Gladiolus, admired for its striking flower spikes and vibrant colors, is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and floral arrangements. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this Iris family member has a long history in traditional and folk medicine across different cultures. This article explores these historical applications, providing context for how gladiolus was once used, strictly for informational purposes.
Traditional Medicinal Uses of Gladiolus
Historically, various parts of the gladiolus plant—corms (often called bulbs), leaves, and flowers—were employed in traditional healing practices. In African traditional medicine, gladiolus was used for ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, and colds. Some African cultures also used it to boost energy, improve mood, and address hypochondriasis. It was also believed to relieve lumbago and headaches.
Other regions had distinct applications. In Britain and the Mediterranean, gladiolus flowers were historically used to aid healing. The English used corms as a poultice to draw out thorns or splinters from the skin. Ground corms mixed with goat’s milk were given to babies to alleviate colic.
Traditional Chinese medicine used gladiolus for centuries to relieve sore throats and fevers. It was also used for war wounds. In South West Nigeria, corms treated gonorrhea, dysentery, and other infectious conditions. Zulu communities used the corm for placental passage and as an enema for painful menstruation. Some Southern African remedies used the corm for impotency.
Scientific Understanding of Gladiolus Properties
Modern scientific investigation into gladiolus’s medicinal claims for human consumption is limited. Research primarily focuses on identifying phytochemicals and understanding potential biological activities, rather than validating traditional uses through clinical trials. Phytochemical analyses of gladiolus corms reveal compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. Studies on aerial parts have isolated anthraquinones, quercetin, kaempferol, betulinic acid, and sterols.
Some studies explore gladiolus flowers’ antioxidant capacity, finding them a source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. However, these studies often focus on nutraceutical or culinary potential, not direct medicinal application. For example, gladiolus extracts show antifungal activity against certain fungi in laboratory settings. These findings are typically from in vitro or animal studies and do not directly translate to safe or effective human use. There is a lack of extensive clinical trials supporting gladiolus’s efficacy or safety for internal human consumption based on traditional claims.
Important Safety Guidelines
Despite its historical and traditional uses, it is important to understand gladiolus’s safety profile. All parts of the gladiolus plant contain toxic compounds, with the corms generally considered the most poisonous. The plant contains sharp, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion. If ingested, symptoms can include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Direct contact with the sap or plant material can cause skin irritation or dermatitis, including itching, rashes, or blisters. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, including respiratory symptoms like rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, if sensitive to gladiolus proteins. Given the potential for toxicity and the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its medicinal efficacy and safe dosage for humans, self-medication with gladiolus is strongly advised against. Any information regarding its historical uses should be considered for educational purposes only, and individuals should consult healthcare professionals before considering any plant-based remedies.