The Amaryllidaceae are a family of herbaceous, mainly perennial and bulbous (rarely rhizomatous) flowering plants in the monocot order Asparagales. The family takes its name from the genus Amaryllis and is commonly known as the amaryllis family. The leaves are usually linear, and the flowers are usually bisexual and symmetrical, arranged in umbels on the stem. The petals and sepals are undifferentiated as tepals, which may be fused at the base into a floral tube. Some also display a corona. Allyl ...

amaryllidaceae

Why-Use-Herbs-for-Better-Digestion-and-Absorption

Why Use Herbs for Better Digestion and Absorption

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Long before we had drugs at our fingertips in the pharmacy, people all over the world relied on plants to treat some of their ailments, including digestive disorders.

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Today, many of these same botanical drugs remain widespread for use in common symptoms of digestive problems. Bouts of nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dyspepsia, bloating, belching, flatulence or acute diarrhea, when occasionally or mild, can all be treated alone and with good effect.

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More serious or persistent digestive disorders, such as intestinal infections, chronic diarrhea, chronic acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), or peptic ulcers, among others, should be discussed with a qualified specialist. Although these digestive problems can also be treated with herbs, the results can be much more variable, and medical judgment is paramount and most important for a successful outcome.

Botanical-nervous-relaxants

Botanical nervous relaxants

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For a healthy digestive function, our bodies need to be in a relaxed state. When we are in a state of anxiety and stress, the "fight or flight" response is triggered. Then digestion always remains in the background to dealing with stress or stressor. When eating in this state, it is common to develop digestive disorders, be it diarrhea, constipation, or very severe abdominal pain.&nbsp;

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For those whose digestion is easily disturbed by an emotional disorder, botanical nerve relaxants can have a pronounced positive effect on the nervous system, which is naturally followed by relief in the digestive system. They do this by reducing the stress response an adaptive triggering of the sympathetic nervous system, accompanied by simultaneous shutdown of any other bodily function that is not needed in emergencies for survival. Essentially, these herbs help heal our nervous stomachs by making us calmer.&nbsp;

Six-herbs-for-better-digestion-and-absorption

Six herbs for better digestion and absorption

Mint-(Mentha-x-piperita-and-Mentha-spp.)-for-digestion

Mint (Mentha x piperita and Mentha spp.) for digestion

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The use of peppermint essential oil as a digestive aid probably dates back to ancient Greece. A few thousand years later, there is already a set of scientific studies that support its use, especially in the form of enteric coated peppermint oil capsules, for symptomatic relief of irritable bowel syndrome. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apt.14519" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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The enteric coating of the capsule allows peppermint oil to pass undigested through the more acidic upper areas of the gastrointestinal tract to the lower intestine, where, as reported in the British Medical Journal more than 30 years ago, it has the effect of a mild smooth-muscle relaxant that serves to soothe digestive spasm, inhibits gastrointestinal contraction, relieves gas, and reduces pain and discomfort. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.ephysician.ir/index.php/browse-issues/2016/9/480-3024" target="_blank" data-ref="A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile)" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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You can also use mint in other ways. It is not necessary to suffer from a digestive disorder to enjoy mint, at least in the form of peppermint tea. No adverse effects have been reported from mint tea and it may be the most widely consumed herbal infusion with one ingredient. Even the most delicate stomach will be grateful for a cup of peppermint tea after dinner, thanks to its delicate aroma, taste and all the beneficial effects on digestion.

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita,-M.-chamomilla,-Chamomilla-recutita)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, M. chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita)

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Chamomile is a plant nerve relaxant that is popular for use in digestive symptoms, used alone or in combination, such as herbal infusion, tincture or homeopathic.&nbsp;

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Chamomile has traditionally been prescribed in the treatment of both acute and chronic stomach distress, such as inflammation and spasms of the digestive organs. Although human research is limited, there are studies of dried chamomile flower extracts demonstrating antispasmodic and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Along with the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile, these actions may explain its overall calming effect on digestion.&nbsp;

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Numerous chemical compounds, including apigenin, have been isolated from chamomile flowers. The pharmacological effects of this phenolic flavonoid are not fully understood, but it has been noted that apigenin has an affinity for GABA receptors in the brain where it can exert a natural inhibitory effect on the central nervous system.&nbsp;

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Generally recognized as safe and well tolerated, chamomile may, however, cause rare allergic symptoms in those who are sensitive to plants in the families Asteraceae, Umbelliferae, Amaryllidaceae.

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Melissa-officinalis

Melissa officinalis

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Often formulated in combination products, lemon balm, rosemary, and valerian as the next three herbs are good nerve relaxants that can help eliminate digestive cramps, relieve excess gas, soothe malaise, and reduce pain. There is somewhat limited clinical evidence to support their use, but based on observations and available research, these herbs are generally well tolerated and can be taken orally to help reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.&nbsp;

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Lemon balm, also known as melissa, is another member of the mint family, used internationally for centuries to relieve gas, cramps and dyspepsia, as well as to increase tranquility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rosmarinus-officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis

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Rosemary is known for its antispasmodic effects. Studies of the active ingredients of medicinal plants often show biochemical similarities between different species. Rosemary and lemon balm, for example, share a polyphenolic compound known as rosmarinic acid, which contributes to their beneficial effects.

Valerian-officinalis

Valerian officinalis

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Valerian is better known for its effects on anxiety and nervous sleep disorders and is often formulated with other herbs such as hops or lemon balm for use as a mild sedative. Historically, valerian has also been used for gastrointestinal problems, such as intestinal cramps and flatulence. 4

Fennel-(Foeniculum-vulgare)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) 

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Fennel, also called kopret, field dill, wild dill, pharmacy dill, fennel, false fenugreek, originates from traditional Ayurveda, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean medicine. Preparations from wild fennel leaves and seeds have been noticed as an aid in preventing and relieving the formation of gas and reducing bloating, heartburn and constipation.&nbsp;

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It is also believed that fennel promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes and stimulates appetite. Dill is generally considered safe, although it can rarely cause an allergic reaction. It is not recommended to use it during pregnancy. &nbsp;<a href="https://peerj.com/articles/10308/" target="_blank" data-ref="Effects of dietary fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, and carcass traits of broilers" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Swedish-bitter---a-well-known-remedy-for-better-digestion

Swedish bitter - a well-known remedy for better digestion

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There are many different formulations, passed down over the centuries by elders familiar with the local flora. Swedish bitter, probably the most famous here in the Western world, originated in Europe in the 16th century, where it was used for a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps. It is believed that one "original" recipe was tincture of aloe (Aloe vera), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha, Commiphora molmol), saffron, senna leaves (Cassia), camphor, angelica root (Angelica), rhubarb root (Rheum rhabarbarum) and other ingredients, in a mixture of several different spirits. Nowadays, there are a number of different preparations called "Swedish bitterness" that contain more diverse combinations of herbs from around the world.

Types-of-herbal-products

Types of herbal products 

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Since we encounter different concepts, it is important to clarify what is the difference between tea, herbal infusion, decoction and tincture. These are the different methods we use to prepare the essential oils and additional active ingredients found in medicinal plants.

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infusion - similar to a decoction, but generally more powerful, with plant materials being allowed to soak in oil or boiling water for a while.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tincture — an extract prepared by placing herbs or other plant material in a jar of ethanol or another form of alcohol, letting it stand for several weeks or more, periodically shaking, then strained. Sometimes vinegar or glycerin is used instead of alcohol.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Herbal infusion — herbal "tea" brewed in water from any plant material other than the real tea plant (Camellia sinensis)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Decoction — prepared by boiling ground or creased vegetable materials in water, then strained the result.</li></ul>

These are just a few of the many herbs with a long tradition of use in digestive disorders. Look for these herbs at your health food store or groceries, if you have a garden you can grow them there or buy them from the market. Keep in mind that herbs work differently for each person, and not only are they important for good digestion. It is most important to establish what is causing stomach disorders and symptoms in order to eliminate the causes of the problem. And as always, before using herbs for a digestive condition that plagues you, consult a qualified herbalist, naturopath, or other medical person at your discretion.

6 great herbs for better digestion and absorption of nutrients

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Бетина Цветкова

Old-Remedies-That-Still-Heal-Us-Today

Old Remedies That Still Heal Us Today 

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From opium in maca, to quinine extracted from a quinine tree, to active compounds in snowdrop, there are many old working natural remedies that have actually tested and proven medical benefits.

Artemisia-annua

Artemisia annua  

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Artemisinin&nbsp; (Artemisia annua) and its semisynthetic derivatives are a group of drugs used in the treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0165614708001648" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;1]&nbsp;

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Tu Youyou discovered a substance called artemisinin, which can be used to treat malaria. Not only did Tu find a way to extract artemisinin from traditional Chinese medicine, but he also tested the new drug on himself to speed up development time.&nbsp;

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Through a joint effort collectively referred to as "Project 523," Chinese scientists prepared dihydroartemisinin, artemether, and artesunate in the 1970s. It is these derivatives, along with others, including artemizone, arteter and artellinic acid, collectively known as "artemisinins", that are now making a decisive contribution to the management of malaria.

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This breakthrough contributed to a successful treatment that saved millions of people in China, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.868087/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Worldwide Research Trends on Artemisinin: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2021" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;2]&nbsp;

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)

Spurgia esulae (Euphorbia peplus)  

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The white juice of this common weed, also known as garden milkweed, is described in&nbsp; the book "Complete Herbalist" by Nicholas Culpepper (1826) as "a good treatment for warts". However, do not try this remedy at home, as it can irritate the skin.

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Garden milkweed makes its way from native Europe to Australia, where biochemist Dr. Jim Aylward grows it in his garden. In 1997, Dr. Aylward isolated the plant's active ingredient, ingenol mebutate, which he discovered was toxic to rapidly reproducing human tissue.

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And recent clinical trials of a gel derived from milkweed juice suggest that it is effective in stopping lesions turning into skin cancer. The study in question involved 36 patients with non-melanoma skin cancer lesions. Each was treated with the juice of the Euphorbia peplus plant, which was applied to the skin once a day for three days. The juice of the plant has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine, and researchers include it at various stages in an appropriate clinical trial.

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After one month, 41 of the 48 cancers showed a complete clinical response to treatment, which means that no trace of the tumor could be found at the clinical examination. Patients who received only a partial response from the first round of treatment were then offered a second course.&nbsp;

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Lesions that responded positively to one or two courses of treatment were then followed further between two and 31 months. After an average of 15 months of treatment, two-thirds (68.5% or 30 out of 48) of skin cancer lesions still showed a complete response. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/euphorbia-peplus#:~:text=(Euphorbiaceae)%20or%20petty%20spurge%2F,bladder%20cancer%20systemically%20against%20leukemia" target="_blank" data-ref="ScienceDirectScience DirectScienceDirect helpElsevierRELX Group" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;3]&nbsp;

Leeches-(Hirudinea)

Leeches (Hirudinea) 

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Yes, you may not have expected to see this here, but there's a reason. Leeches were one of the more civilized methods of bloodletting, a popular cure for diseases in bygone times. "Hirudotherapy" is the name of the treatment itself with medical leeches. In general, hirudotherapy prevents the formation of thrombi and is considered an effective remedy for varicose veins disease, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids and others.

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For the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, any imbalance in the four bodily dimensions (blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm) would have caused disease. And the best way to correct this is by draining the excess - often blood.

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Returning to the present, the use of medical leeches to treat multiple diseases has peaked, with France importing around 40 million each year. It is also interesting that recent advances in surgery include the use of leeches again. Hospitals such as UCLH in London use these bloodthirsty animals to drain excess blood after microsurgery, which helps promote natural healing. They can also be used in postoperative care for skin grafts or after reattachment of lost fingers and ears.

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One of the mechanisms by which leeches are beneficial is that they produce a protein that stops blood clotting. They work by sinking into the reflexogenic (acupuncture) zones and releasing their biologically active substances, which number over 50!&nbsp;

White-willow-(Salix-alba)

White willow (Salix alba) 

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Both the ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates recommended using willow bark to relieve pain. Its effectiveness was eventually proven in a Royal Society study in 1763, but it wasn't until 1915 that pharmaceutical giant Bayer began selling it over-the-counter as aspirin. In fact, acetylsalicylic acid is the valuable chemical derived from salicylic acid extracted from the bark of white willow.

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This tree is now the subject of between 700 and 1,000 clinical trials each year. And recent advances have shown that it has other beneficial effects besides a pain-relieving effect.

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From reducing the risk of strokes to indications that it can help prevent cancer, aspirin is the traditional remedy that comes from the bark of white willow. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3386" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

Snowdrops-(Galanthus)

Snowdrops (Galanthus) 

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Thus, the favorite spring flowers - snowdrops (Galanthus spp., Family Amaryllidaceae), are besides beautiful and supposedly beneficial to health. Their biological activities have been described in more than one study, with scientists pointing to the anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer potential of Galanthus spp. The main pharmacological ingredients in snowdrops, especially in bulbs, are galantamine and lycorin. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.552453/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Biological Activities of Snowdrop (Galanthus spp., Family Amaryllidaceae)" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Natural gifts continue to be an inexhaustible source of new therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. Both among plants and among some animal species, there are ways to alleviate various health problems. They may not have the same effect as medications, but it's always helpful to have some old natural remedies in your medicine cabinet that may be helpful in relieving symptoms.

5 Old Remedies That Still Heal Us Today

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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With the development of medicine, our life expectancy has increased considerably within only a few decades. This allows us to spend much more time with our relatives and loved ones, but it is also a prerequisite for age-related diseases.&nbsp; Perhaps one of the most insidious of these is senile dementia, as it alters our personality, mental abilities, and memory.

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The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease, in which plaque builds up in the brain over time, killing certain types of neurons, and causing changes in the transmission of nerve impulses in various important areas of the brain.

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Currently available methods of treating Alzheimer's are not effective enough and have undesirable side effects. Therefore, in this article we will consider the treatment of the disease from the point of view of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) - with the help of herbs and medicinal plants, which have the potential to slow down the development of the disease and are actively studied:

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<ul>
<li>Sage (Salvia officinalis)</li>
<li>Ginkgo biloba</li>
<li>Toothed clubmoss or firmoss (Huperzia serrata)</li>
<li>Plants of the Amaryllidaceae family</li>
<li>Uncaria rhynchophylla - a type of cat's claw (diào gōu téng or fish hook vine)</li>
<li>Yuan zhi (Polygala tenuifolia)</li>
</ul>

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The information was takenf rom the articles "Traditional Chinese medicines and Alzheimer's disease" [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Traditional_Chinese_medicines_and_Alzheimer_s_disease_21791295" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] and "Herbaltherapy: a new pathway for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease" [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_therapy_a_new_pathway_for_the_treatment_of_Alzheimer_s_disease_21067555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].

Sage-(Salvia-officinalis)-and-ursolic-acid

Sage (Salvia officinalis) and ursolic acid

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One of the promising medicinal plants in the fight against Alzheimer's is sage or also known as garden sage, common sage, or culinary sage. The main active substance in the herb leaves is ursolic acid. It is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found also in the wax layer of apples, in the fruit crusts, as well as in rosemary and thyme.

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According to one clinical trial, sage extract significantly improved the cognitive abilities of patients with mild to moderate&nbsp;Alzheimer's disease between the ages of 65 and 80 years. No adverse side effects were observed.&nbsp;[<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00463.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

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Another active substance in sage, which has the potential to improve the condition of patients with dementia is rosmarinic acid, since it destabilizes and inhibits the formation of amyloid filaments. [<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1747-0285.2005.00318.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Ginkgo-biloba-leaf-extract

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

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Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, named EGb761, has the potential to have a beneficial effect on patients with various neurodegenerative diseases , including Alzheimer's and dementia, thanks to the flavonoids, terpenes and organic acids contained in it.

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The extract lowers oxidative stress, has anti-inflammatory properties, neutralizes free radicals, improves impaired mitochondrial function, reduces platelet aggregation (against blood clotting). [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Traditional_Chinese_medicines_and_Alzheimer_s_disease_21791295" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] All these properties are important for the treatment of this disease.

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Toothed-clubmoss-or-firmoss-(Huperzia-serrata)

Toothed clubmoss or firmoss (Huperzia serrata)

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The toothed clubmoss is a plant also known as firmoss. It contains the inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase hooperzine A, which is also its active substance.

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According to various studies, hooperzine A has a positive effect in neurodegenerative diseases such as myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

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The substance has the property to improve general cognitive functions, overall clinical status, behavioral disorders in Alzheimer's patients, without side effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_therapy_a_new_pathway_for_the_treatment_of_Alzheimer_s_disease_21067555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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Plants-of-theAmaryllidaceae-family

Plants of theAmaryllidaceae family

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Plants of the Amaryllidaceae family are widely used in Traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions - from the bite of a venomous snake, through paralysis to rheumatoid arthritis.

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The active substance is galantamine, which according to some studies can improve memory and protect neurons from oxidative stress.

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One clinical trial confirmed the efficacy and safety of galantamine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Acetylcholinesterase_inhibitors_and_memantine_for_neuroenhancement_in_healthy_individuals_a_systematic_review_20193764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]. The use of galantamine for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's is approved by the State Food and Drug Administration in China and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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Uncaria-rhynchophylla---a-type-of-cat's-claw

Uncaria rhynchophylla - a type of cat's claw

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Uncaria rhynchophylla is a variety of the better known cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa). It is also called diào gōu téng or fish hook vine. The herb is used to relieve headaches, dizziness, tinnitus and contains a number of active substances from the group of alkaloids.

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There is evidence that its extracts have a significant destabilising and inhibiting effect on the formation of amyloid fibers. This effects is even stronger than that of other herbs used in Traditional Chinese medicine. [<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jnr.20891" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]

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Yuan-zhi-(Polygala-tenuifolia)

Yuan zhi (Polygala tenuifolia)

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Polygala tenuifolia is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese medicine and is among the most used to treat memory loss. It has expectorant, antipsychotic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and hypnotic effects.

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In the dried root of the herb there is a substance called tenuifolin, which is evidenced to possess the properties necessary to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and to improve poor mental functions. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Traditional_Chinese_medicines_and_Alzheimer_s_disease_21791295" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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The potential of these medicinal plants and their extracts, the clinical trials [<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04249869" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>], as well as the activity of Chinese scientists in researching the effectiveness of various herbs, give a ray of hope that we will soon find effective and safe treatment and prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and senile dementia.

Q&amp;A

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What types of dementia are there?

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Various diseases and conditions can lead to or be characterized by dementia. These include: Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, alcohol-related dementia, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, HIV-related dementia.

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What is vascular dementia?

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Vascular dementia is a common name for dementia caused by a problem with the blood supply to the brain. There are two main types of vascular dementia: multiinfarct dementia and Binswanger's disease (subcortical vascular dementia). Both types are associated with one or more strokes.

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Multiinfarct dementia is the most common vascular dementia and at the beginning of its development has a more favorable picture than that of Alzheimer's, and the sufferer can keep their personality relatively unchanged for longer. Some of its symptoms are depression, mood swings and epilepsy. Risk factors for the development of vascular dementia are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking.

amaryllidaceae

5 Old Remedies That Still Heal Us Today

Traditional Chinese medicine: 6 herbs for Alzheimer's and dementia