Herbal medicine disorders

It is one of the peculiarities of herbal drugs that their indications have for the most part been determijied empirically. The reason is easily understood most herbal drugs have been used for a very long time to alleviate or cure illnesses and more especially disorders. Their introduction in therapeutics happened at a time when pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics were unknown concepts, when there was no Medicines Act to require proof of the quality, efficacy, and innocuity of herbal medicines. Today, when introducing a new medicine, extensive investigations are required in the interest of safety. To many the requirement of the proof of activity of such a drug as chamomile appears to be superfluous, but nevertheless, as a representative of a scientifically oriented pharma-... 

Beaubrun, G. Gray, G. E. (2000). A review of herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders. Psychiatr. Serv., 51, 1130-4. 

Holdsworth, D. and B. Wamoi. Medicinal plants of the Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea. Part I. Int J Crude Drug Res 1982 20(4) 169-181. Singh, Y. N., T. Ikahihifo, M. Panuve, and C. Slatter. Folk medicine in Tonga. A study on the use of herbal medicines for obstetric and gynaecological conditions and disorders. J Ethnopharmacol... 

Cinnamon is an ancient herbal medicine, long used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. It increases intestinal movement, heart rate, and perspiration by stimulating the vasomotor center. It improves circulation. The astringent tannins in cinnamon treat diarrhea the catechins treat nausea. Its essential oils are considered analgesic, antifungal, and germicidal. 

Flavonoids concentrate in the seeds, bark, flowers, or fruit of most plants. The herbal remedy green tea (Camellia sinensis), which is used for stomach disorders, contains about 30% flavonoids by weight. Apples and onions, which are listed in the Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines (PDR-HM), also contain high amounts of flavonoids. 

Because herbal medicines are not classified as drugs by the FDA, the manufacturers of herbals cannot make claims that their product is effective at treating any disease or disorder. They can, however, make more general health claims. For example, companies that sell St. John s wort cannot say their product is useful for treating depression or anxiety, but they can say St. John s wort... 

The diuretic property of celery has been used to prepare herbal medicine (Houghton, 1995). The ripe seeds, herb and root are diuretic (Lust, 1983 Chiej, 1984 Grieve, 1984). The seeds are used mainly as a diuretic and can help clear toxins from the system, especially in cases of gout where uric acid crystals collect in the joints. Root tinctures have been used to cure urinary disorders, such as urinary stones, and used as a kidney stimulant and cleanser. Fresh juice from the whole plant is also used as a cure for urinary tract inflammations and urethritis (http //www.innvista.com/health/herbs/ celery.htm). The herb is used against kidney complaints (Launert, 1981). 

Even when modern, Western medical services are available, Asians frequently consider using indigenous or alternative remedies, and folk or traditional medicine may be tried first for treatment of a psychiatric disorder. Such treatment must be noted and monitored to avoid adverse drug interactions between traditional Asian herbal medicines and Western psychotropic medications. Also necessary is assessment of drug efficacy and toxicity, as well as placebo effects. Several studies have found that compliance with psychopharmacotherapy may be more problematic in non-Westem than among Western populations. For example, Western medicines are believed to be more potent and more likely to cause side effects than are non-Western therapies, and interpretations and perceptions of side effects differ as well (Lee 1993 Smith et al. 1993). 

Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Burch.) Skeels intfolwane, elephant root] (Fabaceae) rhizome infusion is used for diarrhoea (15). Rhizomes are also used for stomach disorders and skin diseases (28,29). The root contains alkaloids, anthranoids, polyphenols and steroids (15). Extracts of the plant have some antibacterial properties (30). The antibacterial activity provides a seientifie rationale for the use of the plant in herbal medicine for diarrhoea. 

H. ascyron is used in the treatment of numerous disorders, such as abscesses, boils, headache, nausea, and stomach ache in Chinese herbal medicine [119]. 

Cat s claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis), an herbal medicine from the Amazon, is widely used to treat inflammatory disorders. Both species of cat s claw provide effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but Uncaria guianensis is the more potent of the two. Non-alkaloid fractions from both species have been found to decrease lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-a and nitrite production in RAW 264.7 cells, and oral pretreatment for 3 days with Uncaria tomentosa actually prevented TNFa mRNA expression and apoptosis. Interestingly, the pharmacological properties of these species do not seem to be dependent on the presence of oxindole or pentacyclic alkaloids [191]. 

Singh, Y.N. et aL 1984. Folk medicine in Tonga. A study of the use of herbal medicines for obstetrical and gynaecoio cal conditions and disorders Journal ofEth-nopharmacology 12(3) 305-329. 

The Latin name for mistletoe is Viscum album. It is a semiparasitic plant that grows on old apple, ash, and hawthorn trees. It is one of very few cancer medications with a rich traditional history. Ancient Greeks used it as an anticancer medication, and it was a popular herbal medicine of the Druids, who used it for treating epilepsy and nervous system disorders. Dr. Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Society for Cancer Research, advocated its use in 1920 for the treatment of human cancer. " Presently, it is widely used in Europe and North America to treat arthritis and rheumatism and for palhative treatment of malignant tumors. Viscum album is listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States Mistletoe is marketed under the brand names Iscador, Isorel, Helixor, Eurixor, Vysorel, etc. 

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is the most revered of all sacred medicinal plants in India. In traditional medicine, it is cherished for its holistic healing properties to restore healthy living by warding off imbalances in the body and mind. In Indian herbal medicine, it is used as a remedy for bronchitis, gastric disorders, hepatic disorders, and skin diseases. Tulsi is also considered to be a diaphoretic, an antiperiodic, an anthelmintic, a cardiotonic, and an antipyretic as well as a blood purifier and an anti-inflammatory ... 

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been nsed for both cnlinaty and medicinal purposes. Recent studies have revealed that garhc is effective in preventing many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, and cancer. " Garlic preparations are used as over-the-counter herbal medicines in the Western conntries. The chemopreventive activity of garlic has been well docnmented. " ... 

Quinine bark is still popular as a herbal medicine. For example, in South America, besides being antimalarial drug, it is considered a tonic, digestive stimulant, and anti-fever. The bark is also used for anemia, indigestion, gastrointestinal disorders, general fatigue, fevers, and as an appetite stimulant. It is claimed that... 

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