Laxatives and diuretics

Elderberries, which ripen in September and October, are relished by many varieties of birds. As an herb used by people, they are somewhat laxative and diuretic. They have been used for centuries in the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, facial tics and epilepsy. 

In the AN patients who engage in self-induced vomiting or abuse laxatives and diuretics, hypokalemic alkalosis may develop. These patients often have elevated serum bicarbonate, hypochloremia, and hypokalemia. 

Most patients with BN can be effectively treated as outpatients. Medical hospitalizations result from consequences of purging activities, such as frequent vomiting and abuse of laxatives and diuretics, which can create electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. These patients are at risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias due to hypokalemia. If the patient s serum potassium falls below 2.5 mEq/T, the patient should be hospitalized. Other medical emergencies are gastric dilatation and esophageal tears (both are rare). Cardiac failure caused by cardiomyopathy from ipecac intoxication is a medical emergency. 

N.A. Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq. Cardienolides, cardiac glycosides, asparagine, sterols, tannins.99 A gallbaldder remedy with laxative and diuretic properties. Treat biliousness, liver problems, eczema, constipation. 

In a Wesleyan University study of binge eating disorder (BED) published in 2000, researchers found that African-American women with the disorder reported laxative and diuretic abuse more frequently than white women. However, BED was considered a significant health problem in both racial groups. 

Many Erythrina alkaloids possess curare-like action. Alkaloidal extracts from different parts of Erythrina species have been used in indigenous medicine, particularly in India (176). Many pharmacological effects, including astringent, sedative, hypotensive, neuromuscular blocking, CNS depressant, laxative, and diuretic properties, have been recorded for total alkaloid extracts, although not all these properties can be associated with the ery-thrinane structure alone (38, 177, 178). 

Electrolytes are important minerals that are required for normal functioning of the body. They are found in the bloodstream, as well as in other bodily fluids such as sweat. It is necessary to maintain normal levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate in order to sustain muscle functioning, nerve impulses, and normal fluid levels in the body. When laxatives and diuretics are used, water and electrolytes are removed from the body, causing an electrolyte imbalance and accompanying health problems. 

The abuse of appetite suppressants is widespread, but concrete numerical data are difficult to obtain as most abusers do not attract attention clinically. The eating disorders leading to this abuse also show themselves in the consumption of laxatives and diuretics. Some patients combine appetite suppressants such as norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine or amfepramon with benzodiazepines. The sympathomimetic effect of these substances can compensate in these cases for the morning hangover effects of the tranquilizers. 

Ruscus aculeatus growing mainly regions around the Mediterranean sea coast has been used as a laxative and diuretic agent and as a vasoconstrictor in the topical treatment of varices and haemorrhoids in many countries of the Mediterranean region from old times. Their extracts of Ruscus aculeatus are rich in phytosterols, steroidal saponins, flavonoids and miscellaneous compounds. Based on these facts, the purpose of this Chapter is to describe their phytochemicals and health functions. 

From old times in the Mediterranean region, Ruscus aculeatus has been used as a laxative and diuretic agent and as a vasoconstrictor in the topical treatment of varices and haemorrhoids [2],... 

Chrysophanic acid It is a good purifying agent with strong laxative and diuretic effects. It also stimulates bile secretion and has fungicidal action. 

Mild laxative and diuretic effects reported, probably attributable to malic and citric acid content (tyler 1). 

The plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative, and diuretic. The laxative property is attributed to the presence of anthraquinone derivatives. It is useful in cough, liver problems, and sore eyes. The leaves have sometimes been used as a remedy for diabetes. The drug has been used for dysgeusia (bad taste) and furunculosis. 

An important factor in stimulating the early structural studies of Erythrina alkaloids during the 1940 s was the discovery of their curariform activity (cf. Craig 1955) this appears to be associated with the spiroamine moiety, and in contrast with the curare alkaloids, which are quaternary salts, the Erythrina alkaloids are all tertiary amines. Many other types of pharmacological activity have also been discovered with Erythrina alkaloids, e.g. sedative, hypotensive, CNS depressing, laxative and diuretic properties. 

Elder is known for its diaphoretic and anticatarrhal properties. Traditionally, it is used for influenza, colds, chronic nasal catarrh with deafness, and sinusitis. Elder is also believed to act as a diuretic, laxative, and local anti-inflammatory agent. 

Guaiacum possesses antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild laxative, and diaphoretic properties. Traditionally, it is used for subacute rheumatism, prophylaxis against gout, and specifically for chronic rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. 

BULIMIA An eating disorder characterized by binge eating and then excessive behavior (such as vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, or exercising excessively) to rid the body of the food and/eaten. 

Tamarind preparations are recognized universally as refrigerants in fevers and as laxatives and carminatives (Morton, 1987). The laxative properties of the pulp and the diuretic properties of the leaf sap have been confirmed by modern medicinal science (Bueso, 1980). In South-east Asia,... 

Copiaba (balsam of copaiba) Considered gentle stimulant, diuretic, laxative, and in large doses purgative. Also used according to Stille In protracted and obstinate dysenteries. ... 

Hypomagnesemia occurs when the serum magnesium level is less than 1.5 mEq/L caused by long-term administration of saline infusions, diuretics, antibiotics, laxatives, and steroids. Hypomagnesemia increases the action of digitalis, resulting in digitalis toxicity. 

Used as condiment by Igbos, as diuretics and laxatives, and diabetes... 

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