MEDICINAL PLANTS

Submitted by: Wendy P. Punzalan Oluwafunlayo M. Aremu
Course Code: SBI 3U
Teacher: Ms. A. Tiberi
Date submitted: Friday June 5th 2015
Part 1: Research Report
a) Common name: Lemon tree

b) Scientific name: Citrus Limon or Citrus Limonum Risso

c) Characteristics: The lemon tree is relatively small (small enough to be grown in a pot). It grows up to 3-6 meters (10-20 feet). The tree and its fruit belong to the rutaceae family. The small leaves on the tree may take on a reddish-purple tint, which later turn green. The young branches of the lemon have an angular shape and some have thorns. The flowers have a sweet odour and can be solitary or are found in large clusters. The petals are white and below them are purple coloured reddish. The fruit (lemon), is oval shaped and has a nipple at both end but one nipple tends to be larger than the other. A lemon is yellow when ripe and green when unripe. The seeds of the lemon are small, white and pointed. The lemon has a sour and tangy taste and is acidic in nature.

d) Picture of plant:

e) Natural Habitat:
Growth conditions
Climate
Lemon trees are found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. They thrive in habitats that are warm all year-round. They grow where the temperature is between 16 - 29 degrees Celsius. They are sensitive to cold temperatures so, freezing weather will damage or kill these citrus trees. They can be scarred by high winds and need protection from strong breezes. Lemons need climates that receive a reasonable amount of rainfall each year.
Soil
The best habitat for the lemon tree includes one with soil rich in nutrients and fast draining. Even so, this tree is adaptable to different soil types. Regardless of the composition of the soil, it must have good drainage or the tree may suffer from fungal diseases such as root rot.
Light
Like all citrus trees, lemon trees thrive in a habitat that has access to plenty of sunlight and air circulation. Overcrowding of these trees can lead to poor growth, and too little sunlight will reduce blooming and fruit production.
Parts of the world where lemons are found
Lemons are grown all over the world. They are grown around the Mediterranean Sea in countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Lebanon, and Cyprus. These countries also lead the world in lemon growing and exporting. California produces almost all of the lemons for the USA and a third of the world’s lemons.

f) Historical medicinal use(s)
How far back was this plant used?
Lemon trees have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years, first in China then in India.
Who commonly used this plant?
Lemons were originally used for ornamental purposes and the Chinese first used them because it was cultivated there first, before Christopher Columbus brought lemon seeds, to new civilization.
Active ingredient(s) of plant – What compound do scientists think is responsible for the observed effect (medicinal use)
Acids: Ascorbic (Vitamin C) and Citric
Essential oil: Isopulegol, Alpha-bergamotene, Alpha-thujene, Alpha-pinene, Beta-bisolobene and Citral
Caffeine which is found in the leaves and flower
Pectin
Minerals: Potassium, Calcium and Phosphor
Part of the lemon tree that is used (leaves, stem, flowers, etc.
Leaves: Tea, wreaths and garlands, flower arrangements and bouquets, and add flavourings to food
Juice: Pastries and desserts (tarts and lemon meringue pie), flavour is used to enhance many poultry, fish, and vegetable dishes, lemonade, cleaning products
Trunk: Toys and other wooden objects
Leaves: Scents and Perfumes
Diseases or disorders lemons are used to treat
With intestines too much prone to defecation, drinking lemon is very useful to stop diarrhea.
Drinking lemon seeds, crushed and boiled in milk can kill threadworms.
Caffeine is an active ingredient in lemons. It helps to relieves headache, resulting especially interesting with migraine.
Lemon juice, a couple of tablespoon of honey mixed in warm water before