Christian Ratsch
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 Morphological and phytochemical studies in Atropa species. Planta Medica 36:230-31.
Illmaier, Thomas. 1996. Die unerbittlich scheme Frau. Grow! 5/96:20-23.
Kessel, Joseph. 1929. Belladonna. Munich: Piper. (A novel.)
Lindequist, Ulrike. 1992. Atropa. In Hagers
Handbuch der pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5th ed., 4:423-37. Berlin: Springer.
Munch, Burchard Friedrich. 1785. Practische Abhandlung von der Belladonna und Hirer Anwendung. Gottingen, Germany: Diederich.
Pestolozzi, B. C, and F. Caduff. 1986.
Gruppenvergiftung mit Tollkirschentee.
Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift 116:924-26. |
Ralph W. Moss PhD
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 In the 1980s, medical botanists still listed this phytochemical as one of the most important antitumor agents found in plants. California oncologist Rowan Chlebowski, MD, PhD, wrote a letter to a medical journal in which he argued that lapachol should be reevaluated in the light of modern knowledge of its use and action (78). This has not yet happened in the United States.
There was also one small clinical trial on lapachol in Brazil. It purported to show that three out of eight patients had either complete or partial remissions of their cancer after taking an oral dose. |
Robyn Landis
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 Flaxseed oil also contains lignans, antioxidant phytochemical compounds that are believed to be hotmone precursors (discussed on page 115). Lignans may bind to estrogen receptors in breast tissue and interfere with estrogen's cancer-promoting activity there. Studies show that women who excrete more lignans in their urine (presumably from increased consumption of lignans), have much lower breast-cancer rates.14
Ayurveda also emphasizes sesame and almond oils for women at this time—they are light, sweet, warming, easy-to-digest oils.
Many foods contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). |
| The exact mechanism of action is not yet known for every single phytochemical identified to date. However, there are many observations and theories about them. Most of the compounds with some confirmed activity are anticancer (preventing or fixing cell malignancy through various mechanisms), heart protective, anti-aging or antioxidant (blocking or repairing oxidative damage to cells), or anti-inflammatory.
Some of the cancer-preventive and -healing compounds seem to be quite sophisticated and wide-ranging in their actions. |
| Antho-cyandins are a phytochemical in cranberry that may be responsible for this; it may also prevent kidney stones. Use 4 to 8 ounces unsweetened juice or 4 to 8 concentrate capsules daily.
Vitamin C acidifies the urinary tract while providing an overall immune boost.
For the pain and burning, use green vegetables, especially juiced—they are cooling, kidney tonics, and detoxifying as a bonus. Cucumber, celery, and parsley are especially good; they are also diuretic. Try 2 to 4 ounces parsley juice, or 8 to 16 ounces celery or cucumber juice. |
| Other Beans—The soybean is emerging as a phytochemical winner, as shown above, but kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils have saponins (a type of compound also found in many medicinal herbs), which may slow cancer-cell production and spreading.
Tomatoes—Lycopene (a carotenoid, in the same family as beta-carotene, among others) is an antioxidant, so it protects against cell damage. It is linked to reduced growth of colon and bladder cancer cells in mice, may reduce risk of prostate cancer and prostate disease, and may also lower risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| In addition to phytochemical compounds in herbs and foods, some common nutrients also show free-radical-quenching or other antioxidant activity. These include vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the amino acid glutathione.
Food versus Pills
As phytonutrients show up on our shelves as synthetic pills, there are some things to think about before you dismiss carrots and reach for capsules. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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 USDA: phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases http:/ / www.ars-grin.gov/duke This site contains Dr. James Duke's searchable databases. You can search by plant, chemical, activity, or ethnobotany.
Herb Organizations and Associations
American Botanical Council
PO Box 144345
Austin,TX 78714-4345
Phone:(512) 926-4900
Website: http://www.herbalgram.org
This nonprofit herbal research and education organization provides public education about herbs and promotes the safe and effective use of medicinal plants. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
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 HPLC differentiation based on the detection of leiocarposide, see [34—36].
(St. Zul. 1986, Published March 12, 1986)
6.1 Indications for use
To increase the amount of urine in cases of kidney and bladder inflammations.
6.2 Contraindications
In chronic kidney disorders, a doctor should be consulted before use of goldenrod preparations.
6.3 Dosage and Mode of administration
Pour about 150 ml boiling water over 1— 2 teaspoonfuls (3-5 g) of goldenrod herb. Steep for about 15 min and then pass through a tea strainer. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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| Handbook of phytochemical Constituents of GRAS Herbs and Other Economic Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1992.
Evans WC. Trease and Evans' Pharmacognosy, 13th ed. Philadelphia: Bailliere Tindall (Curtis Center), 1989.
Felter HW. King's American Dispensatory. Vol. 1 and 2. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1983.
Goodman LS, Gilman A, Rail T, et al., eds. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 1990.
Hoffmann D. The Information Sourcebook of Herbal Medicine. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1994.
Lawson LD, Bauer R, eds. |
Marion Nestle
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 Heinz, in the meantime, reported a 4% increase in market share as a result of media accounts of the virtues of lycopene, especially when this phytochemical is present in cooked tomatoes.44 This sales advantage was enough of an incentive to marketers to continue using single scientific articles as a basis for health claims in advertisements, and more such attempts were sure to follow.
From this selection of examples, it should be evident that functional foods are more about marketing than health. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 By the time the meal was over, Wolfe told me, nearly a pound of fresh herbs had been consumed in these Persian phytochemical Pita Sandwiches.
Which brings me to my first herbal tip in this chapter—for a quick breath cleanup at a restaurant, save the decorative parsley sprig and eat it last.
Bad Breatk Basics
I've always said that bad breath is better than no breath at all. But when it comes to halitosis, I'm a hypochondriac. I'm by no means alone. Convene a convention of everyone who's certain their breath is always sweet-smelling, and you'd have an empty auditorium. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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 Liquid, Tablet, or Capsule?
In the Soviet Union, people buy Rhodiola rosea as a concentrated root extract in a small amount of alcohol. It also is available as a liquid tincture, with the dosage measured in drops. As of now, we can't purchase the herb in either liquid form in the United States.
Here root extracts of Rhodiola rosea are available as tablets or capsules. The tablets tend to come in higher doses. We prefer the capsules because they allow for more flexibility in dosing. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
The initial phytochemical report on eleuthero was published in 1965 by members of the Institute of Biologically Active Substances, in Vladivostok, Russia.1 Seven compounds, termed eleutherosides A-G, were isolated from a physiologically active fraction of the methanol extract of eleuthero. The total eleutheroside content of the root is in the range 0.6-0.9%, and of the stems is in the range 0.6-1.5%. The ratio of the eleutherosides A-G obtained is approximately 8:30:10:12:4:2:1 respectively. Their structure is shown in Fig. 83.1. Table 83. |
| Further research will undoubtedly uncover many more phytochemical interactions.
Though the picture is far from complete, antioxidants apparently operate synergistically.163 Thus, animal studies indicate that an increased diversity of antioxidants provides more antioxidant protection than single supplements.164 Even members of the B complex, such as pantothenic acid, may indirectly stimulate antioxidant production.165 It should be emphasized that many ingredients in foods play important physiologic roles in addition to their properties as antioxidants. |
| Oranges and tangerines (as well as the seeds of caraway and dill) contain limonene, a phytochemical that has been found to prevent and even treat cancer in animal models.24 Limonene's protective effects are probably due to the fact that it is a strong inducer of both phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes that neutralize carcinogens.
Inhibitors of phase I detoxification
Many substances inhibit cytochrome P450. This situation can cause substantial problems as it makes toxins potentially more damaging because they remain in the body longer before detoxification. |
| Harbone JB, Baxter H, eds. phytochemical dictionary. Basingstoke, England: Burgess Science Press. 1995
3. Adlercreutz H, Mazur W. Phyto-oestrogens and Western diseases. Ann Med 1997; 29: 95-120
4. Barnes S, Sfakianos J, Coward L, Kirk M. Soy isoflavonoids and cancer prevention. Underlying biochemical and pharmacological issues. Adv Exp Med Biol 1996; 401: 87-100
5. Setchell KD, Zimmer-Nechemias L, Cai J, Heubi JE. Exposure of infants to phyto-oestrogens from soy-based infant formula. Lancet 1997; 350: 23-27
6. Xu X, Harris KS, Wang HJ et al. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor by curcumin, a phytochemical. Biochem Pharmacol. 1995; 49:1551-1556.
Hellinger JA, Cohen CJ, Dugan ME, et al. Phase I/II randomized, open-label study of oral curcumin safety, and antiviral effects on HJV-RT PCR in HIV+ individuals. Third Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. Washington, DC; 1996: Abstract # 140.
Huang MT, Newmark HL, Fenkel K. Inhibitory effects of curcumin on tumorigenesis in mice. / Cell Biochem Suppl. 1997; 27:26-34.
Kang BY, Song YJ, Kim KM, et al. |
Robyn Landis
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| Flaxseed is an exceptionally rich source of lignans, phytochemical hormone precursors.
Celery has two different uses for women. The vegetable (best juiced) is relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant, so it may be useful for anxiety and PMS. The celery seeds contain phytosterols and are estrogenic, as are many other seeds in this family, including fennel.
Parsley and its juice are especially good for the kidney and help reduce water retention (edema).
Watercress is another good kidney food as well as immune booster and cancer fighter. |
Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., and Jo Robinson
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 For example, people who drink green tea, which contains a phytochemical called "epigallocatechin gallate," have a lower risk of liver, lung, skin, esophageal, and urinary cancer. People who eat large amounts of cooked tomatoes, which are rich in the cancer-fighting chemical "lycopene," have a lower risk of prostate, cervical, breast, and colon cancer. Eating broccoli, cabbage and other members of the cole family offers protection against a broad array of cancers. |
Gale Maleskey
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 We look at virtually every journal in the world, from biochemical to phytochemical to obscure European journals. We find many things that have been overlooked or that show potential."
Just because a dietary supplement is new to researchers in the United States doesn't mean that it's been ignored worldwide. In some cases, a supplement is already being used in another country as an alternative to costly prescription medications, Czap says. |
Francisco, M.D. Contreras
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| Cassava, bitter almonds, apricot pits, lentils, millet, beans and sweet potatoes all contain a tremendously beneficial phytochemical, Amygdalin, also called vitamin B17, which is the crown jewel in the extrinsic nutritional defense mechanism against cancer.
Amounts of Fruits and Vegetables for Cancer Prevention
Five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily will help to prevent cancer. A serving equals one-half cup of fruit or vegetables, a cup of raw leafy vegetables, a medium-sized piece of raw fruit, or 170 grams of fruit or vegetable juice. |
J. Robert Hatherill
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 Monoterpenes
A phytochemical group that is found in citrus oils and spices like mint, caraway, thyme, coriander, and cardamom.
Monounsaturated fat
A fat (triglyceride) in which one or more fatty acids lack hydrogen atoms. Monounsaturated fats are linked to preventing heart disease. Examples include olive oil, canola oil, and macadamia nut oil.
Mucinous carcinoma
A rare form of breast cancer.
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)
A newly described disease, also called environmental illness, that seems to affect the immune and nervous systems. |
Dr. Richard Schulze and Sam Biser
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| Schuke: All of these 3 plants contain a phytochemical called emodin.
Emodin exercises your bowel by making the smooth muscles of your intestines contract. This stimulates the peristaltic waves and improves digestion and elimination.
Contrary to popular cathartic herb fear, these herbs strengthen your colon over time. You will be able to wean off them, especially if you make some dietary changes and begin an exercise program. |
Michael Janson, M.D.
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 Include additional vitamin C and magnesium, higher amounts of coenzyme Q10, and some more phytochemical flavonoids, as reflected in the following table:
AM PM
Basic Multiple Formula.............................................3...........3
Vitamin C1000 mg...................................................4...........4
Bioflavonoid mix 1000 mg.......................................1...........1
Quercetin 400 mg......................................................1
Magnesium aspartate 200 mg.................................1...........1
GLA 240 mg (borage oil)............................ |
Dr. Vern Cherewatenko and Paul Perry
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 Found in garlic, onions, and other foods from the Allium genus, this phytochemical has been found in studies to have a possible impact on reducing the risk of colon and stomach cancer.
Phenol. Tea, especially green tea, is a good source of phenol. It seems to activate enzymes that eliminate oxidants.
Why a Pill Isn't Enough
Vitamins, minerals, and supplements are all the rage these days. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D.
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 Massive consumer interest and an avalanche of scientific discoveries about vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herbal, and phytochemical (natural plant compounds) supplementation in recent years are causing physicians to take a broader look at the health-promoting and cost-reducing potential that these natural substances offer.
Research has demonstrated, for instance, that vitamin E supplementation combats arterial plaque formation and enhances immune function. |
Ralph W. Moss PhD
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| The USDA's phytochemical Database says that camptothecin is present as 100 parts per million (ppm) in the stem and 300 ppm in the seed of this tree. The USDA's online Ethnobotanical Database lists anticancer activity as one of the folk usages of this wood, although it is unclear if such usage pre-or post-dated the scientific exploration of the plant.
The story of how camptothecin's properties were identified is a fascinating piece of medical detective work. |
Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., and Jo Robinson
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| Soybeans are especially rich in LNA, and they also contain genistein, a cancer-fighting phytochemical. Years ago, manufacturers of vegetable burgers boasted that their products "contain no soy." Now savvy shoppers seek out these products precisely because of their soy content. There are a number of frozen soy patties on the market that are quite tasty. Buy several brands and see which one you like best. If you keep some in the freezer, along with hamburger buns, you can make a healthy meal in a matter of minutes. Experiment with tofu. |
Rebecca Wood
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 NUTRACEUTICAL A phytochemical with pharmaceutically recognized healing properties.
NUTRITIVE A food that nourishes the body.
PERISTALSIS Involuntary, wavelike muscle contractions of the digestive tract that move its contents.
PHLEGM Thick mucus, secreted by the respiratory tract lining.
PHYTIC ACID A heat- and acid-stable astringent acid found in cereals, nuts, and seeds (especially in sesame seeds and soybeans) that protects against some cancers and may help control blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. |
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