Siam Villa Garden: Pandan Leaves or Pandan

Pandanus amaryllifolius is a true cultigen, and is believed to have been domesticated in ancient times. It is sterile and can only reproduce vegetatively through suckers or cuttings. It was first described from specimens from the Maluku Islands, and the rare presence of male flowers in these specimens may indicate that it is the origin of the species. However, as no other wild specimens have been found, this is still conjecture. The plant is grown widely throughout Southeast Asia. It has also been introduced to South Asia via Malaysia and Indonesia, where they are grown extensively, though South Asian populations have low genetic diversity. The characteristic aroma of pandan is caused by the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, found in the lower epidermal papillae; the compound gives white bread, jasmine rice, and basmati rice (as well as bread flowers Vallaris glabra) their typical smell. Though the plant is unknown in the wild, it is widely cultivated. It is an upright, green plant with fan-shaped sprays of long, narrow, blade-like leaves and woody aerial roots. The plant is sterile, with flowers only growing very rarely, and is propagated by cuttings. Medical Uses Traditional medicine prizes pandan for its role in pain relief, especially arthritis and joint pain. Researchers have found that oils made from pandan extract are rich in phytochemicals known to relieve symptoms of arthritis. As an added benefit, they can also help ease headaches and earaches. Studies support the claim that pandan leaf is good for the heart. Indeed, pandan leaf was found to be a particularly excellent source of carotenoids—a class of antioxidants. These are known to reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the arteries of the heart due to plaque buildup. In Southeast Asia, the dried, crushed leaves of pandan are often used as a topical treatment for minor burns, sunburn, and other skin problems. Although more studies are needed, preliminary research show Consuming pandan may help people better control their blood sugar after eating. More research is needed, but some initial studies have shown that people who drink pandan tea after a meal have lower blood sugar than people who don’t. s that the tannic acids in pandan provide fast cooling action for minor burns. Pandan is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants known to help boost the immune system and prevent conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Some of the vitamins and antioxidants in pandan include: · Beta-carotene · Vitamin C · Thiamin · Riboflavin · Niacin