Kashmir and Pakistan. Herbal Usage: Roots are used as a tonic in Nepal. Young leaves of Cypripedium cordigerum D. Don are cooked and eaten as a vegetable . |
Cypripedium debile Reichb. f.
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Cypripedium debile Reichb. f.
Chinese names: Duiyeshao Lan (two leafed spoon orchid), Xiaoxipuxie Lan (small Xipu shoe orchid), Shuangyeshao Lan (two leaf spoon orchid), Erye Lan (two leaf orchid) Herbal Usage: The entire plant is used in Taiwan. It improves blood flow, reduces swelling, relieves pain and is diuretic. |
Cypripedium elegans, Rchb. f.
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Cypripedium elegans, Rchb. f.
Chinese name: Yazhishao Lan It is a small plant, 10 cm tall with an erect stem that is densely covered with fine, white hairs. Flowering period is June to July. Herbal Usage: In India, the root is used to treat disorders of the nervous system. It is used as a nerve tonic and also in hysteria, spasms, fits, insanity, and epilepsy, and in rheumatism in the Himalayan region. |
Cypripedium fasciolatum Franch.
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Cypripedium fasciolatum Franch.
Chinese name: Dayezhuo Lan (big leaf spoon orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Wugongqi Herbal Usage: Herb is collected from Sichuan, Hebei and Shanxi. Roots and stems are diuretic and they are used to reduce swelling, improve blood flow, clear phlegm and stop joint pains. It is often used to treat generalised oedema, swelling of the lower extremities, fractures and other traumatic injuries. |
Cypripedium formosanum Hayata
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Cypripedium formosanum Hayata
Chinese name: Taiwanshao Lan (Taiwan spoon orchid), Taiwanpuxie Lan (Taiwan ordinary shoe orchid), Yidianhong (One Spot of Red), Taiwanjiapuxie Lan (Taiwan ordinary shoe orchid) It is an endemic, terrestrial species. Herbal Usage: The entire plant improves blood flow, regulates the menses, expels gas, stops pain and relieves itching. The root and stem also expel gas, improve blood flow, and they are used to treat malaria, snake bites, traumatic injury and rheumatism. |
Cypripedium franchetii Rolfe
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Cypripedium franchetii Rolfe
Chinese name: Maozhuo Lan (hairy spoon orchid), Maoshao Lan Chinese medicinal name: Wugongqi It occurs in humid, humus-rich soil on shrubby slopes and sparse woods. Herbal Usage: Herb is credited with the ability to regulate the flow of vital energy (qi) to eliminate obstruction to its flow, and improve blood circulation. It is used to stop coughs, relief pain, “wind stagnation”, chest and epigastric pain. |
Cypripedium guttatum Sw.
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Cypripedium guttatum Sw.
Chinese name: Zidianshao Lan Chinese medicinal name: Banhuashaolan The small pink flowers appear from May to July. It can be found in both open and shady habitats over a wide geographical. Herbal Usage: The roots and leaves have been used in eastern Russia and Siberia to treat epilepsy. |
Cypripedium henryi Rolfe
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Cypripedium henryi Rolfe
Chinese names: Luhuazhuo Lan (green flower spoon orchid); Chinese medicinal name: Longshejian (dragon tongue sword); Jinlongqi (gold dragon seven) Flowers appear in April and May and have the scent of spicy honey and attract a small black wasp, Lasioglossum sauterum. It is an elegant, endemic, terrestrial herb found in open scrub in the Chinese highlands. It thrives in damp humus-rich soil in fairly open places. Herbal Usage: Herb is collected from China’s southwest areas. Roots are used to improve qi and blood circulation, reduce swelling and pain, “cold in the stomach”, pain around the waist and thighs and pain resulting from injury. |
Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe
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Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe
Chinese name: Xiaezhuo Lan (narrow calyx spoon orchid), Gaoshanshao Lan Nepali name: Khujukpa It has uneven broadly elliptic leaves and fragrant flowers with lips. Flowering season is June to August in Nepal, June to July in China. It is widely distributed from the western Himalayas through Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Tibet and northern Burma. It is used in CHM to treat female infertility, hernia and pain at the waist in women. In Nepal, juice extracted from fresh plants or a drink made with dried plants are used. It is also used to treat difficulty in passing urine, urinary stones, heart and lung disease and coughs. |
Cypripedium japonicum Thunb.
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Cypripedium japonicum Thunb.
Chinese name: Shanmaishao Lan Chinese medicinal name: Shanziqi Japanese name: Kumagiso The herb is said to dispel wind, remove toxins, moderate qi, improve blood cir- culation and relieve pain. It is used in the treat- ment of tertian malaria, menstrual irregularities, pain arising from physical injuries and pruritus. Chinese Herbal Prescriptions include: 1. Tertian malaria- Pulverizse 1.5 g of roots for consumption with cold water 1 h before onset of symptoms. 2. pruritic rash - Boil whole plants to clean the skin 3. snake bite and low backache – Mix with wine to eat and also to apply |
Cypripedium macranthos Sw.
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Cypripedium macranthos Sw.
Chinese names: Qilaixipuxie Lan (big flowered spoon orchid), Dahuashao Lan (big flowered spoon orchid), Dakoudaihua (large pocket orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Dunshengcao, Wugongqi Japanese name: Atsumoriso Phytochemistry: Lusianthrin and chrysin were isolated. They are both are antifungal compounds. Herbal Usage: Chinese Herbals state that roots and stem promote diuresis, reduce swelling, clear ecchymosis, expel gas, stop pain and improve blood flow. Pulverised, dried flowers are used to stop bleeding from wounds. For oral consumption, the decoction is prepared with 6–9 g of the orchid plant and consumed with, or without, wine. |
Cypripedium margaritaceum Franch.
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Cypripedium margaritaceum Franch.
Chinese names: Banyeshao Lan; Chinese medicinal name: Lanhuashuangyecao It grows in deep shade and the leaves are held horizontally across the forest floor. Herbal Usage: It is used to nourish the liver and kidneys. It moderates qi (vital energy) and blood, promotes diuresis and relieves oedema, and improves blurred vision or night blindness. A commonly used folk herb in Yunnan, decoction is prepared by boiling 9–15 g of the herb. |
Cypripedium tibeticum King ex Rolfe syn. Cypripedium corrugatum Franch.
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Cypripedium tibeticum King ex Rolfe syn. Cypripedium corrugatum Franch.
Chinese name: Xizang Zhuolan (Tibetan scoop orchid) Chinese medicinal name: Wugongqi; Zhoushao Lan (crepe spoon orchid) It flowers from May to August in open forests and on grassy or rocky slopes. Herbal Usage: Herb is collected from Yunnan. Roots of C. tibeticum are thought to be anti-inflammatory and capable of preventing pain. They are used to increase urine output, relieve painful swellings, or to improve blood circulation and to treat menstrual disorders. Phytochemistry : Cypripediums are attracting lot of attention from taxonomists, gardeners and biochemists. Cypripedium has been used medicinally in western medicine in Europe and in North America. Many Cypripedium species are distributed in North America, and American Indians used roots of C.s as sedatives and antispasmodics. In US, the extract was used to treat nerve disorders and sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. Historically, in India, there is a similar usage, to treat such disorders of the nervous system as hysteria, spasms, fits, madness and epilepsy. Chinese herbalists use it to treat malaria. |
Cyrtosia septentrionalis (Rchb. f.) Garay
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Cyrtosia septentrionalis (Rchb. f.) Garay
Syn. Galeola septentrionalis Rchb. f. Chinese name: Xue hong rou guo lan Chinese medicinal name: Shanshanhu Japanese name: Tsuchi-akebi, Dutuusoo In the shaded and sparse understory of forests where this orchid grows, insect pollinators are limited. Hence, the orchid has adapted and has an effective self-pollinating system. Phytochemistry: Several glycosides amd 8 phenolic derivatives were isolated. These are- 1- 2,4-bis(4-hydroxybenzyl) phenol 2- Bis[4(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzyl](S)- (-)-2-isopropylmalate 3- Bis[4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzyl](S)- (-)-2-sec-butylmalate 4- 4-hydroxybenzylaldehyde 5- 4,40-dihydroxydiphenyl-methane 6- 4-hydroxybenzylalcohol 7- 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzyl alcohol or gastrodin 8- 5-methoxy-3-(2-[phenyl-E-ethenyl)-2,4-bis (4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol Herbal Usage: It's used to treat stiffness or spasm of the muscles. Paste made with the whole plant and vegetable oil is used for sores and fungal infection of the skin with ulceration; and fruit with liquorice and prepared in decoction for treating gonorrhea. Decoction of the root of Galeola septentrionalis was formerly used in Japan to treat gonorrhoea. Ash produced by burning the plant was used as a hair tonic for diseases of the scalp. |
