Botany 2011- Cathrian, Jamie_384

384 RAWLINS, CATHERINE*1, LEIST,
BENJAMIN1, ABLER, REBECCA2 and
CARLSON, KITRINA3
Characterization of potential therapeutic
properties of the Hmong medicinal plant,
Tradescantia zebrina
Through oral interviews with Hmong elders, Tradescantia
zebrina (Tz) was identified as a therapeutic
plant used in traditional Hmong medicine. In this culture,
Tz is used as a poultice on abnormal growths and
in the treatment of wounds. Previous research at UWStout
found that water decoction extracts of Tz leaves
were toxic and inhibitory to head and neck cancer cells.
To better understand the medicinal properties of Tz,
and potentially isolate plant compounds of interest, a
more thorough screening of Tz is underway, including
the DPPH antioxidant assay, antimicrobial testing,
brine shrimp lethality, and zebra fish embryo chemical
screens. Tz leaf extracts were prepared from both water
decoction as well as methanolic extractions at 50%, 25%
and 10%. All samples were evaporated under reduced
pressure and reconstituted in either water or 2.5% ocean
salt solution. Samples were subsequently filter sterilized.
Results from these chemical screens and bioassays will
be presented. Current results suggest that some extracts
of Tz may increase survivorship in bioassaytest subjects. In addition to characterizing the medicinal potential
of Tz, a fundamental goal of this partnership is to
increase STEM retention through mentored research
experiences. For this reason, samples were prepared at
the UW-Stout campus and some of the bioassays were
performed at the UW-Manitowoc campus. This work
is part of an NSF STEP grant-funded collaborative research
initiative that links 2-year campus students with
students working at a 4-year comprehensive campus.
1University of Wisconsin - Stout, Biology, Menomonie, WI, 54751,
USA2University Of Wisconsin - Manitowoc, Biological Sciences,
705 Viebahn St., Manitowoc, WI, 54220, USA3University of Wisconsin
- Stout, Biology, 334G Jarvis Hall, Menomonie, WI, 54751,
USA

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Science & Technology

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• Cathrian
• Jamie