Table 5 Chinese ethnomedicinal uses for the Chinese-origin plants or closely related species used in Trinidad

Abelmoschus moschatus

Geographical origin S.E. Asia. Myricetin a flavonol, is found in tea, berries, fruits, and the herb of Abelmoschus moschatus. This flavonol has both antioxidative and cytoprotective properties and has been used successfully to treat depression and anxiety in traditional Chinese medicine [94].

Achyranthes aspera, Achyranthes indica

Achyranthes bidentata is grown in the tropical parts of China, Korea and Vietnam. Its roots ("Niu Xi", Radix Achyranthes Bidentatae) are used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, emmenagogue, antiarthritic, diuretic, and antifertility agent to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen bones and muscles and invigorate circulation [95].

Aristolochia rugosa,A. trilobata

The stem of Aristolochia manshuriensis (AMA, Guanmuton) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb largely harvested from the Northeast of China. It is used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, to alleviate swelling and to treat rheumatism [96].

Bidens alba/Bidens pilosa

Bidens parviflora (Xiaohua-Guizhencao) is used as a traditional antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic medicine in China [97]. Bidens pilosa was introduced into Asia and is common in Taiwan.

Cajanus cajan

In Chinese folk medicine pigeon pea leaves are used to staunch blood, as an analgesic and to kill parasites [98].

Cassia alata

Cassia obtusifolia seed, called "Juemingzi", is used to treat eye infections, headache, and dizziness [99]. Cassia alata can be purchased in herb shops in Thailand.

Croton gossypifolius

There are 21 species of Croton distributed throughout the southern part of China. Several species including C. kongensis are used in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate dysmenorrhea (fruits), as a purgative (seeds), and to treat dyspepsia (bark) and malaria (leaves) [100].

Eclipta prostrata

In Chinese medicine this plant is called "Eclipta Prostrata Herba" (Yetbadetajo Hert) [101]. It is also used in Taiwanese folk medicine.

Eupatorium macrophyllum

Eupatorium chinense grows in the south of China and is used for colds, snakebite and inflammation [102].

Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia seeds are known in Chinese medicine as "Ku guazi". They are used for infections and immune disorders [103].

Morinda citrifolia

Chinese traditional tonic herbal medicine "BaJiTian" (Morinda officinalis) has been prescribed in China for about two thousand years, for tonifying kidney, strengthening Yang-qi and relieving rheumatism [104].

Phyllanthus urinaria

Phyllanthus urinaria grows widely in China. It is used to treat jaundice, hepatitis B, neprolithiasis, and painful disorders [105].

Portulaca oleraceae

Portulaca oleracea (Ma-Chi-Xian), grows widely in China, and is used traditionally for alleviating pain and swelling. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, and immuno-modulating activity [106].

Sida acuta

This medicinal plant is named "Huanghuaren" [107].

Tamarindus indica

In Thai traditional medicine, the fruit of T. indica is used as a digestive, laxative, expectorant and blood tonic. The seeds of T. indica are used as an anthelmintic, antidiarrheal, and an emetic, and the seed coat is used to treat burns and aid in wound healing as well as against dysentery. [90], [91]