It is surprising that despite the large number of alkaloids in orchid tissue, no medicinal use for them has been proven. By proven, I mean 'shown to be efficacious' as determined in a double-blind randomized trial. Until such experiments determine the benefits and risks of consuming orchid products as medicine, we must conclude that these beautiful plants have no place in medicine. For flavouring, however, both vanilla and Salep are widely used, the former as a delicious flavouring and wonderful perfume. Both are used in making ice-cream and beverages, although many are not enthusiastic about the aroma of Salep. There are thousands of alkaloids in plants and Martindale mentions over 130 plants used in medicine. Nevertheless he only mentions one orchid, Vanilla, for flavouring, despite the fact that the Orchid family is claimed to be the largest plant family with about 30000 species. I shall continue to grow orchids despite their lack of therapeutic efficacy, and hope that one day a medicinal use will finally be established for these beautiful plants. The author is currently Chairman of the Orchid Society of Great Britain, and declares this possible 'conflict of interest'!
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