A narrative review of pharmacological and phytochemical properties of decorative flowering plants at Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens Inc., Guyana

Abstract

Throughout history, plants have been used for their medicinal properties due to their ability to produce biochemical compounds. However, the safe use of these plants is a cause for concern due to only some species being medically tested and regulated. This research has utilised existing published information to provide a review which could serve as a global data resource to lend support to medical research. Hyde Park Zoo consists of ninety-nine (99) species of plants belonging to twenty (20) families of which eight (8) species of the decorative flowering plants were found to have medicinal properties based on existing literature. All eight (8) species were found to have antibacterial properties while three (3) species were found to have antifungal properties. Yellow Bellflower (Allamanda cathartica) was the only species noted to have antiviral properties while two (2) species have anticancer properties. Two (2) species aid with circulatory issues and one (1) species aids with arthritis. Hungarian Rose (Rosa gallica var) was noted to have psychotherapeutic effects aiding with depression through aromatherapy.