Dendrobium: Vital Element for Immunomodulatory Activities

Abstract

Dendrobiums are tropical orchids, requiring warm, humid and shady conditions. This is the second largest genus of the orchid family with more than 1000 species. The Dendrobium plant is unusual in appearance, being sympodial, epiphytic, and bulbless, which is a name they are worthy of, the name coming from Greek origin: "dendros", tree, and "bios", life. Dendrobium species have been used for a thousand years as first-rate herbs in traditional medicines. They are source of tonic, astringent, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory substances, and have been traditionally used as medicinal herbs in the treatment of a variety of disorders, such as, nourishing the stomach, enhancing production of body fluids or nourishing.