Table 5.

Chinese ethnomedicinal uses for the Chinese-origin plants or closely related species used in Trinidad

Trinidad ethnomedicinal plant	Chinese ethnomedicinal plant and practice
Abelmoschus moschatus	Geographical origin S.E. Asia. Myricetin a flavonol, is found in tea, berries, fruits, and the herb of Abelmoschus moschatus. This flavonol has both antioxidative and cytoprotective properties and has been used successfully to treat depression and anxiety in traditional Chinese medicine [94].
Achyranthes aspera, Achyranthes indica	Achyranthes bidentata is grown in the tropical parts of China, Korea and Vietnam. Its roots ("Niu Xi", Radix Achyranthes Bidentatae) are used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, emmenagogue, antiarthritic, diuretic, and antifertility agent to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen bones and muscles and invigorate circulation [95].
Aristolochia rugosa,A. trilobata	The stem of Aristolochia manshuriensis (AMA, Guanmuton) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb largely harvested from the Northeast of China. It is used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, to alleviate swelling and to treat rheumatism [96].
Bidens alba/Bidens pilosa	Bidens parviflora (Xiaohua-Guizhencao) is used as a traditional antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic medicine in China [97]. Bidens pilosa was introduced into Asia and is common in Taiwan.
Cajanus cajan	In Chinese folk medicine pigeon pea leaves are used to staunch blood, as an analgesic and to kill parasites [98].
Cassia alata	Cassia obtusifolia seed, called "Juemingzi", is used to treat eye infections, headache, and dizziness [99]. Cassia alata can be purchased in herb shops in Thailand.
Croton gossypifolius	There are 21 species of Croton distributed throughout the southern part of China. Several species including C. kongensis are used in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate dysmenorrhea (fruits), as a purgative (seeds), and to treat dyspepsia (bark) and malaria (leaves) [100].
Eclipta prostrata	In Chinese medicine this plant is called "Eclipta Prostrata Herba" (Yetbadetajo Hert) [101]. It is also used in Taiwanese folk medicine.
Eupatorium macrophyllum	Eupatorium chinense grows in the south of China and is used for colds, snakebite and inflammation [102].
Momordica charantia	Momordica charantia seeds are known in Chinese medicine as "Ku guazi". They are used for infections and immune disorders [103].
Morinda citrifolia	Chinese traditional tonic herbal medicine "BaJiTian" (Morinda officinalis) has been prescribed in China for about two thousand years, for tonifying kidney, strengthening Yang-qi and relieving rheumatism [104].
Phyllanthus urinaria	Phyllanthus urinaria grows widely in China. It is used to treat jaundice, hepatitis B, neprolithiasis, and painful disorders [105].
Portulaca oleraceae	Portulaca oleracea (Ma-Chi-Xian), grows widely in China, and is used traditionally for alleviating pain and swelling. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, and immuno-modulating activity [106].
Sida acuta	This medicinal plant is named "Huanghuaren" [107].
Tamarindus indica	In Thai traditional medicine, the fruit of T. indica is used as a digestive, laxative, expectorant and blood tonic. The seeds of T. indica are used as an anthelmintic, antidiarrheal, and an emetic, and the seed coat is used to treat burns and aid in wound healing as well as against dysentery. [90], [91]