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Dissertation zoology

The document provides detailed descriptions of four plants: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Asparagus densiflorus, Bougainvillea spectabilis, and Azadirachta indica, including their scientific classifications and medicinal values. Each plant is noted for its unique characteristics and potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The document emphasizes the traditional medicinal uses of these plants in various cultures.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
3 views

Dissertation zoology

The document provides detailed descriptions of four plants: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Asparagus densiflorus, Bougainvillea spectabilis, and Azadirachta indica, including their scientific classifications and medicinal values. Each plant is noted for its unique characteristics and potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The document emphasizes the traditional medicinal uses of these plants in various cultures.

Uploaded by

sakshisangwan02
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
(flaming Katy)

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is commonly known as Flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe, florist


kalanchoe and Madagascar widow’s-thrill. It is a evergreen, bushy and perennial succulent plant
which can reach an ultimate height of between 30 and 45 cm in 2 – 5 years and an ultimate
spread of between 10 and 50 cm (4 and 19.5 in). K. Blossfeldiana has a round habit and a
moderate plant density; its growth rate is slow. The plant has green, shiny and textured glossy
foliage which stays green all year round. The scallop-edged and ovate leaves are arranged in an
opposite/sub-opposite fashion, are simple in type with crenate margins and an oblong shape. The
arrangement of the veins in a leaf (venation) can be absent or very hard to see; the leaf blades
are 5–10 cm long.Many Kalanchoe species have been introduced in the United States and grow
wild in the South or are cultivated as landscaping or houseplants.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae

Phylum Anthophyta

Class Dicotyladoneae
Order Rosales

Family Crassulaceae

Genus Kalanchoe

MEDICINAL VALUES

Beyond its decorative value, some Kalanchoe species, including K. Blossfeldiana, have been
studied for medicinal properties, especially in traditional medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Extracts from the leaves have shown anti-inflammatory effects in lab
studies. Used traditionally for treating swelling, wounds, and joint pain.
2. Antimicrobial Activity: Some research suggests that K. Blossfeldiana may have
antibacterial and antifungal properties, effective against certain pathogens.
3. Wound Healing: The juice or crushed leaves are traditionally applied to cuts, burns, or
insect bites to promote healing.
4. Antioxidant Effects: Contains flavonoids, phenols, and other antioxidants that help
protect cells from oxidative stress.
5. Potential Anticancer Properties (under research): Some studies on Kalanchoe species
suggest cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in vitro, though K. Blossfeldiana
specifically is still under investigation.

2
2. Asparagus densiflorus
(asparagus fern)

Asparagus Fern is a weed native to South Africa, which is very commonly used as an ornamental
house-plant. It is an evergreen perennial herb emerging from a crown of tuberous roots. It is a
drooping, bushy plant usually only to 2-4 ft tall, and several feet wide, with stems stiff or
spreading-arching. Larger branches usually bearing minute axillary spines. Branchlets
(cladophylls) are flat, needle-like, light bright green, to 1 inch long, clustered at branch nodes.
Leaves tiny, scale-like, at bases of branchlets. Flowers small, white or pinkish white, and
fragrant. Fruit is a bright red berry about 8 mm in diameter; 3 seeds per fruit.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Asparagales
Family Asparagaceae
Genus Asparagus
Species Asparagus densiflorus
MEDICINAL VALUES

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some studies have indicated that extracts from the plant
may exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, potentially useful for reducing swelling or pain.
2. Antioxidant Activity: The plant contains flavonoids and other phenolic compounds,
which may help combat oxidative stress in the body.
3. Antimicrobial Effects: Extracts have shown some antimicrobial effects against bacteria
and fungi in lab tests, although not as strong or reliable as standard antibiotics.
4. Wound Healing: some traditional applications involve using mashed plant parts as
poultices for cuts or skin irritations, possibly due to anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial
compounds.

2
3. Bougainvillea Spectabilis (chitra
plant)

Bougainvillea spectabilis is a tropical perennial shrubby vine grown as an annual or container


plant and makes an excellent addition to a pool or patio space. It prefers moderately fertile,
organically rich soil that retains moisture but is not soggy. Bougainvillea is best suited to a hot,
dry climate and should be watered deeply but allowed to dry out between waterings. Once
established, they are drought resistant. It is a woody climber that can support itself on other
plants by means of curved thorns carried in the leaf axils and by quasi-twining stems and
should be kept away from high traffic areas as the thorns can be painful. It is best tied to a
structure such as a fence, wall, or pergola for support. Lesser Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea
glabra) has distinctly 5-angled (pentagonal) floral tubes and short floral bracts and is
distinguished from Great Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) which has rounded floral
tubes and longer floral bracts but they are otherwise very similar.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Caryophyllales
Family Nyctaginaceae
Genus Bougainvillea
Species Bougainvillea spectabilis
MEDICINAL VALUES

Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. Is an ancient therapeutic plant with many bioactive


compounds responsible for its pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-
diabetic, antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-bacterial, etc.

2
4. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

Heading 1
neem, (Azadirachta indica), fast-growing tree of the mahogany family (Meliaceae),
valued as a medicinal plant, as a source of organic pesticides, and for its timber.
Neem is likely native to the Indian subcontinent and to dry areas throughout South
Asia. It has been introduced to parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and numerous counties
in South and Central America. The plant has long been used in Ayurvedic and folk
medicine and is used in cosmetics and in organic farming applications.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Dicotyladoneae
Order Sapindales
Family Meliaceae
Genus Azadirachta
Species Indica
MEDICINAL VALUES

Neem tree have multiples of medicinal values. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Boosts Immunity: The first advantage of neem leaf is that it can enhance the immune
system by stimulating white blood cell production, making the body more resistant to
infections and diseases, thereby promoting overall health.
2. Reduces Inflammation: Neem leaves possess strong anti-inflammatory effects, helping
to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
3. Detoxifies the Body: Consuming neem leaves helps detoxify the blood, flushing out
toxins and purifying the body, which in turn promotes overall health and well-being by
supporting vital organ functions.
4. Has Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: One of the most effective benefits of
consuming neem leaves is that it can combat a wide range of bacteria and fungi, making
them useful in treating and preventing infections and promoting faster healing.
5. Supports Digestive Health: Neem leaves aid in digestion and can help treat conditions
such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation, promoting a healthy digestive system
and nutrient absorption.
6. Promotes Healthy Skin: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of neem
leaves help treat various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis,
improving skin health, texture, and appearance.
7. Enhances Liver Function: Neem leaves support liver health by promoting the
detoxification process, improving liver function, and helping prevent liver-related
diseases, maintaining overall metabolic balance.
8. 5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Neem leaves help manage diabetes by stabilising
blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for diabetic patients in maintaining their
health and reducing the risk of complications.

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