Rhubarb is a vegetable derived from cultivated plants in the genus Rheum in the family Polygonaceae. The whole plant – a herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes – is also called rhubarb. Historically, different plants have been called 'rhubarb' in English. The fleshy, edible stalks (petioles) of other species and hybrids (culinary rhubarb) were cooked and used for food. The large, triangular leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and  anthrone glycosides, making them inedible. ...

rhubarb

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

Why Use Herbs for Better Digestion and Absorption

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

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

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

Botanical-nervous-relaxants

Botanical nervous relaxants

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

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

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

Six herbs for better digestion and absorption

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita,-M.-chamomilla,-Chamomilla-recutita)_2_0

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

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita,-M.-chamomilla,-Chamomilla-recutita)_2_1

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

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

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

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Melissa-officinalis

Melissa officinalis

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

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

Rosmarinus-officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis

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

Valerian-officinalis

Valerian officinalis

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

Fennel-(Foeniculum-vulgare)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) 

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

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

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

Swedish bitter - a well-known remedy for better digestion

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

Types-of-herbal-products

Types of herbal products 

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

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

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

6 great herbs for better digestion and absorption of nutrients

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Бетина Цветкова

Why-are-the-kidneys-so-important?

Why are the kidneys so important? 

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Why-are-the-kidneys-so-important?_0_1

Most people know that the main function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. These waste products and excess fluid are removed through the urine. Urine production involves extremely complex stages of excretion and re-absorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of chemicals in the body. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538339/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - NCBI BookshelfTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubNCBI Insights BlogTwitterFacebookYoutube" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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Crucial regulation of the content of salt, potassium and acid in the body is carried out by the kidneys. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs. For example, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates the production of red blood cells. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism. &nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2752067" target="_blank" data-ref="Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis and Management" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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The kidneys are small but powerful chemical factories that perform the following important functions:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Removal of waste products from the body</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Removal of drugs from the body&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Balancing fluids in the body, including maintaining electrolyte balance</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Release of hormones that regulate blood pressure</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Producing an active form of vitamin D that promotes healthy and healthy bones &nbsp;<a href="https://journals.lww.com/cjasn/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Controlling the production of red blood cells</li></ul>

What-is-chronic-kidney-disease?

What is chronic kidney disease? 

What-is-chronic-kidney-disease?_1_0

What-is-chronic-kidney-disease?_1_1

Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and reduce their ability to keep you healthy by filtering waste from your blood. If kidney disease worsens, waste can reach high levels in the blood and cause unpleasant symptoms and complications such as:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">High blood pressure</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anemia&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weak bones</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Poor nutrient absorption</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nerve damage</li></ul>Kidney disease also increases the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. These problems can appear slowly and progress for a long time.&nbsp;

What-is-chronic-kidney-disease?_1_3

Early detection and treatment can often prevent chronic kidney disease from deteriorating as well as sparing health. As kidney disease progresses, it can eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation to sustain life.

What-are-some-of-the-causes-of-chronic-kidney-disease?

What are some of the causes of chronic kidney disease? 

What-are-some-of-the-causes-of-chronic-kidney-disease?_2_0

What-are-some-of-the-causes-of-chronic-kidney-disease?_2_1

Chronic kidney disease from a clinical point of view is defined as the presence of some type of renal abnormality or "marker", such as protein in the urine and decreased kidney function for three months or more.

What-are-some-of-the-causes-of-chronic-kidney-disease?_2_2

There are many causes of chronic kidney disease. The kidneys can be affected by diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Some kidney diseases are hereditary, that is, there is a family history.

What-are-some-of-the-causes-of-chronic-kidney-disease?_2_3

Others are innate; This means that people can be born with an abnormality that can affect their kidneys. Below are some of the most common types and causes of kidney damage.

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"> Diabetes is a disease in which your body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use normal amounts of insulin properly. This leads to a high blood sugar level, which can cause problems in many parts of your body. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. IV</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is another common cause of kidney disease and other complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure occurs when the strength of the blood against the walls of the arteries increases. When high blood pressure is controlled, the risk of complications such as chronic kidney disease is lower. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glomerulonephritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the small filtering units of the kidneys called glomeruli. Glomerulonephritis can occur suddenly, for example, after strep throat, and a person can get well again. However, the disease can develop slowly over several years and can cause progressive loss of kidney function. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Polycystic kidney disease is the most common hereditary kidney disease. It is characterized by the formation of kidney cysts, which enlarge over time and can cause serious kidney damage and even kidney failure. Other hereditary diseases that affect the kidneys include Alport's syndrome, primary hyperoxaluria and cystinuria.</li></ul>

What-are-the-early-symptoms-of-chronic-kidney-failure?

What are the early symptoms of chronic kidney failure? 

What-are-the-early-symptoms-of-chronic-kidney-failure?_3_0

Most people may not have serious symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. However, you may notice:

What-are-the-early-symptoms-of-chronic-kidney-failure?_3_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue and less energy</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Problems with concentration</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Impaired appetite</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sleep problems</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscle cramps at night</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swollen legs and ankles</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry, itchy skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Need to urinate more often, especially at night</li></ul>Common signs of chronic renal failure include markers used to diagnose reduced GFR, decreased albumin, urinary protein, elevated creatinine or cystatin and markers of underlying conditions dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, glycemic dysregulation, and elevated uric acid levels. Some of these will be further discussed in a separate paragraph.

What-are-the-warning-signs-of-kidney-disease?

What are the warning signs of kidney disease? 

What-are-the-warning-signs-of-kidney-disease?_4_0

Kidney disease usually affects both kidneys. If the kidneys' ability to filter blood is seriously damaged by disease, waste and excess fluid can accumulate in the body. Although many forms of kidney disease do not cause symptoms until the end of the course of the disease, there are six warning signs of kidney disease:

What-are-the-warning-signs-of-kidney-disease?_4_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">High blood pressure.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood and/or protein in the urine.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood test for creatinine and blood urea (BUN) outside the normal range. BUN and creatinine are wastes that build up in your blood when your kidney function is reduced.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60. GFR is a measure of kidney function.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More frequent urination, especially at night; difficult or painful urination.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Puffiness around the eyes, swelling of the hands and feet.</li></ul>

How-is-chronic-kidney-disease-detected?

How is chronic kidney disease detected? 

How-is-chronic-kidney-disease-detected?_5_0

Early detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease are the key to protecting kidney disease from progression to kidney failure. Some tests can be made available for early detection of kidney disease. These include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Urine protein test. The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) estimates the amount of albumin in the urine. Excess protein in your urine may mean that the filtering units of your kidney have been damaged by disease. One positive result may be due to fever or heavy exercise, so your doctor will want to confirm the result with retesting in a few weeks.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Test for creatinine in the blood. Your doctor should use your results, along with data such as age, race, gender, and other factors, to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Your GFR is an indicator of kidney function.&nbsp;</li></ul>

How-is-chronic-kidney-disease-detected?_5_2

Have-herbs-and-supplements-been-studied-for-use-in-chronic-kidney-disease?

Have herbs and supplements been studied for use in chronic kidney disease? 

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The most common additives tested for use in chronic kidney disease are amino acid supplements used in conjunction with very low protein diets.&nbsp;

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Others include alkalizing therapy with potassium citrate salts, vitamin D supplements, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Many other supplements have been studied, including vitamin E, antioxidant therapy, CoQ10, N-acetylcysteine, human recombinant superoxide dismutase, potassium, calcium enrichment, turmeric (Curcuma longa) and boswellia (Boswellia serrata), vitamin K, B vitamins, astragalus (Astragalus), cordyceps and Chinese rhubarb (Rheum officinale). &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/469" target="_blank" data-ref="Systematic Review of Nutrition Supplements in Chronic Kidney Diseases: A GRADE Approach" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

Many kidney diseases can be successfully treated, but it depends on various factors. Careful control of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can help prevent kidney disease or prevent progression. Sometimes chronic kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Before it comes to this, however, there are many symptoms that signal a kidney problem and should not be ignored.&nbsp; In addition, a lot of research is being done to find a more effective treatment for all conditions that can cause chronic kidney disease. Some of them are urinary tract infections, glomerulonephritis, diabetes and others.

What are the early symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

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Traditional-Chinese-Medicine-for-Respiratory-Viruses

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Viruses

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The outbreak and spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused huge losses of lives and property around the world. Globally, as of 24 January 2023, there were 664,097,132 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,716,108 deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). &nbsp;<a href="https://covid19.who.int/" target="_blank" data-ref="WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Traditional-Chinese-Medicine-for-Respiratory-Viruses_0_2

SARS-CoV-2 is a wrapped, single-stranded, positive, β-coronavirus RNA virus that belongs to the subfamily Coronavirinae, family Coronavirdiae, order Nidovirales. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, a high concentration of aerosols, and sometimes through feces or urine. Currently, no approved specific antiviral drug is recommended to deal with COVID-19. Infection with it in more severe cases can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and even death.&nbsp;

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It is well documented that traditional Chinese medicine has accumulated abundant clinical experience and effective prescriptions for the control and treatment of infectious diseases in about 500 epidemics that have occurred in China for more than 3,000 years in the past. &nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11655-020-3192-6?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=fe04f653-1cd7-469c-a455-8ebe8038b5f9" target="_blank" data-ref="Can Chinese Medicine Be Used for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs - Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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The combination therapy of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine significantly reduces mortality, shortens the duration of fever, reduces abnormalities of chest X-rays, and relieves secondary fungal infections among patients receiving glucocorticoids in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 3</a>] There is also evidence on the positive role of traditional Chinese medicine&nbsp; in the treatment of previous coronavirus pneumonias such as SARS, MERS and other epidemic diseases. <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0192415X05002965" target="_blank" data-ref="Using Herbal Medicine as a Means of Prevention Experience During the SARS Crisis | The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;&nbsp;

Traditional-Chinese-medicine-in-the-treatment-of-COVID-19

Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 

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From the perspective of this medical system, the different stages of COVID-19 disease can be divided into mild, moderate, severe and critical. The main models in the mild stage include balancing the lungs and removing pathogenic factors. The main models in the moderate stage include elimination of heat and moisture, detoxification and invigoration of the spleen. The main heavy-stage models focus on toning qi and yin, ventilating qi on the lungs, co-healing the lungs and intestines. Finally, critical stage models require toning qi and preventing exhaustion, cooling blood and nourishing yin and restoring consciousness. Distinguishing each stage is one of the most important principles of TCM for the treatment of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Traditional-Chinese-medicine-in-the-treatment-of-COVID-19_1_2

Traditional Chinese medicine's recommended remedies for each stage of COVID-19 treatment include more than 18 natural remedies. Among them, highly recommended Chinese herbs are Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqing), Rheum palmatum (Da Huang), Bupleurum&nbsp; chinense&nbsp; (Chai Hu), Gingko Biloba (Ping Yin), Artemisia annua (Huanghua Hao), Glycyrrhiza glabra&nbsp; (Gan Cao)&nbsp; and Zingiber officinale&nbsp; (Shen Jian).

Potential-mechanisms-of-the-most-commonly-used-Chinese-herbs-with-proven-antiviral-effect

Potential mechanisms of the most commonly used Chinese herbs with proven antiviral effect

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Huangqing)

Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqing)  

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Scutellaria baicalensis, commonly known as Shlenmnik Baikal or Chinese helmet, is a type of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. &nbsp; The main bioactive compounds extracted from the root of S. baicalensis are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikalin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vogonozide</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikalein Vogonin&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S209592731630024X" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Each of these active components is known to have physiological effects as well as cytotoxic or side effects when used in high concentrations. These flavones have been reported to have different pharmacological functions, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antiviral, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.&nbsp;

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Huangqing)_2_2

Lung Fufang, a type of traditional recipe using Huangqing, has been found to be able to prolong the survival rate of patients with primary bronchial lung squamous cell carcinoma and has a similar effect in patients with NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). &nbsp;<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=J+Tradit+Chin+Med+Pharm&amp;title=Reports+for+80+patients+with+bronchial+lung+squamous+carcinoma+(Mid+or+Late+Stage)+treated+Lung+FuFang+and+chemotherapy&amp;author=MQ+Pan&amp;author=YH+Li&amp;author=JA+Liu&amp;author=YX+Tan&amp;volume=5&amp;publication_year=1990&amp;pages=19-21&amp;" target="_blank" data-ref="Sorry..." rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Huangqing)_2_3

The plant exerts an antiviral effect and inhibits the activity of 3CLpro. It has a beneficial effect on the proper activity of the nervous system, favors the normal processes of sleep, nervous system, immune system and cardiovascular system.&nbsp;

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Huangqing)_2_4

It is not recommended for people suffering from liver diseases, as well as those using anti-weight loss drugs and some painkillers.

Rheum-palmatum-(Da-Huang)

Rheum palmatum (Da Huang) 

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Rheum palmatum (Dahuang) - Rheum palmatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly called Chinese rhubarb and contains the active ingredient emodin, which is thought to be able to block the pinning of the spiked protein to&nbsp; ACE2 in the case of COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

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Emodin is a naturally occurring derivative of anthraquinone, found in the roots and leaves of various plants, fungi and lichens. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an active ingredient in herbs. Emodin has a wide range of biological actions, including diuretic, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9522" target="_blank" data-ref="The Health Benefits of Emodin, a Natural Anthraquinone Derived from Rhubarb&mdash;A Summary Update" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;7]&nbsp;

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The use of Rheum palmatum&nbsp; (Da Huang) is also recommended for bacterial infections, overactive immune system, cough, tumors and high blood pressure.&nbsp;

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In rare cases, Rheum palmatum can irritate the digestive tract.

Bupleurum-chinense-(Chai-Hu)

Bupleurum chinense (Chai Hu)  

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Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) is derived from Bupleurum chinense and has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Phytochemical studies have shown that this plant contains essential oils, triterpenoid saponins, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and sterols.&nbsp;

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Crude extracts and pure compounds isolated from Radix Bupleuri showed various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects.

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However, Radix Bupleuri can also lead to hepatotoxicity, especially in high doses and with long-term use. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the main bioactive compounds in Chai Hu are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saicosaponini a</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Saicosaponi B2</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saicosaponini c</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saicosaponini d</li></ul>According to scientific data, Radix Bupleuri extract has a significant antiviral effect in acute respiratory tract infections with H1N1 and inhibits influenza virus-induced RANTES secretion in H1N1-infected A549 cells at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg/ml. This suggests that Radix Bupleuri may be beneficial for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, followed by a viral infection.&nbsp;

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In another study, the antiviral activity of saicosaponins (a, b2, c and d) and their mode of action was investigated. The results showed that all saicosaponines exhibited antiviral activity on human coronavirus-229E at concentrations of 0.25–25 μm, and the strongest activity was observed for saicosaponin b2 with an IC50 of 1.7 μm. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1681.2006.04415.x" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref.</a> &nbsp;8]&nbsp;

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At high doses, it can have the opposite effect on the liver.

Gingko-Biloba-(Pin-Yin)

Gingko Biloba (Pin Yin) 

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Ginkgo biloba, the oldest tree on the planet, originated in China and has been cultivated for thousands of years for various purposes. Ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. It may also be beneficial for heart health, brain function, and eye health, along with several other conditions.

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Ginkgo biloba may reduce the risk of infection due to the content of quercetin and other ingredients such as ginkgolic acid (GA), which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, acting by reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. &nbsp; The antiviral effect of ginkgo extract is mediated by various mechanisms, including blocking SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ardp.202200188" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;

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Ginkgo Biloba, in addition to viral infection, is also recommended for inflammation, cough, tumors and stomach ulcers.&nbsp;

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In rare cases, the following side effects can be caused: nausea, diarrhea, dizziness.

Artemisia-annua-(Huanghua-Hao)

Artemisia annua (Huanghua Hao)

The potential mechanisms of herbs of traditional Chinese medicine may be beneficial in multiple viral infections. Many of the active ingredients of these herbs have been scientifically documented and studied for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and replication-inhibiting effects. The integration of available clinical and fundamental evidence into the treatment approach provides more opportunities to address various respiratory viruses, in which Chinese traditional medicine may also be useful.

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