Overview of St. John’s Wort

Author: Linde K. Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, Department for Internal Medicine II, Technical University of Munich, Germany.

This study summarizes the current state of knowledge on St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) which is one of the oldest and best investigated medicinal herbs.

Dried alcoholic extracts are the most important preparations on the market although a variety of other preparations are available.

Depressive disorders according to modern diagnostic standards are the best known and most widely investigated indication, although the more traditional, broader indication of ‘psycho-vegetative disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety and/or nervous agitation’, including diagnoses such as somatoform disorders, might more adequately describe what Hypericum extracts are actually used for by many practitioners.

The exact mechanisms of action are still unclear, but the available research clearly shows that various bioactive constituents contribute to the clinical effects reported, often in a synergistic manner.

Randomized clinical trials show that Hypericum extracts are more effective than placebo and similarly effective as standard antidepressants while having better tolerability in the acute treatment of major depressive episodes.

The most important risk associated with Hypericum extracts are interactions with other drugs. Therefore, physicians need to be informed whether their patients take St. John’s wort products. If the risk of interactions is adequately taken into account, high quality Hypericum extracts are an effective and safe tool in the hand of qualified health professionals in primary care.

Source: pubmed

Hepatoprotective Effect Of Morin

Hepatoprotective effect of morin on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2010;21(4):277-94
Authors: Shankari SG, Karthikesan K, Jalaludeen AM, Ashokkumar N

Morin is a flavonoid that exists in nature and is the major component of traditional medicinal herbs. Here we evaluated morin for its hepatoprotective effect against chronic ethanol-induced biochemical changes in male Wistar rats.

Ethanol administration (7.9 g/kg bwt) for 60 days induced hepatic and renal damage by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing antioxidant levels. The status of lipid peroxidation and hydroperoxides, antioxidants, serum hepatic markers, and renal markers were assessed to determine the hepatic protective effect of morin.

Morin fed (100 mg/kg b.w) to alcohol-intoxicated rats for 30 days showed significant decreases in lipid peroxidation and restoration of antioxidant, hepatic and renal markers to normal. Histopathologic observations of liver were also in correlation with biochemical parameters.

The results indicate that morin might be beneficial in ameliorating alcohol-induced oxidative damage in rat liver.

Source: pubmed

Antioxidant Benefits Of Herbal Teas And Decoctions

Infusions and Decoctions of Mixed Herbs used in Folk Medicine: Synergism in Antioxidant Potential.
Phytother Res. 2011 Feb 9;
Authors: Guimarães R, Barros L, Carvalho AM, Ferreira IC

Infusions (herbal teas) and decoctions are used frequently to administer oral doses of herbs. Although some herbs are used as single ingredients, they are often prepared as mixtures, as reported by numerous ethnobotanical surveys.

The present study was carried out to identify the different types of interaction (synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects) which may be found in the antioxidant activity of preparations from mixtures of the popular herbs Lemon Verbena, fennel and spearmint.

Herbs were prepared using traditional methods, and the effects after different periods of storage (up to 120 days) were also evaluated.

Antioxidant activity was evaluated. Known antioxidant compounds such as total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and reducing sugars were also determined.

Spearmint was found to be present in the herb mixtures with the greatest antioxidant activity and these also had the highest flavonoid content. The most potent antioxidant activity was found in combinations of different herbs, suggesting synergistic effects.

Source: pubmed

Nickel Levels In Fast Foods

Nickel levels in convenience and fast foods: In vitro study of the dialyzable fraction.
Sci Total Environ. 2011 Feb 2;
Authors: Cabrera-Vique C, Mesías M, Bouzas PR

Nickel presence was determined in 170 samples of 43 different convenience and fast foods widely consumed in Spain.

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was used as analytical technique. Reliability of the procedure was checked. Nickel levels ranged from 18.50 – 95.00ngg(-1) (fresh weight of edible portion).

The most elevated Nickel concentrations were found in egg and pork based foods and in sauces but there is a high variability inside of each one of these foods.

Nickel content increases in products that contain spices and aromatic herbs, whole cereals, dry fruits, cheese and mushrooms.

This study shows that the probability of exposure to health risks from these foods is overall small.

Source: pubmed

Herbal Extracts With Potent Antioxidant Properties

Extensive screening for herbal extracts with potent antioxidant properties.
J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2011 Jan;48(1):78-84
Authors: Niwano Y, Saito K, Yoshizaki F, Kohno M, Ozawa T

This paper summarizes our research for herbal extracts with potent antioxidant activity obtained from a large scale screening based on superoxide radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties.

Firstly, free radical scavenging activity was extensively screened from ethanol extracts of approximately 1000 kinds of herbs and we chose four edible herbal extracts with prominently potent antioxidant ability.

They are the extracts from Pomegranate (peel), Cloves (bud), Mango (kernel) and Indian gooseberry (fruit). These extracts were further examined to determine if they also scavenge hydroxyl radical and if they have heat resistance as a desirable characteristic feature.

Experiments demonstrated that all four extracts have potent ability to directly scavenge free radicals. Furthermore, the scavenging activities of the extracts proved to be heat-resistant.

The results give useful information when choosing a potent antioxidant as foods. For instance, the four herbal extracts, chosen from extensive screening, possess desirable antioxidant properties. In particular, the extracts are expected to be suitable for food processing where heat is involved.

Source: pubmed

Wound Healing Effects Of Astragalus-Rehmannia Formula

The in vivo and in vitro diabetic wound healing effects of a 2-herb formula and its mechanisms of action.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jan 31;
Authors: Tam JC, Lau KM, Liu CL, To MH, Kwok HF, Lai KK, Lau CP, Ko CH, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lau CB

The herbs Astragalus root and Rehmannia root have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as the principal herbs in treating diabetic foot ulcer.

Diabetic complications, such as foot ulcer, impose major public health burdens worldwide.

A simplified 2-herb formula (NF3) comprising of Astragalus and Rehmannia in the ratio of 2:1 was used for this study. NF3 was examined for the ulcer healing effect in diabetic rats and its potential mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation in vitro.

The study showed for the first time scientific evidence towards the efficacy of the two-herb formula NF3 in enhancing diabetic wound healing through the actions of tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation.

Source: pubmed

Medical And Food Uses Of Stevia

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) a bio-sweetener: a review.
Goyal SK, Samsher, Goyal RK.
Department of Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology, S.V.B.P. University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, India.

Studies revealed that Stevia has been used throughout the world since ancient times for various purposes, for example, as a sweetener and a medicine.

We conducted a systematic literature review to summarize and quantify the past and current evidence for Stevia. We searched relevant papers up to 2007 in various databases.

As we know that the leaves of Stevia plants have functional and sensory properties superior to those of many other high-potency sweeteners, Stevia is likely to become a major source of high-potency sweetener for the growing natural food market in the future.

Although Stevia can be helpful to anyone, there are certain groups who are more likely to benefit from its remarkable sweetening potential. These include diabetic patients, those interested in decreasing caloric intake and children.

Stevia is a small perennial shrub that has been used for centuries as a bio-sweetener and for other medicinal uses such as to lower blood sugar. Its white crystalline compound (stevioside) is the natural herbal sweetener with no calories and is over 100 -300 times sweeter than table sugar.

Source: pubmed

Beneficial Effect Of Resveratrol On Severe Acute Pancreatitis

The beneficial effect of resveratrol on severe acute pancreatitis

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2011 Jan;1215(1):96-102
Authors: Ma Q, Zhang M, Wang Z, Ma Z, Sha H

Acute pancreatitis is a common kind of acute abdominal disease. The management of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a challenge because of its high morbidity, which is due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. Therefore, it is important to explore therapies to control the disease’s progression.

A series of in vivo and in vitro experiments has demonstrated that resveratrol – an extract from Chinese herbs, grapes and many plants exhibits a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, and chemopreventive effects, as well as the inhibition of platelet aggregation, which could benefit the treatment of SAP. Here, we examine the possible mechanism of resveratrol in treating the progression of SAP.

Resveratrol could inhibit the production and progression of SAP through down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, improving microcirculation, modulating cell apoptosis, and blocking calcium overload. We propose that resveratrol has a potentially therapeutic effect on the progression of SAP.

Source: pubmed

Washing Vegetables And Herbs May Not Be Sufficient to Eliminate Contamination

Salmonella Typhimurium internalization is variable in leafy vegetables and fresh herbs.

Int J Food Microbiol. 2011 Jan 8
Authors: Golberg D, Kroupitski Y, Belausov E, Pinto R, Sela S

Despite washing and decontamination, outbreaks linked to consumption of fresh or minimally-processed leafy greens have been increasingly reported in recent years.

In order to assure the safety of produce it is necessary to gain knowledge regarding the exact routes of contamination.

Leaf internalization through stomata was previously reported as a potential route of contamination, which renders food-borne pathogens protected from washing and disinfection by sanitizers.

In the present study we have examined the incidence of Salmonella Typhimurium on the surface and underneath the epidermis in detached leaves of seven vegetables and fresh herbs.

The incidence of internalized Salmonella varied considerably among the different plants. The highest incidence was observed in iceberg lettuce and arugula leaves, while romaine and red-lettuce showed significantly lower incidence.

Internalization incidence in fresh basil was higher, while parsley and tomato leaves demonstrated only marginal internalization.

Internalization of Salmonella in iceberg lettuce is largely varied (0-100%) through a 2year survey with a higher incidence occurring mainly in the summer.

These results imply that Salmonella internalization occurs in several leafy vegetables and fresh herbs, other than iceberg lettuce, yet the level of internalization largely varies among plants and within the same crop.

Since internalized bacteria may evade disinfection, it is of great interest to identify plants which are more susceptible to bacterial internalization, as well as plant and environmental factors that affect internalization.

Source: pubmed

Eyebright Euphasia Eye Drops Effective In Treating Conjunctivitis

Prospective cohort trial of Euphrasia single-dose eye drops in conjunctivitis.

J Altern Complement Med. 2000 Dec;6(6):499-508.
Stoss M, Michels C, Peter E, Beutke R, Gorter RW.
Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Eyebright Euphrasia has long been used as an effective treatment of  conjunctivitis.  The following study shows how well the eye drops of this herb work for this condition.

Eye drops made from Euphrasia Rostkoviana Hayne have been used in medicine for more than 70 years for the structuring of the fluid organism in the eye, especially in inflammatory and catarrhal conjunctivitis.

The aim of this trial was to describe the efficacy and tolerability of these eye drops in community-based setting.

The trial was carried out in the clinics of 12 experienced general practitioners and ophthalmologists in Germany and Switzerland.

Patients with inflammatory or catarrhal conjunctivitis, treated with Euphrasia single-dose eye drops were included in the trial.

One drop of Euphrasia single-dose eye drops 1-5 times a day was prescribed. The prescription was determined solely by medical therapeutic needs.

A complete recovery was seen in 53 patients (81.5%) and a clear improvement in 11 patients (17.0%). A slight worsening could only be determined in 1 patient in the second week of treatment (1.5%). No serious adverse events were observed during the entire trial.

CONCLUSION: Euphrasia single-dose eye drops can effectively and safely be used for various conjunctival conditions by general practitioners and ophthalmologists. A dosage of one drop three times a day seems to be the general prescribed dosage.

Source: pubmed

Amount of Hypericins in St. John’s Wort

Determination of total hypericins in St. John’s wort and herbal medicinal products.

Acta Pol Pharm. 2010 Nov-Dec;67(6):586-92

Authors: Anyzewska M, Kowalczuk A, ?ozak A, Jab?czy?ska R, Fija?ek Z

The work aimed to determine the levels of hypericins in St. John’s wort capsules and tablets containing the extract of St. John’s wort. Tablets containing powdered herb, and in tincture and juice from fresh St. John’s wort were analyzed by HPLC method with spectrophotometric detection.

According to traditional indications, aqueous infusions from St. John’s wort containing mainly hydrophilic components are used in gastrointestinal diseases. On the other hand, ethanolic extracts containing hypericin and hyperforin affect the CNS and are indicated for the treatment of episodes of mild depressive disorders.

The results obtained indicate that the daily dose of hypericins taken by a patient as infusions is 0.328 mg on average for herbs in sachets and in bulk form.

For solid dosage forms, this dose ranges from 0.288 mg to 0.636 mg.

The assays were performed using consistent analytical methods for all tested pharmaceutical products and consequently it was possible to compare doses taken by patients and their strength of action.

Source: pubmed

Effect of Bermuda Grass Extract in Diabetic Rats

Proteome and phytochemical analysis of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) leaf extract and its biological activity in diabetic rats.

Biomed Pharmacother. 2010 Oct 12;

Authors: Karthik D, Ravikumar S

In Indian traditional system of medicine, herbal remedies are prescribed for treatment of various diseases including diabetes mellitus.

In recent years, plants are being effectively tried in a various pathophysiological states. Bermuda Grass is one of them.

In the present study, aqueous extract of leaves of C. dactylon was found to have potent antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic efficacy in alloxan-induced diabetic rat.

Diabetic rats that were fed the extract orally at a dose of 450mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days showed a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar level.

Before the treatment, the lipid profile shows a significant decrease in HDL and increase in cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL in alloxan diabetic rats. After being treated with the plant extract, the lipid profile was normalized.

Our findings suggested that C. dactylon extract is effective for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid profile in diabetic rats and these could be used in diabetic and coronary heart disease (CHD) management.

Source: pubmed

Psoralen stimulates osteoblast differentiation

Psoralen stimulates osteoblast differentiation through Activation of BMP signaling.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2011 Jan 7;

Authors: Tang DZ, Yang F, Yang Z, Huang J, Shi Q, Chen D, Wang YJ

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.

In order to improve the treatment of osteoporosis, identification of anabolic and orally available agents with minimal side effects is highly desirable.

Psoralen is a coumarin-like derivative extracted from Chinese herbs, which have been used to treat bone diseases for thousands of years. However, the role of Psoralen in osteoblast function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.

The results from this study on rats suggest that Psoralen promote osteoblast differentiation and could be a potential anabolic agent to treat patients with bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.

Source: pubmed

Note: Psoralen is a compound found in plants like the babchi tree which is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also present in small quantities in figs, celery, parsley, lime and lemons. The small amount of the compound in plants is deadly to insects but is relatively harmless to humans.

Echenacea……how long is the recommended time that it should be taken?

I’m told by some to just take it for a few weeks because your immune system builds a tolerance for it and so it loses its effectiveness. Any recommendations? And also, what are your own personal thoughts and comments on how well this natural herb performs on your health? I hoping to take this product in the attempt that it boosts my immune system….since I’m always catching colds.

thanks everyone!

Diet isn’t dropping my Cholesterol fast enough and I don’t know who to believe?

Anyone had good luck with the numerous magic potions out there? I’m already on pills to drop my current 460 to something a little lower than melted butter but I want to cover all my bases.

What supplements, vitamins, natural herbs, etc. do you recommend for me?

Hi, I am a 21 year old female, and I was looking to try some “alternative” medicines to boost my health. I have been taking a multi-vitamin everyday consistently for almost 2 months now and its seemed to really help my immunity and overall health. I’ve just been taking a regular “one a day” brand, and recently tried the energy enhanced one.

What I’m looking to aid/combat/boost:
-Fatigue and low energy. I am tired a lot, even though I regularly get 7-8 hours of sleep and excercise 3-4 times a week.
-I bruise easilly and have some spider veins on my thighs and face.
-I have difficulty concentrating and focusing when I’m trying to study. My mind wanders a lot.
-I get tension headaches regularly, and sometimes migraines.
-I have suffered from generalized anxiety disorder off and on for years.

Any recommendations would be appreciated- and please not anything to expensive- I’m a college student! Thanks. :)

What herbs are good for mood stablizers?

i am lookng for something natural and i do not want to take any thing form the mental health.

Which vitamins/herbs should I take to aid in a liver detox program?

I am 5′ 10″ and 150 pounds & I am in excellent overall health.

Does anyone know how you can balance your hormones with herbs at home??

The nurse at the health department said my hormones were not balanced and that is why I had not had a period for 13 weeks and why I kept getting a negative home pregnancy test. So I am wondering if there is anyway to balance your hormones at home with vitamins or herbs instead of paying for a bunch of expensive medication?

Can you go to just any doctor for depression or does it have to be a mental health specialist?

I dont have health insurance or a lot of extra money, but I am depressed and at the end of my rope… I really dont know what to do…. It feels hopeless to me but I know I need to do something. Ive thought about natural herbs but I think I need to see a doctor. Can I go to my OB that delivered my son? Or just any family practitioner?
Im to the point Ive thought my son and hubby would be better off without me around… :(

My moods puts my hubby thru hell and Im afraid Im just going to warp my son like me… I dont want him like me…

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