Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also known as Chinese liquorice, is a flowering plant native to Asia. It is used as a sweetener and in traditional Chinese medicine.

Liquorice root, or 'radix glycyrrhizae', is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has the name gancao (kan-tsao; Chinese: 甘草, pinyin: gāncǎo). It is used in Chinese medicine to harmonize other herbs and to reduce the harsh effects of other herbs. It is usually collected in spring and autumn, when it is ...

glycyrrhiza uralensis

Why-are-hepatitis-viruses-dangerous?

Why are hepatitis viruses dangerous? 

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Hepatitis viruses are a serious problem around the world. Hepatitis A, a major cause of acute hepatitis in many parts of the world, is in serious decline in the developed world as a result of the existence of an effective vaccine. The disease remains prevalent in the developing world. Hepatitis B is also significantly inhibited by vaccination in the developed world, but remains a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer in parts of Africa and Asia.

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It is important to suggest that viral hepatitis can be fatal. Viral hepatitis types A, B, C, D and E can cause infection and subsequent inflammation of the liver, which can lead to serious diseases, including liver cancer or even death. People infected with hepatitis A and E almost always recover and do not need treatment. In the case of viruses B, C and D, infection can become chronic and some patients may develop a more serious diagnosis, such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. However, if the infection is detected in time, it can be treated.

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In turn, people with the hepatitis C virus can make a full recovery, and there are vaccines that protect against viral hepatitis A, B, D and E.

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Herbal-treatment-for-different-subtypes-of-viral-hepatitis

Herbal treatment for different subtypes of viral hepatitis 

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We distinguish several main types of acute viral infections of the liver – these are hepatitis A, E, B and C. They correspond to the subtype of virus that is causative. As you will see from the article, there is a wide range of herbal remedies that can be applied to any type of hepatitis. It is advisable to do this after consulting a medical practitioner in case other drugs are taken or there are specifics in the person's condition.

Herbs-in-acute-hepatitis

Herbs in acute hepatitis  

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Andrographis-paniculata

Andrographis paniculata 

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A hepatoprotective (providing a protective effect to the liver) and antiviral herb seems an ideal recommendation in case of acute infection with the hepatitis A virus. Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis stalk), a Southeast Asian herb of the Acanthaceae family, meets these criteria. The leaves are highly bitter and, according to traditional medicine, are used for liver-related problems. The leaves have been extensively studied and have been shown to be beneficial for people with acute upper respiratory tract viral infections, although most of the studies involved a major producer of extracts from the plant, and negative results may not be Published.&nbsp;

Silybum-marianum

Silybum marianum 

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The seeds of Silybum marianum (milk thistle), specifically the flavonolignan complex known as silymarin extracted from the seeds, have been studied in patients with acute viral hepatitis. The most recent and high-quality study involved patients with acute hepatitis A, B, C or E; cytomegalovirus; or associated with Epstein-Barr hepatitis virus in Egypt.&nbsp;

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Patients were treated with either 140 mg. Three times a day silymarin or multivitamins for 28 days. Jaundice decreases faster in silymarin than in the group of people taking the multivitamin, and tends to reduce other symptoms, such as fatigue and anorexia, more quickly in favor of silymarine. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19303273/" target="_blank" data-ref="A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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In a much smaller study, silymarin at a dose of 140 mg, three times a day, lowered serum transaminase and bilirubin levels more effectively than placebo in patients with acute hepatitis A or B. Although there is not enough evidence yet, at least we know that silymarin is extremely safe to use. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/353464/" target="_blank" data-ref="[Results of a double blind study on the effect of silymarin in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis, carried out at two medical centres (author's transl)] - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;2]&nbsp;

Herbal-formula-Liv.52-(Liv.52)

Herbal formula Liv.52 (Liv.52) 

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An herbal formula known as Liv.52 has also been studied in people with viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis E virus. It is unclear whether this is a traditional formula or a modern recipe; the ingredients are as follows:

Herbal-formula-Liv.52-(Liv.52)_2_2

<ul><li aria-level="1">Capparis spinosa&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Cichorium intybus&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Terminalia arjuna</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Solanum nigrum</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Achillea millefolium&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Cassia occidentalis</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Tamarix gallica</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Ferric oxide calx&nbsp;</li></ul>Several double-blind studies conducted in India have suggested that Liv.52 is effective in patients with acute hepatitis. Most of the formulas were not originally published in English or were in non-mainstream publications. Given these data, it still appears that Liv.52 may clear symptoms and reduce serum bilirubin faster than placebo. The typical Liv.52 dose is 275-550 mg. three times a day in capsules or 5-10 ml. syrup three times a day. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0944711305000528" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Other-herbs-of-alternative-medicine

Other herbs of alternative medicine 

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Various other Western and Eastern herbs are widely used as antiviral drugs during other acute infections and should be considered clinically and for research projects to help people recover from acute viral hepatitis faster. These herbs include Ligusticum porteri root (Osha), Ligusticum grayi root, Lomatium dissectum root (Lomatium), herb Forsythia suspensa (Forsitia, Forsycia), herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) and Coptis chinensis (Golden thread).

Herbs-in-chronic-hepatitis

Herbs in chronic hepatitis 

Glycyrrhiza-glabra-(licorice)-and-G.-uralensis-(Ural-liquorice)

Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and G. uralensis (Ural liquorice) 

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Chronic hepatitis C is an extremely common problem around the world. Hepatitis C is usually a very slow-growing disease and can have a wide range of manifestations. A large proportion of people with hepatitis C remain asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic. The main areas of therapeutic interest are to prevent progression of the disease to cirrhosis of the liver or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to reduce symptoms, if present.&nbsp;

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Interferons and ribavirin are currently used for most patients to suppress viral load, but the drugs are expensive, cause many adverse effects and are not always effective enough. A very large HALT-C study recently found that treatment with IFN-a-2a for many years was not effective in preventing the progression of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, other means, including herbal ones, should be sought.&nbsp;

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Many long-term studies have looked at the triterpenoid saponin known as glycyrrhizin, found in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and G. uralensis (Ural liquorice) for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Glycyrrhizin can also be given by intravenous injection together with glycine and cysteine as the drug Stronger Neo-Minophagen C. However, the effects of its administration have not been sufficiently studied in the laboratory.

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More impressively, at least three studies in Japan have shown that SNMC may reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis C. One of these studies was a retrospective analysis of 456 patients with chronic hepatitis C seen in hospitals, most of whom had not responded to interferon treatment. The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in patients whose serum ALT fell below 1.5, the upper limit of normal, was 60% lower compared to patients who did not receive this reduction. The average duration of therapy was 4.1 years. <a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/48283" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;

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It is not known whether oral licorice products (Glycyrrhiza glabra) would be useful for people with chronic hepatitis C, although the herb is definitely a traditional remedy for liver problems. Assumptions about its potential value come from the use of the shosaiko-to formula in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This formula includes the following herbs:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bupleurum falcatum - root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paeonia lactiflora - root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinellia ternata - rhizome, 14%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cinnamomum cassia- bark, 11%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale - rhizome, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zizyphus jujuba &mdash;fruit, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Panax ginseng &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scutellaria baicalensis &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhiza uralensis &mdash;rhizome, 5%</li></ul>People taking licorice or glycyrrhizin in any form should be warned to regularly monitor their blood pressure and potassium levels in serum or urine. Doses should be reduced or treatment stopped if these parameters become imbalanced. Potassium-depleting diuretics enhance glycyrrhizin toxicity and should not be combined with it except under very close medical supervision.

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Taraxacum-officinale-(Dandelion)-and-root-of-Arctium-lappa-(burdock)

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and root of Arctium lappa (burdock) 

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Other traditional hepatoprotective herbs are Taraxacum officinale root (Dandelion) and Arctium lappa root (burdock). These herbs are commonly used by herbalists and naturopathic doctors in chronic hepatitis C and should be considered in research.

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Another herb that counteracts inflammation is Curcuma longa (turmeric), which also has a strong history of use as a hepatoprotective agent and has been shown to reduce inflammation in hepatocytes and protect these cells against iron overload.&nbsp;

Chronic-hepatitis-B

Chronic hepatitis B  

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The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an epidemic in Asia and Africa, although the availability of a vaccine is beginning to reduce the incidence of this disease. Unlike chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B is much more likely to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, there is an acute need for an effective, safe alternative to drug therapies (to which the virus often develops resistance if taken long-term) for this complex and difficult disease.

Shosaiko-to-formula

Shosaiko-to formula 

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The traditional formula, known in Chinese as Xiao Chai Hu Tang and in Japanese as shosaiko-to, which translates into English as Minor Bupleurum Decoction, was first recorded in the book Shang Han Lun. This treatise was written at least 2,000 years ago, and its postulates have been applied for at least as much.&nbsp;

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The ingredients of the Xiao Chai Hu Tang formula are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bupleurum falcatum - root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paeonia lactiflora- root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinellia ternatа - rhizome, 14%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cinnamomum cassia&nbsp; - bark, 11%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale- rhizome, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zizyphus jujuba &mdash;fruit, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Panax ginseng &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scutellaria baicalensis &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhiza uralensis &mdash;rhizome, 5%</li></ul>Two randomized trials have evaluated the long-term potential of this formula for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B in Japan. In the first study, 260 patients with cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B were treated with conventional therapies, and some subjects were also randomized to take 7.5 g daily shosaiko-to for 34 months. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma at the end of the follow-up period was significantly lower in the shosaiko-to group compared to patients in the control group. In what appears to be an extension of the original study to 60 months, HCC levels are still lower and survival is better in the shosaiko-to group than in the conventional therapy group. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8625175/" target="_blank" data-ref="Prospective study of chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma with Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9) - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;5]&nbsp;

Fuzheng-Huayu-formula

Fuzheng Huayu formula 

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Another formula based on herbs traditionally used for liver problems and experimentally proven to have antifibrotic action and benefits in patients with cirrhosis has been studied in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The ingredients of the formula are:

Fuzheng-Huayu-formula_4_1

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salvia miltiorrhiza (Chinese sage) - root 33.3%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gynostemma pentaphyllum - root 25%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermentation mycelium powder - 16.7%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra) - fruit 8.3%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prunus persica (Peach)—seed 8.3%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinus spp. (Pine) - pollen 8,3%</li></ol>

There are many herbal remedies that can be used in the subtypes of viral hepatitis. Their role is to exert a hepatoprotective effect, that is, to protect the liver from or prevent damage. Herbal treatment for viral hepatitis can be carried out using a large number of herbs and herbal formulas, some of which come from Chinese or Indian traditional medicine, but also from other alternative healing&nbsp; systems.

Herbal treatment for viral hepatitis - which herbs support the liver

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Бетина Цветкова

Why-do-we-need-herbal-therapeutics-for-respiratory-viruses

Why do we need herbal therapeutics for respiratory viruses 

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Respiratory viruses are the most common causes of disease in humans, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly in children. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/respiratory-virus" target="_blank" data-ref="ScienceDirectScience DirectScienceDirect helpElsevierRELX Group" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; The respiratory viruses that most often circulate in all continents as endemic or epidemic agents are influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and bocaviruses. Although the human body has mechanisms for protection and immune response, it is never superfluous to look for solutions in nature.&nbsp; And there are often, but we need to know them and know how to use them properly and with minimal risk of side effects or interactions.

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There is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of several complementary therapies for colds and flu. For example, oral zinc intake can reduce the duration and severity of a cold. Regular intake of vitamin C supplements only slightly reduces the duration and severity of colds, but supports the resistance of the body as a whole.

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Probiotics were also found to be better than placebo at reducing the number of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, the frequency of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, and reducing antibiotic use. And against the backdrop of global antibiotic resistance, this is very good news.&nbsp;

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Since there are no fully effective universal drugs or vaccines for all respiratory viruses, the search for alternative therapies is a sensible approach. Next, we'll take a look at ten natural remedies to treat&nbsp; the flu or cold symptoms you can try.

Traditional-herbal-remedies-for-cold-and-flu-viruses

Traditional herbal remedies for cold and flu viruses

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Traditional herbal remedies were used by ancient peoples to prevent or treat colds and flu. A variety of herbs are widely used to deal with viral respiratory infections. The control and treatment of influenza depends mainly on chemical or biochemical agents that are isolated from plants. These agents include various polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glucosides and alkaloids contained in the following plants.

Mao 

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Herbal medicine Maoto has traditionally been prescribed to flu patients in Japan. Maoto is one of the main means <a href="../../p/%D0%9E%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D1%8F%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%BE-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Campo medicine</a> (traditional Japanese herbs), composed of 4 medicinal herbs:&nbsp;

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ephedrae Herba (stem of Ephedra sinica) (Chinese ephedra)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cinnamomi Cortex (bark of Cinnamomum cassia Blume) (Cassia)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Armeniacae Semen (core from Prunus armeniaca Linné) (Apricot)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhizae Radix (root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisher) (Chinese liquorice) &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.1892" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;</li></ol>The administration of oral maoto granules to adults with seasonal influenza is well tolerated and associated with equivalent clinical and virological efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors. Maoto also exhibited antipyretic activity in influenza virus-infected mice and reduced the virus by increasing virus-related natural antibodies.&nbsp;

Licorice-roots

Licorice roots

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Glycyrrhizin is an active ingredient in licorice studied in mice infected with influenza A2 virus (H2N2). The study revealed that glycyrrhizin may protect mice that have been exposed to a lethal amount of influenza virus by stimulating the production of interferon-gamma by T cells. &nbsp; <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/AAC.41.3.551" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Glycyrrhizin is also known to exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and is therefore a candidate drug to control H5N1-induced proinflammatory gene expression. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00430-010-0155-0?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=33f27c1a-b14d-4755-a548-cbf99f95486a" target="_blank" data-ref="Glycyrrhizin inhibits highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression in human macrophages - Medical Microbiology and Immunology" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

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Other potential mechanisms to glycyrrhizin action are:

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<ul><li>Immunomodulation</li><li>Anti-inflammatory action</li><li>Reduction of virus uptake by host cells</li></ul>

Extracts-of-berries

Extracts of berries

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Polyphenols are the main culprits for the positive effects of berries in influenza viruses and the common cold. A team of scientists investigated the ability of cranberry polyphenols to alter the immunity of participants who consumed a cranberry drink. The study revealed that consumption of the beverage altered the ex vivo proliferation of γδ-T cells, where these cells reside in the epithelium and serve as the first line of defense, improving their function, which may be associated with a decrease in the number of symptoms associated with colds and flu. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-12-161" target="_blank" data-ref="Consumption of cranberry polyphenols enhances human &gamma;&delta;-T cell proliferation and reduces the number of symptoms associated with colds and influenza: a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention study - Nutrition Journal" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

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The mechanism of action of polyphenols includes:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Modification of immunity</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">improving the function of T cells</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antioxidant action</li></ul>

Echinacea

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Echinacea preparations are widely used for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. You've probably taken echinacea because of its immunomodulatory effect.

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Preliminary results from studies are encouraging and suggest that Polinacea (roots of Echinacea angustifolia) may be used to improve the immune response to influenza vaccine. Echinacea also has antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro and has traditionally been used to treat colds and flu. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22502621/" target="_blank" data-ref="Use of a standardized extract from Echinacea angustifolia (Polinacea) for the prevention of respiratory tract infections - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;

Clinacanthus-siamensis

Clinacanthus siamensis

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Clinacanthus siamensis leaf extract showed activity in in vitro and in vivo tests on influenza virus. After oral administration to mice, the extract produced higher antibodies against the influenza IgG and IgA virus compared to the drug used. These results suggest that Clinacanthus siamensis extract has a protective effect against influenza virus infection. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1348-0421.2008.00095.x" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;

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The potential mechanisms of action of Clinacanthus siamensis include improving the production of IgG and IgA antibodies against influenza virus.

Punica-granatum

Punica granatum 

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Punica granatum (Pomegranate) has proven influenza properties. A polyphenolic pomegranate extract was also tested. It revealed suppression of influenza A virus replication in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Pomegranate polyphenol extract also prevents the agglutination (a process of binding cells, bacteria, small particles of similar size) of red blood cells in chickens from influenza virus, inhibits viral RNA replication and has a virucidal effect.

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The potential mechanisms of action of Punica granatum include suppression of viral replication and virucidal effect, particularly pronounced in influenza virus type A.

Psidium-guajava-Linn.-(guava-tea)

Psidium guajava Linn. (guava tea)

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Psidium guajava Linn. (guava tea), which is prepared by the method of infusion, significantly inhibits the growth of clinical isolates of influenza A (H1N1). Guava tea inhibits viral haemagglutination and sialidase activity. It appears to be effective in controlling epidemic and pandemic influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0166354212000563" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;

Epimedium-koreanum-Nakai

Epimedium koreanum Nakai

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A plant known as Epimedium koreanum Nakai (Korean epimedium) is widely used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. An aqueous extract of the plant was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a recent study. It is effective against various subtypes of influenza A by significantly reducing viral replication. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/7/1/352" target="_blank" data-ref="Epimedium koreanum Nakai Displays Broad Spectrum of Antiviral Activity in Vitro and in Vivo by Inducing Cellular Antiviral State" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;

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The mechanism of antiviral activity was revealed when an aqueous extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai induced the secretion of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the subsequent stimulation of antiviral activity in cells. Oral administration of the extract showed a preventive effect on mice against lethal doses of highly pathogenic influenza A subtypes.&nbsp;

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It was concluded that Epimedium koreanum Nakai extract and its constituents play the role of immunomodulators in the immune response and may be promising candidates for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of influenza A subtypes (H1N1, H5N2, H7N3, H9N2).

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The potential mechanisms of action of Epimedium koreanum Nakai include:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduction of viral replication</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased secretion of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Immunomodulation</li></ul>

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Baikalin)

Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikalin)

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A Chinese herb known as Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (baicalin) is used to treat the common cold, fever, and influenza virus infections. In cell culture and in mice, baikalin revealed its antiviral activity, which increased with dose. This indicates that baikalin affects the multiplication of the virus.&nbsp;

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The researchers concluded that baikalin acts as a neuraminidase inhibitor with different inhibitory activities that are effective against different strains of influenza A virus in both vitro and in vivo, and that baikalin has potential in the treatment of influenza virus infections.&nbsp;

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Its potential mechanisms of action can be summarized as:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neuraminidase inhibitor</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prevention of virus multiplication</li></ul>

Paeonia-lactiflora-Pall.-(Bai-Shao)

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Bai Shao)

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The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Bai Shao) - a type of Chinese herb, is used in many recipes to treat viral infections and liver diseases. The synthesis of both viral RNA and viral protein was extremely inhibited when the cells were treated with Bai Shao extract. One study showed that the extract inhibited viral haemagglutination and viral binding to and penetration into host cells. The authors conclude that Paeonia lactiflora possesses antiviral activity and has the prospect of development as a flu agent. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/6/4/1861" target="_blank" data-ref="Characterization of the Anti-Influenza Activity of the Chinese Herbal Plant Paeonia lactiflora" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

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The potential mechanisms of action of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Include:&nbsp;

Paeonia-lactiflora-Pall.-(Bai-Shao)_-1_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Viral RNA inhibition and viral protein synthesis</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Viral haemagglutination</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Viral binding and penetration into host&nbsp;cells</li></ul>

Many herbal therapeutics have scientific evidence of action against respiratory viruses. Herbal remedies, such as mao, licorice roots, North American ginseng, echinacea, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao, are effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections. There is scientific evidence for the supportive effects of all of these complementary therapeutics in influenza viruses and common cold.&nbsp;

10 Natural Remedies to Relieve Flu Symptoms

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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About 2 million people worldwide die each year from liver disease. Unfortunately, the awareness of the deterioration of the liver comes only when it’s too late and symptoms are already showing. This makes preventive examinations especially important.

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The most common diseases of this organ are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NSCLC), steatosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis), liver cancer, liver failure. Not everyone knows that elevated blood cholesterol levels are also directly related to the liver.

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The liver is the main purifying organ in our body - it has the task of neutralizing toxins and harmful substances that enter the blood. This makes it particularly sensitive to the use of drugs and herbs, especially in some diseases. Therefore, consultation with your doctor is mandatory before you start taking any herb for liver problems to avoid potential hepatotoxicity and additional damage to this extremely important organ.

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IIn this article we will look at herbs that have been shown to help with some liver diseases:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chronic hepatitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cirrhosis</li>
</ul>

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Most of the information is taken from the scientific article "Current Status of Herbal Medicines in Chronic Liver Disease Therapy: The Biological Effects, Molecular Targets and Future Prospects", published in 2016 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

glycyrrhiza uralensis

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