Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world. It is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. It is native to warm temperate and tropical regions in southern Eurasia and Africa. It has been unintentionally introduced to North America and Australia. An aggressive and hardy invasive species, T. terrestris is widely known as a noxious weed because of its small woody fruit – the bur – having long ...

tribulus terrestris

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The formation of sand or kidney stones (urolithiasis) has a relatively common occurrence - 1 in 10 people encounters this problem at least once in their lifetime. For some patients this is rather accidental, but others are prone to frequent crises. The danger of a second crisis - once it has happened - is around 15% in the first year and 50% over the next five.

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Kidney crises cause one of the most severe pains that the human body can experience, and a crisis can happen even in cases where there are no stones yet formed, but only sand. Half a million people every year need urgent help due to kidney crises.

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Unfortunately, removing the stones is not easy, and some therapies, such as extracorporeal lithotripsy, can lead to kidney damage. [<a href="https://www.seminarsinnephrology.org/article/S0270-9295(08)00028-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

What-types-of-kidney-stones-are-there

What types of kidney stones are there

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Kidney stones are also called concrements and are different types based on their chemical composition, but generally fall into two groups: organic and inorganic. There are also mixed kidney stones.

Organic-stones:

Organic stones:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cystine stones - rare, whitish-yellow in color;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Uric acid stones - they are formed from uric acid and have a whitish-yellow to dark brown color;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cholesterine stones&nbsp; - black color, crumbly;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xanthine stones - have a brownish color.</li>
</ul>

Organic-stones:_0_1

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/f9a336d6-f9aa-494f-b18f-cdda5257ea94_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="what types of kidney stones there are" title="what types of kidney stones there are">
<figcaption>These are not concrements in the kidneys, but some of them have a similar appearance.</figcaption>
</figure>

Inorganic-stones:

Inorganic stones:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calcium oxalate stones- the most common type, dark brown or black;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calcium phosphate stones- brittle, whitish or gray color;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Magnesium phosphate stones - they are formed in chronic bacterial infections in the urinary system, have a dirty gray or brownish color.</li>
</ul>

Useful-tips-for-prevention

Useful tips for prevention

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Since kidney stones have a different chemical composition, and therefore a different reason for their formation in each patient, it is necessary that the approach to treatment and prevention be individual.

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However, there are some general principles that are good to be observed by those prone to urolithiasis, regardless of the specific reasons:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take such a quantity of fluids, which leads to the excretion of at least 2 liters of urine per day.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not take more than 2-3 grams of salt daily, since a large amount of salt leads to calcium retention in the urine, and this is a risk factor for stone formation. Unfortunately, almost all food products contain a certain amount of salt.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduce the intake of proteins of animal origin, since this lowers the pH of urine and creates a prerequisite for an increase in calcium in the urine.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not limit calcium intake unless it is found to be excessive. Decreased calcium intake leads to increased absorption of oxalates in the intestine, which may increase the risk of calciumoxalate stones.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It is not advisable to exceed the dose of 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per day if taken in the form of a supplement, since&nbsp; it can turn into oxalate in the body.</li>
</ul>

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Which-herbs-and-plants-may-help-those-suffering-from-urolithiasis

Which herbs and plants may help those suffering from urolithiasis

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Some medicinal plants have shown a positive effect in human clinical trials. Data taken from the scientific review published in 2009 "Herbal Medicines in the Management of Urolithiasis: Alternative or Complementary?" [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_medicines_in_the_management_of_urolithiasis_alternative_or_complementary_19444769" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].

Citrus-fruits

Citrus fruits

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Citrus fruits and juices are a good natural source of citrate - a substance we know inhibits the formation of calcium kidney stones, since it forms soluble compounds with calcium and thus does not allow it to bind in insoluble calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.

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A particularly large effect has the intake of lemon juice or homemade lemonade [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Long_term_lemonade_based_dietary_manipulation_in_patients_with_hypocitraturic_nephrolithiasis_17382731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>], followed by grapefruit, orange and even apple juice.

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Herbs-with-diuretic-effect-help-propel-the-stones

Herbs with diuretic effect help propel the stones

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One of the main recommendations to patients suffering from kidney stones is to take plenty of fluids, to help dispose of them with the help of increased urine volume, in a completely mechanical way (if the stone is too large, it is removed surgically or by other means).

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Therefore, herbs that have a diuretic effect would be beneficial, because they increase the amount of urine released.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), also known as woundwort;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) - as an infusion it is also known as carcade, and as the rosella or rosella fruit in Australia;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Elderberry&nbsp;(Sambucus nigra) - common names include elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cat's whiskers or Java tea (Orthosiphon grandiflorus) - in the form of an infusion it improves renal function and the discharge of excess uric acid;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gale of the wind, stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf (Phyllantus niruri) - the aqueous extract of this herb lowers the level of calcium in the urine.</li>
</ul>

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Other-medicinal-plants-might-also-help-patients-wirh-kidney-stones

Other medicinal plants might also help patients wirh kidney stones

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In addition to the diuretic effect, substances in some herbs can also directly affect the concrement. Such examples are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paashaanbhed or Prashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata) - the herb is traditionally used in India and Pakistan; some studies have shown that it can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones by several mechanisms - inhibition of crystal formation, diuretic effect, removal of magnesium from urine and antioxidant properties. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108006673" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tribulus terrestris- the herb can prevent the formation of kidney stones of the type of calcium oxalates. This is due to the ability of thesubstances quercetin and kempferol in the herb to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the formation of oxalates. [<a href="/p/za_kakvo_pomaghat_bilkata_babini_zbi_i_za_kakvo_nie_sporied_naukata" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">ref.4</a>] It is also known as goat's-head, bindii, bullhead, burra gokharu, bhakhdi, caltrop, small caltrops, cat's-head, devil's eyelashes, devil's-thorn, devil's-weed, puncture vine, and tackweed.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crataeva nurvala (Crataeva magna) - the bark of the plant is used, it has a number of effects on the urinary system and the formation of kidney stones. [<a href="https://www.phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-1-1-175_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]</li>
</ul>

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One of the main problems associated with conventional methods of treatment of urolithiasis is the recurrence of kidney stones, which worsens the quality of life of patients and causes them severe pain over and over again. The combination of these methods with appropriate herbal therapy, followed by a specialist, may prove to be the key to solving this problem.

Q&amp;A

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What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

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If you have a kidney stone but it does not move in the kidney or in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder), you will not feel anything. But if the stone clogs the ureter, it leads to its spasm, as well as to the retention of urine in the kidney. This in turn causes very severe pain in the sides and back, under the ribs; pain when urinating; pain that intensifies and subsides or pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin. In addition to pain, other symptoms are: changes in the color and smell of urine (red, pink or brown shades), frequent need to urinate or urine in small amounts, nausea and vomiting. In case of any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.

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Can I pass a kidney stone using natural remedies only?

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It is possible for the kidney stone to leave the body without external intervention, if its size is not large. However, consultation with a doctor is very important - together you can decide what is the most appropriate therapy.

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Which drugs may cause kidney stones?

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Some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, some medicines used to treat AIDS, some diuretics (furosemide, acetazolamide, triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide), glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, some antacids, acyclovir (against viral infections), indinavir (protease inhibitor), probenecid (against gout), aspirin (and other salicylates), may increase the risk of developing various types of kidney stones.

Kidney stones: which herbs prevent them and how to combine foods

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 Kidney stones: which herbs prevent them and how to combine foods

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Tribulus terrestris has many names - goat's-head, bindii, bullhead, burra gokharu, bhakhdi, caltrop, small caltrops, cat's-head, devil's eyelashes, devil's-thorn, devil's-weed, puncture vine, and tackweed. It has traditional use in the Balkan countries and in Asia (especially China and India).

It is attributed a variety of healing properties - some of them recognized and others rejected by science. Here we will focus on both.

Over the past few decades, Ttribulus terrestris has been the subject of extensive research. It has been found that the herb has the following effects or at least potential for them, some of which we will discuss in the article:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diuretic (increases urine output),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aphrodisiac (enhances libido and sexual desire),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antiurolytic (against the formation of kidney stones),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Immunomodulatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antidiabetic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hypolypidemic (lowers triglyceride blood levels),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cardiotonic (helps the heart function properly),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hepatoprotective (protection of the liver),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anti-inflammatory</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Analgesic (relieves pain),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antispasmodic (relieves cramps),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anticancer,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antibacterial</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Against parasitic worms,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antikaryogenous (anti-caries).</li>
</ul>

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Puncture vine contains saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids and tannins. According to data from scientific literature, the composition of the saponins and their contents in the herb differ depending on the geographical region in which it grows. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11101-005-2833-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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Tribulus-terrestris-has-diuretic-action

Tribulus terrestris has diuretic action

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The diuretic action of the herb makes it useful for lowering blood pressure. This is due to the large amounts of nitrates and essential oil present in the fruits and seeds of the herb.

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In one study, it was found that the herb affects smooth muscles and, combined with the diuretic effect, can help to propel stones out from the urinary system. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Tribulus_terrestris_preliminary_study_of_its_diuretic_and_contractile_effects_and_comparison_with_Zea_mays_12639749" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Antiurolytic-properties-of-the-herb---helps-against-the-formation-of-kidney-stones

Antiurolytic properties of the herb - helps against the formation of kidney stones

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There is evidence that Tribulus terrestris can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. This is due to the ability of quercetin and kempferol in the herb to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the formation of oxalates - glycolate oxidase. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Exploring_glycolate_oxidase_GOX_as_an_antiurolithic_drug_target_molecular_modeling_and_in_vitro_inhibitor_study_21458484" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

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It's-an-aphrodisiac---increases-libido,-but-not-testosterone

It's an aphrodisiac - increases libido, but not testosterone

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According to some studies, the herb Tribulus terrestris can increase sexual desire in men and women after taking it for about 3 months.

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This is not due to an increase in testosterone levels, as claimed in commercials, since the herb does not have such effect in humans, but only in some animals. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Prospective_Analysis_on_the_Effect_of_Botanical_Medicine_Tribulus_terrestris_on_Serum_Testosterone_Level_and_Semen_Parameters_in_Males_with_Unexplained_Infertility_27337519" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

It-may-help-for-blood-sugar-and-cholesterol-control

It may help for blood sugar and cholesterol control

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Several studies in animals and one in people suffering from type 2 diabetes [<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587216650775" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>] have shown that tribulus terrestris may lower blood glucose levels.

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In animals, it has been found that the herb can also lower cholesterol levels.

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More research on these effects is needed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn.

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May-help-against-atherosclerosis

May help against atherosclerosis

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Research gives hope that in the future the herb may find application in the fight against atherosclerosis, suppressing inflammatory processes underlying the disease. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/saponins_from_tribulus_terrestris_l_extract_down_regulate_the_expression_of_icam_1_vcam_1_and_e_selectin_in_human_endothelial_cell_lines_32832486" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>]

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Tribulus-terrestris-has-antibacterial-properties

Tribulus terrestris has antibacterial properties

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It was found that the herb Tribulus terrestris that grew and was picked in different regions, indicates different antibacterial activity. Thus, stems, leaves and roots of Turkish and Iranian puncture vine show antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, unlike the aerial parts of the herb harvested in Yemen, which have not shown antibacterial activity against these bacteria, while only the fruits and leaves of Tribulus terrestris from India have been active exclusively against E. coli and S. aureus. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Phytopharmacological_overview_of_Tribulus_terrestris_24600195" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.10</a>]

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Anti-cancer-properties-of-the-herb

Anti-cancer properties of the herb

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In one study in mice, aqueous Tribulus terrestris extract showed clinical therapeutic effects against liver cancer cells. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Aqueous_extract_of_Tribulus_terrestris_Linn_induces_cell_growth_arrest_and_apoptosis_by_down_regulating_NF_B_signaling_in_liver_cancer_cells_21549825" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.11</a>]

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Another study in mice found that aqueous extract from the root of the herb exerts significant radioprotection when taken for seven consecutive days before gamma irradiation. [<a href="https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2009/vol1/121.Manish.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.12</a>]

What-the-herb-does-not-help-for-according-to-science

What the herb does not help for according to science

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Despite various claims about the benefits of the herb Tribulus terrestris, scientific studies do not find confirmation of each of them. So what are some proclaimed properties of the herb that science finds no evidence for?

The-herb-does-not-increase-testosterone-levels

The herb does not increase testosterone levels

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This is confirmed by an overview covering 12 separate studies on the subject. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115303056?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>] The authors of the review write:

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"The analysis of phytochemical and pharmacological studies in humans and animals reveals an important role of the herb Tribulus terrestris in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and problems with sexual desire; but empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that these desired effects are due to the properties of the herb to increase androgens (testosterone) are at best inconclusive and (...) this hypothesis is wrong."

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Or in other words - the herb actually has the ability to boost libido and help with erectile dysfunction, but this does not happen due to increasing of testosterone levels. Other mechanisms that still remain poorly studied are at play.

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Doesn't-help-for-physical-endurance-&amp;-body-composition

Doesn't help for physical endurance &amp; body composition

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Despite what is claimed about Tribulus terrestris, this herb has no effect on our endurance in the gym, nor on the results of workouts. As we said, the plant does not increase testosterone, and it is this effect that people who train hard rely on and resort to the herb for help.

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Two studies have been conducted on professional athletes who take the supplement for 5 or 8 weeks, combined with enhanced workouts.

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Both found no difference in body strength, endurance or structure between the group that took the herb and the control group, which received a placebo. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_effect_of_five_weeks_of_Tribulus_terrestris_supplementation_on_muscle_strength_and_body_composition_during_preseason_training_in_elite_rugby_league_players_17530942" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>, <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/10/2/article-p208.xml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.9</a>]

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The herb Tribulus terrestris deservedly attracts great scientific interest in recent years and it is only a matter of time before the health benefits, but also the contraindications, are established and confirmed.

Tribulus terrestris - what is the scientific evidence behind it's effects on your health

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 Tribulus terrestris - what is the scientific evidence behind it's

The cardiovascular system is one of the most important in the human body. If we think about what are the most life-threatening conditions and how first aid is provided to a severely injured person, we will necessarily come to this conclusion.

But cardiac arrest is not the only thing that can befall us. It is extremely important that we keep our circulatory system in order&nbsp;to have a good quality of life and good overall&nbsp;health.

In this article, we will talk about 3 of the diseases of the heart, for which there are herbs with a beneficial effect, proven by science: arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.:

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Arrhythmia (saffron, ginger, lemon balm, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Atherosclerosis (tribulus terrestris, red sage, black cumin, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">High blood pressure, hypertension (garlic, saffron, green tea, etc.)</li>
</ul>

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia_0_0

In general, arrhythmia consists of an abnormal heart rhythm - irregular, too fast, or too slow, and the cause of it can be both severe conditions, such as a vice of the heart or heart attack, and excessive emotional tension or alcohol abuse.

Arrhythmia_0_1

There are a&nbsp;few herbs [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/a_review_on_plants_and_herbal_components_with_antiarrhythmic_activities_and_their_interaction_with_current_cardiac_drugs_32670823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] and supplements that could help us against arrhythmia.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_0_0

Various studies have shown that saffron (saffron crocus) has a positive effect against arrhythmia, and it is considered that this is probably due to its ability to inhibit calcium channels in the cell.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_0_1

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)_0_0

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger enters the composition of a decoction with cardioprotective properties. In several studies, an effect of ginger against the occurrence of arrhythmia has also been demonstrated. [<a href="https://www.rjpbcs.com/pdf/2016_7(1)/[139].pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Lemon-balm-(Melissa-officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon-balm-(Melissa-officinalis)_0_0

According to some studies, lemon balm has a cardioprotective effect and can serve as an anti-arrhythmia agent.

Other-herbs

Other herbs

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Antiarrhythmic effect has also been established in the following medicinal plants:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Garlic (Allium sativum);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Magnolia officinalis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Burdock (Arctium lappa);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Grapes (Vitis sp.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and others [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/a_review_on_plants_and_herbal_components_with_antiarrhythmic_activities_and_their_interaction_with_current_cardiac_drugs_32670823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].</li>
</ul>

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Vitamins,-minerals,-arrhythmia-supplements

Vitamins, minerals, arrhythmia supplements

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Omega-3 fatty acids (derived mainly from oily fish);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin C;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Magnesium and potassium.</li>
</ul>

Atherosclerosis

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Atherosclerosis is a disease that depends on many factors and is nevertheless the main causative agent of death and severe damage since it affects the blood vessels of the most important organs - the heart and the brain.

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Essentially, it is the deposition of plaques&nbsp;inside the blood vessels, which hardens them and creates prerequisites for the formation of thrombi, which clog the vessels, and this can lead to heart attack, stroke, gangrene of limbs, and other severe conditions. Inflammation is a major participant in the process.

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The beneficial effect of some herbs against atherosclerosis is based on several different mechanisms:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Lowering the levels of lipids in the blood;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of migration and clustering of monocytes under the layer of cells covering the inside of blood vessels;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of infiltration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of plaque formation.</li>
</ul>

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Here we take a look at some of the medicinal plants that possess one or more of these properties. The information is taken from the scientific article of 2019 "Medicinal Herbs Effective Against Atherosclerosis: Classification According to Mechanism of Action". [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Medicinal_Herbs_Effective_Against_Atherosclerosis_Classification_According_to_Mechanism_of_Action_30917628" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

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