Natural Remedies

Astragalus

Simn — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:42:03 +0000

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus).
FAMILY: Fabaceae.
HABITAT: from the Far East and China in particular.
Parts Used: Roots.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in alkaloids indolizidinici, particularly poly-hydroxy indolizidine represented especially by swainsonina. There are also several saponins and isoflavonoids six compounds. This plant is also very rich in polysaccharides, which are mainly responsible for its immunostimulant action.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: dry sprayed and titrated in polysaccharides min. 8% (literature), whose daily dose is from 5 to 8 mg / kg in two doses, preferably on an empty stomach.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Studies in rats have shown that an extract of astragalus enhances the antibody response and causes an increase in activity of immunocompetent cells in both normal rat and in that immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide or radiation. A study in rats showed that an extract of astragalus was able to abolish almost completely the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide, an anticancer drug. Immunostimulant action of this plant is particularly dependent on its carbohydrate fraction.
Some clinical studies have examined the effect of Astragalus immunostimulant dry extract. Participants taking the extract for 7 days, after which you make a withdrawal of venous blood to isolate the lymphocytes, measured in these indicators of activation of these cells. It was shown that this extract stimulated the expression of indicators of activation of lymphocytes. This increase was observed from the twenty-four hours after ingestion of the extract and continued throughout the study. These studies thus indicate that an extract of astragalus has significantly inhibits humans.
SIDE EFFECTS: This statement does not cause side effects.
Contraindications: should not be prescribed during pregnancy, lactation and in children younger than 6 years.
Drug interactions: still not known.

Devil’s Claw

Simn — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:36:02 +0000

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
FAMILY: Pedaliaceae.
Used parts: the lateral roots tuberous.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry extract in harpagosides min. 1.8% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dosage ranges from 10 to 16 mg / kg, divided into two doses preferably after meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: unapianta is rich in substances called terpenes type iridoidi, the principal ones are the harpagosides the arpagide the procumbide and procumboside.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic anti-inflammatory action: clinical and experimental research show that this plant has a significant anti-inflammatory and pain relief. In fact this plant interferes with the synthesis and release of several metabolites of inflammation such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and histamine, and will therefore only a component not only inflammatory but also allergic. This interference is also due to competition between iridoidi and these inflammatory substances for their specific receptors, so they can not fully exercise their proinflammatory activity.
A comprehensive assessment has examined the clinical studies regarding its action sull’Harpagophytum analgesic / antirheumatic chronic musculoskeletal pain. Eight works were of poor quality and were observational studies. Two studies of poor quality compared this plant to anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ten works were of good quality, eight of which compared the devil’s claw extract to placebo and two to NSAIDs. The work of poor quality trials indicate a favorable effect on the plant musculoskeletal pain, but they can not separate the action of the plant from possible placebo effects occurred in subjects participating in studies. The two work done versus NSAIDs are poorly discriminatory for numerous reasons (patient enrollment, methodology followed, placebo effect etc..). The 8 versus placebo-controlled work dell’artigliere indicate the superiority of the devil against placebo. One of two works controlled versus NSAIDs used as a comparison of rofecoxib, but it is a job too small to draw reliable conclusions, while the other is of good quality and emphasizes the superiority of the plant compared to diacereina, another anti – inflammation. The job postings indicate, however, that the amount of harpagosides necessary to have a clinically significant effect should not be less than 50 mg per day.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach pain with nausea at times, especially in subjects with acute gastritis and / or peptic ulcer. Therefore you should take this extract from a full stomach. In some rare cases can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.
Contraindications: Not to be used in children under the age of 12 years, pregnant and lactating women.

Arnica

Simn — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:29:40 +0000

FAMILY: Asteraceae
HABITAT: all mountain areas of Europe.
Parts Used: flowers and rhizomes collected in autumn.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: it is best reserved for plant extracts for topical use only, for the possible incidence of serious side effects if ingested.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: contains from 0.2 to 0.5% of sesquiterpene lactones, which give the characteristic bitter taste. And ‘this a small amount of essential oil (approximately 0.5%), whereas flower color depends on the presence of carotenoids.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic anti-inflammatory action: it is used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiecchimotica linked to the capacity of this plant to reduce the release of substances that promote pain and inflammation by white blood cells.
One controlled clinical trial enrolled 37 patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome undergoing painful, who received a topical product based on arnica tablets and homeopathic arnica or a placebo orally and topically for 2 weeks, from the day of surgery for the removal of carpal tunnel syndrome. The evaluation was done by measuring the circumference of the hand and the intensity of pain. After treatment the circumference of the hand did not differ in the two groups, while the pain was significantly lower in patients taking arnica compared with those taking placebo.
One controlled clinical trial evaluated the effect of a combination of arnica and hydroxyethyl salicylate applied topically for the treatment of small sports traumatology. It was noted that the combination in question was more effective than placebo and its components individually in alleviating the symptoms of patients in the study.
One controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of the Arno and of corticosteroids in reducing the pain resulting from el’edema Rhinoplasty (plastic nose). 48 patients were enrolled in rhinoplasty surgery, who received 10 mg daily of dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) intravenously, followed by methylprednisolone (another corticosteroid) by mouth for 6 days or a cream made of arnica for 4 days or a placebo. We have seen that on the second day after surgery there was no difference between the 3 groups with regard to the bruising, while the edema patients taking cortisone ol’arnica they were less than those who took the placebo. After 8 days, patients treated with corticosteroid had more bruising than those who received arnica, whereas for the edema, there were no obvious differences among the 3 groups. The study indicates that both arnica is corticosteroids are useful to prevent the edema, but does not increase arnica bruises as it makes these drugs (15).
Side effects: ingestion may cause headache, abdominal colic abdominal migrants type, heart palpitations and respiratory disorders. Can also give allergic reactions from photosensitivity, with redness, itching and burning skin parts exposed to light. Therefore it is used almost exclusively for topical, but avoiding the application near the eyes, mouth and in allergic patients.
Contraindications: It should not be used during pregnancy, lactation and in children below 12 years of age. Prolonged use on damaged skin may cause dermatitis and edema with blistering and / or eczema.
Drug interactions: None known.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Simn — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:37:50 +0000

FAMILY: Apiaceae.
HABITAT: Originally East. Today it is cultivated in Russia, the United States, in countries of the Mediterranean basin and in Central and Eastern Europe.
Parts Used: fruit technically called diacheni.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: Essential oil microencapsulated titrated in essence min. 8% (French Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is from 6 to 8 mg per kg of body weight, taken about 30 minutes before two meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in essential oil, since it contains from 2 to 3%, consisting mainly of E-anethole (84-93%). We also find some coumarins.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action antimeteorica: this plant is able to reduce intestinal bloating due to its ability to inhibit intestinal fermentation and thus the production of biogas. Furthermore, it is commonly used in the treatment of digestive disorders such as feeling of fullness in the abdomen, digestive insufficiency, belching, flatulence and as an adjunct in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
Action on the muscles: in rats the essential oil of anise causes smooth muscle relaxation of the intestine and to a lesser extent also on that of the trachea, while regularization motility. This action, combined with the action antimeteorica explains the usefulness of the essential oil of anise in the intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and bloating such as spastic colitis. In these disorders is useful to the association with extracts of fennel and / or lemon balm.
Side effects: Some patients may develop allergies, usually with symptoms such as inflammation of the buccal tongue and gums with itching and burning.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None known. Conservatively not use during pregnancy and lactation.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: not known.

Pineapple

Simn — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:35:47 +0000

FAMILY: Bromeliaceae.
Parts Used: The fresh fruit and the stem.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: dry sprayed and titrated in enzymatic units min. 150 GDU / g. (French Pharmacopoeia X), its daily dosage ranges from 10 to 13 mg. / kg. This is given 15-20 minutes before or immediately after the two main meals, even for extended periods.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic has a valid activity favoring the digestive processes and anti-inflammatory and antiedematosa, demonstrated experimentally in animals or in humans.
Prodigestiva action: the wealth of substances enzymatic justifies its action by favoring the digestion of food, which is recommended for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders of any origin.
Anti-inflammatory action: anti-inflammatory activity is probably related to an interaction of the enzyme on the metabolism of endogenous substances that promote inflammation, resulting in greatly reduced the synthesis of substances that act flogogena and vasoconstrictive, particularly kininogeno, bradykinin , thromboxane and prostaglandin E2, and antiplatelet effect. In fact, the fibrin degradation products have a low molecular weight and decrease the permeability of the vessel wall, and also you have a reduced formation of fibrinogen. Bromelain also greatly increases the depolymerization of fibrin and possibly also of other proteins. These actions are to increase the permeability of the blood vessel wall, thereby increasing the return to the blood vessels in the edematous material that accumulates in the tissues, thereby reducing stasis in them and therefore the cellulite.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: None worthy of note. There are no data on its use during pregnancy and lactation.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Simn — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:30:47 +0000

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).

FAMILY: Amamelidaceae.
HABITAT: Common in the forests of North America, from Canada to Virginia.
PART USED: leaves.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: The preferred form is the dry sprayed titrated in total tannins (min.14%) (French Pharmacopoeia, X). Your daily dosage ranges from 9 to 15 mg. / kg, divided into two or possibly three doses between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: The leaves contain a large amount of tannins, up to 15%. It ‘also rich proantocianidoli, leaving them in the same state or in the form of copolymers procianidoli-prodelfinidoli.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action drip protection. In vitro and in animals: Recent studies indicate that tannins inhibit the peroxidation of lipids, which have protective action against damage caused by free radicals (antioxidant). Their antioxidant effect is much higher than that of vitamin C.
One controlled clinical trial evaluated the effect of a cream containing 10% of the distillate of witch hazel versus placebo in 30 healthy volunteers undergoing experimental all’eritema ultraviolet (UVB). All’amamelide cream and the placebo were applied with an occlusive dressing for 2 days after irradiation. The assessment was made by using a colorimetric test and visual assessment after 7, 24 and 48 hours irradiation. In subjects who applied the cream all’amamelide there was a reduction of erythema by 20% after 7 hours and 27% after 48 hours, while in the placebo group the reduction of erythema after 48 hours ranged between 11 and 15%. In none of the two groups were recorded side effects worth mentioning.
SIDE EFFECTS: None worthy of note. In rare cases it can cause allergic reactions from contact on the skin.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Administer with caution to patients suffering from constipation for the astringent effect of tannins.
Drug interactions: still not known.

Altea (Althaea rosea)

Simn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:44:11 +0000

FAMILY: Malvaceae.
HABITAT: spontaneous throughout Europe, in vacant lots and sunny.
Parts Used: Roots.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry sprayed and titrated in mucilage total min. 10% (French Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is 10 to 16 mg per kg. body weight, preferably on an empty stomach.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant very rich in mucilage. Also found flavonoids, anthocyanosides, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides scopoletolo.
Therapeutic properties: anti-inflammatory action: the mucilage is rich in this plant are layered on the mucous membranes, in particular those of the upper airways and stomach and protect them, preventing contact with toxic substances of various kinds. Moreover, these mucilages also play a mild anti-inflammatory mucosal they come in contact. The abundance of mucilage also facilitates the evacuation from the gut and can also carry anti-inflammatory and protective action on intestinal mucosa, particularly in cases of bacterial infections and / or viral infections.
The Marshmallow is traditionally used in inflammatory diseases of the upper airways and mouth for its anti-inflammatory and cough, as in gastritis and acid protection in the local treatment of skin diseases.
SIDE EFFECTS: None worthy of note.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None worthy of note.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: not known.

Aloe Vera (Aloe)

Simn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:39:30 +0000

FAMILY: Liliaceae.
HABITAT: the Mediterranean basin, Eastern India, West Indies, east coast of Africa, the Middle East.
Parts Used: juice condensate.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry sprayed and titrated anthracene derivatives barbaloina expressed as anhydrous min.19% and max. 21% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dosage ranges from 2 to 3 mg per kg. body weight, preferably given once daily in the evening. Much is also used aloe gel private derivatives of anthracene, which is used for both ingestion and for topical use.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: contains from 15 to 40% of hydroxyanthracene glucosides, in particular aloin, hydroxy aloin and aloinoside (they are all anthraquinones). It also contains amino acids, lipids, phytosterols and polysaccharides. The gel of aloe is very rich in polysaccharides and water.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic laxative is known for its stimulant-type laxative bowel movements. At the level of the large intestine the active ingredients of Aloe are attacked by bacterial enzymes of the intestinal flora, and are thus responsible of free anthraquinones therapeutic. This explains the time that passes between the intake of the plant and the emergence of laxative, which can also be for 12-16 hours.
Action on the skin: In addition to these properties laxative Aloe possesses curative properties of interest in skin, mostly in the form of gel. Indeed it has proved useful in burns, sunburns in, in wound healing, nell’acne in purple Bateman and stick injury by insects. Dermoprotective This activity could be due to the remarkable richness of aloe gel in water, exercising and then hydrating, insulating and emollient, but is also linked to stimulation of complement-induced polysaccharide which this drug is very rich.
A clinical trial of 194 women operated on for breast cancer and undergoing radiation therapy showed that the radiation dermatitis improves apparent after application of aloe gel on the skin.
A comprehensive assessment of published studies (in all about 40) evaluated the effect of aloe gel at dermatology. They show that administration to rats by mouth with aloe gel is effective in promoting wound healing, reducing the number and size of papillomas and in decreasing the incidence of malignant tumors of the skin. The topical use of aloe gel is not very effective in preventing lesions caused by radiation and protect against skin damage from sun exposure. Instead it may be useful to relieve herpes, psoriasis, papilloma virus, seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, lichen ruber planus, injury from cold and heat and to promote wound healing. The gel of aloe topically can also have a moderate antibacterial and can be used in photodynamic therapy of some forms of cancer. This study indicates that the gel of aloe as well as by internal and topical possesses interesting properties, but at present data, particularly clinical, is not sufficiently extensive to validate with certainty the properties.
Immunostimulant action: this plant can have action-type immune activation with phagocytosis, ie the ability to encompass and destroy germs, viruses and fungi, by white blood cells.
Action prevalent: laxative as solids, as dermoprotective gel.
More Actions: immunostimulant and healing as a gel.
Main indications: treatment of functional constipation in adults. Also useful in skin diseases of degenerative-inflammatory.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, which may in turn cause a decrease in potassium. Abuse of this and other plants rich in anthraquinones may cause addiction resulting in less effective medications.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: E ‘contraindicated in pregnancy, in children under 12 years of age, nell’allattamento in diverticulosis bowel in people with a long large intestine in patients with occlusion or subocclusione bowel in patients with hemorrhoids and / or perianal fistulas.
The extract of this plant should not be administered continuously for a period of eight to ten days. The gel of aloe, however, can also be used for long periods of time.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: May reduce the effectiveness of the following drugs: antiarrhythmic type quinidine, digitalis, diuretics that cause potassium loss, vincamine and fenoxedil.
Its positive action on the immune system is inhibited by pretreatment of the patient with steroids, which they should be suspended for at least 7-10 days prior to administration of extracts of this plant.

Seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus)

Simn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:30:27 +0000

FAMILY: Fucaceae.
HABITAT: is located along the coasts of temperate and cold seas of the northern hemisphere, and is particularly abundant in the English Channel.
Parts Used: thallium.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry sprayed and titrated in iodine value min 0.05% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is 450 to 750 mg in two doses, one upon awakening and the other in the early afternoon. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: The seaweed is rich in iodine (0.05-0.2%), present both in free form or bound to proteins, lipids, and as a secondary amino acids. It also contains moderate amounts of alginates.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action slimming and cellulite is mainly used as slimming and cellulite like. Fact that the plant provides the iodine is picked up by the thyroid, which uses it for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This plant is therefore able to increase the production of these hormones, which are known as catabolic action on all metabolites and in particular on the lipid. This means that they help the body to burn fat, especially excess deposited into the subcutaneous tissue, and this is the main reason by which the action takes place seaweed slimming and cellulite.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not to be used in patients with diseases characterized by hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. High doses can cause tremors, irritability, tachycardia and insomnia. It ‘also contraindicated in cardiac patients, especially if the bearer of severe arterial hypertension and tachycardia. Potentiates the action of potential therapies based on thyroid hormones.
It should be used with caution in children under the age of 10 years of age. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Agnocasto (Vitex agnus castus)

Simn — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:30:12 +0000

FAMILY: Vitaceae.
HABITAT: native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, is now cultivated in many temperate countries of the world.
PART USED: leaves.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: dry sprayed and titrated in total diterpenes min. 2% (French Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily doses of about 1 mg. per kg. body weight, to be divided into two doses (morning and evening), preferably between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant containing diterpenes type labdanico, the main of which are the rotundifuran the agnuside and vitexilactone. It also contains a certain amount of essential oil and flavonoids.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action autonomic disorders of menopause: A study in the laboratory has assessed the effect of an extract of agnocasto on the secretion of prolactin. It was noted that this extract inhibits the secretion of prolactin. This is due to an action of stimulus on dopamine, which reduces the increase in prolactin. Since prolactin is considered the main culprit of premenstrual disorders, a fall can reduce these problems and make the patient feel better.
A clinical study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a dry extract of agnocasto in 1634 patients with premenstrual syndrome. The patients had to complete a questionnaire before therapy and at its end, to determine the effects of the extract in question on the main symptoms of this syndrome, namely depression, anxiety, abdominal pain, fluid retention, breast pain and swelling. The duration of the study lasted for 3 menstrual cycles. After treatment for 93% of patients showed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms, with a marked improvement of breast pain also. 98% of patients had no notable side effects, while 2% of them had moderate gastrointestinal disorders.
Another clinical study has investigated the effect of a dry extract of agnocasto on premenstrual syndrome. Were enrolled 100 women with premenstrual syndrome, taking for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles, the extract at a dose of 1 mg / kg per day or a placebo. The evaluation was done by measuring the intensity of pain in the breast before and after treatment using a scale visual detail. After treatment the women agnocasto group showed a reduction in breast pain statistically significant compared to those in the placebo group. There are no recorded side effects of note
Other studies have confirmed these data, with a reduction in breast pain and other ailments statistically significant compared to that observed in the placebo group. There are no recorded side effects worth mentioning.
Main indications: premenstrual syndrome.
Action prevalent: pain relief.
SIDE EFFECTS: Rare upset stomach.
Contraindications: not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: not known.
TOXICITY INFORMATION: The toxic dose is 50 to 100 times higher than normally used.