Abstract Detail
Society for Economic Botany/BSA Economic Botany Section Schooley, Erika [1], Huish , Ryan David [1]. Antimicrobial properties of the Tongan medicinal plant Syzygiumcorynocarpum: Bioassays in support of ethnobotanically-guided research. Much of the traditional medicine of Tonga specifically treats infections. In a previous study,Syzygium corynocarpum not only showed significant inhibition rates of Staphylococcus aureus in laboratory bioassays, but was also the plant most frequently referenced by Tongan healers for use in treating infections. This correlation alludes to the benefits of ethnobotanically-guided drug research. Furthermore, in medicinal preparations, Tongan healers specifically use the young leaves of S. corynocarpum, which are a characteristic red-purple color changing to dark green at maturity. Extracts of mature leaves and bark, as well as the young leaves, are being tested for inhibition rates of S. aureus to compare efficacy and strengthen the case for ethnobotanically-guided research in the search for novel drugs. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Hollins University, Biology, 7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA, 24020, USA
Keywords:
medical ethnobotany
Tonga
infections.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 09
Location: Maryland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 09005
Abstract ID:731 | 