_-1_0

Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the&nbsp; "Genomic Stability"&nbsp; lab at BAS

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Tall bare stem, strongly branched in its upper part, where the well-known inflorescences with their yellow color are located. Distributed throughout the country in grassy and overgrown areas, along roads, in sparse forests and clearings. Grandma's favorite for teas and beautiful bouquets. Blooms from May to August ..

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I don't think many people would have had a hard time recognizing it, except for me in high school, when I almost slightly poisoned our respected volleyball coach with specially prepared tea from the herb in question, which subsequently turned out to be a completely different plant. One of the most characteristic hallmarks of St. John's wort is encoded in its name- perforatum , since looking against the light, its petals are dotted with numerous small holes, representing glands filled with essential oil.

_-1_4

So - Hypericum perforatum, or simply St. John's wort - is undoubtedly one of the most used herbs.&nbsp;Its history dates back more than 2,400 years and is full of cultural nuances and mystical legends about magical properties, amulets, the exorcism of evil forces and religious practices.

_-1_5

Even the ancient Greek herbalists Hippocrates, Theopras, Dioskorid and Gallen described various uses of the herb in the bite of poisonous snakes, menstrual pains, digestive tract disturbances, pain, depression and melancholy, burns and superficial wounds.

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In other words, known since antiquity for its healing potential, St. John's wort has become an indispensable part of traditional medicine, and in recent decades it has managed to provoke a serious scientific interest.

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Of particular importance and among the best-studied applications is the treatment of mild to moderate forms of depression, but in addition, modern science describes and confirms the other of its above qualities.

Harvesting

Harvesting_0_0

Harvesting_0_1

The herb is harvested&nbsp; shortly before or during flowering.&nbsp;The above-ground leafy part with the buds and flowers about 20 cm below the top is used. Overblown stalks should not be collected.

Harvesting_0_2

Drying should begin immediately after collection in order to preserve the active substances.&nbsp;It is collected in loose bundles, which are hung for drying.

Composition-of-St.-John's-Wort

Composition of St. John's Wort

Composition-of-St.-John's-Wort_1_0

The water-alcohol extract from the ground parts of St. John's wort contains six main groups of substances <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_the_antibacterial_activity_of_Hypericum_perforatum_L_20659547" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>:

Composition-of-St.-John's-Wort_1_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">naftodiantrons - these compounds have an intense red color and phototoxic properties. The best known representatives of this group of compounds are hypericins. They are also of great interest for the medicinal properties of the plant and in particular the antiviral action. Hypericin is known to make cells more sensitive to light and this leads to more damage&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Hypericin_in_the_Light_and_in_the_Dark_Two_Sides_of_the_Same_Coin_27200034" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2].</a> For this reason, we should not expose ourselves to the sun if we have applied an ointment containing St. John's wort or have taken it in the form of tea;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">floroglucinols - here we need to mention hyperphoric . On it is due to the use of St. John's wort as an antidepressant;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">flavonoids - they include most bioactive compounds in St. John's wort. Examples are kaempferol, quercetin, rutin. They have antispasmodic properties . Rutin is also important for the antidepressant action of the herb;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">biflavones;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">phenylpropanes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">thanins - antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties are also due to the thanins content.</li>
</ul>

Composition-of-St.-John's-Wort_1_2

The dry drug contains all the listed compounds, as well as some essential oils, vitamins, carotenes and others.

St.-John's-Wort-as-a-Natural-Antidepressant

St. John's Wort as a Natural Antidepressant

St.-John's-Wort-as-a-Natural-Antidepressant_2_0

St.-John's-Wort-as-a-Natural-Antidepressant_2_1

Let's start with the best studied action of the herb - as an antidepressant.

St.-John's-Wort-as-a-Natural-Antidepressant_2_2

Depression is a common condition that affects our thoughts, the way we feel and significantly deteriorates quality of life.&nbsp;The herb has been used for centuries against depressive disorders and its use continues today as part of conventional medicine, especially in Europe <a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort-and-depression-in-depth" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort-and-depression-in-depth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>.

St.-John's-Wort-as-a-Natural-Antidepressant_2_3

There are studies that explain the mechanism of action&nbsp; <a href="https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-016-0325-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>, as well as clinical trials. A large-scale review study from 2016 compared data from different clinical trials examining the efficacy of St. John's wort against depression &nbsp;<a href="https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-016-0325-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.5]</a>. The findings are that the mild and moderate forms of depression are affected by the herb as compared to placebo. The data is insufficient to judge about severe forms of depression, as well as about its side effects.

Analgesic-Properties

Analgesic Properties

Analgesic-Properties_3_0

St. John's wort can increase the threshold of acute and chronic pain due to its analgesic properties.&nbsp;This action is known in traditional medicine and has also been confirmed in rodents and humans by modern research in the field <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Hypericum_perforatum_St_John_s_wort_beyond_depression_A_therapeutic_perspective_for_pain_conditions_28216196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.6]</a>.

Analgesic-Properties_3_1

Even Dioscoride notices the beneficial effect of the herb in sciatica, and today there are already studies proving its effects in neuropathies.&nbsp;Taking the herb is also recommended for menstrual pain, toothache, otitis and others.

St.-John's-Wort-for-Wounds-and-Burns

St. John's Wort for Wounds and Burns

St.-John's-Wort-for-Wounds-and-Burns_4_0

St.-John's-Wort-for-Wounds-and-Burns_4_1

Here is the place to mention the favorite ointment of our grandmothers from olive oil and St. John's wort . Its miraculous action is not a coincidence at all. The herb has a highly stimulating effect on wound healing, as it stimulates the productionof collagen. In addition, antibacterial function helps the healing process further.

St.-John's-Wort-for-Wounds-and-Burns_4_2

The recipe for St. John's wort in olive oil can be found below, as well in the article&nbsp;<a href="../../eng/p/russian_folk_medicine_for_healthy_skin_part_1_herbal_remedies_for_vitiligo_infections_warts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russian folk medicine for healthy skin. Part 1: herbal remedies for vitiligo, infections, warts</a>

St.-John's-Wort-for-Gastrointestinal-Disturbances

St. John's Wort for Gastrointestinal Disturbances

St.-John's-Wort-for-Gastrointestinal-Disturbances_5_0

As mentioned, the herb promotes the healing effect of mucous membranes - including those that cover the digestive tract.

St.-John's-Wort-for-Gastrointestinal-Disturbances_5_1

Anti-inflammatory, as well as antidepressant properties are also beneficial, since the intestines and brain are more directly related than we think, and often stress is the unlocking mechanism for our digestive problems <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_Hypericum_perforatum_extract_on_rat_irritable_bowel_syndrome_21969792" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.7]</a>.

St.-John's-Wort-for-Gastrointestinal-Disturbances_5_2

Recipes

Recipes_6_0

Recipe for decoction of St. John's wort: 2 tablespoons of the dried herb are placed in 500 ml of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drink before meals.

Recipes_6_1

Olive oil extract : About 100 g of the freshly harvested herb is soaked in 500 ml of olive oil and left in a sunny place for at least 2 weeks.

Recipes_6_2

This extract can be applied externally for injuries, burns, abrasions or local neuralgic pain, rheumatism, etc. In Bulgarian traditional medicine, the 1 spoon of the extract can be also taken internally before breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Precautions

Precautions_7_0

Precautions_7_1

As my high school volleyball coach would surely confirm, the notion that natural remedies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>are harmless is very often wrong and can lead to abuse.&nbsp;And this herb, like all others, should be taken with caution <a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.8]</a>:

Precautions_7_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">St. John's wort interacts with many medicines and may reduce their effect.These include some antidepressants, birth control pills, some heart medications, warfarin (an anticoagulant, ie anticoagulants), HIV medications, and more. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It should be taken in moderation, especially if you are about to be exposed to the sun. In general, its use is not recommended for people who are hypersensitive to ultraviolet light. External use can also cause severe burns due to the phototoxic effect of hypericin.</li>
</ul>

Precautions_7_3

Read more in the article <a href="../../eng/p/herbs_and_plants_that_act_as_sunscreen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herbs and plants that act as sunscreen</a>

Precautions_7_4

Nature has given us priceless gifts, but it's up to us to use them wisely. :)

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_the_antibacterial_activity_of_Hypericum_perforatum_L_20659547" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> A review of the antibacterial activity of Hypericum perforatum L. </a> , 2010, Journal of Ethnopharmacology

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Hypericin_in_the_Light_and_in_the_Dark_Two_Sides_of_the_Same_Coin_27200034" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hypericin in the Light and in the Dark: Two Sides of the Same Coin</a>, 2016, Front Plant Sci.

St. John's Wort and Depression: In Depth, 2017, NCCIH

The antidepressant mechanism of Hypericum perforatum, 2004, Life Sciences

A systematic review of St. John's wort for major depressive disorder, 2016, Systematic Reviews

Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) beyond depression: A therapeutic perspective for pain conditions., 2017, Journal of Ethnopharmacology

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_Hypericum_perforatum_extract_on_rat_irritable_bowel_syndrome_21969792" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on rat irritable bowel syndrome. </a> , 2011, Pharmacogn. Mag.

St. John's Wort, 2020, NCCIH

Over 50% of the population is infected with the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Although in many cases it remains asymptomatic, it often leads to diseases such as gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer. Conventional treatment is not always effective due to the growing resistance of the bacterium to existing antibiotics. This requires looking for alternatives and concomitant therapies and here we will look at what science says about 5 natural remedies in the fight against Helicobacter pylori.

Natural Treatments for Helicobacter pylori

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There are various medical methods for the treatment and therapy of cancer, such as chemotherapy, interventional oncology, radiation therapy, surgery, hematological oncology, and others. One of the most promising methods is aimed at destroying tumor cells and preventing their metastasis.

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Gin hides its origin not as a summer drink, but as a healing agent in the arsenal of traditional medicine.

Healing Properties of Juniper - The Secret of Gin 

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Anise - The Summer Taste of an Ancient Herb

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In this article you will find recipes from Russian folk medicine for dealing with hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, psoriasis and hyperhidrosis.

Easy Recipes From Russian Folk Medicine For The Treatment Of Skin Diseases. Part 3: Hyperpigmentation, Wrinkles, Psoriasis, Hyperhidrosis

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What are the most famous natural sweeteners, what they are and from which plants are extracted. The answers to these questions can be found in the following article.

Sweetness From Nature Or How To Replace Sugar With Natural Sweeteners

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In this article, you will learn what health benefits spirulina consumption brings according to science, as well as tips for growing it at home.

5 Reasons Why Spirulina Truly Is A Superfood And How To Grow It Home

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St. John's Wort - a Herbal Remedy for Depression

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 St. John's Wort - a Herbal Remedy for Depression

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant

Herbs To Avoid If You Are Pregnant

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_0

Preclinical studies have been conducted describing potential embryotoxicity for certain herbs. An extensive review conducted in 2003 [<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/bdrb.10050" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] revealed several studies that scientifically evaluated the safety of herbs, including blue cohosh, ginger, ginkgo biloba, Siberian ginseng, scutellaria (Scutellaria lateriflora), St. John's wort and valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Among them, ginkgo biloba is the only herb for which teratogenic or embryotoxic effects are not reported, that is, others can cause abnormalities in fetal development.

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_1

Here are which herbs should be avoided during pregnancy, due to the danger of causing contractions:

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_2

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e"><a href="/p/riezienie_niepoznatata_bilka_za_plosk_koriem" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Fennel</a> (wild dill, fennel - Foeniculum vulgare)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e"><a href="/p/khmielt_osnovna_sstavka_na_birata_no_i_bilka_s_mnogho_liechiebni_svoistva" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Hops</a> (Humulus lupulus)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_3

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_4

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)</div>
</li>
<li>Black and green tea (Camellia sinensis) - do not exceed 1 cup per day;</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Salvia (sage - Salvia officinalis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - are not safe in the form of tea in large quantities or with long use;</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_5

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_6

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Oregano (Origanum spp.) - are safe if used as a spice, but not as infusion or essential oil;</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) - it is not a good idea to take them as tea, but it's safe to use a little as a spice;</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Aloe vera - if taken internally it is not safe, but externally it's safe;</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Red clover (Trifolium pratense)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_7

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_8

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e"><a href="/p/zhienshient_8_prichini_poradi_koito_kitaitsitie_gho_narichat_kralitsata_na_bilkitie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Ginseng</a> (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_9

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_10

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Juniper (Juniperus communis)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Castor bean, castor oil plant (Ricinus communis)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_11

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_12

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Rue, common rue or herb-of-grace (Ruta graveolens</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Damiana (Turnera diffusa)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Black and blue cohosh (Actaea racemosa and Caulophyllum thalictroides)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e"><a href="/p/iekstrakt_ot_iednoghodishien_pielin_artemisia_annua_shchie_bdie_izsliedvan_za_aktivnost_srieshchu_covid_19_481480f7_9437_40b5_a59b_5071935e117a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Wormwood</a> (Artemisia sp.)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_13

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_14

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Common barberry, European barberry (Berberis vulgaris)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Alchemilla xanthochlora</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Garden angelica, wild celery and Norwegian angelica (Angelica archangelica)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Dong quai or female ginseng (Angelica sinensis)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_15

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_16

<ul>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Buckthorn (Rhamnus)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e"><a href="/p/kakvi_sa_prichinitie_za_ugholiemiena_prostata_i_ima_li_liechieniie_s_bilki_e6649524_c6c7_443e_9780_c569c3224f15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Saw palmetto</a> (Serenoa repens)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Gotu Kola, kodavan, Indian pennywort or Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Boldo (Peumus boldus)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="bi6gxh9e">Kava kava (Piper methysticum)</div>
</li>
</ul>

Herbs-To-Avoid-If-You-Are-Pregnant_0_17

A large part of these herbs are not suitable for consumption also during breastfeeding.

Herbs-And-Plants-Safe-During-Pregnancy-As-Spices-And-Food

Herbs And Plants Safe During Pregnancy As Spices And Food

Herbs-And-Plants-Safe-During-Pregnancy-As-Spices-And-Food_1_0

As we mentioned, some herbs also play the role of spices, and in this form they are safe during pregnancy, since there is no danger of over-doseing.

Herbs-And-Plants-Safe-During-Pregnancy-As-Spices-And-Food_1_1

These are:

Herbs-And-Plants-Safe-During-Pregnancy-As-Spices-And-Food_1_2

<ul>
<li>Basil</li>
<li>Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)</li>
<li>Sage</li>
<li>Rosemary</li>
<li>Dill (Anethum graveolens)</li>
<li>Mint</li>
<li>Thyme</li>
<li>Fennel</li>
<li>Ginger (Zingiber officinale)</li>
<li>Garlic (Allium sativum)</li>
</ul>

Herbs-And-Plants-Safe-During-Pregnancy-As-Spices-And-Food_1_3

It is important that both patients and doctors are aware of the potential of herbs and the fact that not every natural remedy is harmless in any case. The perception that if they do not help, then herbs will certainly not do harm is wrong - it is their active substances that we rely on when we use them for treatment, and their action does not stop, even when it can harm the body, and it is important that these cases are prevented by us as intelligent human beings. :)

Potential toxicities of herbal therapies in the developing fetus, 2003, Birth Defects Res.B. Dev. Reprod. Toxicol.

<a href="https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/populations/herbs-to-avoid-during-pregnancy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy</a>, Herbal Safety, utep.edu

<a href="https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=35536" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herbs and Supplements to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding</a>, winchesterhospital.org

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/use_of_herbal_medicine_by_pregnant_women_what_physicians_need_to_know_31998122" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Use of Herbal Medicine by Pregnant Women: What Physicians Need to Know</a>, 2020, Frontiers in Pharmacology

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In this article you will find useful information about the healing properties of the broadleaf plantain according to the Iranian traditional medicine and modern science.

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Herbs To Avoid During Pregnancy

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 Herbs To Avoid During Pregnancy

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are genetic diseases of the blood that are <a href="/p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">inherited</a>&nbsp;and therefore cannot be cured, but nevertheless there are ways to maintain the better general health of those suffering from them.

In both diseases, mutations are in the genes for hemoglobin - the <a href="/p/kakva_ie_razlikata_miezhdu_bieltk_i_protiein_b1b6b96e_e340_46d2_9768_ac9fa8cd6adc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">protein</a> that <a href="/p/kakva_ie_razlikata_miezhdu_bieltk_i_protiein_b1b6b96e_e340_46d2_9768_ac9fa8cd6adc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>binds and carries oxygen using erythrocytes (red blood cells). For very severe cases of these diseases, hope is given by the new CRISPR-Cas9 technology, as well as stem cell therapy.

CRISPR-Cas9 technology - is it ethical and can it be used as a treatment

Stem cell transplantation as cancer treatment

What-is-Sickle-Cell-Disease

What is Sickle Cell Disease

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In sickle cell anemia, the mutation of hemoglobin is such that its structure has changed, and this gives erythrocytes unusual for them, but characteristic of the disease sickle form.&nbsp;The normal shape of erythrocytes is a biconcave disc.

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This mutation is very common in Africa and other places around the world for which the widespread spread of malaria is characteristic, since the malaria parasite cannot enter and multiply in sickle shaped erythrocytes, and this provides malaria protection for sickle cell anaemia sufferers. Natural selection in this case leads to more people with the mutation, as they survive under the pressure of malaria.

What-is-Thalassemia

What is Thalassemia

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Thalassemia is a less common genetic disease, which leads to an insufficient amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells, as well as shorten their lifespan.

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The condition causes anemia, a feeling of weakness and various other symptoms, depending on the type and severity of thalassemia. Thalassemia is two types, depending on which chain of protein hemoglobin is affected - alpha or beta. According to the severity of the disease, it is thalassemia minor, intermedia or major - mild, medium and severe form.

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More about thalassemia read in the article <a href="/p/vidovie_talasiemiia_simptomi_i_liechieniie_afa4d9df_f99e_4122_bba7_329dd33442e4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"> Types of thalassemia, symptoms and treatment</a>.

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Herbs-to-Help-Sickle-Cell-Disease-Sufferers

Herbs to Help Sickle Cell Disease Sufferers

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As malaria is very common in Africa and therefore sickle cell anemia is, some of the herbs that are most studied and can be helpful also come from Africa.

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Such medicinal plants are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guinea pepper (Piper guineense);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Grains of Paradise or Melegueta pepper (Aframomum melegueta);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sorghum bicolor also known as great millet, durra, jowari/jowar, or milo;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pterocarpus osun.</li>
</ul>

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All of them, except for Grains of Paradise, are constituents of a drug used in sickle cell anemia called Niprisan. Phytocannabinoids (β-caryophylene) and vaniloids (eugenol, capsaicin and piperine) in cloves and Guinea pepper may explain some of the beneficial effects of Niprisan in sickle cell crisis - for example, pain relief. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Traditional_herbal_management_of_sickle_cell_anemia_lessons_from_Nigeria_23198140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Diseases conditions and symptoms