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A Review on Phytochemistry, Nutritional Potential, Pharmacology, and Conservation of Malaxis acuminata: An Orchid with Rejuvenating and Vitality Strengthening Properties

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Orchids Phytochemistry, Biology and Horticulture

Part of the book series: Reference Series in Phytochemistry ((RSP))

Abstract

Malaxis acuminata is one among the 300 species of the genus with medicinal properties and hence used in traditional Indian medicine system. The species is a perennial, monopodial, threatened terrestrial orchid distributed in moist ground and in rocks laden with mosses in south Asia including, Himalaya and southern Indian hills, Australia, and western region of South America. Medicinally, the species is used in Ayurvedic formulations in the preparation of energetic tonic with adaptogenic, immunomodulating, rejuvenating, and other health benefits. Various essential nutrients and pharmacological compounds are identified and detected in the pseudobulb of the species. The species has been successfully validated for antioxidant, antiaging, UV-A blocking, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities, which supported its traditional use also. Propagation methods for large-scale multiplication of the species are available but need further refining for robustness for farming purposes. Various research gap areas and possible research areas for harnessing the potential of the species have been highlighted in the end of the chapter.

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Abbreviations

A/F:

Abundance and frequency ration

AAE:

Ascorbic acid equivalent

ABTS:

2,2-Azinobis (3-ethylbenzoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assay

BA:

6-Benzylaminopurine

CITES:

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

DPPH:

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay

IBA:

Indole-3-butyric acid

IC50%:

Inhibitory concentration.

LOX:

Lipoxygenase

NAA:

1-Naphthaleneacetic acid

NCBI:

National Center for Biotechnological Information

ppm:

Parts per million

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

SPF:

Sun Protection Factor

TDZ:

Thidiazuron

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Director of G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment for the support and encouragement.

Funding information:

This study was partially funded by the Botanical Garden Scheme of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, New Delhi (F.N. BSI-290/6/2013-Tech; September 29, 2013).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora, Uttarakhand, India

    Renu Suyal, R. S. Rawal & Indra D. Bhatt

  2. G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

    Sandeep Rawat

Authors
  1. Renu Suyal
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  2. Sandeep Rawat
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  3. R. S. Rawal
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  4. Indra D. Bhatt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sandeep Rawat .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inst.des Sci.de la Vigne et du Vin, Université de Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, France

    Jean-Michel Merillon

  2. University of La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France

    Hippolyte Kodja

Section Editor information

  1. Groupe d’Etude des Substances VGroupe d’Etude des Substances VInstitut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, Université de Bordeaux, Villenave d’Ornon, France

    Jean-Michel Mérillon

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Suyal, R., Rawat, S., Rawal, R.S., Bhatt, I.D. (2020). A Review on Phytochemistry, Nutritional Potential, Pharmacology, and Conservation of Malaxis acuminata: An Orchid with Rejuvenating and Vitality Strengthening Properties. In: Merillon, JM., Kodja, H. (eds) Orchids Phytochemistry, Biology and Horticulture. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11257-8_15-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11257-8_15-1

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