Natural Remedies

Turmeric

Simn — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 13:54:41 +0000

Turmeric (Curcuma longa).
FAMILY: Zingiberaceae.
HABITAT: from Asia, particularly India and Pakistan.
Parts Used: rhizome rhizomes primary and secondary elongated oval.
Pharmaceutical preparations RECOMMEND dry extract in curcumin min. 4% (the German Commission E), whose daily dose is 8-10 mg. / kg, divided in two doses, preferably between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in starch, which account for 45-55% of its weight. It contains a good amount of essential oil rich in monocyclic sesquiterpenes. Colors are present in the drug curcuminoids, the main of which is curcumin. E ‘was also identified a peptide called turmerina.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic anti-inflammatory action: An assessment of existing scientific studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory and safe use of turmeric. There are numerous studies in the laboratory and in animals confirm that a valid anti-inflammatory and antioxidant turmeric. Some studies done in humans suggest that high doses of turmeric, up to 2500 mg per day, with no obvious side effects. These studies indicate that turmeric is seriously hindering the production of several molecules involved in inflammation and therefore reduces inflammation.
Protective action on the liver and the digestive tract: The protective effect on the liver extract of turmeric has been studied in rats receiving the liver to certain toxic substances such as alcohol or carbon tetrachloride. This extract has been shown to significantly reduce the increased levels of bilirubin, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol caused by these substances, both when administered for 2 weeks before both of them and even more when given for 2 weeks in advance of these substances and then concurrently with them. Other studies show that curcumin inhibits the deposition of collagen in the liver, which depends mainly to hepatic stellate cells. These studies indicate that curcumin inhibits collagen synthesis by hepatic stellate cells, allowing them to be useful to prevent the degeneration of the liver fibrosis.
Some clinical studies have investigated the effect of an extract of turmeric in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. They had to take by mouth 1 or 2 capsules of turmeric extract for 2 months. They measured the intensity of symptoms using validated scales specific, the index of quality of life and effectiveness of the remedy according to the patients. After treatment the improvement of symptoms was 41% in those taking only 1 capsule of turmeric extract and 57% in those who took 2. In particular, the abdominal pain was reduced 22 and 25% in both cases, an improvement of the quality of life of approximately 36% in patients treated with 2 capsules of extract. Approximately two thirds of the patients judged their treatment as effective, without manifesting side effects.
Side effects: Curcumin may cause skin irritation with redness and itching after sun exposure. E ’should therefore expose only a part of the body in the sun to see if this effect occurs before putting yourself completely.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None known.
Drug interactions: A study in rats suggests that curcumin may be useful to increase the blood levels of sulfasalazine, a drug used in inflammatory bowel disease.

Black cohosh

Simn — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:46:19 +0000

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).
FAMILY: Ranunculaceae.
HABITAT: Typical areas partly sunny and humid North American continent. It ‘a perennial herb size high, up to about 2m in full bloom.
Parts Used: rhizome with the roots, to be collected in autumn.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry and sprayed min titrated to 2.5% triterpene glycosides as demonstrated in the scientific literature, whose daily dose is 60 to 90 mg., In two doses, preferably between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: contains triterpene glycosides, in particular acteina and 27-desossiacteina. Then there are the flavonoids, isoferulico acid and a good percentage of tannins.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic anti-inflammatory action: this plant has anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic, particularly in patients suffering from arthritis, muscle pains and neuralgia resulting from rheumatic facts, and seems quite active even against headache, particularly in the Origin muscolotensiva.
Endocrine action: the action of this plant is best known as autonomic disorders of menopause, particularly hot flushes. In fact numerous works controlled trials show that the Cimicifuga greatly reduces autonomic disturbances of menopausal women, especially hot flushes. It also relieves pain common in many women in the vicinity of the menstrual cycle. The explanation of the effect of Cimicifuga extract on menopausal neurovegetative disorders lies in its ability to enhance the effects of antidepressant and psychostimulant dopamine in the brain and reduce the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland.
There have been 6 controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Cimicifuga autonomic disorders of menopause. In total it was 1166 women. It was found that approximately 80% of these women had a significant reduction in symptoms, especially hot flushes, and about half noted a nearly complete disappearance of disturbi.Il 93% of the women involved has not denounced the appearance of side effects. Only 7% of patients were reported gastrointestinal symptoms, promptly regressed after discontinuation of therapy.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: This plant seems to have no significant side effects, even for treatments at relatively high doses and for periods of time long enough. Conservatively not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Centella

Simn — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:05:33 +0000

CENTELLA (Centella asiatica).
FAMILY: Apiaceae.
Habitat: original of the East, being diffused in a range that goes from Madagascar to Indonesia.
PART USED: leaves.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry sprayed and titrated in total triterpene derivatives (acid and acid madecassico Asian asiaticoside 40% and 60%) 60%, whose daily dose is 90 to 120 mg in two divided doses, preferably between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in saponosidi, which are the Asiatic acid, the acid madecassico el’asiaticoside.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic protective action on veins is particularly indicated for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and complications of varicose veins and varicose ulcers which varicoflebiti and for the treatment of cellulite, both topically and for general terms. The usefulness of Centella the treatment of cellulite is due to the fact that the extract of this plant improves venous capillary circulation in skin, whose failure is a major cause of occurrence of the cells.
Centella stimulates the production of collagen by human fibroblasts, and in this way can improve the strength and elasticity of the walls of veins.
There have been 5 controlled trials to evaluate the effect of Centella in patients with diabetic microangiopathy or venous insufficiency, for a total of 361 patients. Patients treated with Centella had significant increase in skin capillary blood flow, with increase in oxygenation of the blood. Moreover, they showed reduced symptoms present before treatment, the swelling of the ankles and venous distensibility measured by mercury plethysmograph. In none of these works have been reported side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: Allergic reactions skin extract of Centella occur in humans in about 1% of subjects after oral administration, but are rather moderate. Conservatively not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Milk Thistle

Simn — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:02:04 +0000

MILK THISTLE (Sylibum marianum).
FAMILY: Asteraceae.
HABITAT: original and frequent in countries around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, especially in places fallow and sunny.
Parts Used: the flowering tops and seeds.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry extract silymarin in min.1, 0% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is 10 to 15 mg. / kg, divided into two doses preferably between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: The main components are flavonolignani, isolated in the form of a mixture of condensation products is called silymarin and represent between 1, 5 to 3% of the plant. It also contains large amounts of mostly poly-unsaturated lipids (from 20 to 30%) and even moderate amounts of beta-sitosterol. It also contains proteins, simple sugars and complex and flavonoids.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic hepatoprotective action is known to have a valid hepatoprotective action, linked to silymarin. In fact it can protect hepatocytes (which are the cells of the liver) damage caused by alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, by galactosamine, the tioacetamida and Phalloidin. In the latter case the effect is only partial if the extract of this plant is administered after Phalloidin. It ‘been shown that silymarin has a stabilizing effect on the cell membrane of hepatocytes and inner membranes of cytoplasmic organelles, which is not unrelated to its inhibitory action on lipid peroxidation, which is mainly caused by free radicals. The silymarin also protects the liver from damage caused by drugs and toxic substances such as insecticides and pesticides. It increases the levels of liver glutathione, which is a valuable antioxidant, but the mechanism by which this occurs is still unknown.
One study evaluated the existing literature on the protective effects of silymarin in the liver. Were found 65 clinical trials, only 19 of them of good quality. The results of these studies indicate that the efficacy of silymarin sull’epatopatia hepatitis, especially that hepatitis C is not tested sufficiently. Nell’epatopatia alcohol the silymarin reduced the transaminase (which are important enzymes in the liver) in a statistically significant but not alkaline phosphatase compared to placebo. In total liver cirrhosis mortality was 16.1% with silymarin and 20.5% without it. Mortality from causes liver generally was 10% with silymarin and 17.3% with placebo, and this figure was statistically significant. The safety of silymarin has always been reported as very good. The meta-analysis shows that silymarin may be useful in treating alcoholic dell’epatopatia and may reduce overall mortality from causes liver.
SIDE EFFECTS: None worthy of note.
Contraindications: should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, because of its non-negligible tyramine content. There are no data on its use during pregnancy and lactation.
Drug interactions: may reduce the intestinal absorption of nifedipine, a drug for cardiovascular protective action.

Artichoke

Simn — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:57:01 +0000

ARTICHOKE (Cynara scolymus).
FAMILY: Asteraceae.
HABITAT: originating in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Currently widely grown in many countries with temperate climate.
Used parts: the lower leaves, whole or reduced to fragments.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry sprayed and titrated acid caffeilchinici calculated as chlorogenic acid min. 13% max. 18% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is from 9 to 12 mg. / kg, preferably in two doses 30 minutes before two main meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in phenolic acids and organic acids. It also contains sesquiterpene lactones, the cinaropicrina and its derivatives, which give the characteristic bitter taste and flavonoids.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action and hepatoprotective antidyspeptic is a remedy used for centuries for its stimulating production of bile and protection of the liver. Indeed, the artichoke extract is able to protect the liver from damage caused by substances toxic to this organ, such as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, etc. phalloid dell’amanita toxin. The most important mechanism to explain this action is related to the ability of phenolic acids of the artichoke to inhibit the processes of lipid peroxidation caused by free radicals in the cells of the liver. An important mechanism for the emergence of choleretic is due to the synergic action of citric acid, malic, succinic and cinaropicrina.
Some controlled trials have evaluated the effect of artichoke dry extract in patients with functional dyspepsia (difficulty digesting). They received orally the extract of artichoke title or placebo for 1 or 2 months. The evaluation was done by measuring the intensity of dyspepsia using a special scale, the scores of each dyspeptic symptom and quality of life through the necessary tests. It was found that patients who took the artichoke extract had a statistically significant improvement in symptoms. There are no recorded side effects worth mentioning. The study concluded that artichoke extract is more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
A clinical study evaluated the effect of an extract of artichoke given at a dose of 3200 mg daily by mouth in patients with type C viral hepatitis with elevated transaminases for 3 months. At the end of the study none of the patients showed a normalization of ALT or a reduction in viral load. Furthermore the symptoms of these patients were significantly improved at the end of the trial. The tolerability of artichoke extract has been excellent. The study indicates that artichoke extract is effective in improving symptoms of patients with viral hepatitis type C, but reduces transaminases and viral load.
SIDE EFFECTS: And ‘demonstrated the presence of allergy to artichoke, with the presence of specific IgE antibody. They also are very rare.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: still not known.
Contraindications: It should be used with caution in patients with biliary stones, especially if the calculations are small, the risk of causing biliary colic. Can be used in pregnancy but not during lactation because it can give milk an unpleasant bitter taste.

Chamomile

Simn — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:19:07 +0000

CHAMOMILE common (Chamomilla recutita).
FAMILY: Asteraceae.
HABITAT: Europe Central and Southern Europe, particularly Hungary, former Yugoslavia and Great Britain.
Parts Used: flowers.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: dry sprayed and titrated in min.1 apigenin, 2% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is 10 to 12 mg. / kg, divided into two or possibly three doses between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: it is rich in flavonoids, which account for up to 8% of the mass of dead plants. The yellow flowers contain flavonoids, but the number apigenin, the main flavonoid, is present only in trace amounts. In ligulata white flowers that we find the traces of apigenin and other flavonoids. Ligulata flowers white, unlike the yellow ones, however, are falling during drying and are easily removed by sieving. The essence is constituted by chamazulene and some other substances.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic gastroprotective action: it has anti-inflammatory activity, particularly in the gastric mucosa due to chamazulene, the bisabolol but all’apigenina. The bisabolol and its derivatives are opposed gastric ulceration caused by different substances such as ethanol, indomethacin and stress.
Anti-inflammatory. Is largely due to flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory action, being able to interact with the synthesis of endogenous substances capable of promoting inflammation.
A study in rats evaluated the effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile diluted in olive oil compared to olive oil alone on skin burns. It was found that the healing of burns was significantly greater in animals tested chamomile, indicating that a topic such as this can be useful to speed healing of burns.
A clinical study evaluated the effect of an extract of chamomile on aphthous stomatitis. The analgesic effect of this preparation was nell’62% of subjects treated within 15 minutes after its application. The safety of the remedy was deemed excellent by 97% of the participants.
Sedative. In vitro and in animals: recently it was shown that certain flavonoids can bind to benzodiazepine receptors, known anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives, causing sedation. At high doses the plant has mainly sedative effects, while at lower doses has anxiolytic activity.
One controlled clinical trial evaluated the sedative effect of an extract of camomile and its tolerability in 61 patients with moderate generalized anxiety, receiving the mouth of chamomile extract or a placebo for 2 months. We measured the anxiety of these patients by using various measurement capabilities. It was noted that in patients treated with the tea there was a significant reduction in test scores. Adverse events were rare and of moderate magnitude and were similar in both groups. The study indicates that an extract of chamomile may be useful in the treatment of patients with generalized anxiety moderate.
Side effects: may cause, in susceptible individuals, allergic reactions in photosensitive type contact dermatitis in skin areas exposed to sunlight.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use in patients sensitive to chamomile.
Drug interactions: still not known.

Calendula

Simn — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:09:59 +0000

Calendula (Calendula officinalis).
FAMILY: Asteraceae.
HABITAT: Europe, western Asia, northern Africa. Also cultivated in gardens.
Parts Used: flowers.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: flavonoids, carotenoids and xanthophylls, essential oil derivatives sesquiterpene oxygenated triterpene compounds are particularly abundant. Also contains saponosidi, who are the majority constituents of this plant (from 6 to 10%).
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: The pharmaceutical form is the best dry, whose daily dose is 8 to 13 mg. / kg, divided in two doses, preferably between meals. This plant is frequently used in topical preparations.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic anti-inflammatory action is very useful in the treatment of wounds, burns and wounds. This action is due mainly to saponosidi, the most active of which is the Farad. In fact, calendula extract is able to promote wound healing, in part to stimulate the activity of fibroblasts and migrating cells. Calendula contains water-soluble compounds capable of promoting the deposition of hyaluronic acid in tissues and to increase their blood supply. Other studies show that the action of Calendula dermoprotective depends, at least in part, by its antioxidant and antiradical.
One controlled clinical trial compared the anti-inflammatory effect of a skin cream made calendula versus that of a topical trolamina containing a chemical substance with anti-inflammatory. Were enrolled 254 patients who were operated on for breast cancer and had been treated with radiotherapy after surgery. They were applied to the skin involves either of the two creams in question immediately after the end of each session of radiotherapy. It was found that the occurrence of acute dermatitis was 41% in the marigold, and 63% in trolamina, even with a clear reduction of pain associated with inflammation of the skin. The calendula cream was more difficult to implement, but was judged higher than the radiation trolamina alleviating inflammation in women.
SIDE EFFECTS: None important.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
Drug interactions: None known.

Boswell

Simn — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:06:16 +0000

Boswell (Boswellia serrata).
FAMILY: Burseraceae.
HABITAT: subtropical regions of Africa and Saudi Arabia.
Parts Used: resin.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: dry sprayed and titrated to 65% boswellic acids, whose daily dose is from 5 to 8 mg / kg in two doses immediately after the meal.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in oleoresins, which are mixtures of resins and essential oils. The village consists mainly of resinous triterpenes. They also found a quantity of tires and GUM.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic anti-inflammatory osteo-articular: boswellic acids exert selective inhibition of an enzyme capable of stimulating the production of endogenous substances that facilitate the inflammatory processes, thereby reducing their levels in the blood. Also this plant is also able to inhibit elastase and collagenase proteolytic enzymes known to be destructive, which attack and destroy the elastic connective tissue and cartilage in the joints where there is a fact inflammatory.
There have been few controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of this plant in patients with osteoarthritis. The final results showed a marked improvement of symptoms experienced by patients, with significant progress also the results of specific tests. The radiological studies showed no significant changes but before and after the experiment, while the side effects recorded were mild and not requiring discontinuation of treatment. These studies thus indicate that the Boswellia extract can be considered as an effective anti-rheumatic.
Bowel action is a controlled clinical trial was done on a group of patients with ulcerative colitis of medium severity, which was administered orally at a dose of 350 mg per day of extract of Boswellia for 6 weeks. The assessment was made on a series of tests performed both before therapy is at an end thereof. A group of patients with the same disease who received 1g by mouth. daily sulfalazina served as a control. At the end of testing the improvement of symptoms and other parameters examined was on average 82% with Boswellia and 75% with the sulfalazina.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: rats were observed on the fetus or adverse effects on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory system and even on the nervous system.
There are no data on its use during pregnancy and lactation. Can be used in children.

Hawthorn

Simn — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:04:01 +0000

HAWTHORN (Crataegus monogyna or oxyacantha).
FAMILY: Rosaceae.
HABITAT: It is a very common shrub in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, especially in the uncultivated woods.
Parts Used: flowers and leaves.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: dry sprayed and titrated in flavonoids calculated as iperoside min. 0.7% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is from 9 to 13 mg / kg, divided into two or three divided doses, preferably between meals.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in flavonoids, which represents about 2% of the plant dry weight. Are also abundant proantocianidoli, which can represent up to 3% of the plant dry weight. There are also aromatic amino acids and triterpene cardiotonic amines.
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action cardioprotective. In vitro and in animals: causes vasodilation of many arteries, due to relaxation of fibrocellule muscle of the vascular wall, with increased blood flow in these districts. Hawthorn slows the heartbeat, increases its contractile force and slows the conduction of electrical stimulation on the heart. In this way it is capable of impeding arrhythmia characterized by an elevated heart rate and improving them when they are already present. Other studies have shown that the Hawthorn protects the heart against damage caused by ischemia cardiac fact, this plant helps to preserve the cell membrane of heart cells protecting from ischemic injury. Furthermore, the flavonoids present in hawthorn cause partial inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme, important for the regulation of blood pressure, leading to, possible hypotensive effects.
An evaluation of published clinical trials studied the effect of hawthorn extract in patients with moderate heart failure. We included 13 articles of good methodological quality. In most of these, the hawthorn was used as an adjunct to standard cardiac therapy. Regarding the maximum work obtainable cardiac hawthorn has proved superior to placebo, as well as in reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, numbness and feeling of heart in my throat improved significantly in patients treated with hawthorn than those who received placebo. Adverse events were rare and included gastrointestinal upset, nausea and general malaise. Overall we can say that the extract of hawthorn is more effective than placebo in the treatment of moderate heart failure.
Sedative. In vitro and in animals: also a good sedative to the central level, especially useful in anxious patients, in which reduces emotionality, hypertension status and improves sleep.
Sedative. Trials.
One controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a product based on dry extract of hawthorn in patients with functional disorders from moderate anxiety / media. 264 patients were enrolled, who took the product by mouth or placebo for 3 months. Efficacy was assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (a scale capable of measuring the intensity of anxiety), the assessment of the patient on improving their own problems, the number of subjects who responded positively and evaluating the effectiveness date by medical investigators. We also monitor any possible adverse events. It was noted that in the group who received the hawthorn the decrease in score on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale was significantly higher than that observed in placebo subjects. The assessment of patients and that of medical doctors was also favorable to the hawthorn compared with placebo. 15 patients in the verum group and 13 patients in the placebo group had moderate adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal in nature.
SIDE EFFECTS: In rare cases it can cause stomach upsets, particularly in patients with gastritis and / or peptic ulcer, reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: Boost the effect of digitalis on the heart and amplifies the action of slow heart rate caused by beta blockers and other drugs with this activity.
Contraindications: It should be used with caution in patients with marked bradycardia, sino-atrial block and atrio-ventricular blocks.

Burdock

Simn — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:57:48 +0000

BURDOCK (Arctium lappa).
FAMILY: Asteraceae.
HABITAT: grows spontaneously in the fallow and the degree of ditches across continental Europe.
Parts Used: root harvest in the fall of a taproot the first year or the following spring.
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED: The pharmaceutical form is the most recommended dry sprayed and titrated in inulin min 25% (French Pharmacopoeia X), whose daily dose is 10 to 16 mg / kg., In two doses, preferably between meals .
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in fruttani, the principal of which is represented dall’inulina, which can reach up to 50%. It also contains a certain amount of essential oil and is fairly rich in B vitamins
PROPERTY ‘Therapeutic Action on the skin is particularly suitable for many kinds of infections of the skin, in particular juvenile acne and dermatitis. This action is due in part to the ability of burdock to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections of the skin as small acne and some pretty strong antioxidant action of extracts of burdock. Therefore, the main indication of this plant is that juvenile acne.
Side effects: in some cases have been reported urticarial allergic skin type, although they are generally very rare.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS: not known.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None known. There are no data on its use during pregnancy and lactation.