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l AMLA
l ARJUNA
l ASHWAGANDHA
BAHERA
l BRAHMI
l GHRITKUMARI (Aloe Vera)
l KALMEGH
l LASUN(Garlic)
l NEEM
l SUNTH(Ginger)
l TULSI(Basil)
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List of plants used in herbalism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions, and to defend against attack from predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. Many of these phytochemicals have beneficial effects on long-term health when consumed by humans, and can be used to effectively treat human diseases. At least 12,000 such compounds have been isolated so far; a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. [1][2] These phytochemicals are divided into (1) primary metabolites such as sugars and fats, which are found in all plants; and (2) secondary metabolites – compounds which are found in a smaller range of plants, serving a more specific function. [3] For example, some secondary metabolites are toxins used to deter predation and others are pheromones used to attract insects for pollination. It is these secondary metabolites and pigments that can have therapeutic actions in humans and which can be refined to produce drugs—examples are inulin from the roots of dahlias, quininefrom the cinchona, morphine and codeine from the poppy, and digoxin from the foxglove. [3] Chemical compounds in plants mediate their effects on the human body through processes identical to those already well understood for the chemical compounds in conventional drugs; thus herbal medicines do not differ greatly from conventional drugs in terms of how they work. This enables herbal medicines to be as effective as conventional medicines, but also gives them the same potential to cause harmful side effects. [1][2]
Modern medicine now tends to use the active ingredients of plants rather than the whole plants. The phytochemicals may be synthesized, compounded or otherwise transformed to make pharmaceuticals. Examples of such derivatives include Digoxin, from digitalis; capsaicine, from chili; and aspirin, which is chemically related to the salicylic acid found in white willow. The opium poppy continues to be a major industrial source of opiates, including morphine. Few traditional remedies, however, have translated into modern drugs, although there is continuing research into the efficacy and possible adaptation of traditional herbal treatments.
- Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to the Middle Ages particularly among Native Americans. Uses have included skin ailments, scurvyand gastro-intestinal ailments.[17]
- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), although toxic, was used historically in Italy by women to enlarge their pupils, as well as a sedative, among other uses. The name itself means "beautiful woman" in Italian.[18]
- Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other conditions.[19]
- Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is used as an agent to reduce the blood glucose level.[20]
- Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is used by both primates and indigenous peoples in Africa to treat intestinal ailments such as dysentery[21][22]
- Bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium) used in traditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous peoples of the Amazon for nausea, indigestion and constipation.[23]
- Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) historically used for arthritis and muscle pain, used more recently for conditions related to menopause and menstruation.[24]
- Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) was used during the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague. In modern times, tisanes made from blessed thistle are used for loss of appetite,indigestion and other purposes.[25]
- Blueberries (genus Vaccinium) are of current medical interest as an antioxidant[26][27] and for urinary tract ailments[28]
- Burdock (Arctium lappa) has been used traditionally as a diuretic and to lower blood sugar[29] and, in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for sore throat and symptoms of the common cold.[30]
- Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a long history of use in South America to prevent and treat disease.[31]
- Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is a type of chili that has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Uses have included pain relief and treating fever, cold, diarrhea, among other conditions.[32][33][not in citation given] [34][unreliable source?]
- Celery (Apium graveolens) seed is used only occasionally in tradition medicine. Modern usage is primarily as a diuretic.[35]
- Chamomille (Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis) used over thousands of years for a variety of conditions, including sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.[36]
- Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) leaves and twigs are used by Native Americans to make a tisane used for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer and a number of others. Subsequent studies have been extremely variable, at best. Chaparral has also been shown to have high liver toxicity, and has led to kidney failure, and is not recommended for any use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or American Cancer Society.[37][38]
- Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) used over thousands of years for menstrual problems, and to stimulate lactation.[39]
- Chili (Capsicum frutescens)'s active ingredient, capsaicine, is the basic of commercial pain-relief ointments in Western medicine. The low incidence of heart attack in Thais may be related to capsaicine's fibronolytic action (dissolving blood clots).[40]
- Cinchona is a genus of about 38 species of trees whose bark is a source of alkaloids, including quinine. Its use as a febrifuge was first popularized in the 17th century byPeruvian Jesuits.[41]
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant, among other purposes. The oil is used topically to treat toothache.[42]
- Coffee senna (Cassia occidentalis) is used in a wide variety of roles in traditional medicine, including in particular as a broad-spectrum internal and external antimicrobial, for liver disorders, for intestinal worms and other parasites and as an immune-system stimulant.[43][44]
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been used as a vulnerary and to reduce inflammation.[45] It was also used internally in the past, for stomach and other ailments, but its toxicity has led a number of other countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to severely restrict or ban the use of comfrey.[46]
- Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) used historically as a vulnerary and for urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems. Modern usage has concentrated on urinary tract related problems.[47]
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) berries and leaves have traditionally been used to treat pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions and, more recently, flu, common cold, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections.[52]
- Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) has been used for more than 5,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory ailments.[53]Products containing ephedra for weight loss, energy and athletic performance, particularly those also containing caffeine, have been linked to stroke, heart arrhythmia, and even death. Such products have been banned in the United States since December, 2003. Other dietary supplements containing ephedra were similarly banned in February, 2004.[54]
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaves were widely used in traditional medicine as a febrifuge.[55] Eucalyptus oil is commonly used in over-the-counter cough and cold medications, as well as for an analgesic.[56]
- European Mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.[57]
- Evening primrose (Oenothera spp.) oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema, and more recently as an anti-inflammatory[58]
- Garlic (Allium sativum) widely used as an antibiotic[62][63][64][65] and, more recently, for treating cardiovascular disease[66][67]
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is used to relieve nausea[68]
- Gingko (Gingko biloba) leaf extract has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus[69]
- Ginseng (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius) has been used medicinally, in particular in Asia, for over 2,000 years, and is widely used in modern society.[70]
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea. More recently, the herb has been used respiratory tract and a number of other infections[71]
- Grape (Vitis vinifera) leaves and fruit have been used medicinally since the ancient Greeks.[72]
- Guava (Psidium guajava) has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It is traditionally used to treat diarrhea; however, evidence of its effectiveness is very limited.[73][74]
- Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Kratom is known to prevent or delay withdrawal symptoms in an opiate dependent individual, and it is often used to mitigate cravings thereafter. It can also be used for other medicinal purposes. Kratom has been traditionally used in regions such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) African treatment for depression. Suggested to be an SSRI or have similar effects, but unknown MOA.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Used as an abortifacient in folk medicine in some parts of Bolivia and other north western South American countries, though no evidence of efficacy exists in Western medicine. Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. A Cretan oregano (O. dictamnus) is still used today in Greece as a palliative for sore throat. Evidence of efficacy in this matter is also lacking evidence.
- Passion Flower (Passiflora) - Thought to have Anti-depressant properties. Unknown MOA. Used in traditional medicine to aid with sleep or depression.
See also[edit]
[hide]
Medicinal herbs and fungi
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