Bellis perennis is a common European species of daisy, of the family Asteraceae, often considered the archetypal species of that name.

Many related plants also share the name 'daisy', so to distinguish this species from other daisies it is sometimes qualified as common daisy, lawn daisy or English daisy. Historically, it has also been commonly known as bruisewort and occasionally woundwort (although the common name woundwort is now more closely associated with Stachys). Bellis perennis is native ...

bellis perennis

What-is-echinacea?

What is echinacea? 

What-is-echinacea?_0_0

What-is-echinacea?_0_1

The echinacea plant, also known as American echinacea or purple echinacea, is a wild flowering herb known for its medicinal properties based on its traditional use. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; Echinacea originated in North America and is recognizable by daisy-like flowers, usually purple, around a spiny, cone-like center. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/71678" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; The term 'echinacea' actually refers to genera of plants and several species of this family, including purpurea and angustifolia, which are distinguished by their content of alkylamides (considered as active ingredients).

What-is-echinacea?_0_2

Originally used by native Indians, echinacea has been used as a traditional herbal remedy since the 18th century for a number of conditions, such as coughs and colds, snakebites, burns, anthrax infections, and minor wounds. It has also been reported that echinacea root can be chewed to relieve toothache pain and throat infections.

What-is-echinacea?_0_3

The three types of echinacea used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements are: &nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article/57/8/929/6147494" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties&dagger;" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

What-is-echinacea?_0_4

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea purple) - the most widely used and popular type of echinacea;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea pallida (Echinacea palida);</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea angustifolia (Echinacea angustifolia).</li></ul>

What-are-the-benefits-of-echinacea?

What are the benefits of echinacea?

High-in-antioxidants

High in antioxidants 

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Echinacea plants are loaded with plant compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Severe oxidative stress has been linked to the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and many others.

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Some of these antioxidants are flavonoids, chicory acid and rosmarinic acid. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.phcogrev.com/article/2015/9/17/1041030973-7847156353" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Analysis Methods | Pharmacognosy Reviews" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;These antioxidants are usually in higher amounts in extracts of the fruits and flowers of plants, compared to other parts, such as the leaves and root.

Echinacea-for-frequent-colds-and-flu-like-diseases

Echinacea for frequent colds and flu-like diseases 

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Echinacea is best known for its purported ability to relieve colds and flu-like infections and for helping shorten the duration of such ailments.

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A 2011 review of available studies, published in the medical journal Pharmaceuticals, found that Echinacea purpurea possesses numerous beneficial effects in the treatment of viral respiratory infections, including: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/4/7/1019" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea&mdash;A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Direct virucidal activity against several respiratory viruses;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reversal of the proinflammatory response of epithelial cells and tissues to various viruses;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reducing excessive secretion of mucin from cells and tissues of the respiratory tract;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Absence of cytotoxic effects or impairment of the integrity of Echinacea tissues in cell cultures or airway tissues, at practical antiviral concentrations;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Additional potentially positive effects on cellular gene expression.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Anti-inflammatory-action-of-echinacea

Anti-inflammatory action of echinacea  

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It has also been shown that echinacea has an anti-inflammatory effect inside the body. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2714" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[Ref. 6]</a>&nbsp; Inflammation is your body's natural way of promoting healing and protecting itself as needed. Sometimes it can get out of control and last longer than necessary and expected. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases and other health problems.

Anti-inflammatory-action-of-echinacea_1_1

Several studies have shown that echinacea can help reduce excess inflammation. For example, in a study in mice, echinacea compounds helped reduce important inflammatory markers and memory loss caused by inflammation. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fj.201601071R" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;

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In another 30-day study in adults with osteoarthritis, taking a supplement containing echinacea extract was found to significantly reduce inflammation, chronic pain, and swelling. Interestingly, these adults did not respond well to conventional nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but found that the supplement containing echinacea extract worked well for them.&nbsp;

Anticancer-properties-of-echinacea

Anticancer properties of echinacea 

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Anticancer-properties-of-echinacea_1_1

In vitro studies have shown that echinacea extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even cause cancer cell death.

Anticancer-properties-of-echinacea_1_2

In one in vitro study, echinacea purpurea extract and cicoric acid (naturally found in echinacea plants) were shown to induce cancer cell death. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874112005570" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;8]&nbsp;

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In another in vitro study, extracts from echinacea plants (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida) killed human pancreatic and colon cancer cells by stimulating a process called apoptosis, or controlled cell death. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874106004624" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp; This effect is believed to be due to the immunostimulating properties of echinacea and its active ingredients.&nbsp;

Echinacea-May-Help-Treat-Skin-Problems

Echinacea May Help Treat Skin Problems 

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Research shows that echinacea plants can help treat common skin problems.

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In an in vitro study, scientists found that the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of echinacea inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium, a common cause of acne.&nbsp;

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In another study in 10 healthy people aged 25-40, skin care products containing echinacea extract were found to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles. Similarly, a cream containing echinacea purpurea extract has been shown to improve eczema symptoms and help restore the thin protective outer layer of the skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0923181116310258" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

Potential-Side-Effects-of-Echinacea-Use

Potential Side Effects of Echinacea Use 

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Echinacea products look safe and are well tolerated for short-term use. As with any other natural remedy, there are cases of side effects that occur rarely. They can be:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rashes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Itchy skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hives</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swelling</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stomach pain</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nausea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shortness of breath</li></ul>However, these side effects are more common in people with allergies to other flowers, such as daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum), calendula (Calendula), ragweed&nbsp; (Ambrosia) and others.

Echinacea-dosage-information

Echinacea dosage information 

Echinacea-dosage-information_3_0

For dehydrated powders (including encapsulated echinacea), Echinacea purpuera is usually used and oral doses above 300 mg are taken. three times a day (900 mg daily) and 500 mg. three times a day (1500 mg daily).

Echinacea-dosage-information_3_1

Tinctures of ethanol extract from aboveground parts (leaves and stems) are used in a concentration of 2.5 ml. three times a day or up to 10 ml. Daily.

Echinacea-dosage-information_3_2

There is not much evidence as to whether these are the optimal doses and studies are so far mixed in terms of quantities due to lack of standardization.

One of the many beneficial natural remedies, echinacea improves immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, counteracts inflammation and promotes skin health. There is evidence that echinacea can act as anti-cancer agent. Human-based research is still too limited, and it is necessary to investigate more thoroughly what are the exact effective doses for various health conditions.&nbsp;

Echinacea: Health Benefits, Medicinal Properties and Side Effects 

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/b7071b22-efc7-40b7-8e80-6a9c2cefec58_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Ivelina Yankova, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

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What-is-silymarin?

What is silymarin?

What-is-silymarin?_0_0

Silymarin is an extract from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum, lat.), and the biologically active ingredient in it is called silybin or silibinin. Milk thistle is found in the Mediterranean and is part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies. The healing properties of the plant are described as early as 40-90 AD by Dioskorid – Greek doctor and botanist. The next recognition was received in 1597 by John Gerrard, who noted its calmative properties [ref. 1]. Over time, the benefits of silymarin have been increasingly proven and nowadays it is considered more of a drug than a dietary supplement.

What-is-silymarin?_0_1

Mechanism-of-action

Mechanism of action

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It is believed that the way silymarin manifests its healing properties is divided into four:

Mechanism-of-action_1_1

<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antioxidant – In diseases, the levels of free radicals in cells normally rise. These are oxygen-containing highly reactive molecules that can cause chain chemical reactions in the body. Free radicals are constantly formed, but the body has built a balance between their production and the production of antioxidants. When this balance is disturbed for one reason or another, inflammatory processes are stimulated and important cellular structures such as the cell membrane, different proteins and even genes can be damaged. This process, called oxidative stress, can lead to a number of diseases and even death, if not controlled. It is believed that silymarin stimulates the production of glutathione and the action of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which are major players in the detoxifying system of the body. In addition, it has a role in maintaining the structure of the cell membrane, which is important for preserving the integrity of the cell. <img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e7264468-35eb-41fb-8244-165919d8ede5_middle.PNG" border="0" alt=""></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Anti-inflammatory – suppression of the production of the proinflammatory substance leukotriene B4 is another main property of silymarin [ref. 2]. It also suppresses the action of NF-kB and FOXO, protein complexes that can be likened to bad brothers who challenge their little siblings to do bad things leading to the onset of inflammatory processes.
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Immunomodulatory action – it has been documented that at low doses, silymarin intake inhibits the function of T-lymphocyte immune cells, and at high doses, it can stimulate inflammatory processes in the body.
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stimulates the formation of ribosomes - organelles, which are known as "protein factories". <img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/6e53be7e-88a3-4484-bf21-143195520421_middle.jpg" border="0" alt=""></li>
</ol>

Benefits-of-taking-silymarin-in-humans:

Benefits of taking silymarin in humans:

Liver-diseases

Liver diseases

Liver-diseases_2_0

Although there are conflicting results in research, silymarin is recommended for liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. In order to have an effective result of its intake, it is considered that it should be taken in earlier stages of the disease while the regenerative abilities of the liver are still good and the antioxidant properties of silymarin would be most useful.

Liver-diseases_2_1

Liver-diseases_2_2

In hepatic fibrosis, the intake of the extract is recommended, because it is believed to hinder the transformation of myofibroblast cells into liver star cells. These cells replace the tissue with scar tissue rich in collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. When the balance between synthesis and degradation of these substances is disturbed, then a state of fibrosis occurs. Milk thistle extract helps to maintain this balance and liver health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [ref. 3].

Liver-diseases_2_3

Diabetes

Diabetes_2_0

Less well-known is the use of silymarin to prevent and treat diabetes. One of the things that oxidative stress directly damages is the normal function of beta cells of the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, which is responsible for exporting glucose from the circulation to cells. When this function is impaired, blood sugar levels rise because there is no insulin to transport it. This could be a cause of diabetes. Due to the antioxidant properties of silymarin, the disease, if caused by that, can be avoided [ref. 4, 5].

Diabetes_2_1

Diabetes_2_2

In type 2 diabetes, the body builds resistance to insulin. Scientific studies have shown that taking silymarin improves insulin resistance by stimulating lipolysis (fat degradation) and suppression of gluconeogenesis (a process in which substances that are not carbohydrates (sugars) are transformed to glucose) [ref. 6].

Cancer

Cancer_2_0

Silymarin extract is proven to be a worthy remedy for various cancers in many scientific studies, with the best results observed with a combined intake of silymarin with chemotherapy [ref. 7, 8].

Cancer_2_1

One of the ways this herb helps is by suppressing the action of potentially toxic CYP-mediated reactions and potentiating the activity of substances called conjugates involved in the detoxifying processes of the body [ref.9]. An example of this action is a study done on rats treated with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, which has cardiotoxic properties. Doxorubicin stimulates the action of a group of enzymes called cytochrome P450 involved in CYP-mediated reactions. These enzymes lower the levels of cardioprotective molecules called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or EET's [ref. 10]. Taking silymarin inhibits the action of cytochrome P450, which reduces the toxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug [ref. 9].

Cancer_2_2

Poisoning

Poisoning_2_0

If you are a mushroom lover, you may have encountered the mushroom of the species Amanita phalloides, also called the "death cap", and in Bulgaria known as a green fly agaric. This mushroom is classified as one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world. The alpha-amanitin toxin it contains can lead to liver and kidney failure, and even death, if no action is taken quickly. Silibinin has been shown to prevent the absorption of the toxin by hepatocytes (liver cells) thereby protecting healthy cells.

Poisoning_2_1

Brain-health

Brain health

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Brain-health_2_1

Over time, oxidative stress in the body increases. That's one reason our bodies get older. Alzheimer's is an adult disease, and one of the reasons considered leading to the onset of the disease is oxidative stress. Silymarin extract has been used to treat this disease since ancient times, although at the time there was probably no scientific evidence of its effect [ref. 11]. Nowadays, however, there are studies that have proven the beneficial properties of silymarin for brain health. It is believed that through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the extract can protect neurons from oxidative stress [ref. 12] and reduce the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain [ref. 13, 14], the presence of which is a typical sign of Alzheimer's.

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Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:

Potential beneficial properties of silymarin:

Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:_3_0

It is characteristic for menopausal women to develop osteoporosis disease, which is accompanied by progressive bone loss. When menopause occurs, estrogen levels decrease significantly. One of the functions of estrogen is to maintain the balance between bone formation and resorption. When its levels drop, the balance is disturbed and the bones become weaker and more brittle. If before menopause a woman's bones are weak, very often after menopause she develops osteoporosis. Silymarin has the potential to stimulate bone mineralization and delay over time, or even prevent osteoporosis in these women [ref. 15].

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Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:_3_2

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is believed that silymarin extract has positive properties in the treatment of acne [ref. 16].

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There are few studies on the subject, but silymarin can have an effect on the production of breast milk in women [ref. 17].

Animal-benefits:

Animal benefits:

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In the same way, as in humans, the action of silibinin in sheep in poisoning has been documented. Known trouble for livestock is poisoning with larvae of sawfly. The toxin, lofirothamine, which causes poisoning, has a similar structure to that of the&nbsp;green fly agaric. Therefore, treatment with milk thistle extract has proven just as effective in detoxifying the organs of infected livestock [ref. 18].

Animal-benefits:_4_1

Animal-benefits:_4_2

The addition of silymarin to broiler food reduces the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is common in the food of these animals. The toxin reduces hatching, hatching weight, growth rate, meat and egg production and the quality of meat and eggs. It has been noted that due to the intake of silymarin together with food, there is an improvement in these factors in broilers [ref. 19].

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Animal-benefits:_4_4

The benefit of silymarin was also noted in dogs, when given after taking metronidazole, which usually harms the liver [ref. 20].

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At birth, the liver of cows begins to get fatty, a disease known as hepatic steatosis. In individuals with an advanced condition, this can lead to more serious health problems, as well as worsen milk production. It has been shown that when taking silymarin, the enzyme activity of the liver, as well as milk production improve in cows [ref.21, 22]. In another study, the herb, in combination with other herbs, was used as a substitute for an antibiotic in the diet of pigs. The results are shown by the appearance of the pigs and the meat – the livestock that took the herbs, developed the least fat around the organs and back, gave the most livestock and its meat was more tender and juicy than the meat of the other groups of pigs that did not take the herbs [ref.23].&nbsp; These effects are most likely manifested by the fact that silymarin stimulates lipolysis and suppresses gluconeogenesis, as documented in some studies [ref.6].

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Conclusion

Conclusion_5_0

Nowadays people are starting to trust alternative medicine more and more and research in scientific circles about the healing properties of various herbs and plants is increasing. Silymarin is such a remedy that has many health benefits for both humans and animals. More research is needed to prove its effects and to establish its use in the pharmaceutical industry.

bellis perennis

Silymarin - a well-known ancient herb - for the benefits in humans and animals