Holistic Health Articles and Research Related to Herbal Medicines, Foods and Phytochemicals

Sunday, 3 November 2013

Chinese Herbs – Qiang Huo (Rhizoma Et Radix Notopterygii)

Qiang Huo is also known as Incised Notopterygium Rhizome. The bitter, acrid and warm herb has been used in TCM as an antibiotic agent and to treat cold and flu, rheumatoid arthritis, headache, body ache, muscle spasm, tetanus, etc., as it releases the Exterior, disperses Cold and Dampness, expels Wind, calms pain, etc. by enhancing the functions of bladder and kidney channels.

Ingredients
1. α-thujene
2. α–pinene
3. β-pinene
4. β-ocimene
5. Gamma-terpinene
6. Llimonene
7. α-terpinolene
8. Terpinen-4-ol
9. Bornyl acetate
10. α-copaene
11. Trans-β-farnesene
12. Apiol
13. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti-austerity agents
A search for potent anticancer agents from natural products based on an anti-austerity strategy, we found that a CHCl3 extract of Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii (Qianghuo), a Chinese crude drug, exhibited strong cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells, with a PC50 value of 17.5 µg/mL.(1).
2. Anti inflammation
In the study to determine the effects of Notopterygium forbesii Boiss (NF) and phenethyl ferulate (PF) on the inflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), showed that NF- or PF-induced ROS generation and oxidative modifications of intracellular proteins may be responsible for the inhibitory actions of Notopterygium forbesii Boiss (NF) and PF on LPS-induced inflammatory responses. These data add to the growing literature that ROS may sometimes be anti-inflammatory.(2).
3. Uncomplicated falciparum malaria
In the study to investigate the mechanism of Notopterygium forbesii Boiss (NF)-induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in human fetal hepatocytes (HFHs) and to identify the constituents responsible, found that assay-guided fractionation of NF led to three active compounds, phenethyl ferulate, bergaptol, and isoimperatorin, that were found to increase oxidative stress and HO-1 protein levels in HFHs. The induction of HO-1 protein in response to moderate oxidative stress may explain some of the beneficial pharmacological effects of NF(3).
4. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not take the herb in case of blood deficiency with or Yin deficiency
2. Overdoses can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomitting
3. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without forst consulting with the related field specialist.
4. Etc.

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Back to Popular Chinese Herbs http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/chinese-herbs.html

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22516931
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19642688
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19548360

Chinese Herbs – Qi Pi (Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium)

Qi Pi is also known as Green Tangerine Peel. The bitter, acrid and warm herb has been used in TCM to relieve pain as a result of chronic hepatitis, flatulence, weak digestion, pain in solar plexus, breast cancer, tuberculosis, etc., as it drains the Liver, eliminates Qi accumulation, disperses nodules, reduces stagnation, etc.by enhancing the functions of liver, stomach and gallbladder channels.

Ingredients
1. Chinensisol [1]
2. Aesculin and
3. Aesculotin
4. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hyperuricemia and renal dysfunction in mice
In the study to investigate the effects of cortex fraxini coumarines esculetin, esculin, fraxetin and fraxin on renal dysfunction and expression abnormality of renal organic ion transporters in hyperuricemic animals, showed that Esculetin and esculin up-regulated expressions of renal organic anion transporter 1 (mOAT1), organic cation and carnitine transporters (mOCT1-2 and mOCTN1-2), but failed to affect renal glucose transporter 9 (mGLUT9) and urate transporter 1 (mURAT1) in this model. Fraxetin specifically inhibited renal mURAT1, while fraxin extensively interacted with renal mGLUT9, mURAT1, mOAT1 and mOCT1 in hyperuricemic mice. Furthermore, esculetin, fraxetin and fraxin increased mABCG2 mRNA expression and decreased its protein levels in renal apical membrane in hyperuricemic mice. These results indicate that esculetin and esculin have beneficial effects on hyperuricemia and renal dysfunction, resulting in restoration of mOAT1, mOCT1-2 and mOCTN1-2, and fraxetin and fraxin enhance urate excretion partly by inhibiting mURAT1 or mGLUT9 in kidney of hyperuricemic mice(1).
2. Pharmacological effect
Cortex Fraxini is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. It has been indicated that Cortex Fraxini possess various pharmacological effects, including anti-pathogenic microorganism, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative stress, neuroprotective and vascular protect effects. Cortex Fraxini has been therapeutically used in the treatment of inflammations, bacillary dysentery, relieving fever, relieving cough and asthma(2).
3. Antibacterial activity
In the study of the antibacterial activity of 20 Chinese medicinal materials for helicobacter pylori in vitro and the culture of hylicobacter pylori, indicated that the detecting ratio of tomato juice culture medium to hylicobacter pylori was equal to that of skirrow culture medium; Radix Scutellariae, Flos Lonicerae, Radix Isatidis, Indigo Naturalis, Fructus Chebulae, Semen Ginkgo, Cortex Phellodendri, Rhizoma Corydalis and Cortex Fraxini have obvious effect of antibacterium to hyliocobater pylori(3).
4. Etc.

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

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Back to Popular Chinese Herbs http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/chinese-herbs.html

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21620826
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19260298
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587175

Chinese Herbs – Qu Mai (Herba Dianthi)

Qu Mai is also known as Fringed pink. The bitter and cold herb has been used in TCM to treat gonorrhea, edema, urinary tract inflammation, difficulty in urination, irregular menses, amenorrhea, dystocia, etc., as it clears heat, promote urination and edema, etc. by enhancing the heart, small intestine and bladder channels.

Ingredients
1. Phycion
2. Emodin
3. Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate
4. Methyl 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)
5. Propionate
6. β-sito-sterol-3-O-glucoside
7. Emodin-8-O-glucoside
8. Isoorientin
9. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. HepG2 cell line
In the study to examine apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by ethyl acetate fraction (EE-DS), and the mechanism underlying apoptosis, indicated that apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by EE-DS could be through the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data showed that the composition of EE-DS is complicated. Further studies are needed to find the effective constituents of EE-DS(1).
2. Diuretic effects
In the study to detect the susceptibility of urogenital chlamydia trachomatis(CT) to 12 kinds of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines, indicated that all the 12 kinds of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines had inhibitory activities for urogenital CT, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) from 0.122 mg.ml-1 to 62.5 mg.ml-1. The activities of Dianthus superbus L., Poria cocos(Shcw.) Woft, Polyporus umbellatus and Artemissia capillaris were stronger. The number and volume of CT inclusions reduced gradually and disappeared finally with the rise of concentration(2).
3. Antimutagenic activity
In the study to evaluate the antimutagenic activities of extracts of 36 commonly used anticancer crude drugs from Chinese herbs, using the Salmonella/microsomal system in the presence of picrolonic acid or benzo[a]pyrene to test whether they contain direct or indirect antimutagens, showed that the extracts of 6 other different kinds of Chinese herbs were shown to have a moderate antimutagenic activity against picrolonic acid-induced mutation, and they are: Actinidia chinensis P., Artemisia lavendulaefolia DC. and Crotalaria sessiflora L., Prunella vulgaris L., Paris polyphylla S. and Ampelopsis brevipedunculata T. The extracts of Smilax china L., Prunella vulgaris L. and Actinidia chinensis P. were demonstrated to inhibit the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene completely. The 12 other kinds of extracts of Chinese herbs which had a moderate antimutagenic activity against benzo[a]pyrene were: Pteris polyphylla S., Ampelopsis brevipedunculata T., Duchesnea indica F., Gossypium herbaceum L., Lithospermum erythrorrhizon SZ., Artemisia lavendulaefolia DC., Selaginella doederleinii H., Dianthus superbus L., Centipeda minima ABA., Curcuma zedoaria R., Marsdenia tenacissima WA. and Kalopanax septemlobus K. Among them, there were 5 kinds of crude drugs, Actinidia chinensis P., Artemisia lavendulaefolia DC., Prunella vulgaris L., Paris polyphylla S. and Ampelopsis brevipedunculata T., containing antimutagenic factors against both picrolonic acid- and benzo[a]pyrene-induced mutation(3).
4. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of spleen deficiency or kidney deficiency
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.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

Back to Popular Chinese Herbs http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/chinese-herbs.html

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21959229
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12516457
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3278214

Popular #Herbs - Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflower is also known as passion vines,, in the genus Passiflora , belonging to the family Passifloraceae, native to southeastern parts of the America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine in treating nervous tension including anxiety, insomnia, seizures, sleep problems and hysteria.

Health Benefits 1. Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity
In the investigation of saponins from Quillaja, Passiflora, and Ilex species and its effects on trichomonas vaginalis found that saponins from Passiflora alata and Quillaja saponaria presented the best anti-T. vaginalis activity (MIC = 0.025%). In addition, all samples induced erythrocyte lysis and LDH release. As far as we know, this is the first report demonstrating the potential anti-T. vaginalis activity of these saponins, according to "Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of saponins from Quillaja, Passiflora, and Ilex species" by Rocha TD, de Brum Vieira P, Gnoatto SC, Tasca T, Gosmann G.(1)

2. Anxiety
In this study, 60 patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral Passiflora incarnata (500 mg, Passipy IranDarouk) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) as premedication, 90 min before surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) used for each patient to assess anxiety and sedation before, and 10, 30, 60, and 90 min after premedication, found that administration of oral Passiflora incarnata as a premedication reduces anxiety without inducing sedation, according to "Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study" by Movafegh A, Alizadeh R, Hajimohamadi F, Esfehani F, Nejatfar M.(2)

3. Antidiabetic activity
In the identification of methanolic extracts of leaves of Passiflora incarnata and its effect (100 and 200mg/kg, for 15 days) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice orally, found that Methanolic extract (200mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were also observed in urine glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipid profile and body weight of methanolic extract treated diabetic mice, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated mice. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by streptozotocin, according to "Antidiabetic activity of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice" by Gupta RK, Kumar D, Chaudhary AK, Maithani M, Singh R.(3)

4. Sleep quality
In the investigation of Passiflora incarnata, a traditional herbal used as sedative, anxiolytic and a popular sleep aid used for the treatment of sleep disturbance, found that forty-one participants (18-35 years) were exposed to each treatment for a week, whereby they consumed a cup of the tea and filled out a sleep diary for 7 days, and completed Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory on the seventh morning. Ten participants also underwent overnight PSG on the last night of each treatment period. Of six sleep-diary measures analysed, sleep quality showed a significantly better rating for passionflower compared with placebo (t(40) = 2.70, p < 0.01). These initial findings suggest that the consumption of a low dose of Passiflora incarnata, in the form of tea, yields short-term subjective sleep benefits for healthy adults with mild fluctuations in sleep quality, according to "A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality" by Ngan A, Conduit R.(4)

5. Opiates withdrawal
In the demonstration of clonidine plus passiflora extract vs. clonidine plus placebo in the outpatient detoxification of 65 opiates addicts, found that the passiflora plus clonidine group showed a significant superiority over clonidine alone in the management of mental symptoms. These results suggested that passiflora extract may be an effective adjuvant agent in the management of opiate withdrawal. However, a larger study to confirm our results is warranted, according to "Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial" by Akhondzadeh S, Kashani L, Mobaseri M, Hosseini SH, Nikzad S, Khani M.(5)

6. Anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects
In the classification of five different extracts, prepared from a single batch of Passiflora incarnata, administered to CF-1 mice for 1 week in their drinking water prior to evaluation of their behavioral effects found that anticonvulsant effects against PTZ-induced seizures were seen in mice that received 2 of the 5 Passiflora extracts. Instead of the anxiolytic effects described by others, anxiogenic effects in the elevated plus maze were seen in mice receiving any of the 5 Passiflora extracts, according to "Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro, and show anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects in vivo, varying with extraction method" by Elsas SM, Rossi DJ, Raber J, White G, Seeley CA, Gregory WL, Mohr C, Pfankuch T, Soumyanath A.(6)

7. Antiradical activities
In the investigation of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of passionflower and the influence of the flavonoids on the antiradical activity by DPPH* and ABTS* + methods, found that Passiflora extract has not only sedative but also antiradical activity. The ethanol extract catches free radicals more effectively than the water extract. The strongest antiradical effect among the investigated flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, hyperosid, isovitexin, caffeic acid, quercetin, luteolin, orentin, rutin, scutelarein, vicenin and vitexin) was predetermined by vicenin, isovitexin and orentin, according to "Antiradical activities of the extract of Passiflora incarnata" by

Masteikova R, Bernatoniene J, Bernatoniene R, Velziene S.(7)

8. Nicotine reversal effects
In the investigation of the Nicotine reversal effects of benzoflavone moiety (BZF) of the plant Passiflora incarnata Linneaus found that found that those mice treated with the two highest doses of BZF,in combination with nicotine (NP-10 and NP-20), showed significantly fewer nicotine-abstinence withdrawal jumps and normal ambulatory behaviour. BZF treatment prevented weight loss and resulted in normal performance in the swimming endurance test, which may be a measure of stress and/or depression. Similarly, acute administration of a single 20 mg/kg dose of BZF prevented some of the nicotine-withdrawal effects; lower doses were almost inert. These studies, although preliminary, suggest that the BZF may have value in treating nicotine addiction, according to "Nicotine reversal effects of the benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice" by Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A.(8)

9. Drug/substance reversal effects
Administered concomitantly with nicotine, ethanol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for 30 days in male rats and benzoflavone moiety (BZF) effects in preventing the drug-induced decline in sexuality in male rats, found that BZF moiety isolated from P. incarnata is a tri-substituted derivative of alpha-naphthoflavone (7,8-benzoflavone), a well-known aromatase-enzyme inhibitor, the mode of action of BZF has been postulated to be a neurosteroidal mechanism vide in which the BZF moiety prevents the metabolic degradation of testosterone and upregulates blood - testosterone levels in the body, according to "Drug/substance reversal effects of a novel tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety (BZF) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linn.--a brief perspective" by Dhawan K.(9)

10. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Passionflower may interact with other herbs and medication, including sedative and blood thinner medicine.
2. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

Back to Popular Herbs http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/popular-herbs.html
Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22218924
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18499602
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22212504
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21294203
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11679027
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20382514
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19051605
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14578021
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14690874

Popular #Herbs - Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial flowering plant, genus Petroselinum, belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as diuretic agent, and to release spasms, reduce inflammation, clear toxins, enhance the digestion and stimulate uterus, regulate menstrual cycle, treat edema, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Diuretic effects
In the determination of diuretic effect of parsley in folk medicine found that Parsley extract, was shown on the other hand, to reduce the activity of the Na+-K+ ATPase in both cortex and medulla homogenates. Such an inhibition would decrease apical cellular Na+ reabsorption, lower K+ secretion, increase K+ concentration in the intercellular space and consequently would inhibit passive K+ influx across the tight junctions, according to "Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley" by Kreydiyyeh SI, Usta J.(1)

2. Laxative effects
In the identification of Parsley' laxative properties claimed in folk medicine found that when parsley and furosemide were added together, net water absorption was significantly higher than with parsley alone and significantly lower than with furosemide alone. In addition, parsley extract was shown to inhibit the in vitro activity of the Na+-K+ATPase in a colon homogenate and the activity of a partially purified dog kidney ATPase. The results suggest that parsley acts by, inhibiting sodium and consequently water absorption through an inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump, and by stimulating the NaKCl, transporter and increasing electrolyte and water secretion, according to "The mechanism underlying the laxative properties of parsley extract" by Kreydiyyeh SI, Usta J, Kaouk I, Al-Sadi R.(2)

3. Antioxidants
In the investigation of Antioxidant activities of the total phenolics and HPLC analyses of the phenolic compounds of extracts from common Mediterranean plants, found that the antioxidant activities were evaluated according to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenger method. Sage (Salvia officinalis) showed the highest antioxidant activity (91%), while the lowest (11.3%) was seen in parsley (Petroselinum crispum). A strong correlation (r = 0.85) between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content was found, according to "Antioxidant activities, total phenolics and HPLC analyses of the phenolic compounds of extracts from common Mediterranean plants" by Rababah TM, Ereifej KI, Esoh RB, Al-u'datt MH, Alrababah MA, Yang W.(3)

4. Hepatotoxicity
In the investigation of the effects of parsley (2g/kg) and glibornuride (5mg/kg) on the liver tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, found that The diabetic group, given glibornuride, blood glucose, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, serum sialic acid, uric acid, potassium, and liver NEG levels decreased, but liver LPO, GSH, serum sodium levels, and body weight increased. It was concluded that probably, due to its antioxidant property, parsley extract has a protective effect comparable to glibornuride against hepatotoxicity caused by diabetes, according to "Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract versus glibornuride on the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" by Ozsoy-Sacan O, Yanardag R, Orak H, Ozgey Y, Yarat A, Tunali T(4)

5. Immunomodulatory effect
In the determination of the suppressive effects of parsley essential oil on mouse splenocytes and macrophages cells, found that parsley essential oil may be able to suppress the cellular and humoral immune response. It can also suppress both NO production and the functions of macrophages as the main innate immune cells. These results may suggest that parsley essential oil is a proper suppressant for different applications, according to "Immunomodulatory effect of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil on immune cells: Mitogen-activated splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages" by Yousofi A, Daneshmandi S, Soleimani N, Bagheri K, Karimi MH.(5)

6. Haemostasis
In the study of the aqueous extract (Pc) of Petroselinum crispum (Mill) and its effects haemostasis, found that Pc, apigenin and cosmosiin interfere on haemostasis inhibiting platelet aggregation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report for the cosmosiin antiplatelet aggregation in vitro activity, according to "Phenolic chemical composition of Petroselinum crispum extract and its effect on haemostasis" by Chaves DS, Frattani FS, Assafim M, de Almeida AP, de Zingali RB, Costa SS.(6)

7. Antimicrobial effects
In the study of the effect of cayenne, green pepper, parsley, and dill to Kareish cheese and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these plant materials against natural microflora, coliforms, molds, and Staphylococcus aureus, found that kareish cheese prepared with 1% cayenne pepper and 3% and 6% each of green pepper, dill, and parsley were found strongly acceptable to the consumer and considered the most preferable type. Therefore, this study revealed that pepper, parsley, and dill exhibited antibacterial activity against natural microflora, coliforms, yeast and molds, and S. aureus in Kareish cheese, and the addition of these plants is acceptable to the consumer and may contribute to the development of new and safe varieties of Kareish cheese, according to "Antimicrobial effects of pepper, parsley, and dill and their roles in the microbiological quality enhancement of traditional Egyptian Kareish cheese" by Wahba NM, Ahmed AS, Ebraheim ZZ.(7)

8. Platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding
In the determination of parsley (Petroselinum crispum, Apiaceae) used in In Morocco, used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, found that The oral administration of CAE (3g/kg) inhibited significantly (p<0.001) platelet aggregation ex vivo and prolonged bleeding time (p<0.001) without changes in the platelet amount. The prolongation of bleeding time by CAE may be attributed to the observed inhibition of platelet aggregation. These effects could be related in part to the polyphenolic compounds present in the extract. These results support the hypothesis that the dietary intake of parsley may be benefit in the normalization of platelet hyperactivation, in the nutritional prevention of cardiovascular diseases and are potentially interesting in the development of new prevention strategies, according to "Parsley extract inhibits in vitro and ex vivo platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time in rats" by Gadi D, Bnouham M, Aziz M, Ziyyat A, Legssyer A, Legrand C, Lafeve FF, Mekhfi H.(8)

9. Spasmolytic effect
In the investigation of Traditional herbal medicines such as Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) used for treatment of intestinal disorders in Iran, found that adding extract before influence of KCl, cause reduced effect of KCl (n = 7, p < 0.001). In addition, the Tyrode solution without CaCl2 and high concentration of K+, various concentration of extract significantly (n = 7, p < 0.001) decreased the CaCl2-induced contraction. Therefore, it seems that the relaxation effect of extract alcoholic parsley seed on the contraction of ileum is performed by blocking of voltage-gated calcium channels, according to "Spasmolytic effect of Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) on rat's ileum at different calcium chloride concentrations" by

Moazedi AA, Mirzaie DN, Seyyednejad SM, Zadkarami MR, Amirzargar A.(9)

10. Cognitive effects
In the testinbg Aqueous and methanolic extracts of 11 plants and 3 Corydalis species, including parsley used in Danish folk medicine for improvement of memory and cognition, found that the extracts exhibited moderate inhibition of the enzyme, defined as more than 15% at 0.1 mg/ml, according to "Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat memory dysfunction for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity" by Adsersen A, Gauguin B, Gudiksen L, Jäger AK.(10)

11. Antiulcerogenic activity
In the demonstartion of An ethanolic extract of Parsley, Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym.ex A.W. Hill (Umbelliferae) and its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and to protect gastric mucosa against the injuries caused by pyloric ligation, hypothermic restraint stress, indomethacin and cytodestructive agent, found that The extract in doses of 1 and 2 g/kg body weight had a significant antiulcerogenic activity on the models used. Besides, ethanol-induced depleted gastric wall mucus and non-protein sulfhydryl contents were replenished by pretreatment with Parsley extract, according to "Prevention of experimentally-induced gastric ulcers in rats by an ethanolic extract of "Parsley" Petroselinum crispum" by Al-Howiriny T, Al-Sohaibani M, El-Tahir K, Rafatullah S.(11)

12. Etc.

Popular #Herbs - Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb with aromatic and balsamic flavor, of the genus Origanum in the family Lamiaceae, native to western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral agent and to treat skin burns, cuts and bruises, sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs and flu, etc.

Health Benefits 1. Anti inflammatory effect
In the assessment of two fractions (S1 and S2) of an oregano (Origanum vulgare) extract and testing the anti-inflammatory effects on activated human THP-1 cells, found that a decrease in pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 cytokines synthesis, as well as an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These results may suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of oregano extracts and their compounds in a cellular model of atherosclerosis, according to "Supercritical fluid extraction of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essentials oils: anti-inflammatory properties based on cytokine response on THP-1 macrophages" by Ocaña-Fuentes A, Arranz-Gutiérrez E, Señorans FJ, Reglero G.(1)

2. Anti microbial effects
In the evaluation of Oregano essential oil (OEO) and its effect on the growth of natural contaminating molds on the surface of Spanish fermented sausage, found that the use of OEO to inhibit surface fungi did not affect the sausage drying process, pH, water activity, or color changes during ripening. These parameters change in a typical pattern for fermented dry-cured sausages during ripening. At the end of ripening, OEO-treated sausages had lower hardness and greater chewiness than the control but showed similar textural properties to sausages treated with potassium sorbate, according to "Role of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil as a Surface Fungus Inhibitor on Fermented Sausages: Evaluation of Its Effect on Microbial and Physicochemical Characteristics" by Chaves-López C, Martin-Sánchez AM, Fuentes-Zaragoza E, Viuda-Martos M, Fernández-López J, Sendra E, Sayas E, Angel Pérez Alvarez J.(2)

3. Antiurolithic activity
In the evaluation of the crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Origanum vulgare (Ov.Cr) for possible antiurolithic effect, found that Antiurolithic activity in Ov.Cr, possibly mediated through inhibition of CaOx crystallization, antioxidant, renal epithelial cell protective and antispasmodic activities, rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis, according to "Antiurolithic activity of Origanum vulgare is mediated through multiple pathways" by Khan A, Bashir S, Khan SR, Gilani AH.(3)

4. Antioxidants
In the comprison of twenty-five essential oils and their major chemical components, including Oregano, were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by assaying their DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (DFRS), total phenolic contents (TPC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric thiocyanate (FTC). Based on the TPC and TEAC assays
found that two major chemical components of the essential oils cinnamon bark extra, ajowan, and oregano were trans-cinnamaldehyde (90.61%), eugenol (2.58%), carvacrol (61.20%), p-cymene (37.44%), thymol (77.09%), and p-cymene (10.01%). It is clear that phenolic compounds in the aforementioned essential oils yield a positive correlation with the DFRS, TPC, TEAC, and FTC assays, according to "A study of four antioxidant activities and major chemical component analyses of twenty-five commonly used essential oils" by
Huang CC, Wang HF, Chen CH, Chen YJ, Yih KH.(4)

5. Wound healing
In the determination of the efficacy of 3% oregano extract ointment on wound healing found that Oregano extract ointment decreased bacterial contamination and subsequent infection on post-surgical wounds and had equivalent overall scar appearance compared to petrolatum, according to "Oregano extract ointment for wound healing: a randomized, double-blind, petrolatum-controlled study evaluating efficacy" by Ragi J, Pappert A, Rao B, Havkin-Frenkel D, Milgraum S.(5)

6. Liver cancer
In the observation of Carvacrol is one of the members of monoterpene phenol found in the volatile oils of Thymus vulgaris, Carum copticum, origanum and oregano and testing for its anti-hepatocarcinogenic activities found that that carvacrol may induce apoptosis by direct activation of the mitochondrial pathway, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway may play an important role in the antitumor effect of carvacrol. These results have identified, for the first time, the biological activity of carvacrol in HepG2 cells and should lead to further development of carvacrol for liver disease therapy, according to "Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of carvacrol on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG-2" by Yin QH, Yan FX, Zu XY, Wu YH, Wu XP, Liao MC, Deng SW, Yin LL, Zhuang YZ.(6)

7. Anti cataractogenesis
In the assessment of the antioxidant effect of Origanum vulgare extract against selenite-induced cataractogenesis, found that Ov extract have revealed a significant protective effect against selenite induced cataract when injected 1 and 2 day (2 times) before selenite injection. There is a protective effect of Ov against selenite induced cataract formation. It is supposed that the anticataract effect of Ov extract could be based on direct or indirect antioxidant mechanisms, according to "Prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis by Origanum vulgare extract" Dailami KN, Azadbakht M, Pharm ZR, Lashgari M.(7)

8. Prolongevity effects
In the demonstration of the oregano-cranberry (OC) mixture and its effect on longevity in the Mexican Fruit fly, found that OC extends lifespan and promotes reproduction partly through DR-independent pathways, and short-term supplementation have varied impact on longevity and reproduction. This also suggests a positive interaction between non-genetic interventions in promoting longevity and provides guidance for using botanicals as aging interventions in humans. according to "Prolongevity effects of a botanical with oregano and cranberry extracts in Mexican fruit flies: examining interactions of diet restriction and age" by Zou S, Carey JR, Liedo P, Ingram DK, Yu B.(8)

9. Cognitive effects
In the investigation of the extract from oregano leaves, with a specified range of active constituents and theirs effect on the modulation of mood, anxiety, cognition, sleep regulation and appetite found that extract prepared from leaves of oregano, a major constituent of the Mediterranean diet, is brain-active, with moderate triple reuptake inhibitory activity, and exhibits positive behavioural effects in animal models. We postulate that such an extract may be effective in enhancing mental well-being in humans, according to "Monoamine reuptake inhibition and mood-enhancing potential of a specified oregano extract" by Mechan AO, Fowler A, Seifert N, Rieger H, Wöhrle T, Etheve S, Wyss A, Schüler G, Colletto B, Kilpert C, Aston J, Elliott JM, Goralczyk R, Mohajeri MH.(9)

10. Antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities
In the determination of the the effects of 46 compounds of essential oil from oregano leaves on antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities.found that the aqueous extract had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50=4.8±0.2 mg/L (DPPH assay). Concerning antimalarial activity, Origanum compactum essential oil and ethyl acetate extract showed the best results with an IC50 of 34 and 33 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, ethyl acetate extract (30 mg/L) and ethanol extract (56 mg/L) showed activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF7). The oregano essential oil was considered to be nontoxic, according to "Oregano: chemical analysis and evaluation of its antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities" by El Babili F, Bouajila J, Souchard JP, Bertrand C, Bellvert F, Fouraste I, Moulis C, Valentin A.(10)

11. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Overdose oregano may cause allergic effect such as tongue swollen, palpitation, etc.
2. Do not use the herb, if you are allergic to herbs of the mint family
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant without approval from the related field specialist.
4. Overdose can be toxic.
5. Etc.
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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332013
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22221361
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22004514
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21982354
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21968667
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21938469
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21850936
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21455602
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21205415
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21535822

Popular #Herbs - Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Sting Nettle is a flower plant in the genus Urtica, belonging tothe family Urticaceae, native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.The herb has been used in traditional medicine as diuretic and laxative agent and to treat diarrhea and urinary disorders, to relieve pain, treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.
Health benefits 1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
In the investigation of the effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) (UD) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced by testosterone, found that measurement of prostate/body weight ratio, weekly urine output and serum testosterone levels, prostate-specific antigen levels (on day 28) and histological examinations carried out on prostates from each group led us to conclude that UD can be used as an effective drug for the management of BPH, according to "Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats" by Nahata A, Dixit VK.(1)

2. Cellular response and nonspecific resistance
In the assessment of the effects of extracts from licorice (Glycyrrhisa glabra), great nettle (Urtica dioica), common burdock (Arctium lappa), and bur marigold (Bidens tripartite) on the humoral and cellular immune response and nonspecific resistance in mice, found that Burdock and bur marigold extracts stimulated the humoral immune response, nettle and licorice extracts stimulated cellular response and nonspecific resistance, their effects being superior to those of pharmacopoeial Echinacea purpurea tincture, according to "Effects of drugs of plant origin on the development of the immune response.[Article in English, Russian]" by Borsuk OS, Masnaya NV, Sherstoboev EY, Isaykina NV, Kalinkina GI, Reihart DV.(2)

3. Gastrointestinal hemorrhages
In the determine to ABS, a standardized mixture of the plants Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica, and theirs effect on both bleeding individuals with normal hemostatic parameters and in patients with deficient primary and/or secondary hemostasis, found that ABS also modulates the cellular apoptotic responses to hemorrhagic stress, as well as hemostatic hemodynamic activity. Through its effects on the endothelium, blood cells, angiogenesis, cellular proliferation, vascular dynamics, and wound healing, according to "Ankaferd hemostat in the management of gastrointestinal hemorrhages" by Beyazit Y, Kekilli M, Haznedaroglu IC, Kayacetin E, Basaranoglu M.(3)

4. Burns
In the analyzing Combudoron, a composed of extracts from arnica and stinging nettle, and its effect in treating partial thickness burns and insect bites in Europe, found that Combudoron seems to have positive effects on healing of grade 2 laser induced burns which deserve further investigation, according to "Arnica and stinging nettle for treating burns - a self-experiment" by Huber R, Bross F, Schempp C, Gründemann C.(4)

5. Antioxidants
In the observation of the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antioxidant activity of Urtica dioica L methanolic extract (UDME) against CP toxicity in Erhlich ascites tumor (EAT)-bearing mice, found that almost all doses of UDME performed a significant (P < 0.05) preventive role against CP toxicity by decreasing aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation levels, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as increasing reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. This suggests that UDME has a protective capacity and antioxidant activity against CP toxicity in EAT-bearing mice, probably by promoting antioxidative defense systems, according to "Ameliorative influence of Urtica dioica L against cisplatin-induced toxicity in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma" by Ozkol H, Musa D, Tuluce Y, Koyuncu I.(5)
6. Colitis
In the determination of the effect of Urtica dioica, known as stinging nettle, seed oil (UDO) and its effect in treatment on colonic tissue and blood parameters of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats found that UDO administration ameliorated the TNBS-induced disturbances in colonic tissue except for MDA. In conclusion, UDO, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, merits consideration as a potential agent in ameliorating colonic inflammation, according to "The Effect of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Seed Oil on Experimental Colitis in Rats" by Genc Z, Yarat A, Tunali-Akbay T, Sener G, Cetinel S, Pisiriciler R, Caliskan-Ak E, Altıntas A, Demirci B.(6)

7. Antimicrobial effects
In the assessment of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of some Romanian medicinal plants, arnica--Arnica montana, wormwood--Artemisia absinthium and nettle--Urtica dioica, found that The vegetal extracts showed antimicrobial activity preferentially directed against the planktonic fungal and bacterial growth, while the effect against biofilm formation and development was demonstrated only against S. aureus and C. albicans, according to "In vitro antimicrobial activity of Romanian medicinal plants hydroalcoholic extracts on planktonic and adhered cells" by Stanciuc AM, Gaspar A, Moldovan L, Saviuc C, Popa M, Măruţescu L.(7)

8. Peptic ulcer
In the study of Nettle extract produced from leaves crushed to 40-70 nm fragments and its effect on peptic ulcer found that the antiulcer activity of the nettle extract from 40-70 nm fragments is comparable with the effect of buckthorn oil. Nettle extracts also hinder the excess acid secretion and diminish the acidity of stomach juice in experimental peptic ulcer caused by pylorus ligation, according to "[Gastroprotective action of the nettle extract in experimental peptic ulcer].[Article in Russian]" by Burkova VN, Boev SG, Vengerovskiĭ AI, Iudina NV, Arbuzov AG.(8)

9. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
In the evaluation of the effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury found that in group 3 (a total of 2 ml/kg Urtica dioica was given intraperitoneally), serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly lower, and catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels were higher than those in group 2 (a total of 2 ml/kg 0.9% saline solution was given intraperitoneally). Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue damage was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 2, according to "Effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats" by Kandis H, Karapolat S, Yildirim U, Saritas A, Gezer S, Memisogullari R.(9)

10. Severe acute respiratory syndrome
In the determination of Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) and it effects with an N-acetylglucosamine specificity in inhibition of viruses from Nidovirales in vitro, found that UDA neutralizes the virus infectivity, presumably by binding to the SARS-CoV spike (S) glycoprotein. Finally, the target molecule for the inhibition of virus replication was partially characterized. When UDA was exposed to N-acetylglucosamine and then UDA was added to cells just prior to adsorption, UDA did not inhibit the virus infection. These data support the conclusion that UDA might bind to N-acetylglucosamine-like residues present on the glycosylated envelope glycoproteins, thereby preventing virus attachment to cells, according to "Inhibition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus replication in a lethal SARS-CoV BALB/c mouse model by stinging nettle lectin, Urtica dioica agglutinin" by Kumaki Y, Wandersee MK, Smith AJ, Zhou Y, Simmons G, Nelson NM, Bailey KW, Vest ZG, Li JK, Chan PK, Smee DF, Barnard DL.(10)

11. Anti diabetes
In the investigation of the protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves on the quantitative morphometric changes in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, found that administration of extract of Urtica dioica leaves before induction of diabetic with streptozotocin has a protective effect on the morphometric alterations of hepatocytes in the periportal and perivenous zones of the liver lobule in rats, according to "Protective role of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) extract on hepatocytes morphometric changes in STZ diabetic Wistar rats" by Golalipour MJ, Ghafari S, Afshar M.(11)

12. Etc.