Tree that cure leukimia

Leukaemia inhibitor from tree extract can help fight cancer
By YU JI
yuji@thestar.com.my


KUCHING: A compound from the Aglaia foveolata tree, found in Sarawak’s highlands, has entered pre-clinical trials, showing positive results in inhibiting the growth of some forms of cancer like leukaemia.

According to scientists at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), which owns the intellectual property rights to the plant, experiments found an extracted compound called Silvestrol offered benefits not found in other cancer-fighting drugs.

“First, it seems to inhibit leukaemia growth compared with controlled tests performed on mice. Second, the tests show that it seems to bypass drug resistance,” said Dr Yeo Tiong Chia, senior research officer at the centre.

Dr Yeo, a graduate of the Washington University in immunology, said he was confident of the compound’s potential.

He added that if tests continued to be positive, then the next step would be to conduct clinical trials on humans.

However, as with all experiments, he added, outcomes were hard to predict and could go either way.

Dr Yeo was speaking to The Star during SBC’s annual open day at its headquarters near Padawan, here.

Meanwhile, SBC chief executive Dr Rita Manurung said the centre needed funds to speed up research.

She said the centre had submitted a development proposal of RM5mil to both state and federal governments.

The development included expanding its chemistry labs and having better facilities to attract more visiting scientists.

Dr Rita explained the urgent need for funds.

“Intellectual property rights are not forever. At SBC, we hold just one right, which is for the Aglaia plant.

“We acquired that right in 2004, but such rights usually expire after 15 to 20 years. As such, all research must be speeded up,” she said.

Another important role of the centre is documenting indigenous vegetation, with focus on those that have medical qualities not yet known to the scientific community.

The programme has been ongoing for almost a decade, with about 3,000 plants documented.

Ginger, early description in Al Quran

I had interesting discussion with Dato Prof. Latif yesterday.
He said in Al-Quran, there are 24 plants species mention, and 4 species originated from this region. One of the species mentioned is ginger as in sura Al-Insan ;

And they shall be made to drink therein a cup the admixture of which shall be ginger,

We may wonder, how did tropical plants species end up in middle of middle east earlier than we thought.

However, further research especially referring to Robert Dentan paper,Semai-Malay Ethnobotany; Hindu influences on the trade in sacred plants, ho hiang postulate there was connection between Indian trader plying monsoon season route and besadai, besyngeitai, saesadai, term coined by Ancient Greek meaning traders in jungle produce.
This paper also illustrate several species that become synonym with ceremonial purposes and valuable for Indian continent market.

Without doubt, Ginger, acquire from the people of this peninsular finally become a sought after drinks for Arab in early times.

Manna from Heaven

A saccharine food which Allah provided to the children of Israel when they were wandering in the Sinai desert after their exile from Egypt.

Tiny insects living on the plant are responsible to produce the Mann, a sweet gum.

These insects puncture the bark of the host plant through which a liquid oozes out during the intense heat of the sunny day and hardened into the form of a gum during the cool nights.

The insects were identified as Coccus manniparus and the trees as Tamarix. For certain tribes living around the area of Sinai, the exudate was the only source of sweetness they collected from the trees.

The Mann was obtained from 2 different types of plants: The Hâj or Aaaqul (Alhagi maurorum named also locally Turanjbin) called also Shauqul –jamal; the camel’s fodder. It is a thorny shrub that do not grow beyond 3 feet in height, but it has long roots that can go 15 to 20 feet deep in the ground.

Apart from the Hâj, there was another plant called Tamarix mannifera that grows in the same region and can be also a Mann plant, a small tree with scaly leaves. It is named Gazanjbin.

The sweet Mann is still traded over the world, but mainly used in medicine since it has medicinal as well as nutritional properties.

The plant has been referred with the Salva bird or Quail eaten with the Mann during 40 years (1491 B.C. to 1451 B.C.) as a balanced diet.

During the Great Famine of iran in 1854, tonnes of the lichen named Lecanora affinis ‘rained’ (when fully fried is very light and can be flown to long distances and can settle down at a certain place when it rains, called also rose of Jerico) over the famine area and people collected it , powdered it and ate its bread for several days.

Aphrodisiacs & Plants

Via: OnlineDating.org

NOTES


Horny Goat Weeds

Epimedium, also known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: 淫羊藿), is a genus of about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The large majority are endemic to southern China, with further outposts in Europe and central, southern and eastern Asia.

Epimedium species are hardy perennials. The majority have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring. Many are believed to be aphrodisiacs, particularly horny goat weed.

According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement; usually in raw herb, tablet, or capsule form and sometimes blended with other supplements. 

Hugely popular as garden plants for centuries in Japan, Epimedium are only just beginning to garner attention in the West. While they vary somewhat in their respective hardiness, all are essentially dwellers of the forest floor, and, as such, all require fundamentally similar conditions of moist, free draining, humus rich soil and cool shade, with some shelter for the newly emerging leaves. 

Tribulus

Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World in southern Europe, southern Asia, throughout Africa, and Australia.^[2] It can thrive even in desert climates and poor soil. Like many weedy species, this plant has many common names, includingpuncturevine, caltrop, cathead, yellow vine, goathead, burra gokharu and bindii

The Latin name tribulus originally meant the caltrop (a spiky weapon), but in Classical times already the word meant this plant as well

T. terrestris is now being promoted as a booster for the purpose of increasing sex drive. Its use for this purpose originated from a Bulgarian study conducted in the 1970s

Yohimbin

Yohimbine is an alkaloid with stimulant and aphrodisiac effects found naturally in Pausinystalia yohimbe (Yohimbe). It is also found naturally in Rauwolfia serpentina(Indian Snakeroot), along with several other active alkaloids. Yohimbine has been used as both an over-the-counter dietary supplement in herbal extract form andprescription medicine in pure form for the treatment of sexual dysfunction

Yohimbine is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West African evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). There are 31 other yohimbane alkaloids found in Yohimbe. In Africa, yohimbe has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac.^[3] However, it is very important to note that while the terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark extract are related, they are not interchangeable

Yohimbine has significant side effects, such as anxiety reactions. According to the Mayo Clinic, yohimbine can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts

Damiana

Turnera diffusa, known as damiana, is a shrub native to Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the family Turneraceae.

Damiana is a relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. The shrub is said to have an strong spice like odor somewhat like chamomile, due to an oil present in the plant. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea and an incense which was used by native people of Central and South America for its relaxing effects. Spanish missionaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for use as an aphrodisiac.

Damiana is an ingredient in a traditional Mexican liqueur, which is sometimes used in lieu of Triple Sec in margaritas. Mexican folklore claims that it was used in the "original" margarita. The damiana margarita is popular in the Los Cabos region of Mexico.^[1][2]

Damiana has been used by Agent Provocateur in their Beauty Range products for its aphrodisiacal qualities. It has been combined in their Poudre D'Amour withPurple Orchid, Passionflower and Cocoa.

While scientists have found inconclusive data on Damiana, it has recently been shown that a chemical essential to the plant's structure, damianin, has relaxing effects on the central nervous system. This chemical may therefore account, in part, for the reports of relaxation effects

Muira Puama

Ptychopetalum is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the family Olacaceae, native to the Amazon rainforest. The indigenous name for the genus is Muira Puama, "potency wood".^[1] The species are shrubs or small trees growing to 5 m tall.

The root and bark are used for a variety of ailments by indigenous peoples in the Rio Negro area of South America, and have become popular as herbal treatments for sexual dysfunction

Historically, all parts of muira puama have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant. It has long been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes. Native peoples along the Brazilian Amazon's Rio Negro river use the stems and roots from young plants as a tonic to treat neuromuscular problems; a root decoction is used in baths and massages for treating paralysis and beri-beri; and a root-and-bark tea is taken to treat sexual debility, rheumatism, grippe, and cardiac and gastrointestinal weakness. It's also valued there as a preventive for baldness. In Brazilian herbal medicine, muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac.

source : wikipedia, http://www.rain-tree.com

Fresh from Garden, new movement?

Restaurants with vegetable gardens that ensure a supply of fresh produce are the in-thing in the US.

GARDENS have been named the hottest trend in American restaurants this year as more chefs involved with the movement to eat local food decide to grow their own tomatoes, herbs and other produce.

A third of the 2,000 chefs surveyed by the US National Restaurant Association named gardens the top trend. Chris Moyer, who leads sustainability programmes for the group, said it costs restaurants less to grow their own produce than to buy it elsewhere and have it shipped. It also gives them more control over quality, he said.

“It lets them offer things people are looking for, and a growing number of people are looking for that locally-grown type of fare,” Moyer said.


A variety of vegetables and peppers picked from the garden at The Blue Water Grill in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The association does not track how many restaurants have gardens, and its survey did not ask chefs whether their restaurants had a garden or had one planned.

Moyer said, however, that independent restaurants tend to be the ones with gardens, because they have the flexibility to adjust their menus with what is in season.

“When you walk into a chain (restaurant), you expect the same thing every time,” he said. “Independent operators don’t have the consistency factor that chain restaurants do, and that makes it easier for them to implement these gardens.”

The Blue Water Grill in Grand Rapids, Michigan, expanded its garden from about 90sqm last year to about 280sqm this year. It started mostly with tomatoes but has added squash, peppers, sweet corn, herbs and strawberries. The restaurant also has 12 fruit trees, including pear and apple.

“We just thought it was a great opportunity that supported doing what we wanted to do and that was to be a local restaurant,” general manager Kevin Vos said.

The garden also adds a personal touch. “A lot of times when we take customers for a garden tour, it starts with what we can do and, ‘Can we cook you something special tonight?’ ” he said.

Larry Bertsch and his wife Diann are weekly guests at the Blue Water Grill. “It’s a benefit knowing the food you’re eating is grown 20 feet from the kitchen without pesticides or artificial fertilisers,” said Bertsch, 50.

The garden also makes a pleasant view from the restaurant’s windows and patios.


The restaurant’s head chef Michael-Patrick McCann in the vegetable garden that has replaced its landscaping.
Moyer said most restaurants start with small gardens in which they grow a few basics, such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and herbs. It is rare for them to grow everything they need because weather limits the growing season and big gardens take up staff time and space few restaurants can afford, he said.

Rob Weland, chef at Poste Moderne Brasserie in Washington DC, said his restaurant planted its first garden six years ago in an outside courtyard and it gets a little bigger each year. This year, fruit trees were added.

About 20% of what the restaurant uses is grown in the garden, which includes 12 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, asparagus, basil, mint, tarragon, thyme and strawberries.

The restaurant also gears promotions around the garden, including Thursday events in which up to 15 people have a five-course meal prepared with produce grown there.

Paul Lee opened the Winchester restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 18 months ago and planted a garden for it on a vacant lot not from far from his restaurant this summer.

“We made a commitment to do an urban garden and with the movement to grow local, to shop local, it was just a natural fit for us,” said Lee, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Jessica.

The Winchester’s 370sqm garden provided about 10% of the vegetables and herbs the restaurant used this year, Lee said.

“Everything we take out we use to create dinner specials,” Lee said. “It’s been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Bell Book & Candle is scheduled to be opened later this year in New York City, with 60% of the produce it uses coming from 60 hydroponic towers on the six-storey building’s rooftop. Its owner and chef, John Mooney, is growing more than 70 varieties of herbs, vegetables and fruits on the roof.

He said the move toward more restaurants growing their own produce probably is based on chefs’ desire to control the ingredients they use better.

“I believe that when you and your staff care about your ingredients from start to finish they have a better appreciation for it,” said Mooney, who also once owned a Florida restaurant that had a 5ha garden. “It has a very positive effect on the guest experience as well.” – AP

ETHNOBOTANI SEBAGAI WARISAN KEBUDAYAAN ORANG ASLI

ETHNOBOTANI SEBAGAI WARISAN KEBUDAYAAN ORANG ASLI


Professor Madya Zainul Hakim Mohd Zain
Pn. Mahanum Dol, En. Meor Abdullah Zaidi Meor Razali
Jabatan Senibina Landskap,
Fakulti Alam Bina
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
Sekudai, Johor
b-zhakim@utm.net.my
ABSTRAK

Manusia dan tumbuhan sering berkaitan antara satu sama lain dalam kesinambungan kehidupan. Tumbuhan menjadi bahan asas bagi kehidupan manusia samada dalam bentuk keperluan harian dan juga sebagai tempat berlindung dan makanan. Malah pengunaan dan kepentingan tumbuhan adalah menjangkau kegunaan lahiriah, ianya juga berperanan sebagai warisan kebudayaan sesuatu masyarakat.

Hubungan antara manusia dan tumbuhan dalam satu ekosistem dan sebagai komponen budaya ini merupakan satu bidang kajian yang lebih di kenali sebagai ethnobotani. Ianya bukanlah satu cabang baru bidang sains, malah ianya merupakan sebahagian dari komponen cara hidup yang bermula dari perlunya sesuatu tumbuhan sebagai bahan asas dan nilai rohaniah. Dalam konteks ini, masyarakat Orang Asli terutamanya penghuni hutan dan ekosistem yang tidak terusik merupakan penjaga khazanah yang tidak ternilai dari segi pengetahuan gunapakai tumbuhan. Pengunaan harian serta penguasaan pengetahuan berkaitan tumbuhan ini boleh dilihat sebagai satu warisan dan keperluan untuk hidup.

Dewasa ini, dengan kadar kemajuan dan modernisasi yang pesat di kalangan masyarakat Orang Asli, mengakibatkan pengetahuan ini tergugat dengan pupusnya tumbuhan tersebut. Namun demikian, keperluan untuk memelihara pengetahuan ethnobotani di kalangan masyarakat peribumi amnya dan Orang Asli khususnya serta kepentingan bidang ini kepada bidang yang lain menjadikan pengetahuan ini mendapat pengiktirafan sewajarnya.

Penyelidikan dan penemuan ethnobotani yang dijalankan di kalangan masyarakat Semelai dan Jakun di Tasik Bera dan Chini, Pahang menunjukkan adanya signifikasi dan nilai simbolik pada masyarakat disana didalam menghadapi kesan modenisasi serta kelestarian satu eko sistem. Isu, prospek dan cabaran ethno botani sebagai warisan kebudayaan Orang Asli akan di kupas secara mendalam bagi mendapatkan hasil yang wajar di ketengahkan.

Mistletoe, Facts and Myths

Mistletoe; Myth
An old Christian tradition said that mistletoe was once a tree and furnished the wood of the Cross. After the Crucifixion, the plant shriveled and became dwarfed to a parasitic vine

Mistletoe is commonly used as a Christmas decoration, though such use was rarely alluded to until the 18th century. Viscum album is used in Europe whereas Phoradendron serotinum is used in North America. According to custom, the mistletoe must not touch the ground between its cutting and its removal as the last of Christmas greens at Candlemas; it may remain hanging through the year, often to preserve the house from lightning or fire, until it was replaced the following Christmas Eve. The tradition has spread throughout the English-speaking world but is largely unknown in the rest of Europe. The appearance and nature of the fruit's content (viscin) is very similar to or suggestive of human semen and this has strengthened its pagan connections

According to a custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss. The custom is of Scandinavian origin. (http://www.answers.com/topic/mistletoe)

Mistletoe and Ecology

Mistletoe was often considered a pest that kills trees and devalues natural habitats, but was recently recognized as an ecological keystone species, an organism that has a disproportionately pervasive influence over its community.

A broad array of animals depend on mistletoe for food, consuming the leaves and young shoots, transferring pollen between plants, and dispersing the sticky seeds. The dense evergreen witches' brooms formed by the dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium species) of western North America also make excellent locations for roosting and nesting of the Northern Spotted Owls and the Marbled Murrelets.

In Australia the Diamond Firetails and Painted Honeyeaters are recorded as nesting in different mistletoes. This behavior is probably far more widespread than currently recognized; more than 240 species of birds that nest in foliage in Australia have been recorded nesting in mistletoe, representing more than 75% of the resident avifauna.

A study of mistletoe in junipers concluded that more juniper berries sprout in stands where mistletoe is present, as the mistletoe attracts berry-eating birds which also eat juniper berries.[8] Such interactions lead to dramatic influences on diversity, as areas with greater mistletoe densities support higher diversities of animals. Thus, rather than being a pest, mistletoe can have a positive effect on biodiversity, providing high quality food and habitat for a broad range of animals in forests and woodlands worldwide.

Mistletoe; Medicinal Value

Mistletoe leaves and young twigs are used by herbalists, and it is popular in Europe, especially in Germany, for treating circulatory and respiratory system problems.
Use of mistletoe extract in the treatment of cancer originated with Rudolph Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. He compared the parasitic nature of the mistletoe plant to that of cancer, and believed that cancer represents a faltering of the body's spiritual defenses.
Some anthroposophical mistletoe preparations are diluted homeopathically. Mistletoe extract is sold as Iscador, Helixor, and several other trade names.

Public interest in the United States was spurred in 2001 following actress Suzanne Somers' decision to use Iscador in lieu of chemotherapy following her treatment for breast cancer using surgery and radiotherapy.

Mistletoe as Bird Trap

The sticky juice of mistletoe berries was used as adhesive to trap small animals or birds. In South Africa it is called "Bird lime" in English and voelent in Afrikaans. A handful of ripe fruits are chewed until sticky, and the mass is then rubbed between the palms of the hands to form long extremely sticky strands which are then coiled around small thin tree branches where birds perch. When a bird lands on this it gets stuck to the branch and is then easy to catch by hand