 Gen
info
Denbrobium is a huge
genus of tropical orchids of about 1,200 species. Over 60 species of
Dendrobium are recorded in the Philippines. Two of the favorite cultivated
species are: Dendrobium anosmum Lindl. (sanggumay) and Dendrobium
crumenatum Kranzl (Pigeon orchid). Some species are grown as medicinal
plants, one of which is Dendrobium nobile, used in traditional Chinese
medicine. In Vietnam, the entire genus of Dendrobium is considered medicinal.
Botany
Tufted epiphytic, occasionally lithophytic,
herb with stems are terete, nodose and erect or pendulous. Leaves are
coriaceous or entire, flat, often articulate with sheaths. Flowers are
borne on leafless stems, each flower measuring about 8 cm, with mauve
to purple petals, with a broad lip and a dark purple throat, exuding
a charactertic raspberry fragrance.
Distribution
Cultivated in the Philippines.
Constituents
and properties
• Study of volatile components yielded
twenty-five components, mostly methylketones and 2-alkyl acetates.
• Monoterpene d-, l, and dl- forms of linalool have been described.
source
• Linalool used as odor agent in cosmetics, soaps,
etc.
Uses
Folkloric
Except for isolated anecdotal reports of use of decoction of flowers
as invigorating, there is no recorded folkloric use in the Philippines.
In Vietnam,
the entire genus Dendrobium is medicinal.
Some Dendrobium species are touted to provide superb sexual vigor.
Stems of many species are sweetish and have a cooling effect.
In the Philippines, of the Dendrobium species, D. crumenatum
is as using the pseudobulbs for ear afflictions, and the Malays and
Javanese use poultice of leaves for acne and pimples. Another is D.
nutans, a liniment of its bulb is used for tumors and abscesses.
Studies
• Volatile Components: Volatile components of the orchid
Dendrobium superbum Rchb. f: Studied yielded twenty-five components,
mostly methylketones and 2-alkyl acetates.
Availability
Ornamental cultivation. |
