St. John’s wort plant

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub, known for its yellow flowers. This plant had been traditionally hung over a picture in the house during St. John’s day to ward off evil. In fact, the genus name Hypericum is Greek for ‘above’ (hyper) and ‘picture’ (eikon)! (2)

Medicinal properties of St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort has anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic properties and its use dates back to ancient Greeks and Native Americans. Historically, the plant was used in herbal tea, which had many curative properties.

In modern medicine, St. John’s wort is used for treating depression and anxiety disorders. This herb has been found more effective in treating mild depression, as compared to over-the-counter antidepressant medication. In most drugstores, standardized extracts are available usually in the form of tablets/capsules and tinctures. They are also available in teabags.

In the preparation of teas and tablets, only the flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used, since they contain concentrated extracts. Its use in homeopathy for various medical problems is also well known, but the success rate has not been adequately documented.

Dosage for St. John’s wort

British Herbal Medicine Association Scientific Committee (1983) recommends the following dosage for various forms of St John’s wort (2):

a. 2 to 4 gram dried herb or by infusion 3 times a day.

b. 2 to 4 ml liquid extract 3 times a day.

c. 2 to 4 ml tincture 3 times day.

However, this dosage is for adults and should not be given to children without consulting the physician, as the dosage varies from child to child.

Effectiveness of St. John’s wort

Studies conducted for the effectiveness of St. John’s wort in treating clinical depression showed mixed results. The good news is this herb was found effective in treating mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects than many conventional antidepressants (2). However, the bad news is studies sponsored by NCCAM showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. The research is continuing that encompasses a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression (2).

Side effects of St. John’s wort

There are certain side effects associated with the use of St. John’s wort. Let’s see what they are (1):

a. Its use may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. This can also cause sunburns, but the incidence is rare (2).

b. It can cause anxiety, dryness of mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, confusion, sedation and even sexual dysfunction.

c. This herb is also known to interact with some drugs. When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John’s wort may increase the incidence of nausea, anxiety, headache and confusion.

d. It may hinder in the efficient processing or breaking down of many drugs. In some cases, it may even speed up or slow down a drug’s breakdown. The drugs that are commonly affected by the intake of St. John’s wort are those for controlling HIV infection, treating cancer, strengthening heart muscle contractions and some anticoagulants and antidepressants.

e. This herb is known to have negative effects on fertility in both men and women (2).

f. Sudden discontinuance of this herb has been found to be quite unpleasant in certain cases (2).

St. John’s wort is an effective herb, but should be used judiciously. The best course is to go by the recommendations of your physician, in case you’re using any medicine or dietary supplement containing St. John’s wort.

References

1-http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/
2- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John’s_Wort

Ginkgo tree

This deciduous tree is generally 20 to 35 meters tall, but can grow over 50 meters. It is deep rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage, and has an amazingly long life. Some specimens are more than 2,500 years old. Its wood is resistant to disease and insect. Its leaves resemble some of the pinnae of the maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) and hence the name maidenhair tree (1).

Effects of ginkgo

Ginkgo leaves contain medicinal properties. Its extract contains flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides, which are used in pharmaceuticals. The leaf extract contain nootropic properties that boost human cognitive abilities. Therefore, it finds use as memory enhancer and anti-vertigo agent. Research has shown that ginkgo extract effect the human body in 3 ways (1):

a. They improve blood flow to tissues and organs, including microcirculation in small capillaries.

b. They act as an antioxidant by providing protection against oxidative cell damage.

c. They block the effects of platelet aggregation and blood clotting, thus preventing the development of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and central nervous system disorders.

Medicinal uses of ginkgo

Ginkgo is one of the 10 best-selling herbal medications in the US, where it’s classified as a dietary supplement. No wonder you find ginkgo listed on the labels of every energy drink! Its leaf extract is the most widely sold phyto-medicine in Europe. There are no less than 120 published clinical studies on ginkgo. Gingko, in its various forms, is used for (2):

a. Treatment of early-stages of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, peripheral claudication and tinnitus.

b. Alleviating the symptoms of cerebrovascular disease and dementia.

c. Curing sexual dysfunction.

d. Alleviating mountain sickness.

e. Preventing macular degeneration, asthma and hypoxia.

f. Recommended for use in Raynaud’s disease, acrocyanosis, and post-phlebitic syndrome by the World Health Organization.

Dosage of ginkgo

The following dosage has been recommended for various ailments (1):

a. Patients of memory problems and dementia: 2 to 3 doses of 120 to 240 mg daily.

b. Patients of tinnitus and peripheral vascular disease: 2 to 3 doses of 160 mg per day.

This dosage is for adults and should not be given to children without consulting the physician, as the dosage varies from child to child.

To ascertain the effectiveness of ginkgo, an initial period of 6 to 12 weeks should be given. However, the results may become apparent as early as 4 weeks.

Adverse effects of ginkgo

An estimated 2 billion 120 mg daily doses of ginkgo have been sold in the last 20 years at the cost of approximately $15 to $20 each. Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, with side effects being rare and usually mild. However, the following adverse effects have been noticed (2):

a. Occurrence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, palpitation, restlessness, weakness or skin rashes.

b. Inhibition of the platelet-activating factor. This requires discontinuing ginkgo between 36 hours and 14 days before surgery.

c. Increased risk of bleeding, if used with herbal medications, like feverfew, garlic, ginseng, dong quai, red clover and other natural coumarins.

d. Bleeding complications, including subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage and hyphema.

e. Toxicity through use of unprocessed ginkgo leaf, as it contains toxic ginkgolic acids.

f. Adverse effect on pregnant women or those hypersensitive to ginkgo preparations.

g. Increased risk of bleeding, if used in combination with warfarin, antiplatelet agents, and certain other herbal medications.
h. Adverse effects on those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Despite these adverse effects, ginkgo offers a relatively safe, inexpensive and modestly effective treatment option for a string of diseases and conditions. However, its use should always be made under the recommendations and supervision of a physician.

References

1-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo
2-http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030901/923.html

Echinacea down the ages

Echinacea has been traditionally used by Native Americans, as their main herbal remedy. Till early 20th century, this plant was an important constituent of modern American medicine. Even Europeans used it extensively in the 1930s. (2)

Medicinal properties of Echinacea

Echinacea’s rhizome, which is nothing but an underground root, was used by Native Americans to prepare herbal medicines. However, depending upon the species, any part of the plant, above or below the ground, can be used in the preparation of such medicines. This is because the plant contains many chemical components responsible for health benefits. These chemical compounds are called phenols.

Phenols, such as, cichoric and caftaric acids are present in E. purpurea, while echinacoside is found in E. angustifolia and E. pallida. The importance of these phenols is they serve as markers to help evaluate the quantity of Echinacea, while making herbal products. Other important constituents of these plants are alkamides and polysaccharides. (2)

Echinacea has been found beneficial in boosting the immune system. It stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for combating infection. Other benefits of this plant are given as under (2):

a. Echinacea reduces or shortens the duration of cold symptoms, as per the research conducted by University of Maryland.

b. It alleviates coughs, flu and other upper respiratory tract conditions.

c. It cures sore throat and enlarged lymph glands.

d. It’s helpful in combating herpes, Candida and athlete’s foot.

e. It assists in clearing urinary tract infections.

f. It helps in healing wounds, in skin regeneration and in clearing skin infections.

g. It has also proved beneficial against psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions.

h. It also helps in cancer treatment.

i. It increases the number and activity of immune system cells by promoting T-cell activation. (3)

j. It reduces inflammation in arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions. (3)

k. It’s a mild antibiotic and is an effective anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. (3)

Preparation

The plant parts, both above and below the ground, are crushed and its juice extracted and used as such. It can even be used, either fresh or dried, for making herbal teas. Extracts of the plant can also be used in preparations for external use (3).

Precautions

Echinacea products should not be taken by children without consulting the physician. Even persons with progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders, such as connective tissue disorders, tuberculosis, collagenosis, leicosis and related diseases should not take this herbal medicine. It should also not be used by AIDS patients (3).

Echinacea also doesn’t go well with certain hepatotoxic drugs, like anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate or ketoconazole (3).

Side effects

Echinacea produces side effects in certain people. Some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma and anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions were more apparent in people naturally allergic to plants of the daisy family, like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold and daisy. Gastrointestinal problems have also occurred in clinical trials. Asthmatic persons or persons with atopy, a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions, are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Echinacea.

Echinacea is an effective herbal remedy, but if you’re using it, it’s important to inform your physician. This will help him or her in prescribing medicine that doesn’t have adverse reaction with Echinacea.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea
http://www.herbs.org/greenpapers/echinacea.html
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/echinacea/

Black cohosh plant

Black cohosh is a herbaceous perennial plant found in some parts of North America. It has coarse leaves with toothed margins and sweet smelling flowers that are without petals or sepals! The plant can grow to a height of 7 feet. The healing powers of the herb were known since olden times, as Native Americans used it to treat disorders like, sore throat, colds, cough, constipation, hives, backache, kidney problems, gynecological disorders, malaria and rheumatism. They even used it to induce lactation!

Importance of black cohosh

Black cohosh possesses some excellent curative properties that alleviate premenstrual tension, menopause, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility and other gynecological problems in women. It also helps induce labor pains and is used for abortion. Previously, it was thought this herb healed because it contained some estrogen-like chemicals, but recent research has found it works by binding to serotonin receptors.

Effectiveness of black cohosh

The effectiveness of black cohosh lies in its composition. It contains active compounds of triterpene glycosides, including actein and cimicifugoside, resins, caffeic and isoferulic acids. Clinical studies conducted on women indicate that black cohosh may help relieve menopausal symptoms. However, concrete proof is yet to be established.

Black cohosh preparations

Mostly, the roots and rhizomes of black cohosh are used in preparations. These are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas or infusions and capsules. Also, its solid and liquid extracts are used for making pills and tinctures, respectively. One preparation, called Remifemin, contains black cohosh extract equivalent to 20 mg of root per tablet.

Side effects of black cohosh

Black cohosh, being a powerful herb, is not without side effects. Let’s see what all it can cause:

a. Black cohosh can cause headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems. It has also been known to cause seizures, vomiting, sweating, low blood pressure, slow heartbeats and loss of bone mass in some.

b. If used during pregnancy for inducing labor or for lactation, it can cause neurological complications in a post-term baby.

c. Black cohosh may produce stimulation of the mucous membrane lining the uterus.

d. Since, use of this herb increases blood flow to the pelvic area, it’s not recommended during menses, as it may increase or prolong bleeding.

e. The tannin contained in black cohosh inhibits iron absorption.

f. Although not established, in an experiment done on mice, black cohosh increased metastasis of cancer in lungs.

Precautions for black cohosh

Black cohosh should not be taken during pregnancy, since the effects have not been rigorously studied. If taken, it should be under the supervision of a physician. Also, women with breast cancer should avoid its use. Although black cohosh has not been reported to interact with any drugs, it’s not conclusively established. So, avoid taking it along with prescriptions drugs.

Regulatory status of black cohosh

Since black cohosh is marketed as a dietary supplement in the US, it’s counted as a food and not drug. So, it doesn’t require FDA approval. However, since supplements are not tested for consistency, there’s a possibility of the composition varying considerably, from lot to lot.

Black cohosh is a magic drug, but it’s also a double-edged sword. So, if you wish to use this herb, do so by all means, but don’t forget to take your physician into confidence.

Sources of 5-HTP

To you it might appear that food is the primary source of 5-HTP, since it’s found in infinitesimal amounts in certain foods, like turkey and cheese. However, its real source lies in an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplement is extracted from the ingredients in the seeds of this plant. (2)

5-HTP action

5-HTP counters depression by raising the levels of serotonin. The enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase acts on 5-HTP and decarboxylates it to serotonin. This intermediary role of 5-HTP, in the biosynthesis of serotonin, is a pointer to its effectiveness in treating serotonin-related disorders. It’s believed that a high supply of 5-HTP causes the brain’s serotonin-producing neurons to increase production.

Medical benefits of 5-HTP

5-HTP has been found indispensable in the treatment of the following ailments (1):

a. It helps in alleviating the symptoms of depression and possibly of anxiety and panic disorder. In fact, studies have shown that the effects of 5-HTP is the same in treating mild to moderate depression, as that of the prescription antidepressants.

b. It cures sleep disorders by providing a mild psychoactive effect on REM sleep and has proved a blessing for those suffering from insomnia.

c. It has proved a benefit in curing obesity. Taking 5-HTP supplement provides an enhanced sense of satisfaction to those trying to lose weight, even after eating small portions (2).

d. A study indicates that better results are obtained from 5-HTP than from an SSRI, for those suffering from anxious depressive syndrome.

e. It cures migraine headaches by administering a dosage of 400 to 600 mg daily. Anything less has proven ineffective (2).

f. The discomfort caused by fibromyalgia, a disease characterized by aching, tender muscles, fatigue and disturbed sleep, is effectively countered by 5-HTP (2).

Dosage

5-HTP is generally available in 50mg or 100mg gelatin capsules, which need to be taken on empty stomach before sleep, because of the resulting drowsiness. It can also be taken in daytime but in smaller doses, 1 to 3 times a day (1). Once 5-HTP becomes effective, the dosage may be reduced significantly (2). However, children should only be given this supplement on the recommendations of the physician.

Adverse effects

5-HTP, if taken with other natural or traditional drugs, is known to have an adverse effect on the body. For instance, if taken with carbidopa, a medication used for Parkinson’s disease, it can create skin changes akin to scleroderma. Similarly, taking 5-HTP with prescription antidepressants, like SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, tricyclics, the pain medication tramadol or the migraine drugs of triptan family can again affect adversely.

Side effects

5-HTP has fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants and may include:

a. Nausea.
b. Drowsiness.
c. Constipation and gas.
d. Decreased sex drive.
e. Allergic reactions.

Despite the adverse effects, 5-HTP has immense curative properties that can treat many ailments. However, always consult your physician, before you decide to use this supplement.

References

1. 5-HTP on Wikipedia
2. 5-HTP on Butler.org