Uses of Herbal Medicine: An Overview

Uses of Herbal Medicine An Overview1 Folk medicine check to WHO- Traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. (Qi, 2014)Generally traditional medicines, alternative medicine, indigenous medicine, complementary medicine, or indwelling medicine, folk medicine are all different names of locally rig medicines.1.1 Herbal MedicinesAn herb is a plant or plant conk out used for its scent, flavour, or therapeutic properties. Medical science in which use of plants for medicinal purposes is studied, is called Herbology. Herbal medicines complicate (Qi, 2014) (Herbalism, n.d.)2 Ayurvedic medicineAyurveda, is one of the most antediluvian and comprehensive systems of healthcare. It is the science of life and system of tra ditional medicine native to Indian subcontinent. It is believed that Lord Brahma the creator of universe was first preacher of Ayurveda. cardinal Vedas, composed between 5000 -1000BC have info on treatment by plants and natural resources. However, till 1000 BC Ayurvedic system was fully developed, into Caraka Samhit and Suruta Samhit (books on Ayurveda written in systematic manner) these two books included 8(Aga) major clinical specialities (Ayurvedic Medicine, n.d.) (CCRA)3 Herbal Antibiotic MedicinesAn antibiotic is an antibacterial agent that curbs bacterial product or kills bacteria. Antibiotics if are used frequently for things they cant treatlike colds or other viral infectionsthey can stop wor tabby efficiently against bacterial infections, this development is called as antibiotic resistance. (Bruno, 2014)3.1 Echinacea3.1.1 IntroductionEchinacea is a group of herbaceous flowering plants (in daisy family), it contains nine species generally called as coneflowers. (Echinacea , n.d.)3.1.2 geographic AvailabilityAre generally found in eastern and central North America. (Echinacea, n.d.)3.1.3 healthful cause/UsesIt is called as granddaddy of all immune- enhancing herbs. It is an immune stimulant, is refined in preventing and treating colds and influenza. Research reveals that it affirms the immune system by actuating white blood cells (WBCs-lymphocytes and macrophages. (Bruno, 2014) (Literature Education Series On dietetic Supplements )3.1.4 DosageGeneral battery-acid range for Echinacea extract is 200-300 mg for acute infections (e.g. Cold or flu) could be increased to 900-1200mg. (Bruno, 2014)3.2 Andrographis paniculata3.2.1 Introduction geographical AvailabilityAlso called as king of bitters, kalmeghDark Cloud, Bhuneem neem of ground. It is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to India and Sri Lanka widely cultivated in south and southeastward Asia. Mostly the leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. (Andrographis paniculata, n.d.)3.2.2 Medicinal do/UsesIt contains a number of bitter components, which have both immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory action. Studies have shown that Andrographis may help individuals suffering from the respiratory infection, common cold, and ulcerative colitis. It has an active component Andrographolide, in Andrographis, which is responsible for modulation of various inflammations. (Bruno, 2014) (Literature Education Series On Dietary Supplements )3.3 Berberine3.3.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityIt is a quaternary ammonium salt from protoberberine group of isoquinoline alkaloids bitter in taste, yellow in colour, plant chemical found in the roots of various herbs, including- European barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)( Mahonia aquifolium)flowering plant native to western North America, and tree turmeric (Berberis aristata).(Bruno, 2014)3.3.2 Medicinal nitty-grittyuate/UsesPlants containing barberine are immune stimul ant also has shown activity against fungal infections, Candida albicans, yeast, parasites, and bacterial/viral infections such as urinary tract infections, chloroquine-resistant malaria, bacterial-induced diarrhoea, treatment of trachoma leishmaniasis(both in eye).3.4 golden oak mushroom and AHCC3.4.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityShiitake is native to East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea). In English called as- Sawtooth oak mushroom, black forest mushroom, black mushroom, golden oak mushroom, or oakwood mushroom. (Shiitake, n.d.)3.4.2 Medicinal Effects/UsesShiitake- is a mushroom used for increasing immunity, making liver healthy and regulating unwanted growth of muted jut and pancreas cells (Cancer). Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is an -glucan-rich compound isolated from shiitake. AHCC is the second most popular complementary and alternative medicine used by pubic louse patients in Japan. (Shiitake, n.d.) AHCC may increase the bodys resistance to pathogen (a s resulted in experiments with-influenza virus, West Nile virus, or bacterial infection)3.5 Pomegranates3.5.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityOriginated in Iran. It has been mentioned in many ancient texts of Babylon, Quran, Hormeric Hymes, and Books of Exodus. (Pomegranate, n.d.)3.5.2 Medicinal Effects/UsesIts juice has better antioxidant activity than red wine and green tea. (Pomegranate, n.d.)Use in Ayurvedic medicine Bark of its tree, flower juice is used as remedy to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, internal parasites, stopping nose bleeds, gum bleeds, toning of skin and treating haemorrhoids. The seeds and juice of pomegranates are considered good for the heart and throat. Sweet pomegranate fruit is cognize as blood builder. Pomegranate juice is also used as an eye drop, as it is conceived to retard the growth of cataracts.(Nelson, n.d.)3.6 Garlic3.6.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityIt was known to Ancient Egyptians, and has been used for both medicinal purposes and culinary. Studies done have found that when it is crushed, it yields allicin-an antibiotic and antifungal compound, sulfur-containing compounds alliin, ajoene, diallyl polysulphides, vinyldithiins, S-ally cysteine, and enzymes, B vitamins, proteins, minerals, saponins, flavonoids etc. (Garlic, n.d.)3.6.2 Medicinal Effects/UsesGarlic acts as Diuretic, Flu remedy, Urinary Antiseptic, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anti asthmatic, immune stimulus etc. It also reduces accumulation of cholesterol, inhibits vascular calcification in patients with high blood cholesterol. Vasodilatory loading (widening of blood vessels) of garlic- probably due to catabolism of garlic-derived polysulfide to hydrogen sulfide in red blood cells (RBCs).3.7 Ginger3.7.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityIt is a gaminess that flourishes in warm and sunny regions like South Asia. Ayurvedic verse says that to enhance digestion everyone should eat fresh ginger just before lunch and dinner. The characteristic sme lling and taste of ginger is simulated due to a mixture non-volatile phenylpropanoid zingerone, shogaols and gingerols, volatile oils (called as essential oils) that compose 1-3% of the weight of fresh ginger.3.7.2 Medicinal Effects/Uses moot paper on NCBI, ginger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancercells. The use of dietary agents such as ginger may have strength in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. (Jennifer Rhode, 2007) In general, ginger enhances the blood flow throughout the body, and stimulates circulation, treat nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness, digestive disorder, stomachic problems, constipation, and colic. Tea brewed from ginger is a common local remedy for treating colds.3.8 Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)3.8.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityA group of researchers from Central University of Punjab, have done learn using Chloroplast genome sequences, and have found that Tulsi is native to North-C entral India. (Tulsi, n.d.) Varieties of Tulsi/Holy BasilKrishna or shyama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum),Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum)3.8.2 Medicinal Effects/UsesIn Ayurveda, it is termed as elixir of life.(Bhattathiry, n.d.)3.9 turmeric3.9.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityIt is native to tropical Tamil Nadu and South-East Asia. Chemical Composition Most important group of compounds in turmeric is called curcuminoids. Curcuminoid include curcumin (diferuloylmethane) 3.14% avg., demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. It also contain Volatile oils. (turmeric, n.d.)3.9.2 Medicinal Effects/UsesTurmeric is potent antioxidant, powerful anti-inflammatory agent, lowers total cholesterol, anticoagulant, act as antacid, liver protective, anticancer activity, raise immunity and reduces blood sugar.According to a study paper on NCBI, Curcumin (in turmeric) have shown positive effect on Alzheimers disease treatment. (Palanivelu, 2011)(Synopsis of Turmerics me nd Properties, n.d.) (Dr.Jayaprakash, n.d.)3.10 Aloe Vera3.10.1 Introduction Geographical AvailabilityIt is common in India, South Africa, Barbados, Haiti etc. The herb has been regularly mentioned as being used in herbal medicine since first century AD. (Aloe Vera, n.d.) It contains slippery, slimy constituents that have a soothing effect, as well as a wound-healing effect. In Ayurvedic medicines Aloe Vera is commonly used due to its disinfectant properties. Sapnonin are the class of chemical compounds found in various plants (including Aloe Vera). It has soap like physical behaviour it acts as anti-feedant, and protect plant against microbes and fungi. (Sapnonin, n.d.)3.10.2 Medicinal Effects/UsesCommercial Use Yogurts, beverages, health drinks, cosmetic items such as shampoos, soaps, creams, moisturizers etc. Scientific research and clinical trials have found it helpful in treating cancer and certain blood diseases, particularly those associated with low white blood cell counts , such as leukemia have soothing skin and healing burns, have rashes, frostbite, and double-dyed(a) wounds(due to presence of chrysophanic acid) helpful in treating dandruff, acne, ringworm, gum disease . (Aloe Vera, n.d.)4 References(2014, 05 08). Retrieved from NCHF http//www.ncfh.org/docs/fs-Folk%20Medicine.pdfAloe Vera. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_veraAloe Vera. (n.d.). Retrieved from howstuffworks http//health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/aloe-vera-herbal-remedies.htmAndrographis paniculata. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrographis_paniculataAyurvedic Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurvedic_medicineAyurvedic Medicine An Introduction. (2013, 08). Retrieved from NCCAM http//nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htmBerberine. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BerberineBerberis. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikiped ia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BerberisBhattathiry, M. (n.d.). 15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi). Retrieved from Hinduism http//hinduism.about.com/od/ayurveda/a/tulsibenefits.htmBruno, G. (2014, 01 02). Total Health. Retrieved from Herbal Alternatives to Antibiotics http//www.totalhealthmagazine.com/articles/herbal-medicine/herbal-alternatives-to-antibiotics.htmlCCRA. (n.d.). Ayurveda Introduction. Retrieved from CCRAS http//www.ccras.nic.in/ayurveda/Chapter-1 Introduction.pdfDr.Jayaprakash. (n.d.). Turmeric secret ayurvedic recipes. Retrieved from dharmaayurveda http//www.dharmaayurveda.com/article/2304.html?aEchinacea. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchinaceaGarlic. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GarlicHerbalism. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HerbalismHowstuffworks. (n.d.). Retrieved from Ginger http//health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/ginger-herbal-remed ies.htmJennifer Rhode, S. F. (2007). Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. Retrieved from NCBI http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241638/Literature Education Series On Dietary Supplements . (n.d.). Retrieved from Huntington College of Health Sciences http//www.hchs.edu/literature/Cold Flu Sinusitus.pdfNelson, N. (n.d.). 20 Antibacterial and Antiviral Herbs and How to Use Them. Retrieved from www.sustainablebabysteps.com/antiviral-herbs.htmlPalanivelu, S. M. (2011). The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimers disease An overview. Retrieved from NCBI http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/Pomegranate. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PomegranateQi, D. Z. (2014). WHO. Retrieved from Traditional and Complementary Medicine http//www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/definitions/en/Sapnonin. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SaponinMedical_usesShiitake. (n.d.) . Retrieved from Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShiitakeShiitake. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShiitakeSynopsis of Turmerics Healing Properties. (n.d.). Retrieved from Turmeric http//www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_ayurvedic_use.htmTulsi. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum_tenuiflorumTurmeric. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric