01/25/2019 / By Ralph Flores
Research published in Phytomedicine identified an orchid found in Southeast Asia to contain multiple therapeutic properties. In the study, scientists from the University of Vienna reported that Eulophia macrobulbon — a type of orchid native to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia — has antioxidant properties and can protect the body against inflammation. The study also identified the plant to be toxic to certain cancer cells, making it a viable herbal remedy in cancer treatment.
In the study, the team looked at how E. macrobulbon performed against multiple cancer cell lines. The results were promising: It exhibited “notable cytotoxic effects” against cell models for cervical and colorectal cancers, as well as the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The study likewise discovered that E. macrobulbon has anti-inflammatory properties, as it was able to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory proteins like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha while increasing anti-inflammatory markers, based on inflammation-induced cell models. A study of its active components also revealed the presence of phytochemicals with notable antioxidant properties.
“Based on this data, EME provides various beneficial anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxic attributes and may be used as [an] herbal remedy in the pharmaceutical or food industries,” the researchers concluded in their report. (Related: Orchid tree seeds found to have antioxidant properties that protect against liver damage.)
Orchids are often overlooked as a medicinal plant since a lot of people value them primarily for their aesthetic value. However, like other traditional medicinal herbs, orchids can be used to treat multiple conditions ranging from common fever to severe body pain. Here are just some of the benefits that you can get from these common backyard plant.
Learn more about the other health benefits of orchids at Herbs.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, anti-inflammatory, Eulophia macrobulbon, natural cures, natural medicine, orchids