Category: Issue 11
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