Ranunculaceae (buttercup or crowfoot family; Latin rānunculus 'little frog', from rāna 'frog') is a family of over 2,000 known species of flowering plants in 43 genera,  distributed worldwide.

The largest genera are Ranunculus (600 species), Delphinium (365), Thalictrum (330), Clematis (325), and Aconitum (300).

Ranunculaceae are mostly herbaceous annuals or perennials, but some woody climbers (such as Clematis) or shrubs (e.g. Xanthorhiza).

Most members of the family have bisexual flowers which ...

ranunculaceae

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

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The-Plant-Based-Healers:-Echinacea-and-Golden-Seal

The Plant-Based Healers: Echinacea and Golden Seal

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<h3>Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)</h3>Part of the Asteraceae family, Echinacea purpurea or the 'purple coneflower' originates from North America<a href="https://chat.openai.com/#user-content-fn-1%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1</a>. Highly respected for its medicinal properties, Echinacea was a go-to remedy for various ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and infections, among Native American tribes.

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<h3>Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)</h3>Also indigenous to North America, Golden Seal is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. With its distinguishing yellow root, this woodland herb was widely adopted by Native American tribes for its therapeutic properties against skin diseases, digestive issues, and eye infections.

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Echinacea-and-Golden-Seal-Against-Staph-Infections

Echinacea and Golden Seal Against Staph Infections

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Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium, can cause severe infections if it infiltrates the body. Both Echinacea and Golden Seal have showcased potential as natural solutions against this bacteria.

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Echinacea purpurea possesses alkamides known for their antimicrobial activities.&nbsp;Its polysaccharides are believed to stimulate the immune system, thereby bolstering the body's innate defense mechanism against staph infections.

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Golden Seal is rich in berberine, a plant alkaloid celebrated for its potent antimicrobial properties. Berberine has demonstrated efficacy against a spectrum of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.

DIY-Herbal-Recipes:-Echinacea-Tincture-&-Golden-Seal-Tea

DIY Herbal Recipes: Echinacea Tincture & Golden Seal Tea

Echinacea-Tincture

Echinacea Tincture

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Procure 100 grams of dried Echinacea root.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transfer it into a jar and pour in 500 ml of vodka to cover the roots fully.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Seal the jar and store it in a dark place for at least a fortnight.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ensure to shake it daily.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">After two weeks, strain the liquid and retain it in a clean, dark bottle.</li><li>The Echinacea tincture can be consumed in doses of 1-2 ml thrice daily during infection periods.</li></ul>

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Golden-Seal-Tea

Golden Seal Tea

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take 1-2 grams of dried Golden Seal root.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boil it in 500 ml of water for a quarter of an hour.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Let it cool, then strain it.</li><li>Drink this Golden Seal tea twice daily.</li></ul>As with all treatments, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new regimen.

Cancer-Fighting-Properties-of-Echinacea-and-Golden-Seal

Cancer-Fighting Properties of Echinacea and Golden Seal

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In addition to their antibacterial capabilities, both Echinacea and Golden Seal have displayed potential anticancer properties. Phytochemicals present in Echinacea, such as chicoric acid and caftaric acid, have shown promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Similarly, berberine in Golden Seal has exhibited activities that prevent cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells.

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

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Q: Can Echinacea or Golden Seal replace antibiotics?

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А: Though Echinacea and Golden Seal exhibit antibacterial properties, they should not substitute prescribed antibiotics without a healthcare provider's approval. They can, however, serve as complementary treatments.

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Q: Are Echinacea and Golden Seal safe for all?

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А: A2: While generally safe, some individuals might experience allergic reactions. Pregnant or nursing women, children, and those with liver disease or heart conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Q: Can I consume these herbs for prolonged periods?

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А:&nbsp; Extended use of Golden Seal is not advised due to potential berberine toxicity. Echinacea is deemed safe for regular use, but further research is necessary.

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Q: Do Echinacea and Golden Seal interact with medications?

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А: Both herbs can interfere with certain medications. For instance, Golden Seal may affect the effectiveness of drugs such as cyclosporine and those for heart rhythm disorders.

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Q: Can I cultivate these plants at home?

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А: &nbsp;Yes, both Echinacea and Golden Seal can be cultivated at home. However, replicating Golden Seal's preferred woodland environment might prove challenging indoors.

Refencies

Refencies_4_0

<ul><li><a href="https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/echinacea_purpurea.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Plant of the Week: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/#user-content-fnref-1%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058675/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/#user-content-fnref-2%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/goldenseal.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis L.)"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/#user-content-fnref-3%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058675/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/#user-content-fnref-4%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441164/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Echinacea plants as potential immunostimulatory drugs"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/#user-content-fnref-5%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"The Antimicrobial Potential of Berberine against Bacterial Pathogens"</a></li></ul>

North America's botanical jewels, Echinacea and Golden Seal, hold immense potential in the fight against staph infections. These herbal allies not only boost the immune system but also offer antimicrobial properties, presenting a natural avenue to augment the body's defense mechanisms. Their anticancer properties further underline their therapeutic importance. However, comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully ascertain their efficacy and safety.

Staph Infections: Natural Remedies With Echinacea and Golden Seal - A Comprehensive Guide

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Staph Infections: Natural Remedies With Echinacea and Golden Seal - A 

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What-is-Snake-Milk-(Chelidonium-majus)

What is Snake Milk (Chelidonium majus)

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Contrary to expectations, snake milk has little to do with the cold-blooded animals that scare many people. Snake milk (Chelidonium majus) is a delicate, herbaceous two-year-old plant that reaches 30-80 centimeters in height. Its stems are ribbed and branched. When the branches or leaves are broken, you can see how to separate yellowish-orange juice, which slightly resembles snake venom. In larger quantities, this juice can be poisonous, and toxicity decreases significantly when drying the plant. This aspect will be analyzed later.

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<ol><li>Chelidonium&nbsp;Majus is native to Europe and is also found in the western and central part of Asia and North Africa. It is found from Portugal to the west, also in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe. The Asian range covers Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Siberia. In North America, it's an introverted plant.</li><li> majus has been known as a healing species since ancient times. The healing properties of C. majus are described by Dioscoride and Pliny the Elder in the first century BC. The main medical use of jaundice, described from ancient times to the sixteenth century, is the treatment of visual impairments and eye diseases with the help of herbal juice. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00299/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Greater Celandine's Ups and Downs&minus;21 Centuries of Medicinal Uses of Chelidonium majus From the Viewpoint of Today's Pharmacology" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;Snake milk was used as a medicinal plant in the Middle Ages mostly for the treatment of eye diseases, throat cleansing, treatment of ulcers and skin eczema, as well as against colic and jaundice.&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Chelidonium majus is one of the most famous tools in folk medicine for the treatment of jaundice and liver diseases, such as inflammations, spastic conditions and gallstones. In Poland, the piece of young jaundice leaves was used as a bile agent and to regulate the action of the digestive tract. In some parts of Europe it is taken as an infusion of herbs to alleviate liver problems &nbsp;<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?author=A.+Szary+&amp;publication_year=2013&amp;title=Tajemnice+Bieszczadzkich+Ro%C5%9Blin+Wczoraj+i+dzi%C5%9B." target="_blank" data-ref="Sorry..." rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; </li></ol>

How-does-snake-milk-work?

How does snake milk work?

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An interesting assumption is that chemicals in Chelidonium majus can slow the growth of cancer cells, but can also be harmful to normal cells. Preliminary research has shown that a larger amount of snake milk can increase the flow of bile. There is also evidence of suspected painkiller properties of snake milk.

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People use snake milk for digestive tract problems, liver and gallbladder disorders. Other possible areas of application include detoxification, relief of menstrual cramps, cough, chest pain (angina) and more. Despite the widespread use in folk medicine and in official phytotherapy, both in Europe and in traditional Chinese medicine, snake milk does not join the most popular herbal remedies such as chamomile, valerian, St. John's wort or ginseng. It is listed in pharmacopoeia and is available in pharmacies, but scientific evidence of the positive effects of Chelidonium majus is still limited.&nbsp;

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For therapeutic purposes, dried herb of C. majus (European Pharmacopoeia) is used. In some regions (Central and Eastern Europe), the roots are also exploited.&nbsp;

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The pharmacologically significant substances of C. majus are isoquinolin alkaloids. These are the components of latex produced in all parts of plants, except colors. Overall, five groups of alkaloids were found in C. majus. These are the derivatives of phenanthridine (3,4-benzoisoquinolin), protoberberin, protopine, quinolysidine, aporfin.&nbsp;

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Several flavonoids were found in the above-ground parts of C. majus in low quantities. Four diglycosides and five monoglycosides have been identified as derivatives of kempferol, ivercetin and isoramnetin. Organic acids, ingredients of essential oil, biogenic amines such as histamine, saponins, vitamins A, C, nicotinic acid are part of the other active compounds in snake milk.

Pharmacological-activities-and-clinical-evidence

Pharmacological activities and clinical evidence

Pharmacological-activities-and-clinical-evidence_2_0

To date, the majority of the pharmacological properties of C. majus studied refer to the complex mixture or individual alkaloids contained in it. The various pharmacological actions of Coptisine, one of the main ingredients of C. majus, as well as smaller amounts of berberine, are widely described in the literature, but usually as compounds derived from other sources, such as Coptis (Ranunculaceae). &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14790" target="_blank" data-ref="Coptis" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

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From the growing evidence obtained both in vitro and in vivo, with several examples of ex vivo studies on isolated organs, it is clear that four types of medicinal properties predominate: antimicrobial and antiviral, liver and gastric, anti-inflammatory and finally anticancer:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antibacterial and antifungal - Antimicrobial activity of C. majus is attributed mostly to alkaloids and flavonoids, which have an inhibitory effect against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella gallinarum and other bacteria. Extracts of the plant have been tested for the antifungal effect against a large number of pathogenic fungi for humans and plants, that is. Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, Candida sp. Cladosporium herbarum and others. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874102001435" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 4]</a>&nbsp; </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antiviral action - Glucosamine glycan present in latex inhibits intracellular human immunodeficiency virus of HIV viral migration and blocks reverse transcriptase. In&nbsp; addition, individually tested five alkaloids of C. majus: helidonin, helleritrine, sanquinarine, coptizine and berberine, are able to inhibit the development of HIV-1. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0166354206000751" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 5]</a>&nbsp; </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antiparasitic properties - Extracts of herbs and water from roots, as well as sangvinarine (2&ndash;4 &mu;g/ml), are highly effective in the treatment of trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liver and bile ducts - One of the most common and repeatedly mentioned indications for C. majus, both in European/Mediterranean and East Asian traditional medicine, is for various liver complaints. Some of the hepatoprotective and biliary activities could be explained by the presence of esters of hydroxycanelene (caffeinic) acid. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2015.00303/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Hepatoprotective and Anti-fibrotic Agents: It's Time to Take the Next Step" rel="noopener">[Ref. 6]</a>&nbsp; More and more in-depth research is needed on the action of snake milk to support liver and bile function.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antiproliferative, proapoptotic and cytotoxicity to cancer cell lines - Unlike hepatoprotective properties, this type of properties are quite well documented in a large number of studies. Most of all, it is assumed that some of the main alkaloids may cause cell death or stop the proliferation of cancer cells. This is based on the ability of berberine, helleritrine, sangvinarine and other alkaloids in the plant. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0887233307002421" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 7]</a>&nbsp; </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action - The ability to inhibit inflammation or, in some cases, to stimulate the immune response and mitigate excessive reactivity, can contribute to postulated anticancer properties and improve the symptoms of stomach disorders. Common extracts or isolated alkaloids have been tested, but scientists say there are other components, such as hydroxycanel derivatives, flavonoids and helidonic acid, presumably with a significant contribution. </li></ul>

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Toxicity-and-safety-problems

Toxicity and safety problems

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Given that one of the main spheres of application of the plant is for disorders of the liver and bile ducts, it should emphasize its toxicity in higher doses. Many messages from the 1990s have been documented in humans. The main symptoms include cholestasis and mild to severe liver damage with a fairly well-documented causal relationship in most cases. In total, more than 50 such cases have been reported from Europe, mainly from Germany.&nbsp;

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However, no particular ingredient is directly related to the toxicity of the herb. On the contrary, it is assumed that drug interactions, not intrinsic toxicity, are responsible for the reported cases. In addition, individual hypersensitivity or allergy of a person to a compound should be considered.

A lot of effort has been made to recognize the bioactive compounds contained in C. majus extracts and the mechanisms of their action. Numerous reports have been published about its effectiveness in the treatment of various medical complaints, such as gastrointestinal and liver disorders or skin diseases caused by microbial or viral infection. In addition to the huge number of scientific reports indicating the beneficial effect of snake milk, there is also information about its potential toxic properties. Official recommendations do not exclude the use of C. majus as a traditional herbal medicinal product. Further studies on the mechanisms of action and its areas of usefulness should therefore be carried out.

Snake Milk (Chelidonium majus) - A Plant with Beautiful Colors and Benefits for the Digestive Tract

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Snake Milk (Chelidonium majus) - A Plant with Beautiful Colors and Ben

Бетина Цветкова

Translation and adaptation: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The causes of multiple sclerosis have not yet been fully understood, but variations in dozens of genes are believed to play a role in increasing the risk of the disease. <a href="/p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> Changes in the HLA-DRB1 and IL7R <a href="../p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genes</a> are the strongest genetic factors that determine the increased risk.

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Studies have shown that herbal medicines can be effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and associated symptoms, reducing demyelination, improving remyelination and suppressing inflammation in the central nervous system.

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This article is based on a 2018 overview on the topic. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311642/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]. According to the authors, it can be concluded that the anti-inflammatory effect is the main cause of the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in the disease. Through them, medicinal plants reduce the severity of the disease and reduce neuropathological changes.

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Anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal plants are usually manifested by suppressing the entry of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines.

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Medicinal plants and their derivatives, which are known in the scientific literature to have a beneficial effect on the condition of MS patients, are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ginkgo biloba,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ginger (Zingiber officinale),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Turmeric (Curcuma longa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Valerian (Valeriana officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Black cumin (Nigella sativa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Kava (Piper methysticum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Saffron (Crocus sativus),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Sudanese frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">European wine vine (Vitis vinifera),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Gastrodia elata,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Green tea (Camellia sinensis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20694784/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS14</a> [ref. 2] - Iranian herbal-marine mixture consisting of 90% Penaeus latisculatus (shrimp), 5% <a href="/p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>celery (Apium graveolens) and 5% St. John'swort (Hypericum perforatum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis (Cannabis sativa).</li>
</ul>

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Here we will consider in more detail each of these plants and the mechanisms by which they can support treatment and alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

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New approaches to the treatment of multiple sclerosis in Europe

Ginkgo-biloba-has-neuroprotective-properties

1. Ginkgo biloba has neuroprotective properties

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Ginkgo biloba is one of the most ancient living tree species of the Ginkgoaceae family. It originated in Korea and China, but can now be found all over the world. Wood leaf extract has traditionally been used as a means of improving memory.

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Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory and platelet-activating factor (PAF) inhibitory properties of ginkgo extract (EGB761) have a beneficial effect in MS. The likely therapeutic role of this plant on multiple sclerosis appears to be due to the substances ginkolids that affect PAF. It in turn plays a role in the process of inflammation and ginkgo biloba extract may suppress it.

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In addition, the plant restores cognitive abilities, has neuroprotective properties and reduces fatigue in multiple sclerosis. The herb is safe, with no side or adverse effects, but in rare cases can cause dizziness, headaches and eye hemorrhages.

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-reduces-inflammation

2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces inflammation

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Zingiber officinale (ginger), is an aromatic plant of the Zingiberaceae family. It originates&nbsp;from India and is usually grown in Asia, tropical Africa and Latin America. The ginger root is often used as an aromatic spice and as a cold medicine. Recent studies have shown the anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger.

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Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, and this is the reason for its consumption by MS patients. Gingerols and their derivatives (shogaols) are the main components of ginger that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

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Positive effects of ginger and its active compounds (6-shogaol and 10-gingerol) have been observed in animal models of multiple sclerosis. They have had anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in animals, but clinical studies on MS patients are still needed to confirm these results.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

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Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a tropical plant originating in southern and southeast tropical Asia. It belongs to the ginger family - Zingiberaceae.

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The yellow substance in the roots of turmeric is called curcumin. It is widely used as a spice and pigment, as well as as a folk remedy for the treatment of problems with bile, anorexia, cough, sinusitis and sore throat. Studies show that curcumin has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant.

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Curcumin performs its anti-inflammatory role in two main ways:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">inhibits Th17 differentiation and associated pathways.</li>
</ul>

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Also, it inhibits the entry of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system. Curcumin modulates the inflammatory process, reducing the expression (production) of various pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines.

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The side effects of curcumin are manifested when taking a high dose, which causes nausea and diarrhea. Although the therapeutic effects of curcumin have been demonstrated in various studies, studies in humans are certainly needed to confirm the recommendation for taking curcumin in patients with multiple sclerosis.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression

4. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) against depression

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Hypericum perforatum or better known as St. John's wort is a flowering plant of the Hypericaceae family. It is characteristic of Europe and Asia, but today it is distributed all over the world.

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Since ancient times, St. John's wort has been a popular plant and has been used in diseases such as anxiety, depression and menstrual cycle disorders. Currently, H. perforatum is used to treat diseases associated with inflammation, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

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The use of St. John's wort in MS is associated with its antidepressant effects. The main antidepressant component of H. perforatum is hypericin, which stimulates capillary blood flow in the brain. Many studies focus on another component, hyperforin, for the therapeutic antidepressant effects of this plant.

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It should be taken into account that this plant may interact with certain drugs, and it is important that its use be discussed with a medical doctor.

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So, St. John's wort can be recommended to patients with multiple sclerosis due to its antidepressants, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety

5. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) against insomnia and anxiety

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Valeriana officinalis grows in Europe, North America and parts of Asia. Valerian is a plant of the Caprifoliaceae family, and the roots of this herb are used for various healing purposes.

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In Ancient Greece, valerian has found various medicinal applications - for <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/7_bilki_koito_obliekchavat_loshoto_khranosmilanie_i_dispiepsiiata_60bc6c30_0949_4ed7_933c_460f9104d318" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digestive problems</a>, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/iepiliepsiiata_koi_liechiebni_rastieniia_sa_izpolzvani_v_drievna_piersiia_d697132f_9082_456b_ac3a_9019ffa4be12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">epilepsy</a> and urinary tract infections. Today it is also used for <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/trievozhnost_i_biezsniie_kakvo_priedlagha_prirodata_eef882c6_b669_4aea_9d2d_1e11852fbcfe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">problems with sleep and anxiety</a>.

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Sleep disorders are the main cause of fatigue in MS patients. Clinical trials have shown that the main component of V. officinalis root extract, valerenic acid, is effective in treating mild to moderate sleep disorders.

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Limited adverse effects such as stomach pain and allergic reaction have been observed in patients treated with valerenic acid. The herb can be offered to patients with multiple sclerosis due to the relieving effects on insomnia and fatigue.

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections

6. American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) against urinary infections

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Vaccinium macrocarpon is also known as large cranberry and bearberry. It is a North American species of cranberry from the Ericaceae family. Cranberry juice is obtained from fruits. American cranberry is traditionally used for treatment of bladder and kidney diseases by Native Americans.

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Patients with multiple sclerosis are susceptible to bacterial colonization and urinary tract infections, as a result of dysfunction of the bladder due to the disease. Cranberry can suppress the adhesion of the bacterium Escherischia coli to the urethra.

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It contains two important compounds - fructose and proantocyanidine, which are attached to the fimbria (cilia for adhering to the mucous membrane) of E. coli and effectively hinder the ability of bacteria to attach to the urethra.

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There are several clinical studies that examine the preventive effects of American cranberry on urinary tract infections in MS patients. Various studies have found that it is effective against urinary tract infections, but in one clinical trial of patients with multiple sclerosis it did not show a good enough effect.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination

7. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) enhances remyelination

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Nigella sativa or black cumin is widely used as a medicinal plant. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Black cumin is a native species to southern Europe, southwestern Asia and northern Africa.

ranunculaceae

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