Exploring Orchid Diversity and Ecology

The Amazing World of Orchids

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-650-ECO
Published in 03-31-2025

Illustration 1: Wasp orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera) (left). Illustration 2: Paphiopedilum concolor (right). Source: Orchi, Wikipedia .

Rebeca Michelle Burgueño Rosado. Master's Student in Applied Sciences, Polytechnic University of Sinaloa. Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Israel Benítez García. Professor of the Biotechnology Engineering academic program and the Master's Program in Applied Sciences, Polytechnic University of Sinaloa. Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Summary
The colloquial name "orchid" derives from the Greek word meaning "testicle," given the shape of the bulbs in some species and their stimulating action as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. The orchid family (Orchidaceae) has existed for millions of years. Beyond their beauty and decorative use, they possess certain medicinal properties. However, information about their bioactive properties is limited because many of the species that make up the family are in danger of extinction. Therefore, this article will discuss some of their medicinal properties and characteristics, as well as certain compounds, called secondary metabolites, that possess biological activity.

Introduction
The orchid family (Orchidaceae) has existed for millions of years, and their use is ornamental, that is, as decoration. This is due to the fact that knowledge about their pharmacological or cosmetic properties is poorly documented. However, the species belonging to this family possess certain characteristics that make them attractive to the eye and interesting to botanical enthusiasts, as well as to the innovation market.

Even so, research on them is limited because various species within the family are under protection, classified as endangered, for example; in the state of Florida, there is a federal CITES protection law for the ghost orchid. However, this has not stopped the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries from taking advantage of their greenhouse production to exploit the properties of the compounds present in these plants and adding them to their products. Sliwinski Tomasz, in his article "Orchidaceae-Derived Anticancer Agents: A Review," mentions that various studies have indicated some secondary metabolites that exhibit anticancer activity. Ashok Kumar and Debasis Mandal, in their article "The Folklore Medicinal Orchids of Sikkim," also report other studies demonstrating that this family of plants exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activity.

The Importance of Orchid Conservation

Illustration 3: Blue orchid (Vanda coerulea). Source: Timhfs, Wikipedia. Browsing around Being one of the most abundant orchid families on the planet, orchids grow in a large number of countries across the continents, especially those with a predominantly tropical and humid climate, with the exception of those with extremely cold temperatures (Antarctica). Ecuador is the country with the highest orchid population, boasting more than 3,549 specimens. It's worth noting that orchids are one of the plants that exhibit bilateral symmetry (like our faces), meaning that if we cut them in half, we'll see exactly the same shape on both sides. One of their interesting characteristics is their slow growth and low photosynthetic capacity, which has led them to carry out their photosynthetic process through their roots in order to feed themselves. Due to their great diversity, orchids possess very unique physical characteristics that make them an exotic paradigm. For example, the Brazilian orchid can grow up to 6 meters tall (the giant of orchids), while the blue-violet orchid displays this rare color, as only 10% of plants can express this color. Another truly interesting plant is the American ghost orchid, one of the most enigmatic and exotic specimens within the family. This orchid grows on another plant or object, using them as a support. Unlike the blue orchid, the ghost plant does not boast a noticeable stem, leaves, or striking pigmentation, as it is an albino due to a genetic disorder, meaning it has a white color. Because it has a very thin stem and grows on a tree, when it rises, it gives the optical illusion of floating above the tree's branches, which is why it is known as the ghost orchid. Don't be alarmed, you won't find it in Mexico, as it's only found in Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas, and it blooms only once a year.

Illustration 4. American ghost orchid (Vanda coerulea). Source: Timhfs, Wikipedia. Secondary metabolites in orchids? All living beings are capable of producing compounds derived from primary metabolism (e.g., glucose, lipids, and proteins). An example of these are secondary metabolites that have biological activity, meaning they can have an effect (beneficial or adverse) on an organism. Some of these are alkaloids, whose main function is to protect the plant from predators, acting as psychotoxins, which are toxic substances that affect the brain and central nervous system of herbivores and even humans. Ancient data about orchids mention the use of their extracts in traditional Eastern and herbal medicine as a tonic, anti-inflammatory, and fertility enhancer. These reports have shown that orchids possess various compounds (secondary metabolites) with significant biological activity, and therefore, various research projects have focused on these compounds to analyze their function. Some of the most studied secondary metabolites are alkaloids. These are nitrogenous compounds, that is, those containing nitrogen in their chemical structure. These compounds are considered to have the greatest therapeutic potential (such as morphine, isolated from the opium plant). They are produced by the vast majority of plants and some animals. Likewise, one of the most studied alkaloids is dendrobine, which has shown a protective effect on cerebral cortical neurons. One study evaluated the effect of dendrobine on the lack of oxygen in the brain and how it attenuates the effect of certain enzymes that contribute to neuronal damage. It is worth mentioning that this study was only conducted in mice, so there is still much to investigate regarding the possibility of administering it as an active compound in neurological medications in the future. In addition to their pharmacological applications, orchids are also used in the cosmetics industry. For example, the stem of the blue orchid contains key polyphenols for the production of anti-aging cosmetics, such as gigantol. These compounds participate in a process that slows cell division, which leads to restoring cell growth rates, allowing for the fight against visible signs of aging. There is no doubt that there is still much to learn about orchids. It is worth mentioning that orchid pigmentation is due to polyphenols, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are a type of polyphenol responsible for red, blue, and purple colors. Plants grow under specific conditions depending on their environment, and the main factor affecting their coloration is pH. A change in pH can alter the chemical structure of anthocyanins and thus their entire pigmentation, from pinks and oranges to reds and greens, to name just a few.

Undiscovered Orchids
We live on a planet so geographically and ecologically vast that new species continue to be revealed today. In 2022, a new orchid species was discovered in Mexico near La Petaca, Concordia, Sinaloa; scientifically named Epidendrum petacaense. Its flowers are bright lilac-magenta, calli-white, and occasionally green. Also, in the same year, the Spiranthes hachijoensis species was discovered in Japan, which differs from other species in this genus by the shape of its ovaries. Unfortunately, as these are new species, their knowledge about them is limited, so there is no doubt that there are still species waiting to be discovered.

References
Castañeda, N., Barrera, C., & Perez, M. (2022). Systematic review of substrate types used in greenhouse orchid propagation. Mutis Journal, 13(1), 1-18. doi:10.21789/22561498.1887

Menchaca-García, R. A., & Moreno-Martínez, D. (2003). Manual for the propagation of orchids. Retrieved from the National Forestry Commission: Manual for the propagation of orchids

Zhang, S., Yang, Y., Li, J., Qin, J., Zhang, W., Huang, W., & Hu, H. (2018). Physiological diversity of orchids. Plant diversity, 40(4), 196-208. doi:10.1016/j.pld.2018.06.003