Thursday 31 October 2013

Chinese Herbs – Xian Mao (Rhizoma Curculiginis Orchioidis)

Xian Mao is also known as Common Curculigo Rhizome. The acrid, hot and slightly toxic herb has been used in TCM to strengthen muscles, treat for impotence,  lower back and knee pain, cold chest and abdomen, urinary incontinence, etc., as it tonifies the Kidneys and the Yang, disperses Cold and Dampness, etc. by enhancing the functions of spleen, kidney and liver channels.

Ingredients
1. Alpha-citral (geranial)
2. Beta-citral (neral)
3. Myrcene
4. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antibacteria lactivity
The alpha-citral (geranial) and beta-citral (neral) components of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf., a medical plant used over many years in West Africa individually elicit antibacterial action on gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, the third component, myrcene, did not show observable antibacterial activity on its own. However, myrcene provided enhanced activities when mixed with either of the other two main components identified(1).
2. Fungicidal and anti-aflatoxigenic effects 
In the study to develop a natural fungicide against aflatoxigenic fungi, to protect stored rice, using the essential oil of lemongrass. showed that Lemongrass oil could be used to manage aflatoxin formation and fungal growth of A. flavus in stored rice(2).
3. Cytogenotoxicity 
In the study to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from C. citratus leaves on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) root tip meristem cell, found that the highest concentration of aqueous extracts reduced the mitotic index, the seed germination and the root development of lettuce. The extracts have also induced chromosome aberrations and cellular death in the roots cells of L. sativa(3).
4. Anticonvulsant activities
In the study to compare the effects of both EOs on three models of convulsions (pentylenetetrazol, pilocarpine, and strychnine) and on the barbiturate-induced sleeping time on male Swiss mice, showed that both EOs were more active on the pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion model, and C. citratus was even more efficient in increasing latency to the first convulsion and latency to death. Both parameters were potentiated in the presence of a lower dose of diazepam (reference drug) when associated to a lower dose of each EO (25 mg kg(-1)). Besides, their anticonvulsant effects were blocked by flumazenil, a known benzodiazepine antagonist. This effect was somewhat lower on the pilocarpine-induced convulsion, and better effects were seen only with the EOs’ higher doses (200 mg kg(-1)). A similar result was observed on the strychnine-induced convulsion model. Both EOs potentiated the barbiturate-induced sleeping time. However, C. citratus was more efficient. Interestingly, both EOs completely blocked the MPO release from human neutrophils and showed no cytotoxic effect on the LDH release from human neutrophils(4).
5. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Yin deficiency with heat
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6442749
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12803563
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20563411
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20237771

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