An agent which produces gradual beneficial change, without any noticeable specific effect, often through imrpoved nutrition.  Tend to support digestion, detoxification (via bile) imrpove immune function.

Generally act through the lymphatic, glandular, and mucous membrane systems, and to a lesser degree the skin.

Examples:

• Arctium
• Echinacea
• Taraxacum

A substancethat had to show some non-specific effect, such as increasing bodily resistance to physically, chemically, or biologically noxious agents or factors.

Have a normalizing influence on a pathologic state, independent of the nature of that state and is innocuous (not harmful)

Does not disturb body function at a normal level

There is a stimulation of secretion from all of the exocrine organs associated with digestion.

• Increase saliva flow, gastrin and HCI secretion is stimulated and increase in pancreatic enzymes
• Increase production of bile as well as the release of bile from the gall bladder
• Peristalsis is stimulated
• May also stimulate mild endocrine function of the pancrease, resulting in increase insulin and glucagon secretion
• Increase immune function in the gut

General tonic effect on the body, providing people with a more vitality and brigther outlook on life (alterative)

• Taste buds (+) the bitter flavor
• Stimulates gastrin which stimulates:
• Gastric Acid and Pepsin production
• Hepatic Bile Flow, Bicarbonate Production
• Brunner's gland secretion, Intrinsic Factor Secretion
• Pancreatic Digestive Secretion, Insulin, Glucagon and Calcitonin
• M. Tone of LES, M. Tone of stomach and small intestine
• Cell division and growth of gastric and duodenal mucosa
• Cell division and growth of pancreatic cells

Smaller doses stimulate function

Larger doses constrict tissues and decrease secretion

Bitters can also normalize blood sugar levels, used in type II diabetes and dysgylycemia (abnormal blood glucose levels)

Increase bile flow which in return increases the excretion of toxins and stimulates the bowel (cholagogue)

Can potentially cause melanosis coli, a benign staining of the bowel wall

The constant use to stimulate their bowel M. ultimately worsens their conditions as the tissues loose their stimulating tone.  Eventually reach a point which is irreversible and after sometime find it hard giving up this habit.

Should only take for a limite period of time.

• Should never take alone
• Has Anti-septic properties
• Has a bitter taste and this acts as a catalyst in the digestive system, particularly in the flow of bile
• Should be used with a soothing carminative herb like fennel, dill or aniseeds
• When done this way it lowers the intense gripping tendency of anthraquinone and slowly cools down the bowel

• May act as direct irritants when used long or immoderately
• Can induce inflammation followed by ulceration and sloughing
• CI for the arrest of evacuations that are designated by nature to relieve a plethoric (over abundant) state of the system, unless such evacuations exist to an alarming extent

Common Name: Gentian

Parts Used: Root (Radix)

Medicinal Actions: Bitter (gastric stimulant), Cholagogue (promote bile flow), Anti-microbial

Medicinal Use:  Gentian is very bitter and astringent so, in the mouth, saliva secretion is increased in an attempt to relieve mouth dryness.  The plant also works by stimulating the taste buds, which increases production of saliva and digestive juices

• Indicated in conditions of poor, sluggish digestion (bloating, fullness after eating, pain), impaired appetite, anemia (it will increase Fe absorption) and malabsorption
• A component of Angostura Bitters
• Anti-microbial effect via increase HCI acid production (kills entering pathogenics) and stimulates bile secretion (anti-microbial)
• 
  

• 15-30 minutes before meals, sippled slowly over (5-10 minutes), combined with carminative and milder tonics.
• Should not be combined with astringents (bitters in general should not be combined with astringents)
• Tincture is MC:  1:5 45% alcohol, sig 1-3 ml in 1/2 cup of water ac; max weekly dose: 40 ml (Alschuler)

• PG
• Excess hydrochloric acid production
• And in weak constitutions with nervous systems irritability in that it tends to aggravate this condition think of an "ulcer patient"

Large doses will oppress the stomach, irritate the bowels, produce nausea and vomiting, increase fullness of pulse and cause HA.  Over excitation of the stomach and a feeling of oppression occur with increase force of circulation and bowel irritation

Good for IDA

Mentha Piperita/Mentha Spicata or Mentha Viridis:

Common name: Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Spearmint (Mentha spicata/Mentha Viridis

Parts Used: leaves

Constituents:  Volatile oil:  Chief components: menthol (35-45%)

Caffeic Acid:  Rosmarinic Acid (antioxidant polyphenol very abundant in the mint family)

Mentha Piperita:

Medicinal Actions:

Mentha Piperita:

Medicinal Uses:

Mentha Piperita:

IBS:

Mentha Piperita:

Mentha Pulegium: AKA European Pennyroyal

The essential oil of this plant has been used as an abortifacient for many years, however, the constituent pulegone is highly toxic and many adverse reactions occur.

Very dangerous as an oil, especially with PG, topically you can use it, do not ingest in high amounts

Foeniculum Vulgare:

Parts Used:  Fruit

Foeniculum Vulgare:

Medicinal Actions:

Foeniculum Vulgare:

Medicinal Use:

The volatile oil of the seed is spasmolytic, carminative, anti-inflammatory.  The volatile oil relaxas the smooth muscle of the intestines thus relieving griping and flatulence (excessive gas in the GI tract)

Foeniculum contains sterols and coumarins and has phytoestrogenic actions.  It is most indicated in amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea and is most efficacious as a hot infusion.

Foeniculum Vulgare:

Cautions and CI:

Foeniculum Vulgare:

Toxicity:

Matricaria Recutita:

Common Name:

Parts Used:

German Chamomile, Blue Chamomile

Flowers

Matricaria Recutita:

Active Constituents:

Volatile oil (0.3-1.5%)

Chamazulene (anti-inflammatory)

Matricaria Recutita:

Actions:

Matricaria Recutita:

Mechanisms of Action:

The mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of azulenes are unclear, because studies show benefit with alcohol extracts, which have less volatile oil.

Chamazulene is converted to azulene during distillation or when steeped (heat/steam).  Azulene is a strong anti-inflammatory constituent, to obtain this constituent you must steep the flowers covered for 3-5 minutes.

Matricaria Recutita:

Mechanisms of Action continued:

Azulene also is a gentle sedative, restoring the nervous system to a calmer state.

it increases granulation tissue (helps in wound healing)

Decreases Histamine and IgE mediators

The alpha-bisabolol is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic in that it enhances prostaglandin production thus strengthens mucosal protective barriers (therefore protective against uclers)

The flavonoids are anti-spasmodic and stabilize capillaries and relax smooth muscles.  The smooth muscle relaxing effect is most pronounced on gastric smooth muscle.  Overall, the action of Matricaria is slow and long-acting, but the actions are long-lasting.

Excessive use of Matricaria teas can result in stomach muscle flaccidity

Matricaria Recutita:

Medicinal Uses:

Matricaria Recutita:

Dosing Range:

Matricaria is best dosed on the low end of its dosage range over a long period of time

low dose and long term!

100 ml- high as a patient can tolerate (tincture)

Matricaria Recutita:

Toxicity:

Matricaria is a smooth muscle relaxant and therefore may cause miscarriage in pregnant women, especially before 12 weeks.

Drug Interactions:

Matricaria may increase enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4

Zingiber Officinalis:

Common Name:

Part Used:

Ginger

Rhizome

*Not to be confused with Asarum Canadense: Wild Ginger, considered to be toxic by the FDA due to constituent aristolochic acid, which is thought to have caused kidney failure

Zingiber Officinalis:

Constituents:

The pungent principles (gingerols) are thought to be the most pharmacologically active components of Zingiber.  The fresh rhizome has more gingerol than the dried preparation as gingerol converts to shogaol or zingerone with storage.

Helps with pain by inhibiting Substance P

Zingiber Officinalis:

Mechanisms of Action:

Primary Effects of Ginger:

• Inhibition of prostaglandin (COX-2), Leukotriene (5LOX) and thromboxane synthesis.  Inhibits IL1a and B, TNFa
• Inhibition of platelet aggregation through inhibition of thromboxane and reduced platelet lipid peroxide formation
• Inhibits Substance P

Zingiber Offinalis:

Medicinal Actions:

Zingiber Officinalis:

Medicinal Use: 

Zingiber Officinalis:

Gastrointestinal Conditions:

Zingiber simultaneously improves gastrointestinal motility while exerting anti-spasmodic effects.

Also been shown to inhibit serotonin-induced diarrhea

Also prevents ulcer formation caused by ethanol, indomethacin, aspirin and other common ulcerogenic compounds.  Greater effect in the fresh rhizome

Zingiber Officinalis:

Inflammatory Conditions:

Benefits has been shown in the TX of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis.

Migraine HA respond as well

Compared to other anti-inflammatory botanicals, such as Curcuma, smaller amounts of Zingiber are necessary for 5-LOX inhibition.  

Higher doses are required for COX-2 inhibition

Zingiber Officinalis:

Drug Interactions:

Cyclophosphamide:  Zingiber can decrease vomiting caused by cyclophosphamide

May enhance the action of anticoagulant medication such as warfarin due to inhibition of platelet COX products and platelet aggregation.

Zingiber Officinalis:

CI:

People with sensitive stomachs do not always tolerate Zingiber Officinalis.

In gallstones

Pregnancy (large doses over 2 g)

Large doses in pregnancy may inhibit thromboxane synthetase, impairing development of the male fetal brain

Not good with patients with high blood pressure (although is added in many contemporary metabolic inflammation formulas)

Zingiber Officinalis:

Toxicity:

Rhamnus Purshiana

Rhamnus Frangula

(currently Frangula Purshiana)

Common Name:

Parts Used:

Cascara Sagrada

Bark

The bark is collected in the spring and early summer when it is easily peeled from the wood.  The bark is stored for at least one year (up to 3) in order for the constituents (most likely glycosides) that would otherwise cause griping to decompose.  The collected bark is dried in the shade.

Rhamnus Purshiana

Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

Constituents:

Rhamnus Purshiana/Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

Mechanism of Action:

Rhamnus Purshiana/ Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

Medicinal Actions:

Laxative

Bowel Tonic

Bitter

Rhamnus Purshiana/Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

Medicinal Use:

Gastrointestinal Conditions:  Rhamnus Purshiana stimulates the bowel through irritation.  

Can be a laxative or cathartic depending on the dose and the sensitivity of the person's bowel

For chronic constipation

Good for elderly and pediatric populations because it's a gentle, tonifying laxative 

Note:  b/c of the emodin glycosides and the tonifying effect on the intestines, Rhamnus may be useful in cases of diarrhea, due to lack of efficient contractions and over-secretion

Emodin Glycosides which is a constituent tend to inhibit smooth muscle contraction which may help to mitigate the cathartic action of the anthraquinone glycosides

Rhamnus Purshiana/Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

Dosing Range:

Rhamnus Purshiana/Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

C/I:

Nursing or PG

Not to be used in intestinal inflammatory disease, during menstruation, in diarrhea, debilitation, intestinal obstruction or abdominal pain of unknown cause, in children or for extended use.

Potential drug interactions with cardiac glycosides and diuretics

Rhamnus Purshiana/Rhamnus Frangula

(Currently Frangula Purshiana)

Toxicity:

Aloe Barbadensis

Common Name:

Parts Used:

Aloe, Burn plant

Leaves

Aloe vera is obtained from the mucilaginous tissue in the centre of the Aloe vera leaf and consists mainly of polysaccharides and lipids.  

It should not be confused with Aloes, which is obtained by evaporation of water from the bitter yellow juice that is drained from the leaf

Aloe Barbadensis

Parts used continued:

The Latex (Aloes) is the source of anthracene derivatives (the puragative) (Aloes may also be a term used to describe Oud or Agarwood, used in Middle Eastern incense and is completely different)

The Gel/Juice is the source of polysaccharides

Aloe Barbadensis:

Constituents:

Anthracene Derivatives:  Particularly anthrone-10-C-glykosyls

Polysaccharides:  Glucomannan, Mannose-6-phosphate a water-soluble long-chain mannose polymer (Acemannan).  Acemannan is found under the skin in Aloe vera leaves and may not be present in juice or gel preparations.

Aloe vera gel/juice is a bulk laxative that is very soothing and healing to the entire digestive tract (demulcent)

The whole aloe plant contains glucomannan a polysaccharide which is the bulking agent.

Aloe Barbadensis:

Mechanism of Action:

Stimulation of active chloride secretion increases the water and electrolye content, thereby strengthening the filling pressure of the bowels, and stimulating intestinal peristalsis.

Anti-bacterial - effective against Herpes Simplex viruses

Various constituents have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects as well as to stimulate wound healing

Aloe Barbadensis:

Medicinal Actions:

Laxative

Purgative

Emmenagogue (induce mentrual flow)

Anthelmintic (destroys parasitic worms)

Aloe barbadensis:

Medical Uses:

Gastrointestinal Conditions:

Aloe vera gel inactivates pepsin in a reversible fashion.  When the stomach is devoid of food, pepsin is inhibited by Aloe vera gel; howerever, in the presence of food, pepsin is released and allowed to digest the food.

The gel inhibits the release of HCI via interference with histamine binding to the parietal cells

Aloe vera gel is a extremely good demulcent (soothing and healing to the entire digestive tract) and prevents aggravating irritants from reaching the sensitive ulcer.

Aloe vera juice has been shown to increase gastric pH by an avg of 1.88 units

Aloe vera gel can inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid

Aloe Barbadensis:

Dosing Range:

50-100 ml whole leaf concentrate provide a high concentration of Acemannan

Acemannan is found under the skin in Aloe vera and may not be present in juice or gel preparations.

Juice/gel preparations

Silybum Marianum (in Europe AKA Caruus Marianus)

Common Name:

Parts Used:

Milk Thistle, St. Mary's Thistle

Seed

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Constituents:

Bioflavonoids:  Silymarin is made up of several parts, the most well known being three flavonolignans:

• Silibinin
• Silidianin
• Silicristin

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Constituents continued:

Silibinin is the most therapeutically active constituent, and it is not a single compound either, but rather a mixture of two diastereoisomers, silybin A and silybin B

The seeds also contain fatty oils, essential oil and mucilage

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Mechanism of Action:

Silybum extracts may protect the cells of the liver by blocking the entrance of toxins and helping metabolize these toxins.

Regenerate injured liver cells.

Block fibrosis, a process that contributes to the eventual development of cirrhosis, in people with inflammatory liver conditions secondary to alcohol abuse or hepatitis.

Powerful antioxidant

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Medicinal Actions:

Hepato-trophorestorative

Galactagogue (induce milk secretion)

Iron Chelator (a chemical process that firmly binds the iron molecule to another substance, usually an amino acid.)

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Medicinal Uses:

Liver disorders, including:

Acute viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis and toxic liver damage

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Hepatobiliary Conditions:

In patients with chronic viral hepatitis, found milk thistle can produce significant improvement in symptoms such as fatigue, reduced appetite, and abdominal discomfort and lower liver enzymes.

Acute Viral Hepatitis:  Silybum alters bile makeup, thereby potentially reducing risk of gallstones

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Gastrointestinal Conditions:

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Genitourinary Conditions:

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Gynecologic Conditions:

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Dosing Range:

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Cautions and C/I:

None reported, mainly transient, non-serious, gastrointestinal complaints

No toxicities

Silybum Marianum (in Europe aka Carduus Marianus)

Interactions:

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Common Name:

Parts Used:

Sanskrit:  katuka; Hindi: Kutaki; Chinese: Hu Huang Lian

Picrorhiza has been shown to be a substitute for Chinese Gentian, called "Kathi Roots" or Indian Gentian

Roots

Picrohiza Kurroa

Constituents:

Iridoid Glycosides

Apocynin

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Mechanism of Actions:

Apocynin is a catechol that has been shown to inhibit neutrophil oxidative burst via as a NADPH oxidase inhibitor

Apocynin:  Powerful Anti-inflammatory agent

 Apocynin:  Inhibits Thromboxane Synthetase, thus inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation.

Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory activity

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Medicinal Actions:

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Medicinal Uses:

Picrohiza is a traditional Ayurvedic herb (Taste-Bitter, Post digestion effect), used as a laxative, choleretic, bitter tonic, febrifuge (reduce fever), and for a TX of asthma and poisonous bites and stings.  The root is hepatoprotective comparable to Silybum Marianum in many animal studies

Picrorhiza exerts its hepatoprotective activity by restoring enzyme activity after toxic damage, scavenging free radicals (thus reducing lipid peroxidation), and stimulating nucleic acid and protein synthesis (due to iridoid glycosides)

Picrorhiza also is effective against the complement-mediated liver damage secondary to viral hepatitis (espicially Hep. B) leading to faster recovery

Exerts choleretic activity marked by an increase in bile flow, and bile salts and bile acid output.  This, in turn, causes a systemic lipid-lowering effect.

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Medicinal uses continued:

Given orally, has a mast cell stabilizing effect throughout the body, and especially in the lungs; can alter the mast cell membranes leading to their stabilization.

Enhances bronchodilating effects of sympathicomimetics amines

Anti-inflammatory

TX of chronic renal disease, thought to be due to reducing oxidative damage and anti-inflammation

Heal gastric ulcers from NSAIDs overuse

TX of acute and chronic infections, weakened immunity, toxic liver damage, liver infections, autoimmune DX, asthma, and fevers of unknown origin or secondary to infection.  

Picrorhiza combines well with Silybum and Echinacea

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Dosing Range:

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Cautions and C/I:

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Common Name:

Parts Used:

Chinese Thoroughwax, Hare's Ear Root, Chai Hu

Root

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Bupleurum Falcatum:

• Lipid lowering effects in hyperlipidemic animals
• Saikosaponin (a) has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation
• Oral doses are abosrbed only 1/10th as much as injected doses
• Increase phagocytosis
• Thought to be a weak phytoestrogen

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Bupleurum has a variety of anti-inflammatory effects.  Saikosaponins enhance the activity of corticosterone by inducing liver enzymes invovled in the activation of corticosterone (A and B) and by stimulating adrenocortical function.

Saikosaponins also suppress granulation tissue (new connective tissue/blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during healing)

Inhibits prostaglandin E2 production

Bupleurum Falcatum:

The saikosaponins are also hepatoprotective.  Pre-treatment with these saikosaponins inhibits acute and chronic toxic effects of liver toxins such as carbon tetrachloride

Oral doses increase blood glucose, bile output and bile salt content (and thus lowers cholesterol)

Improve immune function during infections, including flu and common cold

Increases macrophage activity, IL-1 production and antibody response

Antitussive properties (suppress or relieve coughing)

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Bupleurum Falcatum:

TX of chronic hepatitis, nephrosis and auto-immune diseases

Also used in chronic inflammatory DX especially those involving the liver and kidneys

Chronic autoimmune DX such as systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis are particularly responsive to this plant

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Acute and chronic liver disease, toxic damage to the liver and hepatic insufficiency are all indications for Bupleurum.  

A clinical trial in chronic active hepatitis used oral doses of saikosaponins at 6 mg/day.  Serum liver enzymes were reduced significantly.  The saponins stimulate immune functions and injections of Bupleurum given to Hepatitis B patients resulted in clinical improvement

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Strong antipyretic (prevent/reduce fever)effects while numerous cell studies show immunomodulating effects.  This combined with its macrophage enhancing activity make it useful in the TX of colds and flus.  Chronic infections and inflammatory DX are indications for Bupleurum Falcatum b/c of its anti-inflammatory, adrenocortical-sparing, hepatoprotective and immunostimulatory actions.  

Patients with chronic DX who have some stage of adrenal exhaustion and hepatic insufficiency will benefit.

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Low for releasing the exterior (TCM- specific for Shao Yang Syndrome)

Moderate for moving liver 

High for cortisone support (western, high doses are CI in TCM)

Bupleurum Falcatum:

Bupleurum Falcatum:

HTN (hypertension), b/c Bupleurum is thought to bring energy in the body upwards.

In TCM, Bupleurum in C/I in conditions of the deficient yin of liver fire rising

Bupleurum Falcatum: