By Terry Willard, Cl.H, Ph.D. Botanicals LESSON FOUR Liver ...use of milk thistle preparations for...

Western Materia Medica I Liver By Terry Willard, Cl.H, Ph.D. Botanicals

©2010 Wild Rose College of Natural Healing All Rights Reserved. -1-

LESSON FOUR Liver Botanicals

The root of the word liver, ‘live’ in many languages, tells us how important the liver is to the overall function of the whole body. It is the center of most of the body’s metabolic function, receiving the bulk of the ‘raw’ material from digestion. The liver detoxifies much of the blood and ships off a lot of nutrients required by the rest of the body. Responsible for synthesizing most blood proteins, (globulins, albumin, heparin, fibrinogen and prothrombin), the liver also makes and stores a variety of specialized carrier proteins. It is the liver that maintains the balance between the breaking down and the building up of the labile protein resources of the body. The liver maintains the balance of fats and carbohydrates by storing glucose as glycogen, which in turn feeds the brain and other tissues glucose. This happens under the stimulus of glucagon (from the pancreas), adrenalin (from the adrenal medulla) and cortisol (from the adrenal cortex). The liver synthesizes cholesterol and other building and storage fats, increases other building materials for growth under the stimulus of the pituitary hormone somatotropin, gonad hormones and some adrenocortical steroids. The liver maintains the ebb and flow of catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up), by working in cycles. Materials are released during the day, when we are active; restoring supplies for the following day while we sleep. It is a great recycler, breaking down aging red blood cells, storing some iron, and shipping off the rest of the hemoglobin to the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. The liver, by way of its portal system, draws venous blood from the pancreas, spleen and the entire intestinal tract. The liver sorts through this blood, organizing, distributing, and storing digested nutrients, cleaning out the trash with its great array of resident white blood cells (liver macrophages or Kupffer Cells), recycling and organizing with its enzyme-rich hepatocytes.



The liver creates lots of waste products that it excretes in the form of hepatic bile (its own functional analog of urine). This thin, watery, urine-like fluid contains surplus cholesterol, various waste products of hemoglobin metabolism, and corrupt and unusable metabolites, as well as bile acids (special cholesterol). The synthesis of bile by the liver and it excretion through the hepatic duct, increases and decreases in volume and constituents depending on over all hepatic function (physically and energetically). The gallbladder stores bile, where it is concentrated and dehydrated into a thick liquid. Gall bladder bile, although derived from the liver, is a digestive fluid. The bile is mixed with pancreatic alkali while entering into the duodenum. It makes bile salts (a soap that emulsifies dietary fats in preparation for digestion). Hepatic bile can also drain past the gallbladder to empty directly into the duodenum, especially if the gall bladder is removed. Unrecyclable hemoglobin is excreted in the bile as bilirubin and colors the feces brown. Bile itself acts as a stimulus to colon peristalsis, whether thin bile from the liver bypass or thick bile from gallbladder storage.

Energetics of the Liver

Most cells in the body perform all of the major physiological functions. The role of many organs is to specialize in a high volume (and complexity) of certain functions normally performed by all cells. In turn, this frees other organs to specialize in other functions. The liver specializes in functions that are also performed by the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum of a generic cell, thus many cells in other parts of the body are partially relieved of this task. The body often mimics in macro the various functions performed in micro within a single-celled organism. Some of the “liver” herbs, while strongly affecting that organ, also affect those functions in other tissues that specialize in a similar high rate of enzyme metabolism.



Oregon Grape Root will predictably stimulate transamination (transfer of active groups between two chemicals in a chemical reaction) and nitrogen metabolism in the liver. It will also stimulate the same processes in the sub-mucosa of the small intestines, the spleen, the pancreas, the bone marrow, and the most active regions of the skin. We can say it stimulates THEIR “liver” energy. It is not quite that simple, of course, since Oregon Grape Root works best on protein recycling, and only the intestinal submucosa and skin have a strong enough effect on this to be noticeable. The body uses many biologic processes over and over. This has been termed morphic resonance by R. Sheldrake1. These functions are merely elaborations of the same basic themes used in a single celled organism. Often we intentionally fool the liver into over-response by introducing a low-toxicity agent that resembles a high-toxicity stress, all this in order to stimulate deficient processes. This is the actual way most tonic herbs work. This means you will induce echoes in OTHER tissues that are using these biologic processes at a similar rate.

Liver Deficiency Symptoms2 Include: dry skin and mucosa; atopic allergies of the skin, sinuses and bronchial mucosa; generally poor fat and protein metabolism and appetite. There is a tendency for labile blood sugar levels and an overall catabolic-leaning homeostasis, with ‘yinny’ sweet foods preferred to ‘yangy’ fats and proteins. Many people with blood sugar problems, allergies and constipation are liver-deficient. It can be acquired later in life from viral hepatitis, heavy drinking and extended contact with solvents.

Herbs to Stimulate These herbs increase liver metabolism by exciting hepatocyte enzyme production, increasing bile synthesis and liver cleansing, improving fat absorption into the lymph and taking the lipid load off the portal blood and liver, or increasing blood supply by dilating the hepatic artery.



Liver Excess Symptoms These people have moist, oily skin; fat and protein cravings with general anabolic excess that, in middle age tends to elevated cholesterols, hyperuricemia and essential hypertension; rapid defense response with quick fever and sweating. The usual causes are adrenocortical stress, with elevated testosterone and progesterone, but also may be caused by thyroid stress, in which case there is general tachycardia and disruption of sleep patterns.

Herbs To Cool These herbs tend to increase blood buffering of nitrogen compounds with electrolytes, increase bile secretion without stimulating liver metabolism, or aid in sodium loss/potassium retention. In reality, diet is the most important approach, decreasing proteins and fats, and increasing those green and red crisp things hated by liver excess folks. A trip to a salad bar by a liver excess is an excuse to eat blue cheese dressing. Hard people to change.

1 Sheldrake, Rupert; The Presence Of The Past: Morphic Resonance & The Habits Of Nature; Park Street Press; Vermont; 1995

2 Michael Moore; Principles and Practice of Constitution Physiology for Herbalists.

Western Materia Medica Silybum marianum By Terry Willard Asteraceae

©2010 Wild Rose College of Natural Healing and Terry Willard All Rights Reserved.

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Silybum marianum - Milk Thistle Family Asteraceae Syn: Carduus marianus Common names: Marian thistle; Blessed Milk-thistle, Cardo Mariano, Holy Thistle, Kanger, Kenger, Ku'Ub, Lady's Thistle, Maria-Azami, Meryemanadikeni, St Mary's Milk Thistle, Thistle, Variegated Thistle, Silybum marianum.

Plant description: A stout thistle, growing 1 - 3 m tall, with large prickly glossy green leaves containing milk-white veins. The bright purple flower head is at the end of the stalks has abundant spines.

Habitat, ecology and distribution: S. Europe, N. Africa and W. Asia. Now naturalized in USA, and even parts of South America. Found in waste places, usually close to the sea, especially if the ground is dry and rocky.

Part used: ripe seeds and concentrate of herbage

History: Dioscorides, a first century Greek physician and herbalist, who served the Roman army, gave the name Silybum to a number of edible thistles.1 We can find records of the seeds of thistle being used by him to cure the poison of snakebite. Now the genus name Silybum is given to two species

originating from the Mediterranean region, including Silybum marianum. The name milk thistle refers to the white streaks along the leaf veins. In Germany, where the plant is often depicted as a religious symbol associated with the Virgin Mary, legend ascribes the white mottling to a drop of the Virgin Mary's milk. The species name, "marianum", honours the symbolic association of the plant with the Virgin Mary. Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79), the first century Roman physician/naturalist, wrote about use of the plant as a vegetable but warned it was not worth the effort to boil it, as it was troublesome to cook. He also mentioned that the juice of the plant, mixed with honey, is excellent for "carrying off bile." This is perhaps the first reference to the use of Milk Thistle for liver-related conditions. The Physica of Hildegarde of Bingen, the first herbal written by a woman, was composed about 1150, and first published in 1533. Hildegarde, theologian, music composer, and writer was herself a "renaissance women," before the age of the Renaissance. She wrote about the uses of the roots, whole plant and leaves of Milk


©2010 Wild Rose College of Natural Healing All Rights Reserved.

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Thistle, which she called "vehedistel" or Venus Thistle. By 1596 Gerard was saying, " My opinion is that this is the best remedy that grows, against all melancholy (bile - liver) diseases." Westmacott, writing in 1694, says of this Thistle: “It is a Friend to the Liver and Blood: the prickles cut off, they were formerly used to be boiled in the Spring and eaten with other herbs; but as the World decays, so doth the Use of good old things and others more delicate and less virtuous brought in.” In the eighteenth century, Culpepper (1787 ed.) notes that it is effectual "to open the obstructions of the liver and spleen, and thereby is good against the jaundice." He also writes, "The seed and distilled water are held powerful to all the purposes aforesaid, and besides, it is often applied both inwardly to drink, and outwardly with cloths or spunges [sic.], to the region of the liver, to cool the distemper thereof…" The Eclectics of late 19th and early 20th centuries used it for varicose veins, menstrual problems, and the congestion of liver, kidney and spleen.2,3 In 1929, H. Schultz, a German scientist, began to look into the value of milk thistle. He found that a famous eighteenth century German physician, Rademacher, had advocated use of milk thistle preparations for chronic liver diseases, acute hepatitis, and jaundice. By the 1960s, clinical interest in milk thistle was once again beginning to emerge. A research team headed by H. Wagner in 1968 at the University of Munich was successful in isolating a compound termed silymarin, which was believed to be a single compound. Improved chemical separation methods later revealed that silymarin was not a single component but a complex of chemicals known as flavonolignans. The primary components isolated and structurally characterized from silymarin include silybinin, silydianin and silychristin.

Constituents: The major group of flavonoids (flavonoligans) are called silymarin (silybin, silydianin and silychristin); these isoflavonolignans are found in concentrations of 4 to 6 percent in the ripe seeds.4,5 Most products found in both the research literature and the marketplace contain a standardized extract of 70 - 80 percent silymarin. Medical Research:

Hepatic protection: Silymarin increases protein synthesis in liver cells, by increasing the activity of ribosomal RNA via the nucleolar polymerase A (also known as polymerase I). Part of the silybin molecule is steroidal in nature. This steroidal portion induces new DNA and ribosomal RNA synthesis.6 Silymarin also induces an alteration of liver



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cellular membranes to stop absorption of many toxins. One of the studies showed that an extract of milk thistle almost completely counteracted liver toxicity of carbon tetrachloride (a common liver toxicity laboratory agent).7 Accelerated improvement in measures of liver function, including serum levels of GOT (glutamic – oxalacetic – transaminase), GPT (glutamic – pyruvic transaminase) and Gamma – GT (gamma – glutamyl – transpeptidase) have been consistently observed. Dosages involved in clinical trials have often been 420 mg/day, used for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. 8 When ingested, silymarin undergoes enterohepatic recirculation and has higher concentrations in liver cells.

Silymarin's hepatoprotective effects are accomplished via several mechanisms including antioxidation,9 inhibition of lipid peroxidation,10 enhanced liver detoxification via inhibition of Phase I detoxification and enhanced glucuronidation,11,12and protection of glutathione depletion.13 Studies have also shown silymarin exhibits several anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis, Kupffer cell inhibition, mast cell stabilization, and inhibition of neutrophil migration.14,15,16,17,18 In addition, silymarin has been shown to increase hepatocyte protein synthesis, thereby promoting hepatic tissue regeneration.19 Animal studies have also demonstrated silybin reduces the conversion of hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblasts, slowing or even reversing fibrosis.20 Clinical studies conducted in Hungary also demonstrated silymarin to have immunomodulatory effects on the diseased liver.21,22

Milk thistle stops the toxicity of Amanita mushroom poisoning (more effectively than any other known substance). The normal death rate from consumption of Amanita is over 30% whereas not one person died out of sixty treated with silybin (some as late as 24 - 36 hours after consumption).23 Milk thistle extract has been shown to reduce the effect of many other toxins that have their effect on the liver. A fairly significant one is cadmium, which frequently causes problems.24 There is literature to suggest that milk thistle extract also protects the kidneys, brain and other tissue from toxic chemicals.25,26,27 Damage caused by alcohol toxicity, especially cirrhosis of the liver, can be at least partially reversed by milk thistle extract.28

Milk thistle extract inhibits lipoxygenase from forming leukotrienes from polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver.29,30 These leukotrienes are known to be one of the most damaging chemicals found in man. Silibinin is an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, and an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.31 In vitro, silibinin has shown an affinity for binding to p-glycoprotein, a transporter thought to be involved in the drug resistance of cancer cells.32 Clinically, milk thistle extract causes significant reversal in symptoms of both acute and chronic liver problems, ranging from viral hepatitis to cirrhosis.33

Milk Thistle has been shown to be effective in both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis. In acute viral hepatitis, administration of silymarin shortened treatment time and lowered serum bilirubin, AST, and ALT. In patients with chronic hepatitis, 420 mg



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silymarin per day for six months also yielded improved serum liver enzymes.34 It can normalize serum liver enzymes and total bilirubin levels in patients with alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis. It will also improve liver tissue histology.35 In long-term cirrhosis patients (41 months), 420 mg per day of milk thistle significant increased survival rate compared to placebo.36 Milk thistle has also been shown to lower cholesterol, aiding in the adjustment of HDL.37 For treatment of psoriasis, milk thistle has been successful, presumably due to improved endotoxin removal by the liver, inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase and inhibition of leukotrienes synthesis.38,39

Diabetes: milk thistle constituent silymarin (200 mg, three times daily) for 4 months, in combination with conventional treatment can significantly decrease fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes.40 Other preliminary evidence suggests that silymarin (200 mg three times daily) can reduces insulin resistance in people with coexisting diabetes and alcoholic cirrhosis.41 Dyspepsia: A specific combination product containing milk thistle (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc) has been shown to improve symptoms of dyspepsia. The combination includes milk thistle plus peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, clown's mustard plant, celandine, angelica, and lemon balm.42,43 A meta-analysis of studies using this combination product suggests that taking 1 mL orally three times daily over a period of 4 weeks significantly reduces severity of acid reflux, epigastric pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting compared to placebo.44 Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C: Preliminary clinical research have shown that a specific oral preparation of silibinin, complexed with phosphatidylcholine (Silipide), improved liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with chronic active hepatitis. Silibinin is complexed with phosphatidylcholine to theoretically improve the bioavailability of silibinin.45 In another study using a specific silymarin product (Legaon 140), hepatitis C patients reported feeling better, but objective measures of quality-of-life and liver function tests (LFTs) did not improve after a year of treatment.46,47 Kidney protection: Preliminary evidence indicates that milk thistle can protect against kidney damage. In vitro, silibinin and silicristin can protect the kidney cells from nephrotoxic drugs such as acetaminophen, cisplatin, and vincristin. Silibinin and silicristin also appear to have a regenerative effect on kidney cells, similar to the effects on hepatic cells.48,49

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: In one primary study Milk Thistle show some promise for treating OCD. The results showed no significant difference between the extract and fluoxetine in the treatment of OCD. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects.50 Cancer therapy: A large number of promising results for using Milk Thistles (and Silbinin) with cancer patients have appeared. These orally active, flavonoid agents have



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also been shown to exert significant anti-neoplastic effects in a variety of in vitro and in vivo cancer models, including skin, breast, lung, colon, bladder, prostate and kidney carcinomas.51

Pharmacokinetics Silymarin is not water-soluble, making tea preparations ineffective; therefore it is usually administered orally in encapsulated form. Because absorption of silymarin from the gastrointestinal tract is only moderate (23-47%), it is best administered as a standardized extract of 70-80 percent silymarin. In animals and humans, peak plasma levels are reached in four to six hours after an oral dose. Silymarin is excreted primarily via the bile but some clearance is also achieved via the kidneys. The clearance half-life of silymarin is six to eight hours.52,53

Toxicity: Both human and animal studies showed no chronic or acute toxicity, even in large doses.54

Herbal action: The seeds are considered hepatic tonic, promote lactation, and are demulcent. The whole plant is astringent, bitter, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.

Contraindications and cautions: Some patients have shown allergic reactions to milk thistle including pruritus, rash, urticaria, eczema, and anaphylaxis.55,56 Allergic reactions may be more likely to occur in patients sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs. Energetics Holmes lists milk thistle as pungent, bitter, warm and dry. It has secondary qualities of stimulating, decongesting, astringing, restoring, dissolving, and softening. Milk thistle enters the Liver, Heart, Chong and Ren meridians and influences the liver, kidney, heart, lung, bladder and uterus. The organism is warmth, and fluid.57

Flower Essence: Milk thistle FE is for very emotional people, especially with grief and hysteria. It is useful for people who feel the need to examine things in an analytical process (Pegasus).

This flower essence bridges the gap between love and the lower emotions. It will help various forms of anger, old grudges or family feuds. It has been used for abused adopted children especially if they cannot control their anger. It is also used for abuse animals to calm them down. (Dalton)



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Dosage Standardized extract of 80% 3 - 6, 175 mg capsules daily58 Tincture 5 - 15 drops three times daily.59

Licensing: As of July 30 2010 there have been 228 NPN licenses given for products containing Milk Thistle.

NHP Monograph60 • (Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a) hepatoprotectant/ liver protectant • (Used in Herbal Medicine to) help(s) to support liver function • Used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve digestive disturbances/dyspepsia REFERENCES

1. Hobbs, C., Milk Thistle: The Liver Herb, Botanica Press, 1987, p.2. 2. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Jonathan Cape, London, 1931, p.797. 3. Hobbs, C., Ibid. 4. Vogel, G., A peculiarity Among the Flavonoids - Silymariin, A Compound - Active on the Liver, Proceedings of International Bioflavonoid Symposium, Munich, FRG: 1981, p. 472. 5. Sonnenbichler, J., et al.; Influence of Silybin on the Synthesis of Macromolecules in Liver Cells; Proceeding of the International - Bioflavonoid Symposiums, Munich, FGR: 1981, p. 477. 6. Sonnenbichler, J., et al., Ibid. 7. Hahn G. Lrhman H. D. et al., Zur pharmakologie und toxikolgie van silymarin, de antiepatotoxishen wirkprinzipes aus silybum mariuannum; Arzneimittel-Forschung, 18(6), 698-704, 1968. 8. http://www.stevenfoster.com/education/monograph/milkthistle.html Sept 28, 2002. 9. Wagner H. Plant constituents with antihepatotoxic activity. In: Beal JL, Reinhard E eds. Natural Products as Medicinal Agents. Stuttgart: Hippokrates-Verlag; 1981. 10. Bosisio E, Benelli C, Pirola O, et al. Effect of the flavanolignans of Silybum marianum L. on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and freshly isolated hepatocytes. Pharmacol Res 1992;25:147-154. 11. Baer-Dubowska W, Szaefer H, Drajka-Kuzniak V. Inhibition of murine hepatic cytochrome P450 activities by natural and synthetic phenolic compounds. Xenobiotica 1998;28:735-743. 12. Halim AB, el-Ahmady O, Hassab-Allah S, et al. Biochemical effect of antioxidants on lipids and liver function in experimentally-induced liver damage. Ann Clin Biochem 1997;34:656-663. 13. Campos R, Garido A, Guerra R, et al. Silybin dihemisuccinate protects against glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation induced by acetaminophen on rat liver. Planta Med 1989;55:417-419. 14. Fiebrich F, Koch H. Silymarin, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase. Experentia 1979;35:150-152. 15. Dehmlow C, Erhard J, de Groot H. Inhibition of Kupffer cell functions as an explanation for the hepatoprotective properties of silibinin. Hepatology 1996;23:749-754. 16. Fantozzi R, Brunelleschi S, Rubino A, et al. FMLP-activated neutrophils evoke histamine release from mast cells. Agents Actions 1986;18:155-158. 17. Dehmlow C, Murawski N, de Groot H, et al. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by silibinin in human cells. Life Sci 1996;58:1591-1600. 18. De La Puerta R, Martinez E, Bravo L. Effect of silymarin on different acute inflammation models and on leukocyte migration. J Pharm Pharmacol 1996;48:968-970. 19. Sonnenbichler J, Zetl I. Biochemical effects of the flavanolignane silibinin on RNA, protein and DNA synthesis in rat livers. In: Cody V, Middleton E, Harbourne JB, eds. Plant Flavonoids in Biology and Medicine: Biochemical, Pharmacological, and Structure-Activity Relationships. New York, NY; 1986:319-331. 20. Fuchs EC, Weyhenmeyer R, Weiner OH, et al. Effects of silibinin and of a synthetic analogue on isolated rat hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts. Arzneimittelforschung 1997;26:643-649. 21. Deak G, Muzes G, Lang I. Immunomodulator effect of silymarin therapy in chronic alcoholic liver diseases. Orv Hetil 1990:131:1291-1292, 1295-1296. [Article in Hungarian]

22. Lang I, Nekam K, Gonzalez-Cabello R. Hepatoprotective and immunological effects of antioxidant drugs. Tokai J Exp Clin Med 1990;15:123-127.



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23. Vogel, G., Ibid. 24. Braatz, R; The effect of silymarium on acute cadmium toxicity; In: Braatz & Schneider, op. cit., pp 31-36, 1976. 25. Platt, D and Schnorr, B; Biochemishe und elektronenoptische untersuchungen zur frage der beeinflussbarkeit der aethanol-schaedignung derrattenleber durch silymarin; Arzn.For. 21,1206,1971. 26. Varkonyi T el at; Untersuchungen ueber das durch triaethylzinnsulfat (TZS) verursachte hirnoedem bei der ratte; Arn. For. 21, 148, 1971. 27. Vogel and Braatz; On the nephrotoxicity of alpha-amanitin and the antagonistic effect of silymarin in rats; Agent Action' 9, 221-26, 1979. 28. Antweiler,H; Effects of Silyymarin on intoxication with ethionine and ethanol. In Braatz & Schneider, op cit, pp. 80-82 1976. 29. Fiebrich, G Koch, H; Silymarin, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase; Experimentia, 35, 1548, 1979. 30. Bindoli, A et al; Inhibitory action of silymarin of lipid peroxide formation in rat liver mitochondria and microsomes; Biochem. Pharmacol, 26, 2405, 1977.

31 Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93:139-43. 32 Maitrejean M, Comte G, Barron D, et al. The flavanolignan silybin and its hemisynthetic derivatives, a novel series of potential modulators of P-glycoprotein. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2000;10:157-60

33. Mowrey D.B.; Next Generation Herbal Medicine: Milk Thistle; Keats Pub, New Canaan, Con, p 108-126; 1990. 34. Magliulo E, Gagliardi B, Fiori GP. Results of a double blind study on the effect of silymarin in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis, carried out at two medical centres. Med Klin 1978;73:1060-1065.[Article in German] 35. Feher I, Deak G, Muzes G. Liver protective action of silymarin therapy in chronic alcoholic liver diseases. Orv Hetil 1989;130:2723-2727. [Article in Hungarian] 36. Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, et al. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol 1989;9:105-113. 37. Kreeman V, Skottova N, Walterova D, et al. Silymarin inhibits the development of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. Planta Med 1998;64:138-142. 38. Kock HP, Bachner J, Loffler E. Silymarin: Potent inhibitor of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Meth Find Expel Clin Pharmacol 1985;7:409-413. 39. Fiebrich F, Koch H. Silymarin, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase. Experentia 1979;35:150-152.

40 Huseini HF, Larijani B, Heshmat R, et al. The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Phytother Res 2006;20;1036-9. 41 Velussi M, Cernigoi AM, De Monte A, et al. Long-term (12 months) treatment with an anti-oxidant drug (silymarin) is effective on hyperinsulinemia, exogenous insulin need and malondialdehyde levels in cirrhotic diabetic patients. J Hepatol 1997;26:871-9 42 Holtmann G, Madisch A, Juergen H, et al. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of an herbal preparation in patients with functional dyspepsia [Abstract]. Ann Mtg Digestive Disease Week 1999 May. 43 Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Digestion 2004;69:45-52 44 Melzer J, Rosch W, Reichling J, et al. Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast). Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004;20:1279-87. 45 Buzzelli G, Moscarella S, Giusti A, et al. A pilot study on the liver protective effect of silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex (IdB1016) in chronic active hepatitis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1993;31:456-60. 46 Tanamly MD, Tadros F, Labeeb S, et al. Randomised double-blinded trial evaluating silymarin for chronic hepatitis C in an Egyptian village: study description and 12-month results. Dig Liver Dis 2004;36:752-9. 47 Bares JM, Berger J, Nelson JE, Messner DJ, Schildt S, Standish LJ, Kowdley KV; Silybin treatment is associated with reduction in serum ferritin in patients with chronic hepatitis C; J Clin Gastroenterol. 2008 Sep;42(8):937-44.



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48 Sonnenbichler J, Scalera F, Sonnenbichler I, Weyhenmeyer R. Stimulatory effects of silibinin and silicristin from the milk thistle Silybum marianum on kidney cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999;290:1375-83. 49 Wagoner J, Negash A, Kane OJ, Martinez LE, Nahmias Y, et al; Multiple effects of silymarin on the hepatitis C virus lifecycle; Hepatology. 2010 Jun;51(6):1912-21. 50 Sayyah M, Boostani H, Pakseresht S, Malayeri A; Comparison of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.

with fluoxetine in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol

Psychiatry. 2010 Mar 17;34(2):362-5. Epub 2009 Dec 24 51 Cheung CW, Gibbons N, Johnson DW, Nicol DL; Silibinin--a promising new treatment for cancer; Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2010 Mar;10(3):186-95. 52. Schandalik R, Gatti G, Perucca E, et al. Pharmacokinetics of silybin in bile following administration of silipide and silymarin in cholecystectomy patients. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42:964-968. 53. Tyler V. Herbalgram 1994;30:24-30. 54. Mowrey, D.B., Ibid. 55 Anon. Milk thistle: Effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 21, September 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/milktsum.htm 56 Boerth J, Strong KM. The clinical utility of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in cirrhosis of the liver. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy 2002;2:11-7.

57. Holmes, P., The Energetics of Western Herbs (2 vols.), Artemis Press, Boulder CO, 1989, p.159-161. 58. Mowrey, D.B., Ibid. 59. Ellingwood, F., American Materia Medica, Electic Medical Pub., Portland, Oregon, Reprinted 1983. 60 http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=138&lang=eng

Western Materia Medica Cynara scolymus By Terry Willard Asteraceae


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Cynara scolymus – Artichoke Family Asteraceae

Common names: Alcachofa, Alcachofera, Artichaut, Globe Artichoke, Tyosen-Azami

Plant description: Perennial plant of the Daisy family - Compositae - up to 2 m. pinnate-lobulate leaves, can grow until more than 60 cm long, having lobes without prickles and tomentose below. Noticeable head flowers, very big, up to 15 cm, purple with ovate bracts. Edible floral receptacle. Plant cultivated in many places around the world and very common in the Mediterranean climate, seldom naturalized.

The Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus, Linn.) also has a tuberous root, but it is the large flower-buds that form the edible portion of the plant. It is from a similarity in the flavour of the tuber of the Jerusalem Artichoke to that of the fleshy base of this flower that the Jerusalem Artichoke has obtained its name.

The expanded flower has much resemblance to a large thistle; the corollas are of a rich blue colour.

Habitat, ecology and distribution: Not known in the wild, it probably arose from a form of C. cardunculus on the sandy shores of Northern Africa. Grown in a deep, moist, rich soil, it is one of the world's oldest cultivated vegetables, grown by the Greeks and the Romans in the heyday of their power.

Part used: Leaves, Flower History: The artichoke is one of the world's oldest medicinal plants. The ancient Egyptians placed great value on this plant, as is clearly seen in drawings involving fertility and sacrifice. The ancient Greeks and Romans used this plant as a digestive aid. In sixteenth-century Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by royalty.1 Parkinson (1640) alludes to a statement of Theophrastus (fourth century B.C.) that “the head of Scolymus is most pleasant, being boyled or eaten raw, but chiefly when it is in flower, as also the inner substance of the heads is eaten.” Though this 'inner substance' - botanically the ‘receptacle' - has



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a delicate flavour, it contains little nutritive matter.1 Tournefort (1730) says: “The Artichoke is well known at the table. What we call the bottom is the thalamus on which the embryos of the seeds are placed. The leaves are the scales of the empalement. The Choak is the florets, with a chaffy substance intermixt (the pappus). The French and Germans boil the heads as we do, but the Italians generally eat them raw with salt, oil and pepper.” In Italy the dried receptacles are largely used in soups. The whole plant has a peculiar smell and a strong bitter taste. It was reputed to be aperient. Globe artichokes are considered to be a gourmet food, but they are very fiddly to eat. The flavor is mild and pleasant. The buds are harvested just before the flowers open, and are usually boiled before being eaten. Only the base of each bract is eaten, plus the 'heart' or base that the petals grow from. Small, or baby artichokes, that are produced on lateral stems can be pickled or used in soups and stews. Plants yield about 5 to 6 main heads per year from their second year onwards. Flowering stems - peeled and eaten raw or cooked. A sweet nutty flavor. The dried flowers are a rennet substitute, used for curdling milks.

Constituents: Key constituents are: Sesquiterpene lactone (cynaropicrin, 0.5 - 6%), Cynarin, Polyphenol oxidase, Caffeoylquinic acids. It also contains: 7 types of Caffeoylquinic-Acids, Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Beta- selinene, Beta-sitosterol, Boron, Caffeic-acid, Calcium, Caryophyllene, Chlorogenic-acid, Cyanidol-glucosides, Cynaragenin, Cynaratriol, Cynarolide, Decanal, Eugenol, Ferulic-acid, Flavonoids, Folacin, Glyceric-acid, Glycolic-acid, Heteroside-B, Inulin, Iron, Isoamerboin, Lauric-acid, Linoleic-acid, Linolenic-acid, Luteolin-glucosides, Magnesium, Manganese, Mufa, Myristic-acid, Neochlorogenic-acid, Niacin, Oleic-acid, Palmitic-acid, Pantothenic-acid, Phenylacetaldehyde, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Pseudotaraxasterol, Pufa, Riboflavin, Scolymoside, Stearic-acid, Stigmasterol, Tannin, Taraxasterol, Thiamin, Vit-B6, Zinc. Medical Research: The globe artichoke has had an important comeback as a medicinal herb in recent years. Cynarin, the bitter-tasting compound found in the leaves, improves liver and gallbladder function, stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile, and lowers blood cholesterol levels.



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Gallbladder and Kidney: Artichoke leaves (not the part which is eaten) are used to stimulate the kidneys and to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder.2 It is traditionally classified as a "bitter" and has been used to assist in digestion. The major active components of artichoke that produce these effects appear to be the sesquiterpene lactones, cynarin and caffeoylquinic acids.

Artichoke leaf has been shown to lower cholesterol. One study showed a decrease in total cholesterol of 18.5% and LDL cholesterol by 23%.3 It had actually gained widespread use in the 1950’s and 60’s before the advent of "statin" drugs. It is thought to interfere with cholesterol synthesis.4 A substance called luteolin may play a role.5

Dyspepsia: this nonspecific term for a variety of abdominal symptoms most often includes indigestion, or difficulty with digestion. Cynara has been approved by the German Commission E for this purpose.6 It has been shown in an open-label study7 to be effective, but no controlled studies have been done. It is thought that Cynara’s effectiveness is due to its effects on the promotion of bile flow and other salutary effects on the gallbladder.8,9,10

Artichoke's therapeutic benefit in dyspepsia has centered around its choleretic effects, or ability to stimulate bile flow, which has been demonstrated in several studies.11 This might explain its use as a hangover remedy.12 Constituents responsible for this effect are thought to be cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and scolymoside .13

The choloretic (bile-stimulating) action of the plant has been well documented in a placebo-controlled trial involving twenty healthy volunteers. After the administration of 1.92 grams of standardized artichoke extract, liver bile flow increased by 127.3% and 151.5% at the thirty- and sixty-minute mark, respectively.14

Cholesterol: The plant has also been employed therapeutically in the treatment of elevated lipid levels, although with mixed results. For example, a research study in the late 1970s using cynarin at the 250 mg or 750 mg daily dose concluded that it did not alter cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with familial high cholesterol, after three months of therapy.15 In contrast, however, a recent European study suggests that artichoke is efficacious in altering lipid values. After using a standardized artichoke extract (320 mg/capsule) at a dose of one to two capsules two to three times a day for six weeks, total cholesterol and triglyceride values decreased significantly by an average of 12.78% and 8.79%, respectively. HDL-cholesterol levels did not rise significantly.15

While scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves lower cholesterol, test tube studies have suggested that the action may be due to an inhibition of cholesterol synthesis



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and/or the increased elimination of cholesterol because of the plant's choloretic action.16 In test tube studies, the flavonoids from the artichoke (e.g., luteolin) have been shown to prevent LDL-cholesterol oxidation.17 Moreover, artichoke leaves may be liver protective, as test tube results have demonstrated its effectiveness against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity.18

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): artichoke has reduced IBS in some people.19,20

Toxicity: There is no known toxicity. Herbal action: Bitter, lowers blood cholesterol, diuretic, liver tonic, lowers blood sugar, cholagogue, choliokinetic, detoxifier, depurgative, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, stimulant, tonic

Contraindications and cautions: Not to be taken by people who have an allergy to artichokes or other members of the Asteraceae family. Should not be employed if a bile duct obstruction is present, as in the case of gallstones.

Medicinal uses: Liver support: Because of its "choleretic" (stimulates bile flow) effect, it is suggested that artichoke may protect the liver from chemical toxins. This is supported by some animal studies, but no human trials have been done.21 According to Leclerc, its toning action is like ‘wringing out of the hepatic sponge’, thus producing its hepatoprotective function,22 however, it is less active than Milk Thistle. Kidneys: used to treat nephrosclerosis, urinary stones.23

Deodorant: consumed internally it has a deodorant action on the body.

Other: dicaffeoylquinic acid (found in Cynara) has been shown to prevent HIV replication in tissue culture.24

Energetics Sweet, bitter, a bit salty, cool, decongesting; entering the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bladder meridians. Increases Kapha and lowers Pitta.25



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Pharmacy and dosage: Dosage Suggested adult dose of the standardized leaf extract is 320 mg four to six times daily for a minimum of six weeks.26 Alternatively, if a standardized extract is not available, the crude dose of the leaves is 1- 4 grams three times a day.26

3-8 ml of 1:2 liquid extract per day.26 Licensing: As of July 30 2010, there were 70 licenses given for products containing Artichoke.

REFERENCES

10. Brand N. Cynara scolymus L. - The artichoke. Zeitschrift Phytother 1990;11:169-75. 1. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/artic066.html Grieves M, Modern Herbal. 2. Brand N. Cynara scolamus L – The artichoke [in German]. Z Phytother. 1990;11:169–175. 3. Englisch W, Beckers C, Unkauf M, et al. Efficacy of Artichoke dry extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000;50:260–265. 4. Petrowicz O, Gebhardt R, Donner M, et al. Effects of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) on lipoprotein metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Atherosclerosis. 1997;129:147. 5. Kraft K. Artichoke leaf extract—recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Phytomedicine. 1997;4:369–378. 6. Kraft K., Iibid. 7. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications;1998:84. 8 Holtmann G, Adam B, Haag S, et al. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003;18:1099–105

9. Kirchhoff R, Beckers CH, Kirchhoff GM, et al. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine. 1994;1:107–115. 10. Kupke D, von Sanden H, Trinczek-Gartner H, et al. An evaluation of the choleretic activity of a plant-based cholagogue [translated from German]. Z Allgemeinmed. 1991;67:1046–1058. 11 Kraft K. Artichoke leaf extract- recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Phytomedicine 1997;4:369-78. 12 Pittler MH, White AR, Stevinson C, Ernst E. Effectiveness of artichoke extract in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ 2003;169:1269-73. 13 Kraft K. Artichoke leaf extract- recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Phytomedicine 1997;4:369-78

14. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy 3rd ed. Berlin: Springer Verlag, 1998, 174-75. 131. Heckers H, Dittmar K, Schmahl FW, Huth K. Inefficiency of cynarin as therapeutic regimen in familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1977;26:249-53. 15. Fintelmann V. Antidyspeptic and lipid-lowering effect of artichoke leaf extract. Zeitschirfit fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72:1-19.



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16. Gebhardt R. New experimental results in the action of artichoke leaf extract. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72:20-23. 17. Brown JE, Rice-Evans CA. Luteolin rich artichoke extract protects low density lipoprotein from oxidation in vitro. Free Radical Research 1998;29:247-55. 18. Adzet T, Camarasa J, Laguna JC. Hepatoprotective effect of polyphenolic compounds from Cynara scolymus against CCL4 toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. Journal of Natural Products 1987;50:612-17. 19 Walker AF, Middleton RW, Petrowicz O. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study. Phytother Res 2001;15:58-61. 20 Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, et al. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2004;10:667-9.

21. Kraft K. Artichoke leaf extract—recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Phytomedicine. 1997;4:369–378. 22. Leclerc H; Precis de phytotherapie, 5th edn, Masson, Paris, 1983 23. Mills S, Bone K; Principle and Practice of Phytotherapy, Modern Herbal Medicine; Churchill Livingstone;Toronto; 2000 pp 433 - 438. 24. McDougall B. King PJ, Wu BW, et al; Antimicrob Agents;Chemother 1998; 42(1): 140-46. 25. Holmes, P., The Energetics of Western Herbs (2 vols.), Artemis Press, Boulder CO, 1989, pp 434 - 436. 2310. Fintelmann V. Antidyspeptic and lipid-lowering effect of artichoke leaf extract. Zeitschirfit fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72:1-19. 2411. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 36. 26. Mill S, Bone K., iIbid.

Western Materia Medica Taraxacum officinale By Terry Willard Asteraceae (Compositae)


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Taraxacum officinale- DANDELION Family Asteraceae Common names: Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout, Dudal, Herba Taraxaci, Lion's Tooth, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Swine Snout, Taraxaci herba. Plant description: Familiar to most people, dandelion is a perennial herb with basal rosettes (15 - 22.5 cm long, 5 - 7.5 cm broad) with 5-6 teeth on a side and sessile. The flower head is compound, golden-yellow, and closes at night. It is native to Europe and has naturalized in North America.

Habitat, ecology and distribution: This plant is a native of Greece, but is now found growing abundantly in Europe and North America; in fields, gardens, and along roadsides, flowering from April to November. There are some other species recognized by botanists that appear to possess the same medicinal powers.

Part used: Root, leaves, sometimes flowers and/or latex.

Harvesting and collection: The young leaves are frequently used as a salad or greens. The whole plant, when broken or wounded, exudes a white, bitter juice, the sensible qualities of which are said to be greater during periods of inflorescence. Only the root is the official part, and should be collected while the plant is in flower, or preferably in autumn. When fresh, it is from 3 to 5 inches or more in length, from 3 to 9 lines in diameter, tap-shaped, fleshy, dull-yellow or brownish externally, white internally, inodorous, and bitter. As found dried in a pharmacy, it is considerably diminished in size, having lost more than half its weight, and corrugated lengthwise. As required by the U. S. P., it is slightly conical, about 30 cm. (12 inches) long, and 1 or 2 cm. (2/5 to 4/5 inch) thick above, crowned with several short, thickish heads, somewhat branched, dark-brown, longitudinally wrinkled, when dry breaking with a short fracture, showing a yellowish, porous central axis, surrounded by a thick, white bark, containing numerous milk-vessels, arranged in concentric circles; inodorous, bitter. It should be free from the root of Cichorium

intybus, Linné (Nat. Ord.—Compositae), which closely resembles it, but is usually paler, and has the milk-vessels in radiating lines"—(U. S. P.). Dandelion root should preferably be used in a recent state. Drying, as well as long boiling, impairs its virtues. Alcohol or boiling water extracts its properties.1

History: Being a general stimulant and alterative, Dandelion’s strongest influence is on the liver and kidneys. It is considered one of the strongest cholagogues of all botanicals. It has also been used as a high nutrient food, applied in cases of dyspepsia, as a mild laxative, to increase appetite



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and promote digestion.2,3 The latex is excellent for getting rid of warts (apply 3 times daily for seven days).4 Arabian physicians used dandelion in the 10th-11th centuries. It was mentioned in Welsh herbals in the 13th century. It is prominent in Gerard's Herbal (1597) and appears throughout herbals from the 16th to 18th centuries. Eclectics of the 1800's and the early 1900's also listed Dandelion as a major herb.5 This genus has been listed in Chinese medicine since the Tang Materia Medica (659 AD). It has had a significant history of use in Ayurvedic medicine also. Dandelion appears in the ethnobotanical literature of over a dozen North American Indian tribes, even as far afield as the Aleuts of Alaska. Its application is very broad but dermatological, analgesic and gastrointestinal problems seem to be prominent uses.6 Constituents: Dandelion roots include: inulin (approx. 25% variable throughout year), triterpenes (taraxol, taraxerol, taraxasterol, beta-amyrin, homotaraxasterol), phytosterols (stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol), phenolic acids (caffeic and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid),

sesquiterpene lactones of eudes-manolide type (tetrahydroridentin B and taraxacolide) and germacranolide type (taraxinic acid and 11,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid glucoside; bitter tasting subtances) glutin, gum and potash.7 Dandelion leaves contain: leutin, violaxamthin and other carotenoids; sesquiterpene lactones (germacramolides taraxinic acid glucoside and 11,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid; triterpenes (cycloartenol) and phytosterols (beta-sitoserol, stigmasterol and campesterol); coumarins (scopoletin and euculetin);

and minerals, especially potassium(4%). Dandelion contains (per 100 gm): Vitamin A (8400 IU), thiamine (0.19 mg), riboflavin (0.26 mg), Vitamin C (35 mg root, 73 mg leaves), niacin and choline, calcium (187 mg), phosphorus (66 mg), sodium (76 mg), potassium (297 mg), protein (2.7 g), fats (0.7 g) and iron (3.1 mg).8,9,10,11,12,13 In the spring, the plant contains mannite or mannitol.14

Medical Research: Immune function: Inulin, one of the major chemicals in Dandelion, is currently being studied extensively for its immunostimulatory function (see Echinacea). Inulin is also used to strengthen the kidneys and as a pancreatic aid. Some studies have indicated a hypoglycemic effect of Dandelion. It is active against two tumor systems and stimulates



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macrophage action.15 This may explain the Chinese use of Dandelion for breast cancer over thousands of years, as well as the alterative properties European herbalists attribute to this herb. The latex is known to be phototoxic with a weak antibiotic effect against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Bile flow: Bitter sesquiterpenes increase bile secretions in rats by more than 40%. Anti-inflammatory: Dandelion has a long tradition of being used for rheumatic conditions and to reduce inflammations.16 Preliminary research show dandelion to have anti-inflammatory effects.17 The constituents, luteolin and luteolin-7-O-gluccoside, have been shown to suppress prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production, possibly by suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase.18 Aqueous extracts of dandelion also seem to inhibit production of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.19

Preliminary research suggests dandelion root extract might have leukotriene-inhibiting activity.20 Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A specific oral combination of dandelion root and uva ursi leaf extract seems to help reduce the recurrence rate of UTIs in women.21 In this combination, uva ursi is used for its antibacterial properties and dandelion is used to increase urination. Dandelion also has diuretic activity.22 Pre-biotic: Dandelion root contains high concentrations of inulin. Oligofructans, such as inulin, are used as food sources by beneficial intestinal bacteria. Dandelion root enhances the growth of bifidobacteria and may be useful as a "prebiotic."23 Diabetes: preliminary research suggests dandelion might increase insulin secretion.24 Dandelion Flowers: the flowers have an antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, according to preliminary research.25,26,27 Other preliminary research suggests it might enhance immune system function.28

Herbal action: Hepatic, alterative, diuretic, tonic, stomachic, aperient, deobstruent. In China the seeds are used as an antibiotic.29

Specific Indication30 Mind, Senses, Nerves, Emotions, Personality

• Dullness of mind, lethargy, sleepiness, with congestion of fluids • Mania; insomnia; manic-depression

Head • Swollen membranes around the sinuses. From chronic allergies and infections • Mapped tongue. Patches of opaque white coating torn off in places to expose a

red, raw tongue body. Also suitable when all the coating has been exfoliated by heat, or when the coating is yellow, or there are only traces of the coating, or for a dark, red tongue

• Mastoiditis; pain, swelling, or redness in sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM; side of neck)

• Lips dark red, dry Respiration

• Bronchitis



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Digestion • Stomach, indigestion, gas

Liver • Liver congested, swollen, gallbladder congested, bile thick, adhesive, gallstone

formation from lack of bile in intestines; anemia from lack of bile production and recycling.

Cardiovascular • High cholesterol, high blood pressure; one of the best remedies for cardiorenal

edema. Kidney and Bladder

• Diabetes type II, hypoglycemia • Edema, stones, chronic kidney infections. • Swollen, dry feeling in kidney region, feels better after urination.

Female • Breast congestion, hardness, mastitis; cancer • PMS • Menopausal problem from poor liver function; liver not breaking down extra

hormones Muscular Skeletal

• Muscular pain, swelling, heat; especially in SCM of neck • Inflammation of muscles tight and swollen; SCM involved; chronic rheumatism. • Infection in bones. • Rheumatoid arthritis, with deformation of fingers

Skin • Acne, abscesses, boils, eczema, herpes, age spots

Fever • Acute fever with temperature, dark red tongue or patch of dark red on tongue

Constitution • Tall, thin, emaciated • Overweight, sluggish, sleepy • Many kinds of people • Anger; “male clients who are hard-driving and over striving.”

Contraindications and cautions: Contraindicated if closure or obstruction of the biliary duct, gallbladder empyema, or ileus.

Medicinal uses: Even though this plant is extremely common and was once an official drug, little information is available on its mode of action. Dandelion leaves have diuretic and saluretic action better than the root. They also deliver a good supply of potassium, useful with a diuretic. Dandelion root is known to be an excellent blood cleanser, specifically for the liver, as well as a mild laxative. The roots are slightly more diuretic when harvested in the spring and more for the liver when harvested in the fall. The latex has also been shown to be very effective for removing warts and is presently under study for its effects on eczema and psoriasis. The Chinese use the seeds as a strong antibiotic in the cases of lung infections.31,32,33



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Dandelion is a slow, but excellent liver cleanser. It is not used for fast dramatic liver action, but as a constant slow liver cleanser. Drinking a cup of dandelion ‘coffee’ once a day for 1 - 12 months can do wonders for the liver. It will also tone up the hepatic structure, remove liver ‘stagnation’, improve digestion decongest the portal system and remove problems resulting from ‘heat’ rising to the skin.

To understand this more fully, we have to look at its specific indications as laid out by Matthew Wood:34 used when heat descends deeply into tissue, thickening fluids, slowing down drainage, inflaming the deeper tissues and even infecting the bones. These cases develop slowly and can be best treated by moderate slow use of dandelion root. We can see these cases relatively easily by the mapped or geographic tongue. This has long been pointed out by the homeopaths. “Tongue covered with white film; feels raw; comes off in patches, leaving red, sensitive spots.” The tongue is usually red; indicating deep, internal heat. In Chinese medicine this indicates “phlegm fire” with the idea that heat has baked down fluids, which in turn thicken the fluid to block the escape of heat. This can be seen by bloating stagnant digestion, but also muscle and bone inflammation. Some have even shown that this can be the core cause of some forms of manic/depression.

Dandelion also works on the lymphatic system, especially removing damp heat. The addition of cream of tartar to its decoction will render it more diuretic and laxative. When the stomach or bowels are irritable, it should not be employed. In Chinese medicine, it is considered one of the best remedies for reducing ‘liver fire’ and ‘fire poison’ (abscesses, boils, sores etc.). It is most often used for slow lingering heat, not fast hot heat. Michael Moore says it is specific for skin conditions, wheezy lungs, colon congestion and “leaky gut syndrome.”

Homeopathically it is considered specific for mapped tongue, where the tongue is covered with a white film; feels raw; comes off in patches, leaving red, sensitive spots. As Woods says, you can be a bit liberal with that description. Wood also uses it for sinus infections, especially if it has gotten into the bone. It is especially good if we find a low grade heat there. 35 Boerike states that it is specific for pain in the neck (sterno-cloidal-mastoid). Mentally it is used when a person feels ‘bitchy’, dull minded or nervous. Liver emotions are anger, nervous tension and auto-intoxication.

Flower essence: dandelion has the positive qualities of dynamic, effortless energy; lively activity balanced with inner ease. The patterns of imbalance are: tenseness, especially in the musculature of body, excessive striving and hard driving. People needing this flower essence have a natural intensity and love for life. They are the ‘doer’, but often over do. They have a tendency to over-plan, and try to live beyond what their physical body can handle. This will often create strong tension, especially in the muscular. Dandelion will help a person listen more closely to their emotional messages and bodily needs.36



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Energetics Traditional Chinese

A related species, T. mongolici, has bitter, sweet and cold properties while entering the Liver and Stomach meridians. It clears heat and detoxifies fire poisons.37,38

Ayurvedic

Rasa - tikta (bitter), katu (pungent); Guna - laghu (light), rookshna, teekshna; Veerya - ushna (hot); Vipak - katu (pungent). Action: Kapha pitta har, bran sodhan, dipan, pitta sarak, rochan, rakkt sodhak, sothahar, mutral, jawaraghana, vishaghan.39

Other

Holmes lists Dandelion as being bitter, a bit salty, sweet with cold and dry properties. The secondary quality is softening, dissolving, restoring, decongesting, and calming sinking movement. Dandelion enters the Spleen, Liver, and Gall Bladder meridians and influences the liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, interstitial fluid, and blood. The organism is fluid, warmth and air. The Tri Doshas increases Vayu while decreasing Pitta and Kapha.40 Tierra describes the root as bitter, sweet and cool affecting the Spleen, Stomach, Kidney and Liver meridians.41 The root meanwhile has bitter and cold properties affecting the bladder and liver.42

Pharmacy and dosage: Fluid Extract. Gather the roots in September or October, slice them while fresh, reduce to a pulpy mass in the mortar, add a pint of seventy percent alcohol to each five pounds of the roots, and let it macerate for a week in a closely- covered earthenware vessel. If it stands for six months, a still better product is obtained. The dregs are then to be subjected to powerful pressure; after which the marc may again be mixed with a quart of diluted alcohol, after three days again subjected to pressure, the product evaporated to a pint, and this mixed with the first product, and filtered. The quantity obtained will vary with the quality of the root and the amount of pressure used, but the total from five pounds will be about four pints. When desired, a pound of fine sugar may be added to each quart of the fluid. This makes a very efficient preparation, and may be used in doses of one to two teaspoonsful. A pound of dried roots are about equal to two pounds of the fresh ones; and may have added twelve fluid ounces of water to make up the loss by desiccation, and then treated as above. A good quality of solid extract may, upon necessity, be made into a fluid extract by dissolving four ounces of it in an ounce of alcohol, and enough water to make the whole measure half a pint.43



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Dosage

Capsules 1-2, 2-3 times daily Infusion 1 oz. per pint (1 cup) Fluid extract BP 1/2-2 drams (1.8 - 7.2 ml) Solid extract BP 5-15 grains Juice BP 1-2 drams 44,45 (3.6 - 7.2 ml)

Specific Single drop fresh tincture

Homeopathic 6x

Flower essence 2 - 5 drop

Official Regulations and Medical References British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934 U.S.P. Martindale UK - General Sales List, Schedule 1, Table A France - Accepted for specific indications No 90/22 German - Commission E ;1984 PDR for Herbal Medicine - p 1174 ESCOP - March 1996

NPN Doses46 Adults: • Preparation: Dry, Powder, Decoction & Infusion + All Non-Standardised Extracts Dose(s): Leaf: 1.2-30 Grams per day, dried leaf Dose(s): Root: 1.5-24 Grams per day, dried root Licensing: As of July 30 2010 there were 165 NPNs for products containing Dandelion. NPN Monograph47 Leaf • Used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic Root • Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic • Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help treat digestive disturbances

(dyspepsia) • Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help increase bile flow (cholagogue) • Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help stimulate appetite • Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as an alterative to help relieve

dermatological conditions such as eczema



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REFERENCES 1. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/taraxacum_pilu.html: King's American Dispensatory.: by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898.

2. The British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934. Ibid. 3. Wallis, T.E., Textbook of Pharmacognosy, Ibid. 4. Willard, T.W., personal experience. 5. Crellin, J.K. and Philpott, J., Herbal Medicine: Past and Present (Vol. II), Duke University Press, London, 1990, p.185-187. 6. Moerman, D.E., Medicinal Plants of Native America, University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology, Technical Reports, Number 19, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1986, Vol.1, p.475. 7. List, P.H. and Horhammer, J.M., Hager's Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, Vols 2-6, Berlin 1968 - 79 via Duke. 8. Leung, A.Y.,, Foster S; Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, drugs, and cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York, 1996. p.205. 9. Youngken, H.W.,, Textbook of Pharmacognosy, Blakiston, Toronto, 1950. p.895. 10. Wallis, T.E.,, Textbook of Pharmacognosy, J & H Churchill, London, 1967. p.408. 11. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Woodbridge Press Publ. Co., Santa Barbara CA, 1980. p.67. 12. The British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934. The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1934. p.1039. 13. Bradley, P.R. (Ed.), British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1, British Herbal Medicine Association, Bournemouth, UK, 1992, p. 76 14. Duke, J.A., Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton FL, 1985, p.476. 15. Baba, K., Abe, S., et al., Antitumor activity of hot water extract of dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, correlation between antitumor activity and timing of administration, Yakugaku Zasshi 101(6), 538 -543, 1981. 16. Leung. iIbid. 17 Mascolo N, Autore G, Capassa G, et al. Biological screening of Italian medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytother Res 1987:28-9. 18 Hu C, Kitts DD. Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside from dandelion flower suppress iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2004;265:107-13. 19 Seo SW, Koo HN, An HJ, et al. Taraxacum officinale protects against cholecystokinin-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2005;11:597-9. 20 Kashiwada Y, Takanaka K, Tsukada H, et al. Sesquiterpene glucosides from anti-leukotriene B4 release fraction of Taraxacum officinale. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2001;3:191-7. 21 Larsson B, Jonasson A, Fianu S. Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: a preliminary report. Curr Ther Res 1993;53:441-3. 22 Racz-Kotilla E, Racz G, Solomon A. The action of Taraxacum officinale extracts on the body weight and diuresis of laboratory animals. Planta Med 1974;26:212-7 23 Trojanova I, Rada V, Kokoska L, Vlkova E. The bifidogenic effect of Taraxacum officinale root. Fitoterapia 2004;75:760-3. 24 Hussain Z, Waheed A, Qureshi RA, et al. The effect of medicinal plants of Islamabad and Murree region of Pakistan on insulin secretion from INS-1 cells. Phytother Res 2004;18:73-7. 25 Hu C, Kitts DD. Antioxidant, prooxidant, and cytotoxic activities of solvent-fractionated dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extracts in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2003;51:301-10. 26 Hu C, Kitts DD. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract suppresses both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and prevents lipid oxidation in vitro. Phytomedicine 2005;12:588-97. 27 Baba K, Abe S, Mizuno D. [Antitumor activity of hot water extract of dandelion, Taraxacum officinale-correlation between antitumor activity and timing of administration (author's transl)]. [Article in Japanese]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1981;101:538-43



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28 Luo ZH. [The use of Chinese traditional medicines to improve impaired immune functions in scald mice]. [Article in Chinese]. Zhonghua Zheng Xing Shao Shang Wai Ke Za Zhi 1993;9:56-8, 80

29. Leung, A.Y.,, Ibid. 30 Wood, Matthew; The Earthwise Herbal (Old World); North Atlantic Books; 2008

31. Leung, A.Y., Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, drugs, and cosmetics, Ibid. 32. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Ibid. 33. Duke, J.A., Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Ibid., p.476. 34 Wood, Matthew; The Earthwise Herbal (Old World); North Atlantic Books; 2008

35. Woods M; The Book of Herbal Wisdom; North Atlantic Books, Berkeley Ca, 1997, pp 465- 468. 36. Kaminski P, Katz R; Flower Essences Repertory; Flower Essence Society, Nevada City Ca; 1996 pp 308-309. 37. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Seattle, WA, 1986, p.129-130. 38. Hsu, H.Y., Chen, Y.P., et al., Oriental Materia Medica: a concise guide, Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA, 1986, p.237-238. 39. Kapoor, L.D., CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1990, p.316. 40. Holmes, P., The Energetics of Western Herbs (2 vols.), Artemis Press, Boulder CO, 1989, p.580-581. 41. Tierra, M., Planetary Herbology, Lotus Press, Santa Fe, NM, 1988, p.193-194. 42. Tierra, M., Ibid., p.218. 43. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/cook/TARAXACUM_DENS-LEONIS.htm; The Physiomedical Dispensatory by William Cook, M.D., 1869. 44. The British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934. Ibid. p.1040. 45. Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopeia, Ibid. 46 http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=75&lang=eng 47 http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=75&lang=eng



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NOTES

Western Materia Medica Chelidonium majus By Terry Willard Papaveraceae


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WARNING WARNING -------------------- Can be Quite POISONOUS Can be Quite POISONOUS

Chelidonium majus - Celandine Family: Papaveraceae Common names: Greater Celandine, Common Celandine, Tetterwort, Bai Qu Cai, Chelidonii Herba, Schollkraut, Verruguera. From the Greek "chelidon" (swallow), as observed by Pliny, it comes into flower when the swallows arrive and fades at their departure. It has also been observed that swallows will rub the herb in their babies’ eyes. This is the source of its use as an eye remedy.

Plant description: This plant is an evergreen biennial or short lived perennial; roots several-headed, branching, reddish-brown with a stem from 1 to 2 feet in height, branched, swelled at the joints, leafy, round, and smooth. The leaves are smooth, spreading, and very deeply pinnatifid-lobed almost to the mid-vein. The leaflets are in from 2 to 4 pairs, from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long, about 2/3 as broad, terminal one largest, all ovate, and cuneately incised or lobed; the lateral ones sometimes dilated at their lower margin, near the base, almost as if auricled; color of all a deep, shining green. The flowers are bright yellow, umbellate, and are borne on long, often hairy stalks; umbels thin, axillary, and pedunculate; sepals 2, falling early, often hairy; petals 4, entire, yellow, and very fugacious; stamens: numerous, with long, slender filaments and short, round anthers; ovaries, glabrous, with a very short style with 2-lobed stigma capsules long, torulose, 2-valved, and 1-celled; seeds black and shining, each with a whitish, deciduous crest.

Habitat, ecology and distribution: Found in moist soil, gardens, rich woods, and roadsides where vegetation is dense.

Part used: The whole plant; root strongest, usually used as a fresh tincture, sappy resin.

Harvesting and collection: Celandine is a pale-green, fleshy herb, indigenous to Europe, and naturalized in this country; it grows along fences, by roadsides, in waste places, etc., and flowers from May to October. When the plant is wounded, a bright-yellow, offensive juice exudes, which has a persistent, nauseous, bitter taste, with a biting sensation in the mouth and face. The root is the most intensely bitter part of the plant, and is more commonly



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preferred. Drying diminishes its activity. It is best made into a fresh tincture within minutes of harvest. It yields its virtues to alcohol or water. The plant should be collected while in bloom.

History: Described as medicinal by Pliny for removing films from the cornea of the eye. Recommended as a remedy in jaundice by Galen and Dioscorides, on the basis of the "signature" of the acrid orange-colored bile-like juice of the plant. Widely used in the European herbal traditions of the Middle Ages, it is one of 24 herbs mentioned in Mercer's Herbal. Widely employed by the "old school" medicine of 19th century Europe. Constituents: The chief alkaloids (0.1 - 3%, mostly concentrated in the roots) are isoquinoline or benzophenanthridines: sanguinarine, chelidonine, and chelerythrine;

other alkaloids include berberine, stylopine and coptisine. We also find several acids (malic, threonic, chelidonic and glyceric acids). There can also be found flavonoids, a saponin, a deep-yellow bitter, resinous substance, an orange-colored, nauseous, and bitter gum-resin, mucilage, albumen, silica, and various salts.1,2,3

The alkaloids are held in combination with malic acid and chelidonic acid, a bibasic acid capable of dissolving iron and zinc. It occurs in silky, acicular crystals, has a very sour taste, decomposes the alkaline carbonates, dissolves in hot water, slightly in alcohol and cold water, and when boiled with an alkali, yields acetone and oxalic acid.

Chelerythrine may be obtained by forming a strong ethereal tincture of the celandine root; through this pass hydrochloric acid gas, and dry the precipitated chloride, which is insoluble in ether. Then dissolve it in hot water, filter, precipitate by ammonia, dry the precipitate, dissolve it in ether, decolorize by animal charcoal, again precipitate by hydrochloric acid gas, and decompose the chloride by ammonia, as before.4

Medical Research: The celandine latex is a remedy used for warts. It is also known to assist the liver, gallbladder and protect against hepatic injury, spastic gastrointestinal tract; stimulate bile flow.5 Both crude extracts of C. majus and purified compounds derived from it have been reported to exhibit interesting anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal (Candida) properties both in vitro and in vivo6,7,8. Inhibitory effect of Chelidonium majus herb extract has been reported on growth of keratinocytes in humans, and on lipoxygenase activity in mice,9 while stimulatory effect has been reported on bile acid independent flow in isolated perfused rat liver.10,11



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Anti-viral: Preliminary research shows that greater celandine extracts have activity against several viruses such as: adenoviruses, herpes virus, and polio virus. Alkaloids have shown to inhibit viral reverse transcriptase. These alkaloids also have a cell growth-inhibitory effect via the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. Other research suggests an immunomodulational effect against cancer cells. Preliminary research suggests that chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine might have activity against cells of uveal melanoma, a particularly difficult cancer to treat.12,13

Cancer; Preliminary clinical research suggests a specific derivative of the greater celandine constituent chelidonine (Ukrain; a product not available in North America) might be useful for treating various forms of cancer. Giving Ukrain intravenously has improved survival of some patients with colorectal, bladder, pancreatic, or breast cancer. Poor study design makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the efficacy of Ukrain for cancer.14 Some researchers suggest that doses sufficiently high to shrink tumors might be too toxic for clinical use.15 Other research suggests chelidonine is cytotoxic to both normal and malignant cells.16 Anti-microbial action: Some constituents have antibacterial and antifungal effects.17,18 Anti-inflammatory: Sanguinarine seems to have anti-inflammatory effects. Dyspepsia: An ethanolic extract of greater celandine increases bile flow.19 Greater celandine extract seems to reduce slow wave frequency and amplitude in the small intestine, which slows peristaltic movement.20 A specific combination product containing greater celandine (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc) has been shown to improve symptoms of dyspepsia. The combination includes greater celandine plus peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, clown's mustard plant, lemon balm, angelica, and milk thistle.21,22 A meta-analysis of studies using this combination product suggests that taking 1 mL orally three times daily over a period of 4 weeks significantly reduces severity of acid reflux, epigastric pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting compared to placebo.23 Toxicity: Some reports do not list celandine as toxic, while others have it as extremely toxic and should not be used in doses over a few drops. It is most often used homeopathically. There is a case of haemolytic anaemia after oral ingestion of Chelidonium extract. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, blood transfusions and haemodialysis and recovered in 12 days.24 In 1997 a case of hepatotoxicity after using 200 mg of dry herb (containing 4.0 - 4.4 mg of total alkaloid) was described in a 28 year old person.25

Herbal action: Poisonous, drastic cathartic and violent local irritant, choleretic, cholagogue, spamoltic, alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant. As a drastic hydragogue, it is fully equal to gamboge.

Indications: Specific Indications. Full, pale, sallow tongue and membranes; skin sallow, sometimes greenish; hepatic congestion; jaundice due to swollen bile ducts;



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sluggish liver action with light pasty stools; reflex cough from hepatic pain; fullness with tensive or throbbing pain in the right hypochondrium, with dull pain radiating to the right shoulder; melancholia, headache and stomach disorders depending upon imperfect hepatic function.26

Contraindications and cautions: In China side effects are described as dry mouth, dizziness, gastric discomfort, diarrhea, abdominal distention, nausea and mild leucopaenia in a small number of patients. Symptoms usually go away after 3-5 days of discontinuing treatment.27

Medicinal uses: Both herbalists and homeopaths use Chelidonium for what is called an affinity to the “inner liver”, or the ducting that forms the gallbladder area. It is specifically suited when the bile is too thick, creating stagnation in the bile duct. This is turn can cause constipation, bilious digestion, bloating, and gallstones. This tension can also create intermittent fever, all conditions that the Chinese would describe as “damp heat encumbering the liver and gallbladder”. This swelling can also cause pain under the scapula and up the gallbladder meridian causing headaches and migraines. For gallstones, Chelidonium is best for aiding in prevention, but can be used to release them even if they are caught in the common bile duct. A homeopath (Hales) writes; “ I have treated many intractible [sic] cases when stones had remained in the duct several months — in one case a year — and where icterus was intense. The whole body, eyes, tongue, lips and vagina had assumed a greenish-yellow hue.” Low dose, Chelidonium 3x was used to discharge the problem.28 With the swelling of the liver, congestion and oppressed respiration can occur, especially on the right side. This can cause a dry cough, which is violent, hollow or short (worsening in morning), excited by tickling in larynx, by sensation of dust in the trachea, throat and behind the sternum, not relieved by coughing. The cough can be loose and rattling; stool bright-yellow, pain under lower angle of right shoulder. Homeopathically, Chelidonium is also useful in rhinitis, laryngitis, trachitis, influenza, capillary bronchitis and pneumonia; swelling, inflammation and reduces mucus affecting the heart, inflammation of the heart, heart pain, palpitation and irregular pulses.29 Woods suggests that Chelidonium works in the sphere of the ego, as the gallbladder controls this area. It can be used for people that are inappropriately over-assertive, anxious of having committed something wrong. It is a specific when people have abused “occult power” by attempting to control people with their mind. He recommends Chelidonium 6x for this trait. Boericke states that it is good for people who have an aversion to work or movement, but are driven by anxiety and is suggested when there is moral and spiritual apathy.



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In rat studies, Chelidonium (oral alcohol extract) has been shown to reduce problems due to tetrachloride-induced injury.30 The treated rat also had significantly lower levels of elevated liver enzymes and bilirubins. Further studies showed that this was due to decreased levels of cellular necrosis and reduction in fibroblast-stimulating factors.31 Studies of Chelidonium have shown increased bile flow, without increasing output of bile acids (increases a more dilute bile). It was further shown that it was an accumulative action of the many constituents in the herb, not any specific chemical.32 In one study including 608 patients with spasms, good results were found. It reduced GI tract spasms and gall duct spasms. The tablets were high dose dried Cheldonium with 2.85 mg of total alkaloids (including 0.79 mg chelidonine). Patients took five tablets daily, observing an 87.4% quick response (within 30 minutes) of reduced spasms. The spasms were reduced for an average of three hours. It has been shown that this spasm reduction is good in treating irritable bowel syndrome.33 Using Chelidonium infusion as an enema has been shown to very effective in reducing colonic polyps after about 10 or more treatments.34 Over a period of 2-years, 149 people with various forms of polyps were tracked and 87% showed improvement, while 27% made complete recovery using Chelidonium infusion.35 It is used homeopathically for liver cancer tumors and routinely used against various liver disorders. The homeopathic drug Chelidonium exhibited anti-tumor and anti-genotoxic activities and also favorably modulated activities of some marker enzymes.36 External: the juice reduces warts, corns and epitheliomata, for which it has been widely used, and much evidence accumulated in its favor. In these conditions and in the treatment also of urticaria, eczema and itching eruptions, its careful application resulted in cures within a short time.37 The juice, when applied to the skin, produces inflammation, and even vesication; also applied to indolent ulcers, fungal growths, uterine fibroids, etc., and is useful in removing specks and opacities of the cornea, and in curing ringworms. Celandine is reported to be superior to arnica as a vulnerary; an alcoholic tincture of the root (3 ounces to 1 pint), will be found an unrivaled external application to prevent or subdue traumatic inflammations. It is used internally in decoction or tincture, and externally in poultice or ointment for scrofula, cutaneous diseases, and piles. It exerts a special influence on the spleen. It is a remedy influencing the parts supplied with nerve force from the branches of the solar plexus, and with blood from the hepatic artery, and to some extent by the splenic artery. Both acute and subacute forms of inflammation of the liver, when suppurative action has not set in, are benefited by chelidonium. Migraine, bilious headaches, supraorbital neuralgia, bilious dyspepsia, with headache, and other gastric and intestinal disturbances, due to faulty action of the liver, are well treated with it. It is a remedy for so-called "liver coughs." Hemorrhoids, hepatic and splenic congestion, and gastro-intestinal disorders, due to capillary engorgement of the viscera, are conditions for its exhibition. It is one of



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the best of remedies for biliary catarrh, the result of hepatic congestion, and for jaundice, due to obstruction of the bile ducts, the mucous membranes of which are swollen from the subacute inflammation present. Full, tensive, or throbbing pain in the right hypochondrium, and pain extending to beneath the right scapula, are the guides to its use in these hepatic disorders. Scudder, who conceived a very favorable opinion of this remedy, favored the use of small doses of chelidonium where the tongue was somewhat pallid and enlarged, the skin sallow, full, and occasionally tinged greenish-yellow, the mucous membranes enfeebled and full, right hypochondrium full, abdomen tumid, feces light in color, and urine of high specific gravity, and pale, but cloudy. As a rule there is no general abdominal pain. Edema of the extremities is sometimes an added indication. The remedy has acted favorably in biliary calculi, and in the small dose (1/20 to 1/10 drop, every 2 or 3 hours) some leading homeopaths have made the extravagant claim that it radically cured hydrocele.38 Therapy—Sluggishness of the portal circulation. Defective liver circulation is the cause of a long train of remote manifestations, among which are slow pulse, frequent palpitations, a feeling of weight, stiffness and swellings of the hands, feet and limbs, cold extremities, pallid and doughy skin, local and general edema, dull pain or constant aching in the limbs and muscles, aching in the front head and occiput, vertigo, weariness, irritability, inactivity, irregularity of the bowels-constipation, followed by diarrhea, erratic colicky pains, sallowness, jaundice and other disorders. Chelidonium is an excellent remedy in a case with these manifestations. In disease of the spleen, it relieves congestion and reduces splenic hypertrophy, acting in harmony with Chionanthus and Grindelia squarrosa. Its action upon the pancreatic glands is satisfactory, relieving congestion, engorgement and irritation, and inducing better circulation. An excellent remedy in combination with helonias in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Chelidonium is good to relieve gallstones. It is considered superior to any other agent known in preventing their formation. Its influence upon the functional activity of the liver induces a thinner and more profuse secretion of the bile, and it is thus useful in promoting the expulsion of gall stones. It is available also in simple biliousness, hepatic congestion, acute or sub-acute inflammation of the liver, jaundice, due to catarrhal conditions of the ducts, or when dropsy depends upon hepatic trouble. When migraine or supraorbital neuralgia depend upon hepatic difficulties this remedy is indicated.39 Energetics Bitter, a bit pungent, neutral with warming and cooling potential, dry stimulating, relaxing, decongesting, dissolving. It enters the Gallbladder, Liver, Heart and Lung meridians.40



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Pharmacy and dosage: Woods suggests one drop to homeopathic dilutions.41 Dose, from one-tenth to ten minims. 42 Dose of the powdered root, from 1/2 to 1 drachm; of the fresh juice, from XX to 40 drops, in some bland liquid; of the tincture, from 1 to 2 fluid drachms; of the aqueous extract, from 5 to 10 grains. The foregoing doses represent its gross action, but for the specific purposes for which it is now employed, the dose should be small, preferably from 1 to 15 drops of specific chelidonium. Professor Scudder preferred it as follows: Specific chelidonium, gtt. x; aqua, fliv. Mix. a tablespoonful every 3 or 4 hours.43 1-2 ml of 1:2 liquid extract per day 44 2-4 ml of 1:5 tincture per day Short term use of higher doses up to equivalent of 3 g per day China 3-9 grams (usually in decoction so poor absorption of alkaloids) Official Regulations and Medical References Germany - Commission E used for cramp-like disorders of biliary and gastrointestinal tract

England - restricted to herbal practitioners Licensing: In Canada, as of July 30 2010, there are 35 licenses given with Celandine in them. These were mostly homeopathic in nature.

REFERENCES

1. Bruneton 2. http://cal.nbc.upenn.edu/poison/agbook/arctium.htm#Chelidon 3. Felter H.W., The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics;1922. 4. Felter H.W.HW, Lloyd JU; King's American Dispensatory;1898. 5. Mills S, Bone K; Principle and Practice of Phytotherapy, Modern Herbal Medicine; Churchill Livingstone;Toronto; 2000 pp 335 -340. 6. RY Kery, J Horvath, I Nasz, G Verzar-Petri, G Kulcsar, P Dan: Antiviral alkaloid in Chelidonium majus L. Acta Pharm Hung 1987, 57: 19-25. 7. J Lenfeld, M Kroutil, E Marsalek, J Slavik, V Preininger, V Simanek: Antiinflammatory activity of quatertnary benzophenanthridine alkaloids from Chelidonium majus; Planta Med 1981, 43: 161-165. 8. ML Colombo, E Bosisio: Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. Pharmacol Res 1996, 33: 127-134 9. C Vavreckova, I Gawlik, K Muller: Benzophenanthridine alkaloids of Chelidonium majus; I. Inhibition of 5- and 12-lipoxygenase by a non redox mehanism; Planta Med 1996, 62: 397-401 10. U Vahlensieck, R Hahn, H Winterhoff, HG Gumbinger, A Nahrstedt, Fh Kemper: The effect of Chelidonium majus herb extract on choleresis in the isolated perfused rat liver; Planta Med 1995, 61: 267-27.1 11. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/2/4

12 Kemeny-Beke A, Aradi J, Damjanovich J, et al. Apoptotic response of uveal melanoma cells upon treatment with chelidonine, sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Cancer Lett 2006;237:67-75. 13 Colombo ML, Bosisio E. Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae). Pharmacol Res 1996;33:127-34.



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14 Ernst E, Schmidt K. Ukrain - a new cancer cure? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. BMC Cancer 2005;5:69 15 Panzer A, Joubert AM, Bianchi PC, Seegers JC. The antimitotic effects of Ukrain, a Chelidonium majus alkaloid derivative, are reversible in vitro. Cancer Lett 2000;150:85-92 16 Panzer A, Joubert AM, Bianchi PC, Seegers JC. The antimitotic effects of Ukrain, a Chelidonium majus alkaloid derivative, are reversible in vitro. Cancer Lett 2000;150:85-92 17 Kemeny-Beke A, Aradi J, Damjanovich J, et al. Apoptotic response of uveal melanoma cells upon treatment with chelidonine, sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Cancer Lett 2006;237:67-75 18 olombo ML, Bosisio E. Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae). Pharmacol Res 1996;33:127-34. 19 Colombo ML, Bosisio E. Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae). Pharmacol Res 1996;33:127-34. 20 Storr M, Sibaev A, Weiser D, et al. Herbal extracts modulate the amplitude and frequency of slow waves in circular smooth muscle of mouse small intestine. Digestion 2004;70:257-64. 21 Holtmann G, Madisch A, Juergen H, et al. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of an herbal preparation in patients with functional dyspepsia [Abstract]. Ann Mtg Digestive Disease Week 1999 May. 22 Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Digestion 2004;69:45-52 23 Melzer J, Rosch W, Reichling J, et al. Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast). Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004;20:1279-87.

24. Pinto Garcia V, Vicente PR, et al Sangre (Barc) 1990; 35(5): p 402-403 25. Greving I, Niedereichhloz U, et al Poster No P019, Europaisher Pharmakovigilanz Kongress, Berlin Feb 1997 26. Felter HW, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics;1922 27. Chang HM, But PP; Phamacology and application of Chinese materia medica, vol 1, World Scientific, Singapore, 1987, pp 390-94 28. Woods M; The Book of Herbal Wisdom; North Atlantic Books, Berkeley Ca, 1997, p 211 -217. 29. Woods M; The Book of Herbal Wisdom; North Atlantic Books, Berkeley Ca, 1997, p 211 -217. 30. Mitra S, Samajdar K, et al; Int J Pharmacog 1992 30(2):125-128. 31. Mitra S, Sur RK, et al; Phytother Res 1996; 10(4): 354-356. 32. Vahlensieck U, Hahn R et al; Planta Med. 1995; 61(3): 267 271. 33. Kniebel R, Urlacher W, et al; Zeit Allg Med 1977; 28 (4): 181-185. 34. Aminev AMStoliarenko AI Vop Onkol 1960; 6 (8):81-82. 35. Aminev AM, Am J Protocol 1963; 14 (1): 25-27. 36. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/2/4 37. Ellingwood F; The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy; 1919. 38. Felter H.W., Lloyd JU; King's American Dispensatory;1898. 39. Ellingwood F; The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy 40. Holmes 41. Woods M; The Book of Herbal Wisdom; North Atlantic Books,Berkeley Ca, 1997, p 211 -217 42. Ellingwood F; The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy; 1919. 43. Felter HW, Lloyd JU; King's American Dispensatory;1898. 44. Mills S, Bone K; Principle and Practice of Phytotherapy, Modern Herbal Medicine; Churchill Livingstone;Toronto; 2000 pp 335 -340

Western Materia Medica Berberis vulgaris By Terry Willard, Cl.H., Ph.D. Berberidaceae

©2010 Wild Rose College of Natural Healing and Terry Willard All Rights Reserved. 1

Berberis vulgaris – BARBERRY Family Berberidaceae

Common names: B. repens, also Mahonia repens. Jaundice Berry, Pipperidge Bush, Oregon Grape, Cockerell.

We are grouping several Berberis spp. and Mahonia spp. together here as they have very similar if not identical applications.

Plant description: This deciduous shrub stands 1 - 2.8 m high, erect, with long binding branches, dotted with triple spines. The leaves are ovate-oval, simple, closely serrulate, alternate and petioled, about 5 cm long, a third as wide, 3-parted and spiny. Flowers are borne in small yellow clusters on lax pendulous racemes. Petals are entire, and the stamens spring against the stigma when touched. The fruit consists of bright red, very acidic oblong berries, clustered in branches.

Berberis repens is a creeping dwarf shrub with bright yellow flowers, which are somewhat spherical and on long racemes. The leathery leaves are pinnate with three to seven prickly-toothed evergreen leaflets. The fruit is berry-like, dark blue, and has a bloom.

Berberis species are alternate hosts to wheat rust. It was once presumed that if this rust parasite did not spend at least part of its life cycle on the Berberis host, it would not be able to infect wheat. Campaigns were initiated in wheat-growing areas to eradicate all Berberis species. This is one of the reasons why today there is little Berberis in some areas.

The underlying assumption on which these campaigns were based has since been discredited.

Part used: Bark of root, root, bark, berries. History: Barberry has been used since the time of Galen and Dioscorides.1 Berberis is a famous Indian remedy and one of the most valuable herbs. It is unequalled for normalizing liver secretions, and is an excellent tonic for the delicate and weak (especially children). It alleviates anemia and general



malnutrition in just a few weeks. It regulates the digestive system, lessens the size of the spleen, and removes obstructions in the intestinal tract.2 The Blackfoot Indians called barberry oti-to-gue and used the steeped, peeled, dried root to check rectal hemorrhages, dysentery and stomach troubles. The bark of the root contains an alkaloid (the previously discussed berberine) that promotes bile secretion. When cayenne is used as a ‘carrier’ and matched with barberry, the resulting formula will exhibit superior stimulatory effects on the liver. The alkaloid in the root also tends to dilate the blood vessels and thereby lower blood pressure.3 A tincture of the root is helpful in urinary complaints, and especially for herpes simplex. The Blackfoot Indians would apply either fresh berries or an infusion of the root to open boils. The berries were also used for kidney troubles. Externally, the infused root was applied to wounds as an antiseptic. The root was also chewed and then applied for the same purpose. As horse medicine, the berries were soaked in water and the resulting juice was given to a coughing horse. Human body sores were also treated with the infusion of the root.4 Barberry was listed in Gerard's Herbal and used in Mongolia, Russia and Europe for centuries for gall-bladder problems, hemorrhage, and inflammation. 5,6,7 The Navaho, Paiute and Shoshone were the most notable of a handful of tribes which used a number of Berberis species in North America. The plant was employed for a very broad range of ailments and included some ceremonial usage.8 Constituents: Barberry is said to contain at least eight alkaloids, including berberine (principal), oxyacanthine, berbamine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, berberrubine, and hydrastine.9 The first three alkaloids have the highest concentration and are the most pharmacologically important.10 Berberine may exist in three forms.11 The action of barberry is primarily due to berberine12,13,14,15 Barberry also contains some tannin.16 Medical Research: Cardiovascular: The most active alkaloid, berberine, is a stimulant on the myocardium in low doses.17 In high doses, berberine depresses the myocardium and respiration,



stimulates the smooth muscle of the intestine, and reduces bronchial constriction. Berberine has antihypertensive, inotropic, and antiarrhythmic properties. Berberine appears to have alpha-adrenergic blocking activity. Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine might reduce arrhythmias and improve left ventricular function in patients with heart failure.18 Berberine has been shown to lower blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Berberine might also inhibit aldose reductase.19 Berberine has also been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, thus markedly reducing clotting,20 and to have antiarrhythmic activity.21 Antibiotic: Berberine is a mild anesthetic for the mucous membranes. Its antibiotic effect is quite astounding, inhibiting Leishmania tropica when diluted to 1:80,000 — a much lower concentration than the effective dose for quinine. The antibiotic effect on all organisms seems to increase with pH levels.22 The in vitro activity at pH 8.0 was 2 -4 times higher than at a pH 7.0, which in turn was 1 - 4 times higher than at a pH of 6.0. The antimicrobial function appears to be due to reduction in the adherence (loss of synthesis and expression of hair-like appendages [fimbriae] ) on the surface of berberine-treated bacteria (as seen in E. coli in urinary tract).23 Berberine has antimicrobial effects across a broad spectrum including: antibacterial, antifungal, and some antimycobacterial and antiprotozoal activity. Berberine has activity against: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Shigella boydii, Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, Cryptococcus neoformans, Sporotrichum schenckii, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia.24,25,26,27

Berberine produces an antipyretic effect in rats three times higher than aspirin.28 As an immunostimulatory substance, berberine has been shown to increase the blood supply to the spleen,29 while increasing the activity of macrophages.30 Berberine sulfate has shown activity in B1, RB and PS tumour systems. Berberine has also demonstrated immunostimulatory, anticonvulsant, sedative, hypotensive, uterotonic and cholerectic activity. Oxyacanthine is active in the kidney bladder system.31 Berberine has also shown cytostatic activity against tumor and human leukemia cells, in vitro. It is felt this is due to its ability destroy the enzyme in tumors that is necessary for DNA replication.32 Anti-inflammatory: barberry root also seems to have anti-inflammatory activity, which is possibly mediated by its alkaloid constituents such as berberine.33 Berberine blocks production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL1)-beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by blocking nuclear factor-kappaB, the transcription factor responsible for regulation of cytokine production. Berberine has potential usefulness in treating alcoholic liver disease, which is associated with increased levels of IL1-beta and TNF-alpha.34 Psoriasis: applying a specific 10% Oregon grape extract cream (Relieva, Apollo Pharmaceutical) can modestly decrease the severity of psoriasis and improve quality of life in patients with psoriasis. Preliminary research suggests that it might be as effective as calcipotriene (Dovonex) cream for some patients.35,36,37 The research suggests that



berberine inhibits keratinocyte growth and reduces cell proliferation.38 Pharmcokinetics Oral administration of 50 mg/100g to rabbits resulted in a maximum level of berberine in blood after 8 hours. It was still found in the blood after 72 hours. Levels were highest in heart, pancreas and liver and it was excreted through the stool and urine.39

Homeopathic Rapid change of symptoms, pain changing with regard to place and character – thirst alternates with thirstlessness, hunger and loss of appetite. People are listless, apathetic, indifferent. Puffy sensation feeling as if becoming larger. Chilliness in back and occiput. Sensation of pressing upon the whole scalp.

Toxicity: None found Herbal action: Barberry is a bitter tonic, stomachic, alterative and mild purgative.40,41,42,43,44,45 It regulates digestion, and is useful in diarrhea.46,47 Contraindications and cautions: Considered not safe to be taken during pregnancy and lactation, as it will cross the placenta and enter the breast milk. The berberine constituent of barberry can cause kernicterus (a form of brain damage caused by excessive jaundice) in newborns, particularly preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.48 Use only under practitioner supervision. Medicinal uses: Grieve states that it is "an excellent remedy for dyspepsia and functional derangement of the liver". It is also suggested for jaundice49 and has been used as an astringent and a febrifuge.50 One of the primary symptoms guiding the use of barberry is the feeling of being invaded. One of my long term patients gave birth to extremely premature twins, one 1.7 pounds and the other 2.9 pounds. They both survived but the smallest, a boy (Sammie), had to live his first eight months connected to multiple tubes for life support. Sammie made good progress after coming off life support for the first six months, and then everything stopped. For over a month he gained no more weight and seemed to be suffering from malnutrition. Barberry came to mind, as this little child had spent the first part of his life in a completely invaded space hooked up to multiple tubes of life support and subjected to continuous probing for various tests. This suggested to me the idea of being invaded. He was given 1



drop of barberry, twice daily for a month and there was a complete turnaround. Sammie started gaining weight and some six years later he is now a very happy and healthy boy. Barberry is traditionally given to fight off microorganisms; it is also an excellent tonic especially for delicate and weak children. I find it useful for patients who need protection, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. About four years ago, Wendy (22 years old) came in with what sounded like horrible news. She had been traveling in the tropics and had picked up some parasites. She went to her doctor and after examining her, they stated that her digestive tract was full of eggs which were about to hatch in about 1 - 2 weeks. They said the parasites would likely eat right through the lining of her bowel and she could expect to die in about three weeks. They had no solution. Again barberry tincture was brought in, this time at 20 drops, three times daily. It helped protect her digestive tract, while some anti-parasitic herbs were employed successfully. Today, she is in good shape and several tests have shown no return of the parasites. Barberry has traditionally been used as an excellent remedy for dyspepsia and functional derangement of the liver. It is also suggested for jaundice and has been used as an astringent and a febrifuge. Energetics Traditional Chinese A related species, B. sargentianae, has a bitter flavour with cold property.51

Ayurvedic (Related species B.aristata) Rasa - katu (pungent), tikta (bitter); Guna - rooksha (oily); Veerya - ushna (hot); Vipak - katu (pungent) Action: Lekani, shodhni, kapha pitta har, bran sodhan, bran ropan, rakt sodhak, netra roghar, dipan, graphi, rakt sodhak, atisar nasak, varnakari.52

Other Holmes says barberry is bitter and astringent being cold and dry, with secondary qualities of astringing, decongesting, relaxing, restoring, while having a sinking movement. Barberry enters the Spleen, Stomach, Liver and Gall Bladder meridians acting on the liver, gall bladder, spleen, intestine and blood with an organism of warmth. It decreases Pitta & Kapha, while increasing Vayu.53

Dosage Average dose 2.0 gms54,55,56 Decoction or infusion 15 - 60 ml57 1:20 bark in H20

Concentrate 1 tbsp, three times a day; Infusion 2 - 3 tbsp, three to four times daily Tincture 1 tsp (5 ml) daily.



Extractum Berberidis Liquidum, U.S.P. 1905.58 Decoctum Berberidis Corticis B.P.C. 1911.59 Tinctura Berberidis B.P.C. 1934.60 Fluid extractum Berberidis N.F. 1935.61

Homeopathic tincture, single drop to 6x

Licensing: As of July 30 2010, between the various Berberis spp. and Mahonia spp., there are 91 products with NPNs containing these ingredient

REFERENCES

1. Gathercoal, E.N. and Wirth, E.H., Pharmacognosy, Lea & Febiger, Phila. PA, 1936. p.270. 2. Willard, T.W., Textbook of Modern Herbology, c.w. Progressive Publishing Inc., Calgary, AB, Can., 1988, p.111. 3. Hellson, J.C., Ethnobotany of the Blackfoot Indians, Canadian Ethnology Service Paper # 19, Mercury Series, National Museums of Canada, Ottawa, 1974. 4. Willard, T.W., Ibid. 5. Duke, J.A., Ibid. 6. Grieve, M., Ibid., pp.83-84. 7. Felter, H.W. and Lloyd, J.U., King's American Dispensatory (Vol.1), (18th ed., 3rd Rev.), 1898 (Repr. 1983) Eclectic Med. Publication, Portland, OR, p.345-349. 8. Moerman, D.E., Medicinal Plants of Native America, University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology, Technical Reports, Number 19, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1986, Vol.1, p.89. 9. Wood, H.C. and Osol, A., Dispensatory of the United States of America 23rd ed., J.B. Lippincott, Montreal, P.Q., 1943. p.204. 10. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Woodbridge Press Publ. Co., Santa Barbara CA, 1980. p.28. 11. Gathercoal, E.N. and Wirth, E.H., Pharmacognosy, Lea & Febiger, Phila. PA, 1936. p.210. 12. Wren, R.C., Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, Health Science Press, Rustington, Sussex, U.K., 1975. p.28. 13. The Merck Index 5th ed., Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway NJ, 1940. p.79. 14. The British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934. The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1934. p.204. 15. Duke, J.A., Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton FL, 1985. p.78. 16. The Merck Index 5th ed., Ibid. p.66. 17. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Ibid. 18 Ang ES, Lee ST, Gan CS, et al. Evaluating the role of alternative therapy in burn wound management: randomized trial comparing moist exposed burn ointment with conventional methods in the management of patients with second-degree burns. Med Gen Med 2001;3:3. 19 Zeng XH, Zeng XJ, Li YY. Efficacy and safety of berberine for congestive heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 2003;92:173-6 20. Chu ZI, Haung CG, et al; Clin Pharmacol Bull; 1994; 10(2):114-116. 21. Hua Z, Wang XI; Yoa Hsueh Hsueh Pao; 1994; 29(8):576 - 580. 22. Amin, A.H. et al., Berberine sulfate: antimicrobial activity, bioassay and mode of action, Can. J. Microbiol. 15:1067-76, 1969. 23. Mills S, Bone K; Principle and Practice of Phytotherapy, Modern Herbal Medicine; Churchill Livingstone;Toronto; 2000 pp 286 - 296. 24 Rehman J, Dillow JM, Carter SM, et al. Increased production of antigen-specific immunoglobulins G and M following in vivo treatment with the medicinal plants Echinacea angustifolia and Hydrastis canadensis. Immunol Lett 1999;68:391-5.



25 Kaneda Y, Torii M, Tanaka T, Aikawa M. In vitro effects of berberine sulphate on the growth and structure of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 1991;85:417-25. 26 Gupte S. Use of berberine in treatment of giardiasis. Am J Dis Child 1975; 129:866. 27 Scazzocchio F, Corneta MF, Tomassini L, Palmery M. Antibacterial activity of Hydrastis canadensis extract and its major isolated alkaloids. Planta Med 2001;67:561-4. 28. Sabir, M., et al., Further studies on pharmacology of berberine, Ind. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 22:9-23, 1978. 29. Sabir, M. and Bhide, N., Study of some pharmacologic actions of berberine, Ind. J. Physiol. Pharm. 15:111-32, 1971. 30. Kumazawa, Y., et al., Activitation of peritonal macrophages by berberine alkaloid in terms of induction of cytostatic activity, Int. J. Immunopharmacol. 6:587-92, 1984. 31. Duke, J.A., Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Ibid. 32. Mills S, Bone K; Iibid. 33 vanovska N, Philipov S. Study on the anti-inflammatory action of Berberis vulgaris root extract, alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids. Int J Immunopharmacol 1996;18:553-61. 34 Hsiang CY, Wu SL, Cheng SE, Ho TY. Acetaldehyde-induced interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production is inhibited by berberine through nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway in HepG2 cells. J Biomed Sci 2005;12:791-801. 35 Wiesenauer M, Lydtke R. Mahonia aquifolium in patients with Psoriasis vulgaris; an intraindividual study. Phytomedicine 1996;3:231-5 36 Gulliver WP, Donsky HJ. A report on three recent clinical trials using Mahonia aquifolium 10% topical cream and a review of the worldwide clinical experience with Mahonia aquifolium for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Am J Ther 2005;12:398-406. 37 Berstein S, Donsky H, Gullver W, et al. Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis with Relieva, a Mahonia aquifolium extract - a double blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Ther 2006;13:121-6. 38 Hyodo T, Taira T, Kumakura M, et al. The immediate effect of Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, traditional Japanese herbal medicine, for muscular cramps during maintenance hemodialysis. Nephron 2002;90:240 39. Mills S, Bone K; iIbid. 40. The British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934. The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1934.p.202-203. 41. Gathercoal, E.N. and Wirth, E.H., Pharmacognosy, Lea & Febiger, Phila. PA, 1936, p.271. 42. Wood, H.C. and Osol, A., Dispensatory of the United States of America 23rd ed.,J.B. Lippincott, Montreal, P.Q., 1943.p.205. 43. The Merck Index 5th ed., Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway NJ, 1940,. p.66. 44. Wren, R.C., Ibid. 45. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Jonathan Cape, London, 1931, p.23. 46. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Ibid. 47. Grieve, M., Ibid. 48 Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8 49. Wren, R.C., Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, Ibid. 50. The Merck Index 5th ed., Ibid. 51. Hsu, H.Y., Chen, Y.P., et al., Oriental Materia Medica: a concise guide, Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA, 1986, p.151. 52. Kapoor, L.D., CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1990, p.73. 53. Holmes, P., The Energetics of Western Herbs (2 vols.), Artemis Press, Boulder CO, 1989, p.288. 54. Gathercoal, E.N. and Wirth, E.H., Pharmacognosy, Ibid. 55. Wood, H.C. and Osol, A., Dispensatory of the United States of America, Ibid. 56. The National Formulary (6th ed.), American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1935. p.60. 57. The Merck Index 5th ed., Ibid. 58. Lucus, E.W. and Stevens, H.B., The Book of Pharmacopeias, J & H Churchill, London, 1915. p.88. 59. Lucus, E.W. and Stevens, H.B., The Book of Pharmacopeias, Ibid p.38.



60. The British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934. The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1934. p.204. 61. The National Formulary (6th ed.), American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1935. p.159.

Western Materia Medica Raphanus sativa nigra By Terry Willard Cruciferae


1

Raphanus sativa nigra - Black Radish Family Cruciferae Common names: Black Russian Radish and Spanish Radish, Moolak, Mooli Beej, Rábano, Radis, Raphani sativi radix, Red Radish.

Plant description: The leaves are rough and partly divided into segments. The small flowers are born on 1 m tall stems, varying in colour from white to pale violet with dark veins. The plant resembles a small turnip. Originally from China.

Part used: Root. Constituents: Phenyl-ethyl isothiocyanate (glucobrassicine, 3-indolyl-methylglucosinolate), a pungent, volatile and amylolytic enzyme.1,2

Medical Research: Black radish reduces bilirubin in the body and thus relieves the body of gallstones. Even though there is little pharmacological information on this herb, it has been heavily used for hepatic drainage. It is used as a choleretic, cholagogue, for benign bronchial problems and topically for sunburns, superficial and limited burns and for diaper rash. It has also been used for hepatic headaches and for limited use in alopecia.3 Has good levels of Vitamin C (anti-scorbutic), rich in potassium, sodium, iron and magnesium.4

Isothiocyanate is known to have antimicrobial activity.5 It helps the kidney rid the blood of irritants that promote allergies and arthritis. It reduces allergic rhinitis and asthma, sedates coughs and has been employed to reduce spasmodic conditions like whooping cough. This botanical was the cholagogue of choice for Dr. Royal Lee (founder of Standard Process laboratories).6 Other uses include muscle cramps, nervous twitching, rheumatism, coughs, intestinal gas, and insomnia.7

Glucobrassicine

Western Materia Medica Raphanus sativa nigra By Terry Willard Cruciferae


2

Toxicity: There is no toxicity to this herb. Herbal action: Hepatic, biliary and mild diuretic Energetics Ruled by Mar astrologically

Flower Essence: Radish flower essence has psychological strengthening ability. It is useful for anyone who suffers from bereavement or sense of being unable to cope. It helps to reorder the mind, giving a level of objectivity, and comfort in difficult times, as in the death of a loved one. It can integrate the mind after the shock and trauma of bereavement (Aditi Himalaya)

Radish flower essence is a catalyst the can be added to combination to amplify the other essence, to give them a kick (Green Hope Farm)

Radish flower essence stabilizes the subconscious and dreams state. It increases the life force, yang energy and opens the lower chakras. (Pegasus)

Dosage Powdered herb 250 - 100 mg. Juice 1/2 cup, three times daily

Licensing: As of July 30, 2010, there are 15 NPNs given for products containing this herb.

REFERENCES

1. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Jonathan Cape, London, 1931, p.668. 2. Bruneton J; Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants; Lavoiser, NY; 1995; p.178. 3. Bruneton; iIbid. 4. http://www.magdalin.com/herbal/plants_pages/q&r/radish.htm 5. Anders Kjaer et al, "Volatiles in Distillates of Fresh Radish of Japanese and Kenyan Origin", Agricultural and Biological Chemistry 42:1715-21, Sept. 1978. 6 Wood, Matthew; The Earthwise Herbal (Old World); North Atlantic Books; 2008

7. http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/2194/h_r.html

Western Materia Medica Chionanthus virginica By Terry Willard Oleaceae


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Chionanthus virginica - Fringe Tree Family Oleaceae Common names: old-man’s-beard, snowdrop tree, white fringe, flowering ash, poison ash, graybeard tree, shavings, snow flower.

Plant description: Small trees with opposite leaves, flattened branches, and flowers in terminal and axillary racemes. Calyx short, four-parted; corolla tube very short, limb in four long and linear segments; stamens two, very short, inserted on the tube. Fruit a fleshy drupe, with a bony and one-seeded nucleus. C. VIRGINICA: Leaves oval and oblong-lanceolate, of various outlines on the same tree, three to six inches long, leathery, smooth. Flowers on long peduncles, with a smooth calyx; petals an inch long, snow-white; panicles drooping and delicate, the long fringe of the petals giving the clusters a very graceful appearance.

Habitat, ecology and distribution: Common through the woods of the Southern States, and making a very ornamental tree of moderate size. Fringe tree is found in moist thickets and along streams from Delaware to Florida and Texas.

Part used: Root bark History: Chionanthus is one of the most striking and beautiful southern shrubs, and is often cultivated in gardens and parks for its ornamental beauty. It is regarded as one of the most valuable indigenous remedies in the southern States. The fringe-tree, as it is commonly called, grows from Pennsylvania to Georgia and Tennessee, thriving in sandy soils, in elevated situations, near flat rocks, and along river banks. The tree, when in blossom (May and June) presents a beautiful appearance, being snow-white, hence its common names of old man's beard, old man's gray beard, snowdrop-tree, and white ash. It is also known as poison ash. The name chionanthus (pronounced ki'o-nan"thus) is derived from two Greek words, chion (snow) and anthus (flower, or blossom), hence, snowflower. The bark of the root is the part used. It imparts its properties to water or alcohol. Constituents: Saponin, lignin glycosides (chionanthin, forsythin), aglucone phyllogen, phillyroside

Toxicity: No indication in material reviewed.



2

Herbal action: Hepatic, cholagogue, stimulant, clearing stagnation and liver damp heat, pancreatic, hypoglycemic, diuretic.

Indications: Specific Indications.—Icteric (jaundice) hue of skin and conjunctiva (mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and reflects onto eyeball); dull hepatic pains and tenderness or soreness upon deep-pressure; light clay-colored, or frothy yeast-like stools; sallow, dirty-looking skin with hepatic tenderness and expressionless eyes; intense cutting pain from liver to navel, attended by nausea, vomiting, and great prostration; icteric coloration without pain; the urine stains the clothing yellow; colic, with green stools; jaundice, with pale watery intestinal discharges and intense itching of the skin; pain simulating colic, extending from liver region over the whole abdomen; tympanites; and presence of sugar in the urine.1

Medicinal uses: The bark of the root of this tree is a rather bitter tonic, with an excess of relaxing properties, but stimulating qualities. It promotes all the secretions slowly, but especially those of the liver, gall-ducts, and kidneys. It has been much used as a remedy among African Americans for flus. Its tonic and slow hepatic properties are more reliable, rather than upon any antiperiodic action. An ounce of the dried bark is made into decoction with a quart of water, and boiled down to a pint; and of this two fluid ounces may be given three times a day. A pint of thirty per cent alcohol will form a good tincture with two ounces of bark; and of this, two fluid drachms may be given three times a day. It is applied to wounds and scrofulous ulcers, and is said to greatly diminish suppuration and promote healing. 2 Medicines that actually and positively influence the liver and its secretions are not numerous. For many years much misdirected attention was bestowed upon that greatly abused and usually very innocent organ. "Liver-tapping" virtues, now quite forgotten, were ascribed to mercurials and many other powerful drugs.3 Practically, chionanthus seems to act in any instance where the imprisoned bile can be liberated by reducing the attendant swelling and congestion. In complete obstruction it fails, as do other remedies. One effect of chionanthus is to attenuate the bile, and there can be little doubt that it prevents the formation of biliary calculi. When the concretions are small and pass with a fair degree of ease, we believe it beneficial; but when they are strongly impacted it is doubtful whether chionanthus has any influence upon them or power to dislodge them. But in jaundice, depending upon functional inactivity and other forms of mechanical obstruction, it is the first-remedy to be considered. For the acute catarrhal jaundice of children and the jaundice of the newborn, it acts more favorably



3

than any remedy known to us. When gastric and duodenal troubles depend upon deficient action of the liver, chionanthus is most frequently indicated. It is useful then in chronic intestinal inflammation, chronic duodenitis, chronic gastritis, irritation of the stomach and bowels due to high living, and is a remedy of considerable value in the gastro-intestinal and hepatic disorders of dipsomania. It has been asserted by many whose experience entitles them to make claims that chionanthus is a potent and satisfactory medicinal aid in glycosuria, when the glycogenic function of the liver is at fault. While it is believed to have some effect upon the functions of the pancreas, it is probably of little value in that worst form of diabetes, mellitus, in which the cells of Langerhans are destroyed. It should be given renewed study for the glycosuria of obesity and when sugar intolerance alone, and not starch disturbances, creates what so often passes for diabetes. These are rather pre-diabetic conditions, if tending in that direction at all, but even if untreated might never reach the true diabetic state. There is good reason to believe that the prolonged use of chionanthus will be very beneficial in such cases. Chionanthus acts principally upon the abdominal glandular organs, and to some extent upon the venous system, relieving congestion. It is an alterative in the Eclectic meaning of that term. While its main action is upon the visceral glands, especially the blood-making organs, its influence is also quite marked in other secretory structures. Besides its pronounced catalytic properties, it is diuretic, tonic, and is said to be aperient.4 Prof. King, in the American Dispensatory, states that in bilious and typhoid fevers, as well as in obstinate intermittent fevers, the infusion of the bark of the root is efficient. Prof. King further states that it is an excellent tonic in "convalescence from exhaustive diseases," and that it also proves a good local application in external inflammations, ulcers and wounds. The use of an infusion of the bark of the root is directed, although it is doubtful whether such a preparation would be as efficient as an alcoholic form, as the active constituent of the drug, (the resin, or the resinoid), is insoluble in water. Goss states that the infusion is wholly inert. Chionanthus improves the appetite, aids digestion, promotes assimilation, and is a tonic to the whole system. It never produces catharsis, but ptyalism (excess saliva) has resulted from its use. Chionanthus has been successfully used in mercurial cachexia, scrofula, and syphilis, though we possess better agents for these classes of disease. Yet, if the patient be sallow, or yellow, and has hepatic pains, the remedy will prove a valuable accessory agent in hastening the cure. Chionanthus has a decidedly specific action in jaundice. Prof. Scudder was high in his praise of it, even when calculi are present (while other consider it not appropriate). He recommended it in 10 or 15-drop doses during the paroxysm, and also gave it to prevent a



4

recurrence. Nux or dioscorea may be associated with it when called for, the former in atonic conditions, with broad, expressionless tongue, the latter in irritative states, the tongue being red, pointed, and elongated, with prominent papillae. Hypertrophy of the liver, chronic hepatic inflammation, and portal congestion are speedily relieved by chionanthus. The remedy acts quickly, often removing an icteric hue that has existed for months, and even years, in as little as one or two weeks. There is the dull, heavy pain in right hypochondrium, with a feeling of fullness and weight, deep-seated tenderness and soreness on pressure, occasional hectic flushes, light colored feces, sometimes diarrhoea with frothy, yeasty stools, and urine scanty and high colored. Rheumatic affections, with soreness in the region of the liver, and a jaundiced condition, are ameliorated by this drug. Its tonic effects on the chylopoietic viscera render it a good agent in general debility. In intestinal dyspepsia, with jaundice, thin, watery, yeasty intestinal discharges, with previous abdominal distension: Rx specific chionanthus, gtt. v, every 2 hours. Chronic splenitis and nephritis are conditions in which fringetree often proves a good remedy; also in pancreatic disease, inflammatory or otherwise. Glandular diseases, with evidence of imperfect waste, often call for its administration. Chionanthus is of utility in uterine and ovarian congestion, when the usual hepatic symptoms calling for it are present. If there be fullness and bearing down in the pelvic viscera, especially a desire to frequently evacuate the rectum, combine it with specific helonias. Some cases of uterine leucorrhoea are promptly benefited by it. Cleansing injections should be employed at the same time. As a poultice it will be found to be an excellent local application in external inflammations, ulcers, and wounds. Homeopathic Constipation. Debility. Emaciation with liver-disorder. Gall-stone colic. Headache. Jaundice. Liver, disease of; hypertrophy of. Malaria. Neurasthenia. Nursing women, complaints of. Chion. acts powerfully on the liver and is indicated in hypertrophy; obstructed liver. The following are the leading indications: Enormous liver, constipation, clay-coloured stool, jaundice, and high-coloured urine. Liver region sore. Chronic jaundice. Jaundice recurring every summer. Sensation of contraction of stomach as if something alive moving in it; with uneasy sensation in liver and spleen. Rheumatic pains in left ankle and tarsal bone.5 Chion. is suited to so-called bilious temperaments. One observer, who gave Chion. to a nursing woman who had liver disorder with jaundiced tint, noticed that whilst rapid improvement of the liver symptoms occurred, at the same time the milk disappeared and the menses returned. The medicine was stopped and Sabal. serr. given and the milk returned. Six weeks later Chion. was again given and identically the same result took



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place. "Jaundice with arrest of menses" should be a strong indication. Sherbino cured a case of neurasthenia in a clergyman who complained of: “Perspiration all summer. Weakness in arms and legs. Prostrated after preaching mind: ran on sermon and kept him awake. Stupid, drowsy all the time appetite poor; all food gave distress.” Mind feels "played out" generally. No desire to do anything; wants to be let alone. Hypochondriacal, inclined to look on the dark side. Energetics Bitter, bit astringent, cold, neutral, stimulating, decongesting, dissolving, softening, diluting; enters Liver, Gallbladder and Spleen meridians. 6

Pharmacy and dosage: Dosage Decoction 5 - 10 gr

Tincture- 5 - 30 drops powder - 5 to 30 grains. Homeopathic - tincture - 6x

Licensing: As of July 30 2010, there are four products that have been given NPN with Fringe Tree in them. REFERENCES

1. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/felter/chionanthus-virg.html 2. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/cook/CHIONANTHUS_VIRGINICA.htm 3. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/felter/chionanthus-virg.html 4. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/chionanthus.html 5. http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/c/chion.htm 6. Holmes, P., The Energetics of Western Herbs (2 vols.), Artemis Press, Boulder CO, 1989, p.404 -405.



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NOTES

By Terry Willard, Cl.H, Ph.D. Botanicals LESSON FOUR Liver ...use of milk thistle preparations for...

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