Category: Issue 11
The Health and Wellness Power of Plant-Derived Antioxidants
The Health and Wellness Power of Plant-Derived Antioxidants Dena Baradari-Ghiami, Alison Boucher, Andrew Matthews, Rowyn Mckenzie Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Plant-derived antioxidants are vital to human health and wellness, and understanding their benefits helps explain why they remain valued across scientific and cultural contexts. Plant antioxidants have been intertwined with human health for centuries. They have played an important role in many cultures and have been increasingly linked to oxidative stress throughout their continual discovery and scientific importance (Shukla...
Dena Baradari-Ghiami, Alison Boucher, Andrew Matthews, and Rowyn Mckenzie /
February 16, 2026
The Therapeutic Potential of CBD and THC in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review
The Therapeutic Potential of CBD and THC in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review Haya Nasr, Andrew Roden, and Ciantel Velo Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph 1. Introduction Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and significant behavioural changes. Current treatments offer only modest symptom relief and do little to alter pathological processes, prompting increasing interest in multi-target therapeutic strategies (Ahmed et al., 2015). Cannabinoids are bioactive compounds derived from Cannabis sativa, are synthesized endogenously or produced synthetically. They...
Haya Nasr, Andrew Roden, and Ciantel Velo /
February 15, 2026
Utilization of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in Skin Care: A Review
Utilization of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in Skin Care: A Review Christine Cudmore, Ria Hamilton, Bridget Leonard, Masha Nadtotchii Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Abstract Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) are historically significant botanicals widely incorporated into modern skincare, though clinical evidence supporting their efficacy remains variable. This review synthesizes current knowledge on their traditional use, botanical characteristics, propagation methods, chemical composition, and dermatological applications. Aloe vera, a xerophytic succulent, contains polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and anthraquinones that support hydration, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and wound healing. Hamamelis...
Christine Cudmore, Ria Hamilton, Bridget Leonard, and Masha Nadtotchii /
February 15, 2026
Phytotherapeutic Use of Indigenous North American Plants: Cedar, Sage, & Sweetgrass
Phytotherapeutic Use of Indigenous North American Plants: Cedar, Sage, & Sweetgrass Jolene A. Witvoet, Emaan Butt, John W. Michelis, and Katelyn Daigle Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Abstract The four sacred medicines in Indigenous culture—cedar (Thuja occidentalis), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), sage (Salvia genus), and sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum nitens subsp.)—are commonly used due to their medicinal properties and cultural significance. This review focuses on cedar, sage, and sweetgrass, examining their roles in purification treatments, healing ceremonies, and land-based activities. Historically, they have been used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to treat mild and severe...
Jolene A. Witvoet, Emaan Butt, John W. Michelis, and Katelyn Daigle /
February 15, 2026
Medicinal Plants in Ritual and Culture; Peyote, Sage, Tobacco, and Their Uses in North America – Past, Present, and Future
Medicinal Plants in Ritual and Culture; Peyote, Sage, Tobacco, and Their Uses in North America – Past, Present, and Future Paige Amiro, Adeena Faisal, Veronica Fisher, and Rowan Willard Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Introduction For many years, plants were used as a way for survival, healing, and even spiritual connection. Prior to the development of modern medicine, the indigenous cultures adapted deep rooted generational relationships with the natural world. Using medicinal and ceremonial plants to help restore and balance the body, mind and spirit....
Paige Amiro, Adeena Faisal, Veronica Fisher, and Rowan Willard /
February 9, 2026
Going Back to Our Roots: Medicinal Plants as Antimicrobials in the Age of Antimicrobial Resistance
Going Back to Our Roots: Medicinal Plants as Antimicrobials in the Age of Antimicrobial Resistance Alisa Khoreva, Alana La Mantia, Alexandra Ricci, & Madalyne Webber Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Introduction Medicinal plants have a long history of preventing and treating illness in traditional medicine (Mickymaray, 2019). Over 50% of synthetic drugs have been sourced from plants, revolutionizing drug discovery and medicine (Ranasinghe et al., 2023). 80% of the developing world still benefit from the use of traditional medicine and medicinal plants (Vaou et al., 2021). Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are a threat...
Alisa Khoreva, Alana La Mantia, Alexandra Ricci, and Madalyne Webber /
February 9, 2026
Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Diseases: A Review
Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Diseases: A Review Rachel Brownridge, Taylor Elb, Tina MacQuarrie, and Erica Todd Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Introduction Throughout history, medicinal plants have been used by healers and in traditions across many cultures, each with its own unique theories, treatments, and therapies (Khan, 2014). Medicinal plants have been incorporated into our food choices, oils, poisons, lotions, and even prescription drugs due to the various benefits they provide (Xiao & Bai, 2019). These treatments have been believed to improve...
Rachel Brownridge, Taylor Elb, Tina MacQuarrie, and Erica Todd /
February 8, 2026
The Complex World of Adaptogenic Plants: A Comparative Analysis of Tulsi, Ashwagandha, and Ginseng
The Complex World of Adaptogenic Plants: A Comparative Analysis of Tulsi, Ashwagandha, and Ginseng Nicole Da Costa, Riley Lalach, and Alison Clarke Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Introduction Adaptogenic herbs are a class of medicinal herbs primarily used to improve attention, reduce stress-induced abnormalities and improve endurance (Amir et al., 2023). Adaptogens can reduce the number of stress-related diseases, improve physical stamina, improve energy levels and restore cognitive performance (Amir et al., 2023). Plants with adaptogenic properties can activate signal pathways of cell defence systems, which helps trigger...
Nicole Da Costa, Riley Lalach, and Alison Clarke /
February 8, 2026
Editorial: Cultivating New Voices in Spiritual Botany – Issue 11
Cultivating New Voices in Spiritual Botany With this issue, Spiritual Botany is pleased to introduce a new section dedicated to research project–based articles authored by undergraduate students enrolled in the Medicinal Plant course. This initiative grows from a simple but important conviction: learning how knowledge is generated, shaped, and shared is as vital as the knowledge itself. For many students, the world of academic and professional publication can feel distant, guarded by unfamiliar conventions, rigorous expectations, and invisible thresholds. By offering a space within Spiritual...
Praveen Saxena /
February 8, 2026
Evaluating the Clinical Evidence for: Ginger, Green Tea, and St. John’s Wort: A Botanical Review
Evaluating the Clinical Evidence for: Ginger, Green Tea, and St. John’s Wort: A Botanical Review Kennedy Dove, Gabriella Hogg, Maria Marwat, and Angelina Stankovic Undergraduate Students, University of Guelph Introduction Plants have always been a staple in fortifying human health, not only as nourishment, but also for medicinal and holistic support. Ancient civilizations recognized plants’ intrinsic properties and cultivated specific species for the prevention of illness, for symptom alleviation and for the promotion of physical and emotional well-being. Current interest...
Kennedy Dove, Gabriella Hogg, Maria Marwat, and Angelina Stankovic /
February 8, 2026