Papaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is the species of plant from which both opium and poppy seeds are derived and is also a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens. Its native range is probably the eastern Mediterranean, but is now obscured by ancient introductions and cultivation, being naturalized across much of Europe and Asia.

This poppy is grown as an agricultural crop on a large scale, for ...

papaver somniferum

Sleepy-poppy-(Papaver-somniferum)

Sleepy poppy (Papaver somniferum) 

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The sleeping poppy is mostly known due to the opium that is extracted from it. That's why it's often called opium poppy. It is a herbaceous one-year-old plant that reaches a height of about 1 meter. It is believed that the motherland of the sleeping poppy is the Eastern Mediterranean, but nowadays it is widespread in almost all of Europe and Asia. The stem of the plant is grayish - greenish, covered with hard lint. The leaves in the lower part of the stem are large and on separate lobes, and at the top are smaller, enveloping the stem. The colors are relatively large - white or red. The fruit is a box in which the amount of biologically active substances of maca - alkaloids, are at their highest content. They are contained in milk juice called latex, which leaks by making cuts of fruit cans. The withered milk juice is squeezed and alkaloids are extracted from it, the main of which is morphine, known to everyone. Its use is large and subject to strict control. Morphine remains an indispensable opioid analgesic that acts at the central level - it binds to specific receptors in the brain, as a result of which it causes a number of effects on the body. In addition to analgesic action, alkaloid also has a sleepy effect, hence the name of the maca. Morphine is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a feedstock to obtain other substances with pharmacological effects. For alkaloids extracted from opium, the information is extensive, but the focus of this topic is poppy seeds.

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Poppy-seeds-are-rich-in-nutrients

Poppy seeds are rich in nutrients 

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Seeds of the sleeping poppy contain important trace elements, vitamins, minerals, fiber, vegetable fats and in a smaller amount of protein. Fiber stimulates motor skills of the intestine, the thus improving digestion and condition in constipation. Of the trace elements the highest is the content of manganese and copper, which are involved in important physiological and biochemical processes in the body. They also contain zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium. Poppy oil, which is obtained most often by cold pressing of seeds, is rich in omega acids ( omega-6 , omega-9 and in a smaller amount of omega-3). They contribute to maintaining cholesterol in norms and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Antioxidant-action-of-poppy-seeds

Antioxidant action of poppy seeds 

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Poppy seeds are rich in polyphenols - biologically active substances that are some of the most common and known antioxidants. Their action is expressed in the destruction of free radicals, which are harmful to the body. This prevents the occurrence of oxidative stress in the body, which would lead to the unlocking of certain diseases, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3651847/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available" rel="noopener">such as cardiovascular or tumour.</a>&nbsp;[ref. 1]&nbsp;

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Poppy oil improves skin condition 

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&nbsp;The mono- and polyunsaturated fats contained in poppy oil bring benefits to the body both externally and internally. As already mentioned, omega fatty acids reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart disease, but poppy oil intake should be moderate. Studies show that the oil applied to the skin has a beneficial effect - it helps heal wounds and prevents the occurrence of scaly lesions on the skin. More evidence of these effects is needed. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/" target="_blank" data-ref="Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

Consumption-and-safety-of-poppy-seeds-and-poppy-oil

Consumption and safety of poppy seeds and poppy oil 

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The sleeping poppy is poisonous except for seeds that are edible and useful in small quantities. However, it is important to buy poppy seeds from checked locations in order to avoid the consumption of seeds that may be contaminated during harvesting or from pests that turn out to be poisonous (contaminated with alkaloids). Before use, they must be washed and should not be used in large quantities. There is no set dose for daily intake of poppy seed, but the amount in the baked or in dishes is enough.

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In general, the intake of poppy seeds and poppy oil is safe, but hypersensitivity reactions (allergy, anaphylactic shock) may occur. In this case, medical attention should be sought. The application of oil to the skin is also well tolerable, but if a rash, itching or redness occurs, it should be discontinued.

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Interestingly, after consuming poppy seeds, an opium drug test can positive. Up to 48 hours after the use of the seeds, morphine and codeine can be found in the urine. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587685/" target="_blank" data-ref="Urinary concentrations of morphine and codeine after consumption of poppy seeds - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp; We already know that if we prepare muffins or tortillas with poppy seeds, besides tastier, they will be more useful. It is important to be careful when buying the seeds, and wash them well before use. &nbsp;

Benefits of Poppy Seed Consumption

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Елена Коцева

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The importance of herbs for the treatment of various diseases, from ancient times until today, is evident from the various scientific disciplines that have formed around them [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281787581_Importance_of_plants_in_modern_pharmacy_and_medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Clinical use of medical plants is called phytotherapy;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Historical aspects of the use of medicinal plants in different societies around the world are united in the sciences ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Traditional medicine, on the other hand, means the role of plants in various popular "unscientific" medical systems, experience that is passed down through generations, but is not proven by science (often this is due to the fact that the mechanisms of action of specific herbs or combinations are simply not studied);</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Pharmacognosy is the science of biogenic or nature-derived pharmaceuticals and poisons. It deals with all medicinal plants, including complex mixtures that are used in the form of raw herbs or extracts (phytotherapy), pure compounds such as morphine, and foods that provide additional health benefits only in the context of preventive effects (nutraceuticals - garlic, ginger, turmeric, cocoa, red wine, foods containing flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids). Pharmacognosy includes identification, physicochemical characterization, cultivation, extraction, preparation, quality control, and biological evaluation of drugs.</li>
</ul>

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection

Herbs and medicine - what is the connection

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It is estimated that more than 25% of prescription medicinal products contain herbal ingredients, but only a small percentage of the world's plants are studied&nbsp;for potential pharmaceutical use. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-1455-8_4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>]

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In recent years, there has been increased interest in plant research as a source of new medicines. This has also increased the number of newly discovered bioactive compounds of plant origin, and many programmes will continue to contribute to this in the near future.

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China plays an important role in the development of currently used pharmaceuticals, with approximately 30,000 species of plants, many of them with a long history of use in traditional medicine.

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Read more:

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<a href="/p/mozhie_li_kitaiskata_traditsionna_mieditsina_da_podpomoghnie_liechieniieto_na_covid_19_66b2086f_3972_41b2_9eec_8869683711c1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Chinese experience in the treatment of COVID-19</a>

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<a href="/p/9_bilki_koito_kitai_izpolzva_pri_borbata_s_koronavirusa_covid_19_090c722d_bb2f_42cf_9f29_3058e134a8e8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">9 herbs China uses to fight coronavirus (COVID-19)</a>

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According to the American Society of Pharmacognosy, it represents "the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of medicines, medicinal substances or potential medicines and medicinal substances of natural origin, as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources."

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Often, medicinal substances of natural origin cannot be produced en masse, so they need to be studied in order to develop synthetic biologically similar products.

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The production of these compounds synthetically allows modifications to be made to increase bioavailability, change pharmacokinetics and increase efficacy. These modifications can transform raw inactive plant extract into a powerful drug, as seen in some anticancer medicines. Thus, natural compounds are excellent models for the production of new drugs. [<a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/Importance-of-Pharmacognosy.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

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Pharmacognosy is recognized as a vital part of the processes of drug development and pharmaceutical education, but has recently been neglected, due to the emergence of effective drugs that can be synthesized in the laboratory.

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However, many scientists share the belief that people's knowledge of the medicinal application of different plants should never be lost, as they provide a very good starting point for the development of <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"></a> new drugs. An example of this is <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="noopener">artemisinin from the sweet wormwood Artemisia annua</a>, which is a recognized ancient Chinese medicine against malaria.

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Respect for ancient wisdom is reflected in phytotherapy (herbal treatment) and phytopharmaceuticals. The use of herbal products to treat diseases is well known in South America, China and India, where billions of dollars are spent on research to identify and market natural medicines.

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The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs

The hidden healing properties of herbs

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Different parts&nbsp;of the plant (flower, leaves, stems, roots, fruits) can be used as medicines or a specific active substance can be extracted from it, which can be put into a tablet, capsule, syrup.

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Well-established in medical practice examples of the first method of administration are: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the treatment of mild to medium-severity depression; Gingko biloba, the leaves of which are used to improve memory and anxiety; chamomile flowers (Chamomilla recutita) to relieve mild gastrointestinal disorders and as an anti-inflammatory agent; leaves and pods of Alexandrian senna (Senna alexandrina) against constipation); extract of hawthorn, mint and valerian for relaxation; decoction of European smoketree (smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria) for external use, due to its antiseptic properties and many others.

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Some of them are accepted into the ranks of classical or conventional medicine, while others are still part of the so-called <a href="/p/kakvo_priedstavliava_altiernativnata_mieditsina_i_kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_nieia_e2ecb339_f300_472f_a460_f58ef33f08ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">alternative medicine</a> [ref. 2] and are used as supportive, additional medical supplements.

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Due to their richness <a href="../c/herbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> in active substances, herbs should not be taken lightly as something that "if it does not help, at least it will not harm you". Some of these ingredients are extremely potent, others may have an impact (beneficial or not) with prolonged use. Let us not forget that most poisons also have a natural origin.

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Some herbs have a hepatotoxic effect (they are toxic to the liver), others may cause photosensitivity, and when taken we should not expose ourselves to the sun (this is the case with St. John's wort), others may interact with other medicines that we take. Therefore, the herbal treatment is necessary to be perscribed and monitored by a specialist. Unfortunately, not every doctor or pharmacist is well aware of the characteristics of herbs and herbal preparations, but there are also many self-styled "healers".

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When we talk about active ingredients, these are pure chemicals commonly used in the form of licensed medicines. Sometimes they are produced synthetically but initially found in plants. Examples of such substances are [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281787581_Importance_of_plants_in_modern_pharmacy_and_medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) morphine, used as an analgesic;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Digoxin and other glycosides from the foxgloves plant (Digitalis spp.), used to treat heart failure;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Taxol from Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), used as an anticancer agent [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Taxol_dose_intensification_and_its_clinical_implications_8103561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>];</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Quinine, from the bark of the red cinchona (Cinchona pubescens), used to treat malaria;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Galantamine derived from a type of snowdrops used to treat cognitive disorders.</li>
</ul>

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy

Is there a difference between herbal medicines and homeopathy

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Unfortunately, many people still do not distinguish between homeopathy and herbal treatment, incorrectly calling herbal preparations homeopathic. Therefore, we need to distinguish between the two.

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What is common between treatment with herbs and homeopathy is that both enter the category "alternative treatment", as well as in that the content of certain homeopathic preparations lists herbs and other plants.

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Herbal treatment is the use of plants, lichens, algae and mushrooms for healing or therapeutic effects on the body. The earliest evidence that the herbs were used for healing was found on clay tablets created around 3000 BC from the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).

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The foundations of Chinese traditional medicine were probably laid between 200 and 250 AD, and meanwhile the foundations of Ayurveda in present-day Pakistan were being laid. Centuries later, in 1500 BC, the ancient Egyptians wrote about the use of plants for medicinal purposes on scrolls called Ebers Papyrus. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Ebers_Papyrus_The_book_of_medical_knowledge_of_the_16th_century_B_C_Egyptians_15586450" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

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In herbal treatment, various preparations are used, such as tinctures, teas, powders, essential oils, honey soaked in herbs, herbal vinegars, elixirs and numerous local forms. The main feature shared by all of them is that they contain physiologically active substances from the herbs used for their production.

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In turn, homeopathy was developed in the late 18th century in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann.&nbsp;It is based on the principle "like cures like" - the root of the word homeopathy, as "homeo" means "like" and "pathos" means "disease".

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What does this mean? Homeopathic preparations usually contain negligible doses of substances that are thought to have created the same symptoms as the disease. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy of 'less is more', according to which the more diluted the medicine is, the stronger its effect. Even today homeopathy uses highly diluted substances of natural origin for its medications. [<a href="https://www.herb-pharm.com/pharm-journal/difference-between-homeopathy-and-herbalism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]

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Homeopathic preparations use herbs such as arnica (Arnica montana) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but also minerals such as phosphorus and animal products such as snake venom (Lachesis mutus). The preparations are made in infinitesimal dilutions so that very few or no molecules of the original substance remain. They are then included in topical preparations, tinctures or small sugar pills that dissolve under the tongue.

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So, the main difference between the two methods is that in herbal treatment, preparations rely on the phytochemicals that herbs contain. These phytochemicals are present in physiological levels and are accordingly found in herbal preparations. In homeopathic preparations, materials are diluted repeatedly - so much so that only a miniature amount of the original substance remains, if any at all.

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Another significant difference is that homeopathy is not based on any scientific evidence [<a href="https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmsctech/45/4502.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>], despite attempts to confirm its effects. Unlike herbal medicine, homeopathy has been rejected by the scientific community as an ineffective method of "treatment." [<a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sps-homeopathy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>]

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Herbs have an established role for the development of medicine and pharmacy, both in the past and in the present and future. Their potential continues to be studied and realized as we enjoy another cup of aromatic thyme tea, mint and oregano.

Do herbs hold the past and future of pharmacy? The short answer is 'Yes!'

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 Do herbs hold the past and future of pharmacy? The short answer is

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Europe is extremely rich in medicinal plants and herbs. The aroma of thyme, linden and chamomile evokes sweet memories of childhood in everyone whose grandmother once made herbal tea for breakfast.

The herbs are deeply embedded in our traditions and are sometimes given a mystical and almost magical action. As science progresses, the secrets of their healing effects are revealed - encoded in a variety of active substances.

In this article, we will look at 10 of the best medicinal herbs we can find in our nature or in the pharmacy.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)

1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and danewort (Sambucus ebulus)

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Elderberry is also called elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry. It is a tree and should not be confused with danewort (Sambucus ebulus), which is a herbaceous plant. The fruits of the elderberry hang down, and the danewort is straightened upwards.

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The other names of the danewort are dane weed, danesblood, dwarf elder or European dwarf elder, walewort, dwarf elderberry, elderwort and blood hilder. Both herbs are sometimes called elderberry. But enough about the names, let's find out what the properties of these plants are.

Elderberry-(tree)

Elderberry (tree)

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The fruit of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> elderberry contains the protein agglutinin Ivf (SNAIVf), which is homologous to the RIP type 2 lectin, as well as quercetin. The elderberry has the following medicinal properties&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory effect,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Modulation of immune protection,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant effects thanks to the flavonoids,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral effect - especially against influenza viruses type A and B, as well as against herpes simplex-1 virus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Diuretic effect (elderberry flowers),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially stimulates glucose metabolism and increases insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers cholesterol (fruit syrup),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers the weight.</li>
</ul>

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Attention, attention! Poorly ripe fruits, bark, roots and leaves of S. nigra contain cyanogen glycoside sambungrin, which is toxic and its intake can lead to cyanide poisoning.

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Elderberry can adversely affect people with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, along with taking medications to lower blood pressure, diabetes, during <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/liechiebni_rastieniia_koito_obliekchavat_mchitielnitie_stranichni_iefiekti_ot_khimio_i_lchietierapiiata_0e97f0c5_6473_4c0a_bfd5_233383967f22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemotherapy</a>, diseases of the central nervous system, in gastrointestinal disorders, <a href="/p/anorieksiia_bulimiia_prieiazhdanie_kdie_sie_korieniat_khranitielnitie_razstroistva_499c17d9_4b0f_4506_8deb_16089dec54bf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">eating disorders</a> and in particular anorexia, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/6_bilki_koito_shchie_pomoghnat_na_stradashchitie_ot_mighriena_5f9f41dd_4a26_479a_b23f_06bf63bc6557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraines</a> and others.

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As it becomes clear, elderberry is a very potent herb, and it is good to use it after consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of accompanying diseases or specific conditions, including in pregnancy and lactation.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)

Danewort (herbaceous elderberry)

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Unripe fruits of the danewort are also poisonous, and only ripe ones are used for medicinal purposes.

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Other effects are [<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587217701322" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Analgesic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antidepression,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For faster wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anticancer effect - demonstrated only in cells in laboratory conditions.</li>
</ul>

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As a herb used since ancient times, danewort has a long history of food and medicinal applications and is still widely used. Its high potential for therapeutic applications, due to its many bioactive phytochemicals, heralds a bright future for&nbsp;danewort.

Where-to-look-for-elderberry

Where to look for elderberry

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Both types of elderberry are found&nbsp;free-growing by the roads, settlements, in shrubs and forests.

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It can also be purchased in the form of various preparations, dried fruit and syrups from pharmacies and drugstores.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb

2. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - an ancient herb

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_0

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The common yarrow is also called gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal. "Melifolium" means "thousands of leaves".

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The herb has attracted people's attention since ancient times and has become part of a variety of myths and legends - including the one about Achilles, according to which he used yarrow to heal his wounds.

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Besides yarrow, several other species of this genus are used to treat wounds, hemorrhages, headaches, inflammations, pain, spasmodic diseases, flatulence and <a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>. Phytochemical studies of species of the genus Achillea reveal that they contain many components that are highly bioactive.

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The different effects of these plants may be due to the presence of a wide range of secondary active metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, dieterpenes, triterpenes) and sterols, which are often reported to be found in Achillea species.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_5

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_6

Here are the effects of yarrow of medical importance [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_on_phytochemistry_and_medicinal_properties_of_the_genus_Achillea_22615655" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]:

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Treatment of wounds - for faster healing, aqueous extract of the flowers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties - tea from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Estrogenic activity - traditionally yarrow is used as a means of regulating the menstrual cycle, <a href="/p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> since it contains luteolin and <a href="../p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apigenin</a> (luteolin and apigenin). Apigenin exhibits estrogenic activity, since it has the ability to bind to estrogen receptors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispermogenous effect - it has been found that in rats, alcoholic yarrow extract disrupts sperm formation processes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-ulcer <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_susceptibility_of_Helicobacter_pylori_to_botanical_extracts_used_traditionally_for_the_treatment_of_gastrointestinal_disorders_16317658" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>activity - the aqueous extract of the <a href="/p/kak_da_razpoznaiem_iazvata_na_stomakha_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_aca42d14_75a4_49dc_900a_1ec74f04c479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> herb protects the disturbed mucous membrane of the stomach and promotes its recovery.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Effects on the immune system - yarrow is rich in substances called sesquiterpenes, which have an immunosuppressive effect (suppress the activity of the immune system). This effect is manifested by the use of essential oil from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial effects - extract (hexane:ether:methanol = 1:1:1) of yarrow has shown [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_antimicrobial_activity_of_extracts_of_four_Achillea_species_the_composition_of_Achillea_clavennae_L_Asteraceae_extract_15978758" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>] broad antibacterial activity against 5 bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis) and 2 types of fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispasmodic effects - the use of yarrow infusion to relieve gastrointestinal problems, especially as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent, is quite common in folk medicine. Antispasmodic effects of the herb are probably due to flavonoids in the plant. The substances galangin, quercetin and eupatilin, which are common in this genus, have been reported to cause a powerful sagging of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties - the action is probably due to sesquiterpenes and alkamides.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Undesirable effects - hypersensitivity may occur in some people and there is not enough data to determine whether the intake of the herb during pregnancy and lactation [<a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-achillea-millefolium-l-herba_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] is safe. However, consultation with a specialist is necessary if we intend to use the yarrow for longer periods of time.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-yarrow

Where can you find yarrow

Where-can-you-find-yarrow_1_0

The yarrow is found at an altitude of up to 2000 m above sea level. It grows in grassy places, meadows, shrubs.

Where-can-you-find-yarrow_1_1

In pharmacies it is available in a variety of forms - tincture, dried herb, essential oil, capsules, ointments, floral water.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)

3. Europeanmistletoe (Viscum album)

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_0

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_1

European mistletoe, also called common mistletoe or simply mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic shrub that develops in the crowns of trees and gives specific white ball fruits.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_2

The plant is poisonous, its stalks and leaves also apply as a herb, but it should not be taken for a long time.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_3

Recently, white mistletoe has been more actively studied, as some of its potentially beneficial effects in the fight against cancer have been found.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_4

The plant contains phenols, terpenoids and lectins. Lectins may act as immune system modulators and anticancer agents.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_5

Various mistletoe extracts have anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and proapoptotic effects (apoptosis is the programmed cell death or process in which the cell kills itself so as not to harm the body).

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_6

In fact, both mistletoe extracts and purified mistletoe lectins have great potential as anticancer agents and have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines such as B-cell hybridomas, P815, EL-4, Ke37, MOLT-4 and U937 in vitro. The mechanism by which they stop cell growth involves inducing apoptosis.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_7

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_8

It should be taken into account that the use of mistletoe alone is not the best therapy against cancer and the results are influenced by the use of other treatments. Given all this, the best way to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of mistletoe is to evaluate its use as an adjuvant drug rather than as an alternative to chemotherapy. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124078499000543" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_9

In folk medicine, mistletoe is used in the form of a decoction for:

papaver somniferum

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