- Part 12

General Information

Common Name:

Chamomile

Latin Name:

• Matricaria recutita;
• Matricaria chamomilla;
• Chamaemelum nobile(Roman chamomile).

Family:

Asteraceae(Compositae)

Other Names:

• German Chamomile.
• Roman Chamomile

Indications & Historical Uses

Internal use is indicated in the following instances:

• Prevention and treatment of ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, gastritis and diverticulitis.
• Soothes mucous membrane inflammations.
• Aids digestion and calms upset stomachs.
• For use as a mild sedative (to treat anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, stress, restlessness and nightmares) without disruption of normal motor coordination.
• Alleviation of menstrual cramps.

External use is indicated for

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory balm for burns, sores, abrasions, minor cuts and wounds, eczema and chapped skin, acne, dermatitis, allergic reactions and infections; enables more rapid healing of these conditions.

For use as a mouthwash to treat gum inflammation (gingivitis, etc.) and soothe sore throats (pharyngitis), esophageal discomfort (esophagitis) and to relieve some symptoms of sinusitis.

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications/ Precautions:
Do not use if you are allergic to ragweed. Exercise caution if you are on sedatives, tranquilizers and anti-depressants.
See Caution.

Adverse Side Effects:
See contraindications

Drug Interactions:
See Contraindications.

Adverse Side Effects:
See Contraindications. Drug Interactions:
See Contraindications.

Dosage Information

How Supplied:

• Capsules 400 mg.
• Tincture.
• Infusion (made with dried flowers).
• Creams.

Dosage:

Capsules 400 mg -1 to 4 capsules per day.
Tincture is taken in dosage of ½ to 1 teaspoon up to three times per day. A tea is made using 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup Creams -apply locally 2 to 3 times per day.

Pharmacology

Chamomile flowers contain volatile oils which contain the above listed active ingredients. Standardized active ingredients are 1.2% Apigenin and 0.5% essential oil-these are extracted from the whole plant. Bisabolols ,indicycloether , and the flavonoids have been found to have anti-inflammatory ,calming , mildly sedative, and anti- spasmodic effects. This probably explains why the herb helps soothe stomach upset; it probably relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the stomach or intestines and calms the inflamed tissue.
Chamazulene,azulene, marcine are the more anti-inflammatory constituents with anti-allergenic properties too Azulene has been shown to inhibit histamine release and to block the effect of serotonin. Chamomile may also help in preventing infections and promote wound healing by fighting infection causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and fungi such as Candida albicans German health authorities endorse topical chamomile products for treating bacterial skin diseases and mouth washes (made with infusions ) for soothing inflammatory lesions in the mouth and for gum problems. It is important to note that the critical essential oils are not water soluble and so even a strong cup of chamomile tea will only contain 10 -15% of the essential oil. However ,drinking chamomile tea over an extended period of time may produce the desired results. To ensure that you are getting the highest -quality chamomile ,buy formulations that contain whole flower heads from a reputable source .

Active Ingredients:

• Flavanoids.
• Bisabolols.
• Matricine.
• Chamazulene.
• Indicycloether.

Origin

There are two major types of chamomile – German or Hungarian, and Roman or English. It is the former that is discussed here, because it is more easily available on the North American and World market. Matricaria chamomilla is an annual and bears daisy like yellow flower heads, which are harvested and dried for medicinal use.

Processing

The blue colored volatile oils are extracted from the dried flower heads by steam distillation.

Scientific References

Mann.C. and Staba.J.:”The Chemistry ,Pharmacology, and Commercial Formulations of Chamomile,”in Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology, vol.1, L.E.Craker , and J.E,Simon.eds., Oryx Press, Phoenix, Arizona,1986, pp 233-280.

Mowrey. D. (1990) The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine.

Tyler. V. (1994) Herbs of Choice.

Schilcher. H.: Die Kamille, Wisseschaftliche Verlagsesellschaft, Stuttgart, 1987, 152 pp.

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General Information

Common Name:

Cascara Sagrada

Latin Name:

Rhaminus purshiana

Family:

Rhamnaceae

Other Names:

• Shittim
• Wahoo

Indications & Historical Uses

Indications:
Constipation – Cascara Sagrada is the best herbal stimulant available. Cascara is probably the mildest of the anthraquinone stimulant laxatives, producing only minor effects on the small intestine. Because of its relatively mild action, Cascara is the least likely of the stimulant laxatives to cause undesirable side effects such as griping or dependence.

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindictions:

Nursing mothers and pregnant women should avoid taking cascara as it is secreted in mother’s milk.

Should not be used by people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and any kind of intestinal obstruction.

Precautions:
Same as above (See Caution).

Side Effects:
None known at present. (See Caution).

Drug Interaction:
None known at present.

Dosage Information

Dosage:

50 – 100 mg of 25% hydroxy-anthracone derivatives depending on the degree of constipation. Children and the elderly should use half to a quarter of the normal dose.

Pharmacology

Active principles consist largely of cascarosides A,B,C and D with anthroquinone glycosides in minor amounts. These active substances stimulate peristalsis locally in the large intestine and also act indirectly by circulating in the blood stream and stimulating a nerve center to trigger a laxative effect. Cascara also helps restore tone to the colon and thereby overcome laxative dependence in the elderly. It is also safe and effective for detoxifying and cleansing programs, as opposed to harsher laxatives e.g. senna. Cascara can be used as an effective chelating agent to prevent the occurrence of calcium based kidney stones .

Active Ingredients:

• Free anthroquinone and its sugar derivatives.
• Hydroxy anthracene derivatives (HAD).

Origin

It is a small to medium-sized tree native to the American Northwest. It has thin and pointy dark green leaves that fall in autumn, small purplish -black fruits, and a reddish brown bark with gray or white lichen patches The bark is used medicinally.

Processing

The bark should be aged at least one year before being processed in order to allow the reduced glycosides (Anthrones) with their harsh laxative action to be converted to milder oxidized forms. The Aged dried bark is then pulverized. Standard amount of the active ingredient should be 20-30% hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HAD).

Scientific References

Mowrey, D (1990) – Guaranteed Potency Herbs. A compilation of writings on the subject.

Brunton, L.L.: Chapter 38 in Goodman and Gillman’s – The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics 8th ed. A.L. Gilman et al. Eds. Pergamon Press, New York. 1990 pp 914-932.

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General Information

Common Name:

Butcher’s Broom

Latin Name:

Ruscus aculeatus L

Family:

Liliaceae

Other Names:

• Box holly.
• Knee holly.
• Pettigree.

Indications & Historical Uses

Treatment and prevention of:

• Hemorrhoids, proctitis, anal itching (pruritis ani), anal fissures.
• Varicose veins, chilblains, venous circulatory disorders.
• Menstrual problems, PMS.

Contraindications & Precautions

Precautions:
May cause gastritis in susceptible individuals. Extreme caution is to be exercised by patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis and various allergies.

Side Effects:
Susceptible individuals may experience nausea.

Drug Interactions:
None known; however, this herb should probably not be used in conjunction with steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). (See Caution).

Dosage Information

How Supplied:

Supplied in 150 mg tablets and 300 mg tablets. Some preparations are suitable for external use as a poultice, ointment or suppository.

Dosage:

150 mg to 300 mg per day, to be taken orally. Some preparations of this herb may be used externally as a poultice, ointment or suppository.

Pharmacology

Historically, this herb was used to treat a range of disorders in the following areas:

Proctology (i.e. hemorrhoids, proctitis, pruritus ani (anal itching), anal fissures).

Phlebology (i.e. varicose veins, varices, chilblains, “heavy legs”, surface veins, post-thrombotic syndrome, venous circulatory disorders).

Opthalmology (i.e. diabetic retinopathy, retinal hemorrhages).

Gynecology (i.e. menstrual problems, troubles with taking estrogens, cramps of pregnancy, varicose veins of pregnancy).

Butcher’s Broom contains a mixture of steroidal saponin glycosides, particularly the modified cholesterol derivatives ruscogenin and neuroruscogenin. These saponins are the starting materials used by the body to produce important endogenous steroid compounds. Current research has demonstrated that these compounds have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties (i.e. by reducing the fragility and permeability of capillary walls) and vasoconstrictive properties. They are additionally known to increase venous tone. The herb has therefore been used to treat venous circulatory disorders, hemorrhoidal problems, varicose veins (especially in pregnancy) and for reduction of capillary fragility and prevention of edema in the lower extremities. Other herbal preparations which are known to act as bio-enhancing agents (i.e. help to enhance the biological activity of this herb) are bilberry, centella, ginkgo biloba, ginger root and horse chestnut .

Active Ingredients:

The active ingredients are steroidal saponin glycosides, primarily ruscogenin and neuroruscogenin

Origin

Butcher’s Broom is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the lily family.

Processing

The active ingredients are extracted from the rhizome of this plant with hydro-alcoholic solution, and the active ingredients are then removed from the resulting solution.

Scientific References

Capra, C. (1972) Studio farmacologic e tossicologico di componenti del ruscus aculeatus L. Fitoterapia, 43:99.

Chabanon, R. (1976) Experimentation du Proctolog dans les hemorroides et les fissures anales. Gaz. Med. De France. 83:3013.

Mowrey, D. (1990) Guaranteed Potency Herbs. A Compilation of writings on the subject.

Muller, I. (1973) Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung 113:1370-1375.

Tyler, V.E. (1988) Pharma-cognosy, 9th Ed. Philedelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.

Tyler, V.E. (1994) The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Pharmaceutical Products Press.

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General Information

Common Name:

Bilberry

Latin Name:

Vacinium myritillus L

Family:

Ericaceae

Other Names:

• Huckleberry
• Whortleberry

Indications & Historical Uses

Historical Use:
More than 40 years ago, British pilots reported that eating the fruit of the bilberry bush helped to improve their night vision. Since this time, the bilberry fruit has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects which result from the ability of the plant to help maintain healthy microcirculation in all parts of the body. In Europe, the bilberry has been used to improve circulatory health, relieve diarrhea and improve eyesight, particularly at night.

Indications:

Diarrhea.

May help with visual acuity and provide protection against macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. Those are based on studies carried out on small animals and small number of human subjects. More extensive clinical studies on human beings are required to verify these claims.

More recently used to control cellulite.

Historically used in two major areas: ophthalmology and vascular disorders.

Contraindictions & Precautions

Contraindictions:
none knonw (see Caution).

Ophthamology:

• Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy
• Myopia.
• Dark adaptation.
• Pigmentary retinitis.
• Diabetes-induced cataracts.

Vascular disorders:

• Varicose veins.
• Anti-coagulation problems.
• Phlebitis · Hypertension.
• Advanced diabetic complications.
• Arteriosclerosis.
• Hemorrhages.
• Bleeding gums.

Dosage Information

How Supplied:

80 mg. Capsules.

Dosage:

80 mg capsules – 1 capsule taken 2 times per day.

Pharmacology

Anthocyanosides help to maintain the integrity of capillaries and also help to stabilize collagen. They are also potent anti-oxidants.Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that bilberry is effective in the treatment of disorders of circulation, varicose veins and other venous and arterial disorders. Anthocyanosides stabilize phospholipids of the endothelial cells and enhance synthesis of collagen and mucopolysaccharides and therefore help maintain the structural integrity of the arterial walls. Anthocyanosides also prevent the aggregation and adherence of platelets to the endothelial surfaces. Some studies have shown that anthocyanosides promote production of Rhodopsin and therefore improve night vision.

Active Ingredients:

• Anthocyanosides
• Flavonoids
• Anthocyanoside – over 15 different anthocyanosides have been found in bilberry.

Origin

Originated in Europe. It is a flowering perennial found in heaths and woods and forest meadows across Europe and parts of North America. This thickly branched ,deciduous shrub belongs to the same plant family as cranberries and American blueberries .Its juicy, black ,coarsely wrinkled berries ( fruit ) contain a purple meat and brownish-red seeds.

Processing

Part of the plant used medicinally is the fresh fruit.
Active ingredients are extracted with hydromethanolic solution.
Standard amount of active ingredient is 25% of anthocyanosides calculated as anthocyanidin .

Scientific References

Jonadet, M. et al (1983) Anthocyanosides extracted from Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium myrtillus, and Pinus maritimus. I. Elasstase-inhibiting activities in vitro. ll. Compared angioprotective activities in vitro. J.Pharm. Belg. 38:41-46.

Detre, A. et al. (1986) Studies on vascular permeability in hypertension: actions of anthocyanosides. Clin. Physiol. Biochem. 4:143-9

Frohne. D. Zeltschrift filr Phytotherapie 11:209-213 (1990)

Ronziere, M.D. et al. (1981) Influence of some flavonoids on reticulation of collagen fibrils in vitro. Biochem Pharmacol. 30:1771-6.

Main E. et al. (1977) Anthocyanosides and the walls of the microvessels: further aspects of the mechanism of action of their protective effect in syndromes due to abnormal capillary fragility. Minerva Med. 58:3565-81.

Lietti, A. and Forni, G. (1976) Studies on Vaccinium mytrillus anthocyanosides. L. Vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity. Arzneim Forsch. 26:829-32.

Bottecchia, D. et al. (1987) Preliminary report on the inhibitory effect of Vaccinium myrtillun anthocyanosides on platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Fitoterapia 48:3-8.

Bettini, V. et al. (1984) Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on vascular smooth muscle. Fitoterapia 55:265.72.

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