Useful Benefits of Using Hellebore, Blac Description
Written on 22 January 2009 by steveTaxonomic
Class Ranunculaceae
Common Trade Names
None known.
Common Forms
Available as fluidextract, powdered root, seed, or a solid extract.
Source
The active components are extracted from the dried rhizome and root of the perennial plant Helleborus niger.
Chemical components
The extract may contain hellebrin, an aglycone, and two highly toxic crystalline glycosides-bufadienole helleborin and helleborcin. These glycosides may indicate contamination with other related species. Other components include saponosides, ranunculoside derivatives, resin, fat, and starch. The commercial hellebore roots consist mainly of H. niger and are mostly hellebrin-free. Other related species, especially H. viridis, tend to have higher levels of glycosides and aglycones.
Actions
The entire plant is considered poisonous. Extracts of black hellebore are claimed to promote menstrual flow and to have anthelmintic, narcotic, and purgative properties.
Protoanemonine is thought to cause abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, dermatitis, eye irritation, and vomiting.
It combines with sulfhydryl groups, which results in subepidermal vesication. Topical application of the freshly bruised plant can cause serious irritation. Early in vitro studies using protoanemonine identified antifungal and cytotoxic properties .
Reported Uses
The plant has been used historically as a purgative and to treat amenorrhea, anxiety, heart failure, intestinal parasite infections, mental disorders, and skin ulcers. Other claims include its use as an anesthetic and a diuretic and to induce abortion.
In homeopathy, black hellebore tincture is said to be useful for eclampsia, encephalitis, epilepsy, meningitis, and psychoses. In Europe, black hellebore is used in homeopathy and as adjuvant therapy for cancer patients because of its claimed immunostimulatory properties. An in vitro study observed increased cytokine production in cells given an extract of black hellebore. There have been no controlled, double-blind, randomized human trials involving black hellebore preparations.
Dosage
For laxative use, 1 to 10 gtt of fluidextract P.O., 1 to 2 grains of solid extract P.O., or 10 to 20 grains of powder P.O.
Adverse Reactions
CV: arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, irregular pulse (with contamination) .
EENT: burning sensation in the mouth, conjunctival and nasal irritation, increased salivation, sneezing.
GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
Respiratory: respiratory failure (with contamination), shortness of breath.
Skin: dermatitis.
Interactions
None reported.
Contraindications and precautions
Avoid using black hellebore in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.
Special considerations
Caution the patient that ingestion of the plant may result in abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, increased salivation, and vomiting.
Advise the patient that black hellebore is considered toxic and, therefore, should not be consumed.
Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.
Although no known chemical interactions have been reported in clinical studies, consideration must be given to the pharmacologic properties of the herbal product and the potential for exacerbation of the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.
Points of Interest
H. niger blossoms white flowers in the winter, from which it received its name Christmas rose.
“Hellebore” is derived from the Greek elein (to injure) and bora (food), describing its toxic nature.
Commentary
Besides its use in homeopathy, black hellebore is used mainly as an ornamental garden plant. Although it is being used as a potential immunostimulant, controlled human trials to support this claim are lacking. Because of its recognized poisonous status and the lack of clinical data to support the medicinal use of black hellebore, products containing components of this plant should be avoided.
Tagged under:amenorrhea, anthelmintic, blac hellebore, glycosides, Herbal Medicines, intestinal parasite, parasite infections psychoses
Mens Health: Weight Loss A Secret to Fitness
Written on 22 November 2008 by editorWeight is one of the important parameters to judge your health. Mens health issues are concerned with weight gain and loss programs. If you are too lanky and thin, you need to gain a respectable weight and if you are overweight, you need to shed those extra kilos. Mens Health weight loss programs are designed to help obese and overweight man get rid of fats and weight from their bodies.
You can find lots of tips and programs on weight loss for men. There are diet programs, diet pill programs and supplement programs. But a word of warning! You should never try a product of weight loss without proper consultation with a doctor. There are many weight loss pills out in the market which instead of doing good to you harm your body and make you weak and pale. That is because a large number of pills use strong diuretics which spill out water from you body through frequent urination and sweat.
Usually one has to eat low carbs and more of protein along with rich fiber food. Your health program to loss weight should not starve you rather change your food habits with more vegetables and fruits so that your body can get rid of stored fats burning them in absence of external lipids or dietary supplements. Proper weight is the secret of most mens health.
Tagged under:Mens Health weight loss, respectable weight supplements.
Jambul Herb Information - Drug Interactions, Uses and Benefits
Written on 20 November 2008 by steveTaxonomic class
Myrtaceae
Common Trade Names
Jambul Seed
Common Forms
Available as decoctions or a tea made from the seeds or dried leaves. Source
The drug is extracted from the fruits, seeds, and leaves of Syzygium cuminii, a 50′ to 80′ tree with edible berries that is native to India and Sri Lanka.
Chemical Components
The seeds of S. cuminii contain gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, 3,6Âhexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose, 3-galloyl glucose, and quercetin.
Actions
Jambul seeds have been claimed to have antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory effects. In some South American countries, tea made from the leaves is used by diabetics for its antihyperglycemic effects. One study found no effect of jambul seed tea on postprandial blood glucose levels when compared with water in normal rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.
The anti-inflammatory effects of jambul seed extract have been evaluated. Jambul seed extract was found to significantly reduce paw edema, although less effectively than phenylbutazone . An extract of jambul seeds was found to have neuropsychopharmacologic effects in mice; the animals became quieter and less active, with less spontaneous mobility. Loss of motor coordination and tone, decreased body temperature, and antagonism of amphetamine toxicity were also noted .
Reported uses
Jambul seeds and extracts are thought to be useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery and in lowering blood glucose levels. Although the seeds have some anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, the extent of these properties has yet to be defined. Evidence for the therapeutic properties of jambul is anecdotal.
Teixeria and colleagues studied the effects of jambolan tea prepared from S. cumini in 30 nondiabetic patients after completing the original work in rats. In accordance with the results or the lack thereof found in rats, these investigators failed to find any hypoglycemic effect in humans after a glucose tolerance test and concluded that jambolan cannot be recommended as an antihyperglycemic agent.
Dosage
No consensus exists. In most cases, tea is prepared from the seeds or leaves of the tree.
Adverse Reactions
None reported.
Interactions
CNS depressants: May cause altered behavior. Avoid administration with jambul.
Contraindications And Precautions
No specific contraindications. Avoid using jambul in patients who are hypersensitive to this plant or related species and in pregnant or breastÂfeeding patients.
Special Considerations
Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically re searched and proved effective may be available.
Monitor the patient for changes in blood pressure or blood glucose levels.
Urge the patient to report changes in behavior or coordination.
Advise pregnant or breast-feeding patients to avoid using jambul.
Points of interest
In Porto Alegre, a southern city of Brazil, a related species, Syzygium jambos, has also been used for treating diabetes. S. jambos, like S. cumini, is usually consumed in the form of a tea.
Commentary
Although jambul has been claimed to be effective for several medical conditions (diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery), there is little clinical evidence of its efficacy. In fact, animal and human clinical trials have failed to identify any significant hypoglycemic properties. Some studies have found extracts of jambul seeds and leaves to have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and neuropsychopharmacologic effects in animals. Further study on the active constituents of the seeds and leaves is warranted to determine the true pharmacologic properties of this plant.
Tagged under:antipyretic, blood glucose levels, diabetes mellitus, dysentery, Herbal Medicines, hypoglycemic, myrtaceae streptozotocin
Pansy - How does it Work?
Written on 8 November 2008 by steveTaxonomic class
Violaceae
Common Trade Names
None known.
Common Forms
Available as an extract.
Source
Active components are obtained from the flowers of Viola tricolor.
Chemical Components
The stems and leaves contain flavonoids, salicylate derivatives, terpenes and triterpenes, carbohydrate derivatives, sterines, a polysaccharide, and magnesium tartrate. Vitamin F and other fatty acids have also been detected . Other compounds include violanthin, rutin, violaquercitrin, resin, saponin, gums, and mucilage.
Actions
Physiologic mechanisms of action are poorly described. Salicylates may be responsible for anti-inflammatory properties because of prostaglandin inhibition. Although not a major component of pansy, rutin has been shown to exert many pharmacologic effects, the most well known of which is its ability to affect capillary permeability. Herbs with high levels of rutin were thought to be useful for bleeding events. Other effects of rutin include inhibition of angiotensin II and prostaglandin E2.
Reported Uses
This agent is claimed to be useful in treating bronchitis, rheumatism, skin cancer, and whooping cough. One Hungarian study indicates its possible use in preventing heart spasms and as an anti-inflammatory .
Dosage
Dosage is 2 to 4 ml of tincture or tea P.O. t.i.d.
Adverse Reactions
GI: cathartic effects (seeds), diarrhea.
Interactions
Salicylates: Effects may be additive. Use cautiously.
Contraindications and Precautions
Avoid using pansy in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unKnown.
special Considerations
Monitor the patient for diarrhea.
Advise women to avoid using pansy during pregnancy or when breast- feeding.
Inform the patient that no clinical data support the use of this herb or any medical condition.
Commentary
Without clinical data supporting the use of pansy for medical purposes, it cannot be recommended.
Tagged under:angiotensin ii, breast feeding, bronchitis, capillary permeability, flavonoids, Herbal Medicines, pansy, skin cancer whooping cough
How to lose fat fast?
Written on 18 October 2008 by editorIt is estimated that 50% of the world’s adult population is suffering from weight related problems and 25% of them are obese. Factors such as consuming unhealthy foods, laziness, genetic disorders and lack of physical activities are responsible for people gaining uncontrollable weight. If you want to know how to lose fat fast then I must tell there are several ways to lose weight some of which include surgery, exercises, liposuction, weight loss supplements and diet programs. First of all, you must understand that weight loss is quite different from fat loss. You can easily lose your weight by skipping your meals but you cannot do so to lose your fat. If you want to lose fat from particular parts of your body, you should do proper exercises for those parts only and avoid harming the other body parts.
There are weight loss diet pills available in the market that reduces the consumption of fats by your body. These pills are known to form a gel around the fat in your stomach so that they are not consumed by your digestive system. These pills actually work to balance the needed nutrients of your body and if supplemented with balanced diet and proper exercises, they can guarantee a person to lose fat significantly. If you are looking for fat loss in a particular part of your body, then you must incorporate a healthy style of living in your schedule. This means that you should drink lots of water, consume enough proteins, fibers, minerals, vitamins and healthy fats, get sufficient sleep and do cardio exercises and other weight training exercises.
Tagged under:weight loss supplements weight training exercises.
Weight loss pills review of Proactol
Written on 18 October 2008 by editorWith the advancement in technology, life has become comfortable leading to the loss of physical activity where one can has become a slave of technology. That is why, more and more people are becoming over-weight and most of them are looking for ways to lose their weight. Controlled weight not only enhances your physical appearance but is also good for your health. Over-weight people are more susceptible to diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and other heart related disorders. By reading a weight loss pills review, you will be able to find out the best weight loss pills available in the market. One product that has proven to be extremely effective in weight loss is proactol. The product in the form of diet pills and is made up of 100% natural ingredients. It acts as a fat binder and appetite suppressant and is extremely helpful in gaining control over your weight. As far as side-effects of Proactol are concerned, there are none known till now.
ERSP (Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program) has approved Proactol and over 30 physicians have rated it as best diet pill in the market. According to reports, people who have consumed the one month supply of Proactol along with proper exercises have managed to lose 6-14 pounds per month. You will definitely achieve your goal of weight loss if you consistently consume your Proactol every day. If you are also searching for a diet pill that will best suit your requirements, then Proactol is a must buy for you. All the diet pills are tested and reviewed and only after proper investigation and analysis are these diet pills made available to you.
Tagged under:Over weight people, proper exercises. weight loss pills
Tea Tree- How does it Works?
Written on 11 October 2008 by steveTaxonomic class
Myrtaceae
Common Trade Names
Jason Winter’s Tea Tree Oil, Swanson Ultra Tea Tree Oil, Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil
Common Forms
Available as creams, lotions, ointments, and soaps. It is also included in cosmetics, household products, and toiletries. Concentrations of melaleuca oil in these products range from less than 1% to 100%.
Source
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is an essential oil distilled from the leaves and branches of Melaleuca alternifolia, a member of the myrtle family that is native to coastal areas of Australia.
Chemical Components
The steam distillation of the leaves yields about 2% oil. The colorless to pale yellow oil is composed of terpene hydrocarbons (pinene, terpinene, cymene), cineol, and various minor sesquiterpenes and related alcohols. Composition of the extract is varied; the oxygenated terpene, terpinen-4-ol, can constitute up to 60% of the total oil. Some oils contain high concentrations of 1,8-cineol, which is the main component of eucalyptus oil. Most commercially available tea tree oils contain little or no cineol. More than 100 compounds (all plant terpenenes) have been identified in melaleuca oil.
Actions
Terpinen-4-ol a main component of tea tree oil, has significant antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro; susceptible organisms include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proprionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus species, and Candida albicans. Controversy exists as to the precise mechanism of action for the melaleuca. One report suggests that tea tree oil disrupts cell membrane permeability, promoting leakage of intracellular ions and proteins. Earlier data have suggested that the antiseptic effect of tea tree oil was related to its ability to activate WBCs . Still other information suggests that organic matter and surfactants that accompany melaleuca oil were responsible for the antibacterial effect. Tea tree oil may be effective against MRSA carriers that have previously been treated with topical mupirocin . There is in vitro evidence as well that tea tree oil has antimicrobial activityagainst vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Polymyxin B may enhance melaleuca’s antibacterial effect against P. aeruginosa by enhancing permeability of the organism cell membrane to the tea tree oil components .
Cooling appears to be an effective modality for the therapy of burn wounds. An investigation in piglets was undertaken to determine the effect of melaleuca gel on artificially induced burn wounds . Melaleuca gel, applied immediately or in a delayed manner, reduced intradermal temperature (cooling) and promoted more rapid healing as compared with untreated controls. Cold water compresses appeared to fare as well as melaleuca.
Reported Uses
Tea tree oil has long been used primarily as a local antiseptic. Australian aborigines used it for athlete’s foot, burns, cuts, and insect bites, among other disorders. Some studies indicate that the oil is promising as a treatment for skin problems, including acne, chronic cystitis, eczema, furuncles, bacterial and fungal infections of the skin and oral mucosa, lice infestation, psoriasis, vaginal candidiasis, and wound infections .
Melaleuca oil has also been compared with tolnaftate and clot rimazole solution for various skin conditions with some effect. A cream comprising 2% butenafine and 5% melaleuca oil was studied in patients with onychomycosis . In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 60 patients with onychomycosis of at least 6 months’ duration were followed for 16 weeks after initiation of therapy. The results were rather dramatic, with 80% of the treatment group cured as compared with none in the placebo group. After several additional weeks of follow-up, no improvements in either group were demonstrated but no relapses were seen. Butenafine itself has activity against several typical fungal pathogens.
Melaleuca oil has also been studied against 5% benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne vulgaris . More research is needed to prove its use in this area.
Preliminary information suggests a role for melaleuca in the treatment of oral thrush infections.
Dosage
Tea tree oil is applied locally in concentrations ranging from 0.4% to 100%, depending on the type of product and the nature and location of the skin disorder.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: CNS depression (ataxia, drowsiness).
EENT: stomatitis.
GI: diarrhea, GI mucosal irritation, vomiting.
Skin: dermatitis (in sensitive people).
Interactions
None reported.
Contraindications and Precautions
Use tea tree oil cautiously in patients who are hypersensitive to the components of melaleuca oil or in those who are prone to contact dermatitis from plants. Some data point to the sesquiterpenoid fraction of the oil as the allergenic agent of melaleuca . Avoid using tea tree oil in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.
Special Considerations
- Monitor for worsening of skin condition or infection.
- Inform the patient that melaleuca oil is ubiquitous in commercially available products and that concentration of the oil varies greatly.
- Because essential oils are more appealing to olfactory senses and exhibit more natural appeal than available topical drugs, melaleuca may be preferred for antiseptic use. Encourage the patient to consider conventional therapy until substantial testing is done with the oil.
- Caution the patient that the oil should not be ingested and should be kept out of the reach of young children. Even small amounts of oil taken internally may produce CNS depression. A 17 -month-old child who ingested less than 10 ml of tea tree oil experienced ataxia and drowsi ness but recovered fully .
- Advise women to avoid using tea tree oil during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.
Commentary
Interest in melaleuca oil has erupted with reports of favorable in vitro antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens (gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, MRSA, VRE, and some fungal pathogens), suggesting many potential therapeutic topical applications. Although antimicrobial activity has been well documented in vitro, human clinical trials evaluating melaleuca’s efficacy and safety profile are still preliminary. Topical application as an antifungal appears promising, but it seems prudent not to ingest the essential oil of the plant until more is known.
Tagged under:antiseptic, cosmetics, disorders, fungal infection, Herbal Medicines, melaleuca, skin, taxonomic, tea tree treatment
Bay Herb - Uses, Benefits and Properties of this Herb
Written on 18 September 2008 by steveALTERNATIVE NAMES: BAY LAUREL, BAY LEAF,BAY TREE, SWEETBAY
Taxonomic Class
Lauraceae
Common Trade Names
Various manufacturers provide the entire leaf or crushed leaves as a condiment. No medicinal products are known.
Common Forms
Available as berries, essential oils, extracts, and leaves.
Source
Leaves and berries of Laurus nobilis, a small tree native to the Mediterranean, are commonly used to obtain bay. Another species of bay tree grows in California; its product is more bitter and used primarily for extracts.
Chemical Components
The volatile oil contains alpha-pinene, camphene, cineole, eugenol, geraniol, limonene, linalool, phenylhydrazine, piperidine, and sabinene. Other constituents include boldine, catechins, costunolide, isodomesticine, launobine, laurenobiolide, nandergine, neolitsine, proanthocyani dins, and reticuline.
Actions
Eugenol acts as a sedative in rodents. Cineole has shown antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In mice, costunolide has had
a hepatic microsomal enzyme inductive effect on liver glutathione stransferase enzyme . Other studies with mice suggest chemotherapeutic effects . Aqueous extracts of L. nobilis seeds reportedly demonstrated anti ulcerative properties in experiments of ethanol-induced gastritic injury of rat models . Other rat studies suggest that methanolic extracts of bay may slow gastric emptying .
Reported Uses
Because of the plant’s strong aromatic qualities, herbalists claim that bay leaves are useful for common colds. Additional claims include the use of bay as an antirheumatic, a diuretic, and a stimulant. Bay is a common ingredient in natural toothpastes because of its purported antiseptic properties. Extracted oil has been used to treat muscle sprains and strains.
Dosage
The leaves are most commonly used to season foods and, if whole, are typically removed before consumption. Bay leaves should be thoroughly dried and crushed before ingestion. Bay extracts have been applied topically or used in baths and soaks.
Adverse Reactions
GI: GI impaction, perforation.
Respiratory: asthma.
Skin: contact dermatitis.
Interactions
Insulin: Increased hypoglycemic actions (bay leaf extract). Monitor concomitant use carefully.
Contraindications And Precautions
Avoid use in pregnant or breast-feeding patients.
Special Considerations
Caution the patient that the essential oil from bay leaves should not be consumed because of the risk of allergic reaction and asthma attack.
Alert Bay leaves are largely indigestible, have sharp serrated edges, and should not be consumed intact. The leaves can become lodged in the esophagus or intestines and often require surgical removal.
Urge the diabetic patient to closely monitor blood glucose levels.
Caution the patient not to ingest whole, intact bay leaves.
Advise the female patient to avoid using bay during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Points of Interest
Bay increases insulin’s effects more than threefold and, therefore, nutritionists recommend it to diabetic patients.
Commentary
Bay leaf is a popular seasoning, but no therapeutic claim for treating diabetes or other diseases can be clinically verified.
Tagged under:berries, camphene, essential oils, Herbal Medicines, phenylhydrazine, piperidine, sprains and strains vibrio parahaemolyticus
Website With Right Makeup To Build Successful Careers
Written on 10 July 2008 by editorThe profile of a medical assistant is treated as one of the most acceptable profession in the world of medicines and who knows it better than medassistant. This online school is not only known for its medical assistance program, but also for sharing a prominent space on internet. This has been made possible by the efficient design of this website, along with most useful content offered by it.
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The information embedded on this website to help find a medical assistant school and make their career choice. You may learn about the profile of this profession, along with its future prospects to help you grow financially as well as socially. You will not find such useful content anywhere else on the Internet.
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Put an end to obesity related illnesses with safe diet pills!
Written on 17 April 2008 by steveSyndrome-X is haunting twenty first century. As we are advancing in various sectors of life, we are also getting closer to various diseases that are the result of our changed lifestyles. Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia constitute syndrome-X. The major disease among these is obesity, which is the basic ailment resulting in other ailments. So, keeping check on your weight is utmost important to avoid these ailments.
To achieve this, different diet pills are available in market. Some are effective for certain group of individuals and some are not. But there are very few diet pills that can be used safely by one and all and which guarantee definitive results. Nueslim is one such diet pill about which we can definitively say that it will give you guaranteed results. Being made up of natural substances that give energy to the body, at the same time, lose those extra pounds is something commendable.
Once you embark on these safe diet pills, you will find that nueslim is rendering you slimmer waist within no time and also energizing each cell of your body for better performance. Such a rare combination, isn’t it? People, who follow good diet and exercise regime along with nueslim regime, find their weight losing like never before. Well, getting slimmer was never so easy and hassle-free!
Tagged under:diet pill, diet pills natural substances
