Herbal Medicine True or False

Ginseng

Introduction Panax quinquefolius Asian Ginseng is native of Asia: China and Korea Mainly used for –overall health improvement especially for people recovering from illness –Improving both mental and physical performance and –To treating erectile dysfunction, and symptoms related to menopause –To treat hepatitis C –Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure

Active compounds Plant part used is the root –Dried and made into tablets –Extracts in the form of tea and creams Active compound –Ginsenosides or panaxosides – triterpenoid saponin

Science May lower blood glucose and also help build immune system Research – not enough to claim all medicinal value Side effects: – Headaches, sleep and gastrointestinal problems –Breast tenderness, irregular menstrual and high blood pressure

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa Uses –Underground stem and root –Fresh or dry infusion –Liquid tinctures, and capsules Used for treating –Of rheumatism –Menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome and to induce labor pains –symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats

Chemistry Triterpenes: triterpene glycoside, –actein, 27-deoxyactein ( in the resin), –cimifugoside Quinolizidine alkaloids, cystine, methyl cystine Phenylpropane derivatives including isoferulic acid

Science 6 month long study showed mixed results on the relief of menstrual symptoms Not enough on rheumatism Research is on-going on menopause Side effects –Dry mouth and headaches –Inflammation of hepatitis

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea Native to United States and Canada Used for –preventing cold, flu and other infections –Thought to stimulate immune system –Less commonly used for acne and other skin problems

Chemistry Stem and leaves are used –Juices, or squeezed liquids Caffeic acid, echinoside, and cichoric acid

SCIENCE Studies do not support the claims of preventing cold or flu Some data show can be used for upper respiratory infections Allergic reactions –Usually do not show side effects –Some have allergic reactions

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba Oldest type of tree Used in Chinese traditional medicine Uses –Seeds and leaves –For variety of ailments – asthma, bronchitis, fatigue and tinnitus –To improve memory, prevent Alzheimer, dementia, sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis

Chemistry Leaf extracts in capsule, tablets or tea Contains diterpene – ginkgolides Ginkgolide B is the most active compound

Science Some studies show promising results –Vasodilation –Increases peripheral blood flow Small studies show moderate increase in memory but more studies are required Large clinical trial with 3000 volunteer under way. Side effect: –Headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and skin allergy –Increased bleeding especially people taking blood thinners –Uncooked seeds have toxin causes seizers

Kava

Piper methysticum Mainly from south Pacific tropical islands, especially Hawaii Uses: Root and rhizome –Mildly narcotic – relieves pain and induces sleep –Anesthetic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac –In US used mainly for insomnia and short term reduction of stress and anxiety

Chemistry Alkaloid, Kavaine Methy-sticcum yangonin kava lactones - fat-soluble and derived from kava resin 15 lactones have been isolated in the Kava Root including: –kawain –methysticum rhizome components are similar in structure to myristicin, which is found in nutmeg

Science Recent reports from health authorities in Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom have linked kava use to at least 25 cases of liver toxicity, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. (NCCAM) FDA is advising consumers of the potential risk of liver

St. John’s Wort

Hypericum perforatum Used by ancient Greece, and Native Americans The flower extracts as capsules or tea. Uses: –mainly administered internally as an abortificant and externally as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent. – mental disorders and nerve pains –As sedative and to treat malaria –Now used mainly to treat depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders

Chemistry Flavonoid and tannins– hyperforin and hypericin Studies has shown that the flower extract show effect in nervous system and can be used as anti-depressant Side effects: –Sensitivity to sunlight –Anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue –Interferes with other drug and slow downs their breakdown

Ephedra edra_distachya_6552.html&h=498&w=661&sz=80&tbnid=9IqDF7o2gGlOwM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=138&prev=/images%3Fq%3DPicture%2B of%2Bephedra&start=3&sa=X&oi=images&ct=image&cd=3

Ephedra Plant of the week.