Phytomedicines

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Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts

Sticher: Biochemical, Pharmaceutical and Medical Perspectives of Ginseng, in: phytomedicines in Europe, p. 221-240 (ACS Symposium, Ser. 691; Editors: L.D. Lawson and R. Bauer), Printed by American Chemical Society (1998). 10] Chr. Chinna, Osterr. Apoth. Ztg. 46, 377-381 und 650-652 (1992). 11] W. Tang and G. Eisenbrand, Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin, p. 711—737. Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg (1992). 12] U. Sonnenborn and Y. Proppert, Z. Phytother. 11, 35-49 (1990). 13] F. Sandberg and L. Dencker, Z. Phytother. 15, 38-42 (1994). 14] A. Ferrando et al, Planta Med. 65, 239-244 (1999).

Bauer (ed.), phytomedicines of Europe. Chemistry and Biological Activity. ACS Symposium Serie 691, American Chemical Society, Washington DC 1998, p. 140-157. [5] R. Bauer, in H. Wagner (ed.), Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants. Birkhauser-Verlag, Basel 1999, p. 41-88. [6] F. Heinzer et al., Pharm. Acta Helv. 63, 132-136 (1988). [7] R. Schenk and R. Franke, Beitr. Ziichtungs-forsch. 2, 64-67 (1996). [8] N. Beuscher et al., Z. Phytother. 16, 157-166 (1995). [9] R. Bauer et al., Z. Phytother. 10, 43-48 (1989). [10] A. Cheminat et al., Phytochemistry 27, 2787-2794 (1988). [11] A. Stoll. J.

Its inclusion as a component of phytomedicines for gallbladder disorders should be viewed with skepticism. Ethanolic extracts have antiviral properties [5]. The dried herb and aqueous extracts have demonstrated antidiabetic effects in animal experiments [6]. Making the tea: Place 1.5 g fine cut dried herb into cold water and bring to a boil briefly. Or, pour boiling water over the dried herb and after a 5 min Constituents: 4—10% tannins, mosdy of the catechin-type, including small amounts of ellagitannins and traces of gallotannins [1—3] (according to Ph. Eur., not less than 2.

The Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND See book keywords and concepts

Note: A number of references note that passionflower is rarely given as a single remedy but rather combined with other phytomedicines determined by the indication.34Since the constituents responsible for the reputed therapeutic action of passionflower have yet to be conclusively determined, Bergner advises against the use of standardized extracts.4 Peppermint Mentha x piperita L.

Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts

On the other hand, horse chestnut seeds, for example, are clearly used as a drug for the manufacture of phytomedicines and are never described as an herbal tea drug. Herbal tea drugs (in a narrow sense) are unique in that the actual dosage form is prepared by the patient. Usually, but not always, the aqueous hot extract is taken orally, and in rare cases, it is used externally for poultices or added to bath water. A few herbal drugs are used in powdered form (e.g. encapsulated psyllium seed; rhatany root suspended in red wine) or in a cut form for use in herba] pillows.

Phytomedicines: Forking larkspur flowers are used almost exclusively as ornamental components in herbal tea formulas of different therapeutic categories. Regulatory status Canada: No licensed products. No known restrictions. U.K.: Not entered in the General Sale List. U.S.: Dietary supplement. Authentication: Macroscopic (see: Description) and microscopic following the Erg. B. 6. Conspicuous are numerous, unicellular trichomes, lageniform glandular trichomes with yellow content (Fig. 3) and distinctly sinuate, cuticular striations of the papillose epidermal cells of the petals.

The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

REPPED: This book is a most welcome addition to the growing body of literature on herbs and phytomedicines. In the past few decades, interest in herbs and phytomedicinal products has grown, not only in the United States but also throughout the world. In recent years, some of this interest has focused on Rhodiola rosea. All too often, when consumers and health professionals think about herbs, the ones that come to mind are the most popular in the marketplace—what I sometimes endearingly refer to as the "usual suspects.

Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel See book keywords and concepts

Examples of phytomedicines that have undergone pharmacologic testing and whose efficacy has been further established by controlled studies and well-documented reports of physician experience. Herb Presumed- Active Compound(s) Action Indication Ginkgo leaf Bilobalide, anti-ischemic, Symptomatic treatment extract (50:1) ginkgolides, antioxidative, of cognitive deficiencies flavonoids PAF-antagonistic, due to organic brain hemorrhagic disease and peripheral arterial occlusive diseases St.

In the original version of the 1976 German Drug Law, the manufacturers of known drug substances (including practically all phytomedicines) were required to document only the pharmaceutical quality of their products. They could demonstrate safety and efficacy by referral to published monographs. To make these monographs available, the German Health Agency (now called the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) appointed expert commissions whose primary task was to review the pertinent literature. Commission E was appointed for phytotherapeutic agents.

The common Drug Law that has existed within the European Union (EU) since 1998 provides not only that phytomedicines shall retain their drug status in Germany but also that they shall be given that status in the other countries of the EU. The law further provides that the distinction between "rational" and "traditional" products that exists in Germany will be adopted in the other EU member nations as well (Keller, 1996; Gaedcke and Steinhoff, 2000; EU Commission, 2002).

An essential prerequisite for establishing a European standard was the continuation and updating of monographs dealing with phytomedicines. This has been done chiefly by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), a coalition of all national phytotherapy soci- 1 From an historical perspective, the penchant for multi-herb formulations in phytomedicine has different roots. One factor dating from antiquity is the "magic of numbers" principle.

Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts

Plantae medicinales" - "Herbal Drugs", which concerns botanicals that will be used for the manufacture of phytomedicines. For preparations of dried botanicals, the Ph.Eur. provides the monograph "Plantae medicinales praepara-tore" - "Herbal Drug Preparations". A general monograph for herbal tea formulas (Species) appears in the OAB, the Ph.Helv. (both very similar in wording) as well as in the DAC (see excerpt for translation). Here below are typical examples of herbal tea formulas such as those that can be found in pharmacopoeias or in the German Standard Licenses.

The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts

It also helps that nearly all of the best clinical research on European phytomedicines is on standardized extracts. At the same time, standardized extracts are somewhat controversial to some herbalists precisely because they are hightech and highly processed. Some people worry that extremely sophisticated or refined herbal products are once again taking us away from nature in the same direction that synthetic medicines have led us. Before we plunge into a debate on the subject, here are some basics about extraction.

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine Simon Mills and Kerry Bone See book keywords and concepts

From 1994 to 1996 a network of researchers, clinicians and manufacturers linked to ESCOP (the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) received funding from the Biomedical and Health Research Programme of the European Community for a series of Concerted Action projects under the title 'Determining European standards for the safe and effective use of phytomedicines'. Faced with the Commission's own acknowledgement that pharma-covigilance schemes in general needed improvement,39 the projects included a number of exercises to improve marketing surveillance of the safety of herbal remedies.

Although many doctors in Europe prescribe phytomedicines, this is rare in English-speaking countries in which there is more scepticism about using crude historical folk remedies as a serious substitute for scientific medication. Although there is a growing interest in other complementary techniques herbal medicine has not managed to persuade that it has a coherent strategy for treating difficult conditions. That patients increasingly resort to herbs is seen as something separate from medicine, unless a safety issue is perceived.

The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts

In: Lawson L, Bauer R, eds. phytomedicines of Europe: Chemistry and Biological Activity. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1998; 158—175. 6. de Weerdt CJ, Bootsma HPR, Hendriks H. Herbal medicines in migraine prevention: randomized double-blind placebo controlled crossover trial of a feverfew preparation. Phytomedicme 1996; 3(3): 225-230. 7. Murch SJ, Simmons CB, Saxena PK. Melatonin in feverfew and other medicinal plants. The Lancet 1997; 350: 1598-1599. 8. Awang DVC. Feverfew trials: the promise of—and the problem with—standardized botanical extracts. HerbalGram 1997; 41: 16-17.

In: Lawson LD, Bauer R, eds. phytomedicines of Europe. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1998: 141-157. 5. Viehmann VR Experiences with a skin salve containing echinacea [in German]. Er-fahrungsheilk 1978; 27: 353-358. 6. Coeugniet E, Kuhnast R. Relapsing candidiasis: adjuvant immune therapy with different Echinacin® dosage forms [in German]. Therapiewoche 1986; 36: 3352—3358. 7. Facino RM, Carini M, Aldini G, et al.

Miracle Cures: Dramatic New Scientific Discoveries Revealing the Healing Powers of Herbs, Vitamins, and Other Natural Remedies Jean Carper See book keywords and concepts

Consumer Concerns On the basis of recent scientific evidence and longtime safe effective usage in other countries, the European-American phytomedicines Coalition in 1995 petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to designate ginger an over-the-counter remedy for nausea and motion sickness. By 1997, despite compelling scientific evidence, the FDA had not approved it. What Else Is It Good For? Ginger has versatile pharmacological activity. It acts as an anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory agent. Investigations by Dr. Krishna C.

So convincing is the evidence of valerian's efficacy and safety that a coalition of European manufacturers of phytomedicines (plant medicines) have petitioned the FDA to allow claims for valerian as an over-the-counter nighttime sleeping "aid," defined as an agent that relaxes and mildly sedates. More than 200 scientific studies on the pharmacology of valerian have been published in the scientific literature, mostly in Europe in the last thirty years. Valerian is a well-tested sleeping potion.

Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson See book keywords and concepts

This means that either the whole herb or an extract of the plant is prepared, and may be combined with other herbs or extracts. Generally, highly toxic drugs are used as single entities since the dose needs to be very precise, but the natural mixture found in a plant extract may have benefits conferred by some form of interaction between the components. Conversely, there may be toxic ingredients present that do not contribute to the therapeutic efficacy and which are therefore undesirable.

Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Guide Thomas Bartram See book keywords and concepts

Phytomedicines in common use:-Aniseed, Chickweed, Clivers. Bladderwrack (fatty degeneration of the heart), Fennel, Gotu Kola, Mate, Violet, Parsley, Garlic (Spanish traditional - 1 corm or 4 capsules daily), Black Cohosh (obesity of the menopause), Motherwort. Kelp (rich in iodine). Any one - add Lady's Mantle where associated with menstrual problems. Tablets/capsules. Any of the above. Poke root. Formula. Bladderwrack 2; Clivers 1; Hawthorn 1; Frangula bark half. Pinch Cayenne or few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: Liquid extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-3 teaspoons.

The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts

In: Lawson LD, Bauer R, eds. phytomedicines of Europe. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1998; 210-220. 14. White HL, Scales PW, Cooper BR. Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves inhibit monoamine oxidase. Life Sciences 1996; 58(16): 1315-1321. 15. Murray M. Intermittent claudication: Trental vs. Ginkgo biloba extract. American journal of Natural Medicine 1995; 2(1): 10-13. 16. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et al., eds. American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997.

In: Lawson LD, Bauer R, eds. phytomedicines of Europe. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1998. 4. Warshafsky S, Kamer RS, Sivak SL. Effect of garlic on total serum cholesterol. A meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine 1993;119:599-605. 5. Silagy C, Neil A. Garlic as a lipid-lowering agent—a meta-analysis. The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians 1994; 28(1): 39-45. 6. OkuharaT. A clinical study of garlic extract on peripheral circulation. Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1994; 22(8): 3695-3701. 7. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Jung EM, et al.

Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts

As was almost inevitable, researchers and doctors in the United States are now looking more closely at phytomedicines, says William Page-Echols, a common name, but each of three bottles of ginseng might contain a different species of the herb, and each species has different properties. Stick with single herbs. Beware of herbal combinations and formulas, says Andrew Weil, M.D., clinical professor of internal medicine and director of the program in integrative medicine of the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, and author of Eight Weeks to Optimum Hmith.

Some herbalists and naturopaths still use pau d'arco as one of their cancer-fighting phytomedicines. It's in the Bark The active ingredients in pau d'arco seem to be most present in the bark, the part traditionally used by the South American Indians. Pau d'arco is available as a tincture, in capsules, and as dried bark, from which you can make a tea. You can find lapachol in capsules and tincture. "It's really quite safe. It would be pretty hard to do yourself harm with it," Dr. Gibson says.

Like many phytomedicines, however, it eventually fell out of favor with the American medical community. It continued to be used in Europe, and today, in Germany, it is a government-approved treatment for premenstrual syndrome, painful menstruation, and nervous conditions connected to menopause. Hormone Harmony The herb has many active ingredients, but an isoflavone called for-mononetin is the critical one for women. Formononetin and other compounds in the root and rhizome are able to bind to estrogen receptors in the uterus.

In fact, some 70 percent of German physicians routinely prescribe phytomedicines. Drugstores carry them, and pharmacists are knowledgeable about their many uses, Germany has undertaken the most comprehensive science-based investigation of herbs of any Western country.

The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts

Serious problems have been rare, and there is no evidence that the large-scale use of European phytomedicines poses the kind of problems that synthetic drugs do in terms of toxic effects. Reports of herbs causing illness are infrequent, and systematic data collection processes have not detected any significant problems caused by herbs. For example, the reports of the American Association of Poison Control Centers clearly show that the leading cause of fatal poisonings is synthetic drugs, followed by cleaners and other household products.2 Incidents involving herbs are extremely uncommon.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs Mark Blumenthal See book keywords and concepts

Swiss Codex 2000/01 (Ruppanner and Schaefer, 2001). U.K.: Not entered in the General Sale List (GSL). U.S.: Dietary supplement (USC, 1994). Milk thistle seed and milk thistle seed powder have official monographs in the U.S. National Formulary, 20th edition (USP, 2002). The mother tincture 1:10 (w/v), 65% ethanol (v/v), of the fresh or dried seeds, is an OTC Class C drug official in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS, 1990).

Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel See book keywords and concepts

In the latter case, manufacturers are exempt from having to furnish their own proof of efficacy and safety for a list of designated herbal preparations. This exemption does not affect the manufacturers' obligation to guarantee the pharmaceutical quality of their products. The "traditionally" approved products must be specifically identified as such (e.g., with wording such as "mild acting," "for better health," "for more vigor," "for better organ function," etc.). Most of these products are used for minor health problems, and many are self-selected by patients.

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