Godshaer.co.uk :: ABC Daily Herbal Powder Herb List
ABC Daily Herbal Powder List of Herbs
GODSHAER HERBALIST'S
Complete List of Herbs as found in
ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
including their nutritional compounds, actions, uses and other useful information
You are recommended to take half a teaspoon of the powder daily for general health support
For illness you are advised to take 1-3 tsp daily
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Alphabetical listing of all the herbs in ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus according to the botanical name
back to ABC Daily Powder page
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ALLIUM SATIVUM – GARLIC
Actions: Anti-microbial, diaphoretic, cholagogue, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, alkalizer.
Indications: Garlic is among the few herbs that has a universal usage and recognition. Its daily usage aids and supports the body in ways that no other herb does. It is one of the most effective anti-microbial plants available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. The volatile oil is an effective agent and as it is largely excreted via the lungs, it is used in infections of this system such as chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. It may be helpful in the treatment of whooping cough and as part of a broader approach to bronchitic asthma. In general it may be used as a preventative for most infectious conditions, digestive as well as respiratory. For the digestive tract it has been found that Garlic will support the development of the natural bacterial flora whilst killing pathogenic organisms. In addition to these amazing properties, Garlic has an international reputation for lowering both blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels and generally improving the health of the cardio-vascular system.
A recent study was conducted on two groups, one consisting of 20 healthy volunteers who were fed Garlic for 6 months and the other of 62 patients with coronary heart disease and raised serum cholesterol. Beneficially changes were found in all involved and reached a peak at the end of 8 months. The improvement in cholesterol levels persisted throughout the 2 months of clinical follow-up. The clinicians concluded that Garlic possessed a distinct hypolipidemic, or fat reducing, action in both healthy people and patients with coronary heart disease. Garlic should be thought of as a basic food that will augment the body's health and protect it in general. It has been used externally for the treatment of ringworm.
Constituents: Volatile oil, consisting of sulphur-containing compounds, including allicin (=S-allyl-2-propenthiosulphinate), allyl-methyltrisulphide, diallyldisulphide, diallyltrisulphide, diallyltetrasulphide, allylpropyldisulphide, ajoene, 2-vinyl-4H-l, 3 dithiin, and alliin, which breaks down enzymatically to allicin; with citral, geraniol linalool and a- and b-phellandrene
Miscellaneous; enzymes including allinase, B vitamins, minerals flavonoids.
adenosine
ajoene 411/
cis-ajoene
trans-ajoene 268
alanine 1, 320-3, 168
allicin 1, 500-27, 800
alliin 5, 000-10, 000
alliinase 411/
allisatin pl
allistatin-i
allistatin-ii
allixin
s-allo-mercapto-cysteine
s-allyl-cysteine
s-allyl-cysteine-suoxide
allyl-disuide
allyl-methyl-disuide
allyl-methyl-trisuide
allyl-propyl-disuide
aluminum
aniline
arachidonic-acid
arginine (this is a conditionally essential amino acid that becomes increasingly necessary under conditions of stess, injury, or disease; Arginine functions to enhance the immune system and inhibitcellular replication of tumors; the highest concentrations of Arginine ae found in the connective tissue.)
ascorbic-acid
aspartic-acid
biotin
boron
5-tyl-cysteine-suoxide
caffeic-acid
calcium
calcium-oxalate
carbohydrates
s-(2-carboxy-propyl)-glutathione beta-carotene
beta-carotene
beta-carotene
beta-carotene
chlorogenic-acid
choline
chromium
citral
cobalt
copper
p-coumaric-acid
cycloalliin
cystine
desgalactotigonin 400 rt
desoxyribonuclease
diallyl-disuide
diallyl-suide
diallyl-tetrasuide
3, 5-diethyl-1, 2, 4-trithiolane
digalactosyl-diglyceride
1, 2-dimercaptocyclopentane
dimethyl-disuide
dimethyl-difuran
dimethyl-suide
2, 5-dimethyl-tetrahydro
thiophene dimethyl-trisuide
1, 3-dithiane
eicosapentaenoic-acid
essential oil
1, 2-epithiopropane
s-ethyl-cysteine-suoxide
fat
ferulic-acid
fiber
foliacin
fructose
geraniol
germanium
gibberellin-a-3
gibberellin-a-7
gitonin
glucose
glutamic-acid 8, 050-19, 320
gamma-l-glutamyl-s-allyl-cysteine
gamma-l-glutamyl-s-beta-carboxy-beta-methyl-ethyl-cysteinyl-glycine
gamma-l-glutamyl-s-(2-carboxy-1-propyl)-cysteineglycine
gamma-l-glutamyl-s-allyl-mercapto-cysteine
gamma-l-glutamyl-isoleucine
gamma-l-glutamyl-l-leucine
gamma-l-glutamyl-methionine
gamma-l-glutamyl-s-methyl-l-cysteine-suoxide
gamma-l-glutamyl-l-phenylalanine
gamma-l-glutamyl-s-propyl-l-cysteine
gamma-l-glutamyl-l-valine
glutathione
glycerol-suoquinovoside
glycine
guanosine
hexa-1, 5-dienyl-trisuide
1-hexanol
hexokinase
histidine p-hydroxybenzoic-acid
iodine
iron isotyl-isothiocyanate
isoleucine
kaempferol
leucine
linalool
linolenic-acid
lysine (l-lysine is a natural amino acid that is a building block of collagen and elastin fibers with l-proline); prevents digestion of collagen by blocking sites where enzymes attach, making this nutrient critical in preventing the degradation of collective tissue; l-lysine is not produced by the human bodyso the health of the connective tissue depends on optimal daily intake of this amino acid as well as others.)
magnesium
manganese
methionine
methyl-allyl-disuide
methylallyl-suide
methylallyl-trisuide
2-methylbenzaldehyde t
3-methyl-2-cyclopentene-1-thione
s-methyl-cysteine
s-methyl-cysteine-suoxide
24-methylene-cycloartenol
s-methyl-l-cysteine-suoxide
1-methyl-2-(prop-2-enyl)-disuane
1-methyl-1, 2-(prop-2-enyl)-disuane
1-methyl-3-(prop-2-enyl)-trisuane
methyl-propyl-disuide
4-methyl-5-vinylthiazole
monogalactosyl-diglyceride
myrosinase
niacin
nickel
nicotinic-acid
oleanolic-acid
oleic-acid
ornithine
peroxidase
alpha-phellandrene
beta-phellandrene
phenylalanine
phloroglucinol pl
phosphatidyl-choline
phosphatidyl-ethanolamine
phosphatidyl-inositol
phosphatidyl-serine
phosphorus
phytic-acid
potassium
proline
2-propen-1-ol
propene
propenethiol
prop-2-enyl-disuane
1, 2-(prop-2-enyl)-disuane
trans-1-propenyl-methyl-disuide
s-propenyl-cysteine
s-propyl-cysteine-suoxide
trans-s-(propenyl-1-yl)-cysteine-disuide
prostaglandin-a-1
prostaglandin-a-2
prostaglandin-b-1
prostaglandin-b-2
prostaglandin-e-1
prostaglandin-e-2 alpha-prostaglandin-f-1
alpha-prostaglandin-f-2
protein
protodegalactotigonin
protoeruboside-b
pseudoscoridinine-a
pseudoscoridinine-b
quercetin
quercetin-3-o-beta-d-glucoside
raffinose
riboavin
riboavin
riboavin
riboavin
rutin
saponin
sativoside-b-1
sativoside-r-1
sativoside-r-2
scordine
scordinin-a
scorodinin-a-1
scorodinin-a-2
scorodinine-a-3
scorodinin-b
scorodose
selenium (selenium is an important component of the body's antioxidant defence system and has also been shown to protect cells exposed to toxins; as a concer-fighting compound, senenium suppresses tumour promotion and early stages of tumor grogression through the inhimbition of angiogenic enzymes.)
serine
silicon
siic-acid
beta-sitosterol
sodium
sodium
stigmasterol
succinic-acid
sucrose
taurine
thiamacornine
thiamamidine
thiamin
threonine
tin
alpha-tocopherol
beta-tocopherol
2, 3, 4-trithiapentane
tryptophan
tyrosine
tyrosinase
uranium
valine
2-vinyl-4h-1, 3-dithiin
3-vinyl-4h-1, 2-dithiin
vit-u
zinc
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
ALOE VERA – ALOE GEL
Aloe vera gel (Pure Aloe Gel) - burns, sunburn, wounds, insect bites, skin, eczema, scalp problems, psoriasis in scalp, wrinkles, skin irritations, minor cuts and scratches, an eyewash.
The healing powers Of Aloe vera have been used for the immune system, cancer, tumours, cysts, growths, acteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, all infections and inflammations. Aloe dehydrated powder is regarded to be superior to all other forms of Aloe.
Aloe vera uses and benefits are so wide ranging that even more applications for this incredible herb are regularly being discovered.
The potency of this freeze dried juice powder supports the immune system, the master system of the body, therefore enhancing other systems. The aloe polymannans in Aloe is high. The percentage changes from season to season, plant to plant, and leaf to leaf. The content is of aloe polymannans consists around 30% of the acemannan fraction and 60% of the next fraction (Mannapol) and the remaining two fractions around 10%. What is most important, without a doubt, is the acemannan fraction. Carrington Labs discovered it and their acemannan fraction consists between 800,000 to 1,000,000 daltons.
Aloe powder delivers concentrated nutrients. It is rich in the large complex carbohydrates (glyco-polymannans or aloe polymannans) which science has indicated are responsible for the activation of the macrophages and are also known to enhance our immune system. Researchers from Okinawa , Japan reported in the Japanese Journal of Cancer Research, that Aloe contained at least three anti-tumour agents, emodin, mannose, and lectin. The researchers concluded that Aloe controls pulmonary carcinogenesis and is effective in the treatment of leukaemia and sarcoma and that it would prevent the development of tumours.
Aloe vera has been demonstrated to enhance the immune system's response to cancer, promote the growth of new and healthy cells, and reduce the overall viral load within the body thereby revitalizing the body in its fight against the cancer. When radiation and chemotherapy are used, Aloe helps to minimize the damage done to the body by these treatments, which destroy healthy cells - particularly immune system cells - crucial to the body's recovery. This enables the body to heal itself from cancer and the damage done to it by conventional treatment.
Aloe vera contains a number of chemicals that enhance the activities of all of the immune system functions:
23 polypeptides serve as immune system stimulators, helping to control a broad spectrum of immune system diseases and disorders.
20 polysaccharides increase the action of white blood cells thus increasing the production of "killer" T-cells and interferon. They also chemically enhance the action of the "killer" T-cells. One of these polysaccharides, acelated mannose, has been patented as acemannen and is approved in Europe to stimulate the immune system. The polypeptides, plus the anti-tumour agents aloe-emodin and aloe lectins, explains its ability to help cancer.
Over 200 bio-active constituents (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, and polymannans).
Glucomannan, a special complex polysaccharide composed largely of the sugar mannose, interacts with special cell-surface receptors on those cells which repair damaged tissues, called fibroblasts, stimulating them, activating their faster growth and replication.
Mannose acts to the immune system as a modulator. The modulation process controls and regulates the immune system to activate and fight off foreign invaders. This powerful molecule is on all cell surfaces, helping all other nutrients work even better. It is one of the glyconutrients that strengthen the immune system. Mannose is a glyconutrient found in Aloe which inhibits certain pro-inflammatory molecules causing asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and even lupus. In cellular studies it has been shown that mannose inhibits tumour growth and blocks communication between tumour cells. Mannose is the main saccharide of the eight essential saccharides (glyconutrients). Mannose has to be freeze dried almost immediately that it is taken from the plant, as it will deteriorate very quickly and be of very little use. Mannose can accelerate cellular communication and recovery from illness.
Science has discovered a very powerful phytochemical found in Aloe Vera which is in a special category of mucopolysaccharides. These are super antioxidants that bind free radicals on the outside of cells and unlike other antioxidants they also work inside the cell. There is a critical deficiency of these factors in our diet. Galactomannans in Aloe are a class of long chain sugars derived from plants, which have been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to have a wide variety of immune stimulating and protective effects within the body.
Aloe helps to decrease leakiness of the intestinal wall (leaky gut syndrome, see my specialised herbal medicine for this condition) and less absorption of allergic stimulating foreign protein.
Acemannan has direct virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties which can help control candida overgrowth so that normal gastrointestinal bacterial flora can be restored. Acemannan also stimulates intestinal motility, helping to move allergenic proteins into the colon. All these processes help to normalize gastrointestinal wall structure and function and therefore stop the vicious macrophages, killer T-cells, and monocytes, as well as increasing the number of antibody forming B-cells in the spleen. Acemannan also protects the bone marrow from damage by toxic chemicals and drugs such as AZT.
These various effects while seemingly widespread and unrelated, are in fact due to one simple process at the cell membrane level. Acemannan, a mucopolysaccharide, is a long chain sugar which interjects itself into all cell membranes. This results in an increase in the fluidity and permeability of the membrane allowing toxins to flow out of the cell more easily and nutrients to enter the cell. This results in improved cellular metabolism throughout the body and an overall boost in energy production. Aloe's Acemannan has been shown to possess a unique combination of immumodulatory and antiviral properties. The vicious cycle of maldigestion and cellular starvation is finally broken as the acemannan normalizes absorption of nutrients and increases tolerance for allergenic foods. The immune system is now stronger, under control, and better prepared for any new threat.
Aloe - helps stop the bleeding, damage and leakage of the intestine wall [Leaky Gut Syndrome], thereby taking the stress off the immune system.
Aloe - helps to effectively balance and restore proper immune system function.
Aloe - acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent to reduce inflammation.
Aloe - helps to rebuild the intestinal protective mucosa lining.
Aloe - promotes and accelerates the tissue healing process.
Aloe - helps stop the overproduction of stomach acids which lead to heartburn, acid reflux disease or "gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD)
Aloe - helps in the restoration of proper moisture levels within the colon eliminating both diarrhoea and constipation over time.
Aloe - helps fuel all bodily systems through the promotion of proper digestion, absorption and assimilation of foods and nutrients.
Aloe - helps in the normalization of an array of damaging processes in the digestive tract.
Aloe - helps in the elimination of maldigestion and thus a host of pathological reactions
Aloe - has direct anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-yeast and anti-parasitic effects.
Aloe - increases phagocytosis to ingest foreign viral and bacterial agents.
Aloe - promotes the proliferation of healthy flora in the digestive tract.
Aloe - helps to control chronic yeast infections so that normal healthy flora may thrive.
Aloe - helps to increase the circulation throughout the body and aids in blood sugar balancing.
Aloe - is an extremely effective intracellular antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
Aloe - is not digested by the enzyme systems - it is taken up into the cell intact.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
ALTHEA OFFICINALIS – MARSHMALLOW ROOT
Constituents: mucilage, l8-35%; miscellaneous; about 35% pectin, l-2% asparagine, tannins. Mucilage; including a low molecular weight D-glucan. Flavanoids such a kaempferol, quercitin and diosmetin glucosides. Scopoletin, a coumarin. Polyphenolic acids (anti-aging), including syringic, caffeic, salicyclic, vanillic, p-coumaric etc.
Actions: Demulcent, emmolient, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant.
Indications: Its abundance of mucilage makes Marshmallow an excellent demulcent that is indicated for the digestive system and to a lesser extent for the urinary system and lungs. All inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. Also supportive help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
APIUM GRAVEOLENS - CELERY SEED
Constituents: Volatile oil, containing d-limonene, with[[alpha]]-selinene, santalol, [[alpha]]- and [[beta]]-eudesmol, dihydrocarvone.
Phthalides; mainly 3-n-butylphthalide, ligustilide, sedanolide, and sedanenolide. Coumarins; bergapten, isoimperatorin, isopimpinellin, apiumoside &celeroside. Flavonoids; apiin and apigenin. Fixed oil, fatty acids.
Action: rheumatism, sedative; arthritis, gout (with Taraxacum), urinary anti-septic; RA with mental depression (specific).
Indications: Celery Seeds find their main use in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout. They are especially useful in rheumatoid arthritis where there is an associated mental depression. Their diuretic action is obviously involved in rheumatic conditions, but they are also used as a urinary antiseptic, largely because of the volatile oil apiol.
Combinations: In rheumatic conditions they appear to work better in combination with Dandelion.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
ARCTIUM LAPPA - BURDOCK ROOT
Compositae
Names : Lappa, Beggar's Buttons.
Habitat : Grows in hedges and ditches in Europe, parts of Asia, N.America; cultivated in Japan .
Collection : The roots and rhizome should be unearthed in September or October.
Part Used : Roots and rhizome.
Constituents :
Lignans, including arctigenin, its glycoside arctiin, and matairesinol.
Polyacetylenes, in the root, mainly tridecadienetetraynes and tridecatrienetriynes, with the sulphur-containing arctic acid.
Amino acids, such as [[alpha]]-guanidino-n-butyric acid
Inulin in the roots
Miscellaneous organic acids, fatty acids and phenolic acids; includingacetic, butyric, isovaleric, lauric, myristic, caffeic and chlorogenicacids.
Action: alterative, bitter, diuretic, dry or scaly eczema, psoriasis, skin detoxification; anorexia nervosa.
Indications : Burdock is a most valuable remedy for the treatment of skin conditions which result in dry and scaly skin. It may be most effective for psoriasis if used over a long period of time. It will be useful as part of a wider treatment for rheumatic complaints, especially where they are associated with psoriasis. Part of the action of this herb is through the bitter stimulation of the digestive juices and especially of bile secretion. Thus it will aid digestion and appetite. It has been used in anorexia nervosa and similar conditions, also to aid kidney function andto heal cystitis. In general, Burdock will move the body to a state of integration and health, removing such indicators of systemic imbalance as skin problems and dandruff. Externally, it may be used as a compress or poultice to speed up the healing of wounds and ulcers.Eczema and psoriasis may also be treated this way externally, but it must be remembered that such skin problems can only be healed from within and with the aid of internal remedies.
Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "general alterative: influences skin, kidneys, mucous and serous membranes, to remove accumulated waste products. It is specific for eruptions on the head, face and neck, and for acute irritable and inflammatory conditions." They give the following specific indications: Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis. Boils, carbuncles, styes, sores. Rheumatism, gout and sciatica. Ellingwood recommends it for the following pathologies: aphthous ulcerations; irritable coughs; psoriasis and chronic cutaneous eruptions; chronic glandular enlargements, syphilitic, scrofulous and gouty conditions.
Combinations : For skin problems, combine with Yellow Dock, Red Clover or Cleavers.
Citations from the Medline database for the genus Arctium
Burdock
Dombradi CA Foldeak S
Screening report on the antitumor activity of purified Arctium Lappaextracts.
Tumori (1966 May-Jun) 52(3):173-5
Morita K Kada T Namiki M
A desmutagenic factor isolated from burdock (Arctium lappa Linne).
Mutat Res (1984 Oct) 129(1):25-31
With thanks to David Hoffman, medical herbalist for this entry.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
ARMORACIA RUSTICANA - HORSERADISH ROOT
Horseradish root contains approx. 0.6% of glucosinolates; the most abundant of these are sinigrin (0.2%) and gluconasturtiin (0.1%). As soon as intact cells are damaged, these isothiocyanates are enzymatically hydrolyzed to yield allyl isothiocyanate and 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate, respectively. Further glucosinolates in horseradish are glucobrassicanapin and the indol-derived glucobrassicin (plus some closely related compounds like 4-methoxy glucobrassicin, 4-hydroxy glucobrassicin). On hydrolysis, glucobrassicanapin yields 4-pentenyl isothiocyanate; yet the glucobrassicines have no corresponding stable isothiocyanates. Instead, they hydrolyze to 3-hydroxyindole derivatives and free isothiocyanate ions.
Among the non-volatile constituents, one should mention flavone glycosides (quercetine, kaempferol) and particularly ascorbic acid, which is contained to 06% in horseradish root.
Action: stimulant (strong), diuretic (strong), aperient, expectorant, rubefacient (Raynaud's), anti-septic; nervous stimulant, digestive organs stimulant, kidney stones, oedema, persistent cough (especially following influenza); whooping cough, hoarseness, worms.
Main constituents:
Origin: The plant is thought to be of Mediterranean or Eastern European origin, and is now widely cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe . It is commonly found “wild”, this is, escaped from cultivation.
Etymology: German has two different words for horseradish: Meerrettich is preferred in the North, while Southern Germans and Austrians usually call the spice Kren. Meerrettich literally means “more radish” or “greater radish”, indicating the greater size (or the stronger aroma) of horseradish compared to garden radish (Raphanus sativus).
Horseradish is a very popular spice in Central and Northern Europe, where the fresh root is grated and eaten together with cured ham or cooked or roasted meat (e.g., British roastbeef); at Easter time, cured ham with horseradish is a traditional meal in Austria . Since the aroma is so volatile and instable, the tearful process of grating must be repeated several times during the meal. Horseradish preservatives, usually grated and tinned root with a few stabilizing additions, are available, but true lovers of the root think them inferior, though much more convenient.
The pungent allyl isothiocyanate is not heat resistant; therefore, horseradish is only seldom used for warm foods and then added immediately before serving. Even in cold water, allyl isothiocyanate is not stable for longer than a few minutes. However, in sour environment the hydrolysis of thiocyanates takes place much more slowly.
In Austria , freshly grated horseradish (or tinned product) is frequently mixed with grated apples (sour varieties preferred, otherwise some lemon juice is needed) and then eaten as a spicy relish to fried or cooked meat. This mixture (Apfelkren) can be stored for about one day without substantial loss in pungency. To prevent darkening of the apples (enzymatic oxidation of phenolic compounds by oxygen), the apples may shortly steamed before mashing them; this won't much affect the flavour but gives a softer, smoother texture.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
ATHROSPIREA - SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a rich source of protein. It also contains chlorophyll, carotenoids, minerals, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and some unique pigments. These pigments, called phycobilins, include phycocyanin and allophycocyanin. The pigments give spirulina their bluish tinge. Phycobilins are similar in structure to bile pigments such as bilirubin. In the spirulina cell, phycobilins are attached to proteins; the phycobilin-protein complex is called phycobiliprotein.
Spirulina has putative antiviral, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiallergic and immune-modulatory activities.
Mechanism of action: A sulfated polysaccharide called calcium spirulan isolated from Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) was found to inhibit a number of membraned viruses. The viruses inhibited by the polysaccharide included herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), cytomegalovirus, measles virus, mumps virus and HIV-1. Calcium spirulan appears to inhibit the penetration of these viruses into host cells. These studies were performed in vitro. Spirulina has been shown to have hypocholesterolemic activity in experimental animals. The mechanism of this activity is unknown. The spirulina pigment phycocyanin has demonstrated antioxidant activity. It scavenges peroxyl radicals. Phycocyanin has been found to protect against hepatotoxins in rats. The mechanism may be via its antioxidant activity. An extract of Spirulina maxima also protected against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats. The phycocyanin contained in the extract, as well as other antioxidants, probably account for the hepatoprotective effect. Mast-cell mediated immediate-type allergic reactions were found to be inhibited in rats by spirulina. It is speculated that there are substances in spirulina that may inhibit mast-cell degranulation, possibly by affecting the mast-cell membrane. Spirulina platensis extracts have been demonstrated to enhance macrophage function in cats and to enhance humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in chickens. The mechanism of these effects is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics: The pharmacokinetics of spirulina in humans have not been studied. However, the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in spirulina should be digested, absorbed and metabolized by normal physiological processes.
Indications and usage: Spirulina has shown some indication of having antiviral effects in preliminary in vitro and animal studies. There is also evidence of a preliminary nature that it might favorably affect some immune functions and have some hepatoprotective capability. It has shown some promise of inhibiting some allergic reactions in recent experimental studies. Hypocholesterolemic effects have been reported in some animal studies.
Research summary: An extract of spirulina inhibited in vitro replication of HSV-1 simplex virus type 1. It also significantly prolonged survival time of HSV-1-infected hamsters. It seemed to act, not through direct virucidal effects, but rather through inhibition of viral penetration into cells. Subsequently, further experiments demonstrated that spirulina extract significantly inhibited in vitro replication of several enveloped viruses, including human cytomegalovirus, measles virus, mumps virus, influenza A virus and HIV-1. Again, the mechanism of action was said to be selective inhibition of viral penetration into host cells. More recently still, other researchers have focused specifically on the ability of a spirulina extract to inhibit HIV-1 replication in human T-cell lines, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Langerhans cells (LC). The researchers stated: "We conclude that aqueous A platensis extracts contain antiretroviral activity that may be of potential clinical interest." Spirulina and some of its constituents have shown an ability to favorably affect various immune functions. In one animal experiment, it boosted phagocytic activity and increased natural killer (NK)-cell activity two-fold, compared with controls. Spirulina has significantly inhibited chemically induced anaphylactic shock and serum histamine levels in rats, leading to the conclusion that spirulina may inhibit mast-cell degranulation. In another animal experiment, spirulina significantly inhibited local allergic reactions induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. It demonstrated, more specifically, a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha production, leading the researchers to conclude that spirulina inhibits mast-cell mediated immediate-type allergic reactions both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, a constituent of spirulina, administered intraperitoneally, significantly reduced the hepatotoxicity of a carbon tetrachloride challenge. A more recent study confirmed this finding.
LITERATURE Ayehunie S, Belay A, Baba TW, Ruprecht RM. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by an aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis). J Acquir Immune Defic Synd Hum Retrovirol. 1998; 18:7-12. Chamorro G, Salazar M, Favil L, Bourges H. [Pharmacology and toxicology of Spirulina alga.] [Article in Spanish.] Rev Invest Clin. 1996; 48:389-399. Devi MA, Venkataraman LV. Hypocholesterolemic effect of blue-green algae Spirulina platensis in albino rats. Ann Nutr Reports Int. 1983; 28:519-530. Hayashi T, Hayashi K. Calcium spirulan, an inhibitor of enveloped virus replication, from a blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. 1996; 59:83-87. Hayashi K, Hayashi T, Morita N, Kajima I. An extract from Spirulina platensis is a selective inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1 penetration into HeLa cells. hytotherapy Res. 1993; 7:76-80. Johnson PE, Shubert LE. Accumulation of mercury and other elements by spirulina (cyanophyceae). Nutr Rep Intl. 1986; 34:1063-1071. Kim HM, Lee EH, Cho HH, Moon YH. Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in rats by spirulina. Biochem Pharmacol. 1998; 55:1071-1076. Lissi EA, Pizarro M, Aspee A, Romay C. Kinetics of phycocyanine bilin groups destruction by peroxyl radicals. Free Rad Biol Med. 2000; 28:1051-1055. Miranda MS, Cintra RG, Barros SB, Mancini Filho J. Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1998; 31:1075-1079. Quereshi MA, Ali RA. Spirulina platensis exposure enhances macrophage phagocytic function in cats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1996; 18:457-463. Quereshi MA, Garlich JD, Kidd MT. Dietary Spirulina platensis enhances humoral and cell-mediated functions in chickens. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1996; 18:465-476. Romay C, Armesto J, Ramirez D, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-phycocyanin from blue-green algae. Inflamm Res. 1998; 47:36-41. Torres-Durán PV, Miranda-Zamora R, Paredes-Carbajal MC, et al. Studies on the preventive effect of Spirulina maxima on fatty liver development induced by carbon tetrachloride. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 64:141-147. Watanabe F, Katsura H, Takenaka S, et al. Pseudovitamin B12 is the predominant cobamide of an algal health food, spirulina tablets. J Agric Food Chem. 1999; 47:4736-4741. Yang H-N, Lee E-H, Kim H-M. Spirulina platensis inhibits anaphylactic reaction. Life Sciences. 1997; 61:1237-1244.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
BENTONITE - MONTMORILLONITE
Bentonite is formed by volcanic ash following a volcanic eruption. A fine steamer mist blown out which usually contains a substance known as a colloid or volcanic ash. This sifts to earth and as it contains many minerals (25 to 33 in Bentonite) it serves to mineralize the soil. Frequently, however, it can be mined in veins of 2 to 3 feet wide and deep but many yards long. Natives on every continent have used volcanic ash for Ages both internally and externally. The value of Montmorillonite lies in its very fine molecule and its negative electrical attraction for positively charged atoms. The extra fine molecule gives it greater surface area and thus stronger adhesive or pulling power, its negative charge enables it to pick up positively charged toxic material from the alimentary canal to be expelled in the faeces. There is no evidence that it has any chemical action on the body. Its power is purely physical. There is no evidence that Bentonite's 25 to 33 minerals can be absorbed into the body because its own adhesive power seems to be stronger.
Technically, the clay first adsorbs toxins (heavy metals, free radicals, pesticides), attracting them to its extensive surface area where they adhere like flies to sticky paper; then it absorbs the toxins, taking them in the way a sponge mops up a kitchen counter mess.
There is an electrical aspect to Bentonite's ability to bind and absorb toxins. According to Yerba Prima, a company based in Ashland, Oregon, which markets Great Plains® Bentonite, the clay's minerals are negatively charged while toxins tend to be positively charged; hence the clay's attraction works like a magnet drawing metal shavings.
But it's even more remarkable than that. Once hydrated (combined with water), Bentonite has an enormous surface area. According to Yerba Prima, a single quart bottle can represent a total surface area of 960 square yards or 12 American football fields. Bentonite is made of a great number of tiny platelets, with negative electrical charges on their flat surfaces and positive charges on their edges.
When Bentonite absorbs water and swells, it is stretched open like a highly porous sponge; the toxins are drawn into these spaces by electrical attraction and bound fast. In fact, according to the Canadian Journal of Microbiology (31 [1985], 50-53), Bentonite can absorb pathogenic viruses, aflatoxin (a mould), and pesticides and herbicides. The clay is eventually eliminated from the body with the toxins bound to its multiple surfaces.
Bentonite clay's adsorptive and absorptive qualities may be the key to its multifaceted healing abilities. It can help eliminate painful ganglion cysts (tumours attached to joints and tendons; improve intestinal regularity; relieve chronic constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, and ulcers; a surge in physical energy; clearer complexion; brighter, whiter eyes; enhanced alertness; emotional uplift; improved tissue and gum repair; and increased resistance to infections.
A medical study by Frederic Damrau, M.D., in 1961 (Medical Annals of the District of Columbia ) established clearly that Bentonite can end bouts of diarrhea. When 35 individuals (average age 51) suffering from diarrhea took two tablespoons of bentonite in distilled water daily, the diarrhea was relieved in 97% (34 of the 35 patients) in 3.8 days, regardless of the original cause of the problem (allergies, virus infection, spastic colitis, or food poisoning). According to Dr. Damrau, Bentonite is “safe and highly effective” in treating acute diarrhoea.
Knishinsky's research suggests that the regular intake of Bentonite can produce other benefits including parasite removal from the intestines, allergy and hay fever relief, and elimination of anaemia and acne. For example, clay helps anaemia because it contains both types of dietary iron (ferrous and ferric) in an easily assimilated form; it reduces discomfort from allergies by quickly neutralizing allergens that would otherwise produce allergic reactions; and it reduces heartburn and indigestion by absorbing excess stomach acids.
However, Bentonite clay's forte is probably its role as a general internal detoxification and cleansing agent. According to Keith Payne of White Rock Mineral Corporation in Springville , Utah , Bentonite cleans the lining of the colon. “As the colon becomes cleaner, its ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients increases, making the minerals even more bioavailable, thus giving more energy.”
Bentonite contains up to 71 trace and ultra-trace minerals, including many that are probably unknown to most consumers, such as ruthenium, tellurium, and thulium. Trace minerals enable the body to absorb nutrients—“they are the bonding agents in and between you and food,” explains Payne.
Bentonite is derived from an ancient seabed formation in Utah ; according to geologists, the clay formed when a layer of volcanic ash fell into what was, long ago, a shallow inland sea. “As the ash filtered through the seawater, it collected pure minerals, forming a layer of highly mineralized clay,” says Payne.
Bentonite clay can absorb forty times its own weight in toxins and so is a useful adjunct in any detox and cleansing programme.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
BERBERIS VULGARIS – BARBERRY BARK
Constituents: Alkaloids of the isoquinoline type, mainly berberine, berbamine and derivatives, berberrubine, bervulcine, columbamine, isotetrandrine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, oxycanthine and vulvracine.
Miscellaneous, including chelidonic acid, resin, tannin etc.
Actions: Cholagogue, hepatic, anti-emetic, bitter, laxative
Indications: Barberry is one of the best herbal medicines for correcting liver dysfunction and promoting the flow of bile. It is indicated when there is inflammation of the gall-bladder or in the presence of gallstones. When jaundice occurs due to a congested state of the liver, Barberry is also indicated. As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, it is used with weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system. It reduces an enlarged spleen. It protects and acts against malaria and is also effective in the treatment of protozoal infection due to Leishmania spp.
It is a stimulating tonic hepatic. It influences the mucosa generally, removes mucous accumulations and controls excess secretion. It improves appetite, digestion and assimilation. It is indicated for ‘gouty' constitutions. It is used for specific indications: biliary catarrh with constipation and jaundice; gastritis, biliousness, debility during convalescence, ulcerative stomatitis, eczema of the hands.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
CENTELLA ASIATICA – GOTU COLA
Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola, Indian Pennywort and Mandookaparni) has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and was referred to in the French pharmacopoeia in 1884, as well as the ancient traditional Chinese Shennong Herbal some 2,000 years ago, as well in Indian Ayurvedic medicine some 3,000 years ago.
Centella Asiatica has been used for: wound healing, better circulation, memory enhancement, cancer, vitality, general tonic, respiratory ailments, detoxifying the body, treatment of skin disorders (such as psoriasis and eczema), revitalizing connective tissue, burn and scar treatment, clearing up skin infections, slimming and edema, arthritis, rheumatism, treatment of liver and kidneys, periodontal disease, strengthening of veins (varicose veins), blood purifier, high blood pressure, sedative, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, an aphrodisiac, immune booster, anabolic and adaptogen etc.
None of these above claims have been evaluated by the FDA, but research has been done by various institutes and universities, which concluded that more research is called for on this ancient herb.
Although somebody once said "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is" - I am not sure that this applies to this herb, as the qualities exhibited by it, have been used for centuries and are still in use today - for that reason, I do believe that there must be truth in the anecdotal claims made on behalf of this herb. (This herb is in the same class as apple cider vinegar.)
Gotu Cola contains a variety of ingredients, but the active ingredients are asiaticoside (a triterpene glycoside) (triterpenoid), brahmoside and brahminoside (both saponin glycosides), madecassoside (a glycoside with strong anti-inflammatory properties), madecassic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin K, asparate, glutamate, serine, threonine, alanine, lysine . (l-lysine is a natural amino acid that is a building block of collagen and elastin fibers with l-proline); prevents digestion of collagen by blocking sites where enzymes attach, making this nutrient critical in preventing the degradation of collective tissue; l-lysine is not produced by the human bodyso the health of the connective tissue depends on optimal daily intake of this amino acid as well as others), histidine, magnesium, calcium and sodium.
It contains no caffeine yet it is used extensively to increase energy and vitality. The reason for this might be because it is said to assist with increasing the blood sugar level, which in turn would prevent hypoglycemia, mental fatigue, depression, confusion as well as schizophrenic tendencies - or it could be because of the high concentration of thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) which assists to convert carbohydrates into glucose as well as normal nervous system functioning.
In animal testing it was also shown that centella (together with capsicum and Siberian ginseng) can assist in overcoming the negative effects of fatigue and stress.
In traditional African health Gotu Cola has been used for the treatment of leprosy (the asiaticoside content dissolves the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria - allowing the immune system to destroy the bacteria), bronchitis, asthma, syphilis and wound healing; in India it has for the last 3,000 years of Ayurvedic medicine been used for wound healing, a mild diuretic, increasing concentration, alertness, as well as anti-anxiety and anti-stress; in the Far East it is used for treatment of depression, longevity, (in China it is called the "Fountain of Youth")
In our modern day pharmaceutical world (a fact acknowledged by a major multi-national pharmaceutical manufacturer, since they make a centella extract as well) it is often used as an active ingredient in tonics, oral slimming formulas, body-beautiful preparations, body firming products, wound healing, anti-aging skin care products (independent studies have shown the topical effectiveness between centella and treating stretch marks).
Great stock is also put by using this herb for bedridden and post-operative patients for a couple of reasons - wound healing, preventing bedsores, epithelial ulcers, as well as helping prevent muscular atrophy.
Gotu Cola's beneficial effects on the venous system is of great help to people suffering from diverse problems such as varicose veins, gastric ulcers, phlebitis, hemorrhoids, etc. In this action the centella helps in strengthening the capillaries and veins and in so doing assists with better blood circulation.
With its effect on connective tissue great value is achieved with the synthesis of collagen, thickening of the skin (a great anti-aging property - as we age our skins become thinner), increasing the tensile strength of the flesh, wound healing, repair of damaged tissue as well as promoting hair and nail growth.
In a French study done in 1966 it was found that Gotu Cola had a significant healing effect when used after episiotomy - a surgical cut of the vulva to prevent tearing during childbirth. The cut healed more rapidly than with standard treatment.
Other anti-aging properties that this herb is said to promote is an increase in hemoglobin, and a decrease of urea and acid phosphates levels in the blood.
Although Yogis have used Gotu Cola to increase their meditation abilities through better concentration, focus and alertness, this herb has also shown great promise in improving mental retardation and increasing IQ.
It has been used for centuries in the treatment of liver and kidney problems, and has once again become popular as an alternative treatment for people suffering from hepatitis as well as alcoholic liver disease.
When detoxifying the body it is also helpful to look for help from centella, as it assists with destroying toxic accumulation in the brain as well as the nerves, while it helps to clear the body from heavy metals as well as drugs - including recreational drugs.
In alternative health this herb is used to treat tumors and cancerous growths, without suppressing the auto immune system or creating toxic wastes within the body.
Dosage, toxicity and symptoms of high intake
No RDA or dosage has been determined but fresh leaves can be used in salads, or dried leaves can also be used to make tea.
Gotu Cola is Tonic, Diuretic and Alterative. It is used in treatment of leporasy and known to ameliorate the symptoms of the disease and improves general health of the patient. It is a brain tonic and stimulates hair growth.
Stem: The stems are slender, creeping stolons, green to reddish green in color, interconnecting one plant to another. It has long-stalked, green, reniform leaves with rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins. The leaves are born on pericladial petioles, around 20 cm. The rootstock consists of rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root hairs.
Flowers: The flowers are pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size (less than 3 mm), with 5-6 corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of Hydrocotyle which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit.
The crop matures in three months and the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually. When eaten raw as a salad leaf, pegaga is thought to help maintain youthfulness. A decoction of juice from the leaves is thought to relieve hypertension. This juice is also used as a general tonic for good health. A poultice of the leaves is also used to treat open sores. Interestingly, chewing on the plant for several hours induces entheogenic meditation, similar to the effects of salvia divinorum, although this practice is widely considered dangerous, as it can cause temporomandibular joint pains.
Uses: Several scientific reports have documented Centella asiatica's ability to aid wound healing. Upon treatment with Centella asiatica, maturation of the scar is stimulated by the production of type I collagen. The treatment also results in a marked decrease in inflammatory reaction and myofibroblast production[1].
Herbalists claim it contains a longevity factor called 'youth Vitamin X' said to be 'a tonic for the brain and endocrine glands' and maintain that extracts of the plant help circulation and skin problems.
The isolated steroids from the plant have been used to treat leprosy. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that it may have nootropic effects. Centella asiatica is used to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration, and combat ageing. Centella asiatica also has anti-oxidant properties.
Folklore: Gotu Kola is minorly featured in the longevity myth of the Tai Chi Chuan master Li Ching-Yun. He purportedly lived to be 256, due in part to his usage of traditional Chinese herbs including Gotu Kola. The supposed aphrodisiac properties of Gotu Kola have given it the ancient reputation of giving men erections with the strength and agility of a samurai's sword.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
CERATONIA SILIQUA - CAROB POD
Also known as St John's Bread , the flesh of the carob pods tastes somewhat similar to sweetened cocoa , but contains no theobromine or other psychoactive substances and is often used as a hypoallergenic, drug-free substitute. (For this reason, it is considered non-toxic to dogs, and is used in dog treats such as Carob Chip Cookies). Mixed with saturated fats like butter fat or palm oil , it is often used to make a sweet confection, considered chocolate -like by some, that is usually referred to simply as "carob." Carob is claimed to soothe the digestive tract and help with diarrhea .
Carob is not a staple food in the Mediterranean, but provides good sustenance during times when other crops are scarce and is a traditional feed for livestock .
In Egypt , it is used as a snack or treat. It is said to have laxative qualities. Moreover, the crushed pods are used for a refreshing drink with a distinct taste.
In other places, it is most commonly put in cakes, icing, and sometimes cookies. The seeds themselves, also known as locust bean , are used as animal feed and to extract locust bean gum , a thickening agent .
Dried carob fruit is traditionally eaten on the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat .
Carob pods were the most important source of sugar before sugarcane and sugar beets became widely available. Nowadays, the seeds are processed for the use in cosmetics, curing tobacco , and making paper .
Other info: The scientific name of the carob tree derives from the Greek keras, "horn", and Latin siliqua, alluding to the hardness and shape of the pod.
The term "carat " or the units by which diamond weight is measured, is derived from the ancient practice of weighing diamonds against the seeds of the carob tree. The system was eventually standardized and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams.
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Cont / Details about the constituents and actions of the individual whole herbal powders contained in Godshaer Herbalist's ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM - CINNAMON
Recent studies have determined that consuming as little as one-half teaspoon of Cinnamon each day may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by as much as 20% in Type II diabetes patients who are not taking insulin it is mildly carminative and used to treat nausea and flatulence. It is also used alone or in combination to treat diarrhea. Chinese herbalists tell of older people, in their 70s and 80s, developing a cough accompanied by frequent spitting of whitish phlegm. A helpful remedy, they suggest, is chewing and swallowing a very small pinch of powdered cinnamon. This remedy can also help people with cold feet and hands, especially at night. Germany 's Commission E approves Cinnamon for appetite loss and indigestion. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include cinnamaldehyde, gum, tannin, mannitol, coumarins, and essential oils (aldehydes, eugenol, pinene). Cinnamon is predominantly used as a carminative addition to herbal prescriptions. It is used in flatulent dyspepsia, dyspepsia with nausea, intestinal colic and digestive atony associated with cold & debilitated conditions. It relieves nausea and vomiting, and, because of its mild astringency, it is particularly useful in infantile diarrhea. The cinnamaldehyde component is hypotensive and spasmolytic, and increases peripheral blood flow. The essential oil of this herb is a potent antibacterial, anti-fungal, and uterine stimulant. The various terpenoids found in the volatile oil are believed to account for Cinnamon's medicinal effects. Test tube studies also show that Cinnamon can augment the action of insulin. However, use of Cinnamon to improve the action of insulin in people with diabetes has yet to be proven in clinical trials.
Health Benefits: Cinnamon's unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.
Anti-Clotting Actions: Cinnamaldehyde (also called cinnamic aldehyde) has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much. The cinnaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. (The way it accomplishes this health-protective act is by inhibiting the release of an inflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid from platelet membranes and reducing the formation of an inflammatory messaging molecule called thromboxane A2.) Cinnamon's ability to lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes also puts it in the category of an "anti-inflammatory" food that can be helpful in lessening inflammation.
Anti-Microbial Activity: Cinnamon's essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts.
Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.(October 1, 2003
Blood Sugar Control: Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells' ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon's beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately ¼ to ½ teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase. (December 30, 2003)
Test tube, animal and human studies have all recently investigated cinnamon's ability to improve insulin activity, and thus our cells' ability to absorb and use glucose from the blood.
On going in vitro or test tube research conducted by Richard Anderson and his colleagues at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center is providing new understanding of the mechanisms through which cinnamon enhances insulin activity. In their latest paper, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Anderson et al. characterize the insulin-enhancing complexes in cinnamon-a collection of catechin/epicatechin oligomers that increase the body's insulin-dependent ability to use glucose roughly 20-fold.. Some scientists had been concerned about potentially toxic effects of regularly consuming cinnamon. This new research shows that the potentially toxic compounds in cinnamon bark are found primarily in the lipid (fat) soluble fractions and are present only at very low levels in water soluble cinnamon extracts, which are the ones with the insulin-enhancing compounds.
A recent animal study demonstrating cinnamon's beneficial effects on insulin activity appeared in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. In this study, when rats were given a daily dose of cinnamon (300 mg per kilogram of body weight) for a 3 week period, their skeletal muscle was able to absorb 17% more blood sugar per minute compared to that of control rats, which had not received cinnamon, an increase researchers attributed to cinnamon's enhancement of the muscle cells' insulin-signaling pathway. In humans with type 2 diabetes, consuming as little as 1 gram of cinnamon per day was found to reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol, in a study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care. The placebo-controlled study evaluated 60 people with type 2 diabetes (30 men and 30 women ranging in age from 44 to 58 years) who were divided into 6 groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon daily, while groups 4, 5, and 6 received 1, 3 or 6 grams of placebo. After 40 days, all three levels of cinnamon reduced blood sugar levels by 18-29%, triglycerides 23-30%, LDL cholesterol 7-27%, and total cholesterol 12-26%, while no significant changes were seen in those groups receiving placebo. The researchers' conclusion: including cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.(January 28, 2004)
The latest research on cinnamon shows that by enhancing insulin signaling, cinnamon can prevent insulin resistance even in animals fed a high-fructose diet! A study published in the February 2004 issue of Hormone Metabolism Research showed that when rats fed a high-fructose diet were also given cinnamon extract, their ability to respond to and utilize glucose (blood sugar) was improved so much that it was the same as that of rats on a normal (control) diet. Cinnamon is so powerful an antioxidant that, when compared to six other antioxidant spices (anise, ginger, licorice, mint, nutmeg and vanilla) and the chemical food preservatives (BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and propyl gallate), cinnamon prevented oxidation more effectively than all the other spices (except mint) and the chemical antioxidants. (May 6, 2004)
Cinnamon's Scent Boosts Brain Function: Not only does consuming cinnamon improve the body's ability to utilize blood sugar, but just smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice boosts brain activity!
Research led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented April 24, 2004, at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, FL, found that chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon enhanced study participants' cognitive processing. Specifically, cinnamon improved participants' scores on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed while working on a computer-based program. Participants were exposed to four odorant conditions: no odor, peppermint odor, jasmine, and cinnamon, with cinnamon emerging the clear winner in producing positive effects on brain function. Encouraged by the results of these studies, researchers will be evaluating cinnamon's potential for enhancing cognition in the elderly, individuals with test-anxiety, and possibly even patients with diseases that lead to cognitive decline. (May 9, 2004)
Calcium and Fiber Improve Colon Health and Protect Against Heart Disease
In addition to its unique essential oils, cinnamon is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, iron and calcium. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is important and can be helpful for the prevention of several different conditions. Both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body. By removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. In addition, when bile is removed by fiber, the body must break down cholesterol in order to make new bile. This process can help to lower high cholesterol levels, which can be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. For sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, the fiber in cinnamon may also provide relief from constipation or diarrhea.
A Traditional Warming Remedy: In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, for its warming qualities. In these traditions, cinnamon has been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger.
Description: Cinnamon is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which when dried, rolls into a tubular form known as a quill. Cinnamon is available in either its whole quill form (cinnamon sticks) or as ground powder.
While there are approximately one hundred varieties of Cinnamonum verum (the scientific name for cinnamon), Cinnamonum zeylanicum ( Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomun aromaticum (Chinese cinnamon) are the leading varieties consumed. Ceylon cinnamon is also referred to as "true cinnamon", while the Chinese variety is known as "cassia". While both are relatively similar in characteristics and both feature a fragrant, sweet and warm taste, the flavor of the Ceylon variety is more refined and subtle. Ceylon cinnamon is more rare in North America than the cassia, the less expensive variety, which is the most popular in the United States .
History: Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. It was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China , which is reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C.
Cinnamon's popularity continued throughout history. It became one of the most relied upon spices in Medieval Europe . Due to its demand, cinnamon became one of the first commodities traded regularly between the Near East and Europe . Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean, while cassia is mainly produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia .
Nutritional Profile
Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, calcium and iron. Polyphenols (anti-aging).
In-Depth Nutritional Profile
In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Cinnamon, ground is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.
Introduction to Food Rating System Chart
The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good or good source. Next to the nutrient name you will find the following information: the amount of the nutrient that is included in the noted serving of this food; the %Daily Value (DV) that that amount represents; the nutrient density rating; and the food's World's Healthiest Foods Rating. Underneath the chart is a table that summarizes how the ratings were devised. Read detailed information on our Food and Recipe Rating System.
Cinnamon, ground
2.00 tsp
4.52 grams
11.84 calories
Nutrient Amount DV
(%) Nutrient
Density World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
manganese 0.76 mg 38.0 57.8 excellent
dietary fiber 2.48 g 9.9 15.1 very good
iron 1.72 mg 9.6 14.5 very good
calcium 55.68 mg 5.6 8.5 very good
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating Rule
excellent DV>=75% OR Density>=7.6 AND DV>=10%
very good DV>=50% OR Density>=3.4 AND DV>=5%
good DV>=25% OR Density>=1.5 AND DV>=2.5%
In Depth Nutritional Profile for Cinnamon, ground
References
* Anderson RA, Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, Schmidt WF, Khan A, Flanagan VP, Schoene NW, Graves DJ. Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2003 Dec;62(3):139-48.
* Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, Anderson RA. Insulin-like biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant aqueous extracts in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2000 Mar;48(3):849-52 2000
* Calucci L, Pinzino C, Zandomeneghi M et al. Effects of gamma-irradiation on the free radical and antioxidant contents in nine aromatic herbs and spices. J Agric Food Chem 2003 Feb 12; 51(4):927-34 2003
* Ensminger AH, Esminger M. K. J. e. al. Food for Health: A Nutrition Encyclopedia. Clovis , California : Pegus Press; 1986, PMID: 15210
* Fortin, Francois, Editorial Director. The Visual Foods Encyclopedia. Macmillan , New York 1996
* Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York 1971
* Impari-Radosevich J, Deas S, Polansky MM et al. Regulatino of PTP-1 and insulin receptor kinase by fractions from cinnamon:implications for cinnamon regulation of insulin signaling. Horm Res 1998 Sep;50(3):177-82 1998
* Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, Khattak KN, Anderson RA. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-8.
* Murcia MA, Egea I, Romojaro F, Parras P, Jimenez AM, Martinez-Tome M. Antioxidant evaluation in dessert spices compared with common food additives. Influence of irradiation procedure. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Apr 7;52(7):1872-81. , PMID: 15053523
* Otsuka H, Fujioka S, Komiya T, et al. [Studies on anti-inflammatory agents. VI. Anti-inflammatory constituents of Cinnamomum sieboldii Meissn (author's transl)]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1982 Jan;102(2):162-72, PMID: 12260
* Ouattara B, Simard RE, Holley RA, et al. Antibacterial activity of selected fatty acids and essential oils against six meat spoilage organisms. Int J Food Microbiol 1997 Jul 22;37(2-3):155-62, PMID: 12270
* Qin B, Nagasaki M, Ren M, Bajotto G, Oshida Y, Sato Y. Cinnamon extract prevents the insulin resistance induced by a high-fructose diet. Horm Metab Res. 2004 Feb;36(2):119-25., PMID: 15002064
* Qin B, Nagasaki M, Ren M, Bajotto G, Oshida Y, Sato Y. Cinnamon extract (traditional herb) potentiates in vivo insulin-regulated glucose utilization via enhancing insulin signaling in rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2003 Dec;62(3):139-48.
* Quale JM, Landman D, Zaman MM, et al. In vitro activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against azole resistant and sensitive Candida species and a pilot study of cinnamon for oral candidiasis. Am J Chin Med 1996;24(2):103-9, PMID: 12530
* Takenaga M, Hirai A, Terano T, et al. In vitro effect of cinnamic aldehyde, a main component of Cinnamomi Cortex, on human platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism. J Pharmacobiodyn 1987 May;10(5):201-8, PMID: 12520
* Valero M, Salmeron MC. Antibacterial activity of 11 essential oils against Bacillus cereus in tyndallized carrot broth. Int J Food Microbiol. Aug 15;85(1-2):73-81 2003
* VanderEnde DS, Morrow JD. Release of markedly increased quantities of prostaglandin D2 from the skin in vivo in humans after the application of cinnamic aldehyde. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001 Jul;45(1):62-7, PMID: 12510
* Wood, Rebecca. The Whole Foods Encyclopedia. New York , NY : Prentice-Hall Press; 1988, PMID: 15220
* Zoladz P, Raudenbush B, Lilley S. Cinnamon perks performance. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, held in Sarasota , FL , April 21-25, 2004.
More information: Cinnamon is a small evergreen tree 10-15 m tall, belonging to the family Lauraceae, native to Sri Lanka and Southern India . The bark is widely used as a spice.
The leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, 7-18 cm long. The flowers, which are arranged in panicles, have a greenish colour, and have a rather disagreeable odour. The fruit is a purple one-centimetre berry containing a single seed.
Its flavour is due to an aromatic essential oil which makes up 0.5 to 1% of its composition. This oil is prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in sea-water, and then quickly distilling the whole. It is of a golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of cinnamon and a very hot aromatic taste. The pungent taste and scent come from cinnamic aldehyde or cinnamaldehyde and, by the absorption of oxygen as it ages, it darkens in colour and develops resinous compounds. Chemical components of the essential oil include ethyl cinnamate, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, beta-caryophyllene, linalool and methyl chavicol.
The name cinnamon comes from Greek kinnámomon, from Phoenician and akin to Hebrew qinnâmôn, itself ultimately from a Malaysian language, cf. Malay and Indonesian kayu manis "sweet wood".
History
Cinnamon has been known from remote antiquity, and it was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and other great potentates. It was imported to Egypt from China as early as 2000 BC, and is mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 30:23, where Moses is commanded to use both sweet cinnamon (Hebrew ????????? , qinnamôn) and cassia, and in Proverbs 7:17-18, where the love r's bed is perfumed with myrrh, aloe and cinnamon. It is also alluded to by Herodotus and other classical writers. It was commonly used on funeral pyres in Rome , and the Emperor Nero is said to have burned a year's supply of cinnamon at the funeral for his wife Poppaea Sabina, in 65 AD.
In the Middle Ages, the source of cinnamon was a mystery to the Western world. Arab traders brought the spice via overland trade routes to Alexandria in Egypt, where it was bought by Venetian traders from Italy who held a monopoly on the spice trade in Europe . The disruption of this trade by the rise of other Mediterranean powers such as the Mameluk Dynasties and the Ottoman Empire was one of many factors that led Europeans to search more widely for other routes to Asia .
Portuguese traders finally discovered Ceylon ( Sri Lanka ) at the end of the fifteenth century, and restructured the traditional production of cinnamon by the salagama caste. The Portuguese established a fort on the island in 1518, and protected their own monopoly for over a hundred years.
Dutch traders finally dislodged the Portuguese by allying with the inland Ceylon kingdom of Kandy . They established a trading post in 1638, took control of the factories by 1640, and expelled all remaining Portuguese by 1658. "The shores of the island are full of it", a Dutch captain reported, "and it is the best in all the Orient: when one is downwind of the island, one can still smell cinnamon eight leagues out to sea" (Braudel 1984, p. 215).
The Dutch East India Company continued to overhaul the methods of harvesting in the wild, and eventually began to cultivate its own trees.
The British took control of the island from the Dutch in 1796. However, the importance of the monopoly of Ceylon was already declining, as cultivation of the cinnamon tree spread to other areas, the more common cassia bark became more acceptable to consumers, and coffee, tea, sugar and chocolate began to outstrip the popularity of traditional spices.
Cultivation
Cinnamomum verum, from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants (1887)
Cinnamomum verum, from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants (1887)
Cinnamon harvested by growing the tree for two years and then coppicing it. The next year a dozen or so shoots will form from the roots. These shoots are then stripped of their bark which is left to dry. Only the thin (0.5 mm) inner bark is used; the outer woody portion is removed, leaving metre long cinnamon strips that curl into rolls ("quills") on drying; each dried quill comprises strips from numerous shoots packed together. These quills are then cut to 5-10 cm long pieces for sale.
The best cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka ,[citation needed] but the tree is also grown commercially at Tellicherry in southern India , Java, Sumatra, the West Indies, Brazil , Vietnam , Madagascar , Zanzibar , and Egypt . Sri Lanka cinnamon of fine quality is a very thin smooth bark, with a light-yellowish brown colour, a highly fragrant odour, and a peculiarly sweet, warm and pleasing aromatic taste.
Cinnamon and cassia
The name cinnamon is correctly used to refer to Ceylon Cinnamon, also known as "true cinnamon" (from the botanical name C. verum). However, the related species Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum) and Cinnamomum burmannii are sometimes sold labeled as cinnamon, sometimes distinguished from true cinnamon as "Indonesian cinnamon" or, at least for Cassia, "Bastard cinnamon". Ceylon cinnamon, using only the thin inner bark, has a finer, less dense and more crumbly texture, and is considered to be less strong than cassia. Cassia is generally a medium to light reddish brown, is hard and woody in texture, and is thicker (2-3 mm thick), as all of the layers of bark are used. Most of the cinnamon sold in supermarkets in the United States is actually cassia. European health agencies have recently warned against consuming high amounts of cassia, due to a toxic component called coumarin.[1]This is contained in much lower dosages in Ceylon cinnamon and in Cinnamomum burmannii. Coumarin is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations.
The two barks when whole are easily distinguished, and their microscopic characteristics are also quite distinct. Cinnamon sticks (or quills) have many thin layers and can easily be made into powder using a coffee or spice grinder whereas cassia sticks are much harder, made up of one thick layer, capable of damaging a spice or coffee grinder. It is a bit harder to tell powdered cinnamon from powdered cassia. When powdered bark is treated with tincture of iodine (a test for starch), little effect is visible in the case of pure cinnamon of good quality, but when cassia is present a deep-blue tint is produced, the intensity of the coloration depending on the proportion of cassia.
Cinnamon is also sometimes confused with Malabathrum (Cinnamomum tamala) and Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi).
Uses
Quills of true cinnamon bark
Quills of true cinnamon bark
Cinnamon bark is widely used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material, being largely used in the preparation of some kinds of desserts, chocolate, spicy candies, tea, hot cocoa and liqueurs. In the Middle East , it is often used in savoury dishes of chicken and lamb. In the United States , cinnamon and sugar are often used to flavour cereals, bread-based dishes, and fruits, especially apples; a cinnamon-sugar mixture is even sold separately for such purposes. Cinnamon can also be used in pickling. Cinnamon bark can also be consumed directly and is one of the few spices that can be consumed directly.
In medicine it acts like other volatile oils and once had a reputation as a cure for colds. It has also been used to treat diarrhea and other problems of the digestive system[1]. Cinnamon is high in antioxidant activity (PMID 16190627, PMID 10077878). The essential oil of cinnamon also has antimicrobial properties (PMID 16104824). This property may allow cinnamon to extend the shelf life of foods.[citation needed]
This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
1. ^ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6672644
2. ^ Chillies Are the Spice of Life By ALICE HART-DAVIS
* Braudel, Fernand (1984). The Perspective of the World, Vol III of Civilization and Capitalism.
* Corn, Charles (1998). The Scents of Eden : A Narrative of the Spice Trade. New York : Kodansha International.
* "Cinnamon Extracts Boost Insulin Sensitivity" (2000). Agricultural Research magazine, July 2000.
* Alan W. Archer (1988). "Determination of cinnamaldehyde, coumarin and cinnamyl alcohol in cinnamon and cassia by high-performance liquid chromatography". Journal of Chromatography 447: 272-276. DOI:10.1016/0021-9673(88)90035-0.
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COLA VERA – KOLA NUT
Constituents: Caffeine (1.25%), with traces of theobromine; Tannins and phenolics; d-catechin, l-epicatechin, kolatin, kolatein, kolanin and in the fresh nut, catechol and (-) epicatechol; Miscellaneous; phlobaphene, an anthocyanin pigment known as "kola red", betaine, protein, starch
Action: stimulant to higher centres of CNS, thymoleptic, anti-depressive, diuretic, cardioactive, anti-diarrhoeal; depression, general muscular weakness (e.g. ME and fibromyalgia), exhaustion, dysentery, atonic diarrhoea, anorexia, migraine, nervine, anti-depressive, debility.
Indications: Kola has a marked stimulating effect on the human consciousness. It can be used wherever there is a need for direct stimulation, which is less often than is usually thought. Through regaining proper health and therefore right functioning, the nervous system does not need such help. In the short term it may be used in nervous debility, in states of atony and weakness. It can act as a specific in nervous diarrhoea. It will aid instates of depression and may in some people give rise to euphoric states. In some varieties of migraine it can help greatly. Through the stimulation it will be a valuable part of the treatment for anorexia. It can be viewed as specific in cases of depression associated with weakness and debility; neurasthenia and hysteria, characterized by great mental despondency, foreboding, brooding, more of a quiet or silent character. It is especially indicated if the heart is feeble and irregular in its action, with general muscular feebleness. Also used for chronic diarrhoea and sea sickness.
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CORIANDRUM SATIVUM - CORIANDER SEED
Carminative, anti-spasmodic, appetiser, stomachic, aromatic; flatulence (wind), colic, diarrhoea (esp. children), appetite, aphrodisiac.
Fruits and leaves posses totally different flavour and can therefore not substitute each other. Drying destroys most of the leaves' fragrance, yet dried coriander leaves are mentioned in some versions of Georgian khmeli-suneli (see marjoram) and of the Irani ghorme herb mix (see fenugreek).
The plants develop leaves of two different shapes: The base leaves are broad, similar to Italian parsley, and are reputed for the better flavour. Leaves attached to the stems have a pinnate shape, and their flavour is said to be less fresh.
Plant family: Apiaceae (parsley family).
Sensory quality: Almost everybody would agree that the fruits' aroma is pleasant. It is usually described warm, nutty and spicy; some even find orange-like quality in it.
There is, however, much disagreement about the flavour of coriander leaves, roots and unripe fruits: Many people of European heritage find it displeasing, soapy, like “burnt rubber” or even like crushed bedbugs or the evil-smelling insects living on rose bushes. There are, however, many Europeans who enjoy coriander leaves, and in Asia, Latin America and Africa , almost everybody loves them. These people would describe coriander leaves as fresh, green, tangy and even citrusy.
Main constituents: in the ripe fruits, the content of essential oil is comparably low (typically, less than 1%); the oil consists mainly of linalool (50 to 60%) and about 20% terpenes (pinenes, ?-terpinene, myrcene, camphene, phellandrenes, a-terpinene, limonene, cymene).
The taste of the fresh herb is due to an essential oil (0.1%) that is almost entirely made up of aliphatic aldehydes with 10 to 16 carbon atoms. One finds both saturated (decanal) and a,ß unsaturated (trans-2-tridecenal) aldehydes; the same aldehydes appear in the unripe fruits. Similar compounds occur in a few other spices and herbs, all of which share coriander's flavour: Examples include long coriander, Vietnamese coriander and the Japanese chemotype of chameleon plant.
Origin
Etymology: The names of coriander in all Western European languages can be traced back to Latin coriandrum and Greek koriannon. The Greek name exists in several variant forms, e.g., korion in Dioskurides and koriadna in Mycenaean Greek. It is usually put in to relation with koris “bug”, because of the aroma of the leaves, but it is more probably a loan from a ancient Mediterranean tongue and might be distantly related to Greek karon “cumin” and Hebrew gad “coriander”.
The German names Wanzendill (“bug's dill”) and Wanzenkümmel (“bug's caraway”) may be loan translations of the Greek name, but I think they perhaps arose independently. The names are clearly derogatory and reflect the critical attitude towards coriander leaves common among Central or North Europeans.
In Latin America and also in the USA , coriander leaves are commonly known by the name cilantro. This word has the same origin as coriander, and it is difficult to explain the differing vowel. Maybe cilantro is directly derived from a Latin variant with light vowel, e.g., Medieval Latin celiandrum. Another explanation claims that the Spanish name was first culantro, later changed to cilantro for some reason; in any case, culantro exists in today's Mesoamerican Spanish, but usually denotes not coriander but a similar smelling herb, long coriander. Confusingly, on some Caribbean islands, long coriander is known as cilantro and coriander as cilantrillo.
Because of similar shape and usage, coriander leaves are named after parsley, often with a geographic epithet: “Indian parsley” and “Chinese parsley” are most often heard. The Hungarian name cigánypetrezselyem “gypsies' parsley” should also be named in this context, although I am not sure of the motivation behind.
Description: The seed of the well-known cilantro or Chinese parsley plant (Coriandrum sativum) is known as coriander, and it is a spice with one of the longest histories of use. The name coriander is derived from the Greek word koris, meaning bedbug, since the unripe seeds and leaves when crushed have a smell suggestive of a crushed bedbug. The plant is indigenous to Greece , but the seed is now as well known in Asiatic and South American as it is in Mediterranean cooking. Cilantro is regarded as an herb, and is used with Mexican salsas, in Greek dishes and, along with the seeds of coriander, in Indian curries and in Thai food. Coriander is used in condiments, desserts, liqueurs, perfumes and in candies. Sugar covered coriander was known as comfits; these were used ceremoniously as a predecessor of paper confetti.
Useful Parts: The seed is used both whole and ground. The fresh leaves are also popular garnishes in a variety of Mexican and East Asian cuisines.
Medicinal Properties Coriander and cilantro have been advocated for health purposes in folk therapies, and the list of such uses is similar to those for other spices. However, no medical value has been adequately evaluated, and thus this popular herb/spice remains a cook's ingredient, and is utilized as a manufacturer's flavor, rather than being recognized as an herbalist's medication. Food authorities regard coriander as one of the most versatile spices, and, perhaps not surprisingly, individual authors give very different descriptions of its flavor.
CHEMICALS IN SPICES
Most spices and savory herbs have been used as gastrointestinal therapies, aphrodisiacs and non-specific tonics. The more pungent ones are counter-irritants, and have been used for relieving pain and for an anti-inflammatory effect. Many have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Some are claimed to be able to prevent cancers, perhaps because they appear to have strong antioxidant effects. Most of the more potent medical benefits have not been proved, and the responsible chemical(s) are difficult to identify.
Group
Description
Example
Effect
Alkaloids
bitter amines
chile: capsaicin
counter-irritant for pain
Bioflavonoids
phenolic pigments
rosemary: luteolin
antioxidant
Essential oils
Mixtures of volatiles
clove: various
aphrodisiacs, perfume
Glycosides
carbohydrate derivatives
garlic: alliin
expectorant, etc.
Phenylpropanoids
cinnamic acid derivatives
cinnamon: eugenol
topical anesthetic
Resins
terpene oxidants
myrrh: resin acids
antibacterial
Saponins
soapy hemolysants
licorice: glycyrrhizin
anti-inflammatory
Sterols
steroid precursors
sesame: linoleic acid
anti-oxidant
Tannins
polyphenolics (anti-aging)
tea: catechin
anti-oxidant
Terpenes
isoprene derivatives
ginger: zingiberene
anti-nauseant
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CRATAEGUS OXYACANTHA – HAWTHORN LEAF, FLOWER AND FRUIT
Actions: Cardio-tonic, diuretic, astringent, hypotensive.
Hawthorn is the best known of the cardiac tonics, and possibly the most valuable tonic remedy for the cardiovascular system found in the plant kingdom. The American Herbalist, Ellingwood said of Hawthorn that "... it is superior to any of the well known and tried remedies at present in use for the treatment of heart disease, because it seems to cure while other remedies are only palliative at best."
It can be considered in most cardio-vascular disease. However, the therapeutic benefts are only gained when a whole plant preparation is used. When the isolated constituents were tested seperately in the laboratory, their individual effects were insignificant, whilst the whole plant has unique and valuable properties. Herbal synergy!
Following a four year study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health, Hawthorn has gained full recognition as a heart remedy. The monograph concludes that the , it gently increases the strength and normalizes the rhythm of the heart beat, as well as increasing coronary and myocardial circulation, through a dilation of the coronary arteries.
Its main clinical applications are in the long-term treatment of 'loss of cardiac function', any situation where there is a subjective feelings of congestion and 'oppression' in the heart region, mild arrythmia's and especially for conditions of the ageing heart that do not warrant the use of Foxglove.
Cardio-vascular degenerative disease, angina pectoris, coronary artery disease and associated conditions.
For essential hypertension, used in conjunction with other hypotensives, Hawthorn will maintain the heart in a healthy condition, preventing the development of coronary disease. No toxicity, accumulation or habituation accurs, thus it may be used long term, achieving result entirely safely, especially in the elderly. Most significantly is the finding that no contra-indications or side effects were noted at all.
Hawthorn also has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant activities. It is an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory agent, with antihepatotoxic, antiulcerogenic and clastogenic activities also. It inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro and gonadotropin release, and affects both DNA binding and prostaglandin induction. It inhibits chemically induced carcinogenic action. It inhibits the growth of Bacillus subtilis.
Constituents: Hawthorn's constituents highlight the importance of flavones and flavonoids in many remedies that have a healing impact upon the cardio-vascular system. There are two main groups: flavonoids - flavonoglycosyls, hyperoside, rutin; oligomeric procyanadins, 1-epicatechol.
This invaluable heart herb does not contain cardiac glycosides. Also contains the following:
Acantolic-Acid
Acetyl-Choline
Acetyl-Vitexin-4'-Rhamnoside
Adenine
Adenosine
Aesculin
Aluminum
Aminopurine
Amygdalin
Ascorbic-Acid
Caffeic-Acid
Calcium
Carbohydrates
Beta-Carotene
Catechin
Catechin-Tannins
Chlorogenic-Acid
Choline
Chromium
Citric-Acid
Cobalt
Crataegolic-Acid
Trans-Crataegolic-Acid
Dimethylamine
Epicatechin
L-Epicatechol
Ethanolamine
Ethylamine
Fat
Fiber
Glucose
Guanine
2, , 3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 7-Hepta-Hydroxyavanbioside
Hyperoside
Iron
Isoamylamine
Isobutylamine
Lauric-Acid
Leucoanthocyanidin
Linoleic-Acid
Linolenic-Acid
Lipase
Magnesium
Manganese
O-Methoxy-Beta-Phenethylamine
Neoategolic-Acid
Niacin
Nonacosan-10-Ol Octacosane
Oxalic-Acid
Palmitic-Acid
Pectin
Beta-Phenethylamine
Phlobaphene
Phosphorus
Potassium
Procyanidin
Protein
Quercetin-3-Rhamnogalactoside
Quercitrin
Rhamnose
Riboavin
Rutin
Selenium (selenium is an important component of the body's antioxidant defence system and has also been shown to protect cells exposed to toxins; as a concer-fighting compound, senenium suppresses tumour promotion and early stages of tumor grogression through the inhimbition of angiogenic enzymes.)
Silicon
Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-Sitosterol
Sodium
Sorbitol
Starch
Sugar
Tartaric-Acid
Thiamin
Tin
Trimethylamine
Tyramine
Uric-Acid
Ursolic-Acid
Vitexin
Vitexin-4'-Rhamnoside
Vitexin-4', L-Rhamno-D-Glucoside
Vitexin-4', 7-Di-D-Glucoside
Zinc
Hawthorn also helps in the following: Aesculin; Esculin; Aesculin; Crataegin; the 6-glucoside of esculetin (also found in the bark of horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum). (+)-Catechin; Catechinic acid; Catechol; Catechuic acid; (+)-Cyanidanol; (+)-Cyanidan-3-ol. Biologically highly active. It is used as a haemostatic drug, and in the treatment of various liver diseases, especially acute hepatitis. It shows strong liver protective and potent antiperoxidative activities, so that it may act as a "radical scavenger" by neutralizing free radicals produced by hepatotoxic substances. However, prolonged treatment with (+) catechin can induce several adverse reactions, most of them immunomediated, such as haemolysis, acute renal failure and skin rashes.
Kaempferol; 3, 5, 7, 4'-Tetrahydroxyflavone - very widespread occurrence, both free and bound as glycosides. 3-arabinofuranoside, juglanin, and 3-rhamnofuranoside. Radical scavenger. It shows anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and mutagenic activities. It inhibits the proliferation of rat Iymphocytes at a concentration of 10 J M. Also, it inhibits iodothyronine deiodinase, :5-lipoxygenase, and ionophore-induced arachidonlc acid release and metabolism.
Luteolin; 5, 7, 3', 4'-Tetrahydroxyflavone - anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities.
Procyanidin; Proanthocyanidin A2; Epicatechin
Quercetin; 3, 5, 7, 3', 4'-Pentahydroxyflavone
The commonest flavonoid in higher plants, usually present in glycosidic form, but also isolated free from the families Compositae, Passiflorae, Rhamnaceae and Solanaceae – it is a radical scavenger. Quercetin also inhibits smooth muscle contraction, and proliferation of rat lymphocytes. It is antigonadotropic, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antihepatotoxic, and shows some mutagenic activity and allergenic properties.
Rhamnetin; Quercetin 7-methyl ether - rhamnetin and its 3-glucoside show antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas maltophilia and Enterobacter cloacae. It also shows a moderate contact sensitizing (allergenic) capacity.
Rutin; Quercetin 3-rutinoside; Rutoside - radical scavenger. Medicinally, it is used against capillary fragility and varicosis. A more soluble derivative, hydroxyethylrutoside, is also used clinically. It shows antiviral and antibacterial activities, and it inhibits lens aldose reductase and _5-lipoxygenase.
To follow-up this comprehensive medical research go to the Medline database for the genus Crataegus: Hawthorn.
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CURCUMA LONGA – TURMERIC ROOT
Curcuma longa (Tumeric root, Jiang Huang) - Anti-inflammatory for RA, eczema, psoriasis, CVS disease (lowers cholesterol), dissolves clots, thrombosis; lowers cancer risk (smokers, farmers), increased gastric and hepatic function; haemostatic, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, pain in chest and abdomen, traumatic injury, bleeding in lungs, bladder and nose; RA pain. Ext.: RA, inflamed skin, psoriasis, infections of skin; semi-conscious states, hysteria; jaundice; pungent, bitter, cold. HE, LU, LIV.
Recent studies comparing the activities of turmeric's active curcuminoids with some steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs indicate similar action and results (reduced swelling and pain) with no risks or side-effects. Powerful antioxidant, liver protective and bile secreting effects.
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-mutagenic, Anti-cancerous, Cholagogueue, Depurative, Diuretic, Fumitory, Hemostatic, Hepatoprotective, Lactagogue, Stomachic, Tonic, Vulnerary.
Constituents: Phytochemicals: 1,8-cineole, 2-bornanol, 2-hydroxy-methyl-anthraquinone, 4-hydroxy-cinnamoyl-(Feruloyl)-methane, Alpha-atlantone, Alpha-pinene, Alpha-terpineol, Ar-turmerone, Arabinose, Ascorbic-acid, Ash, Azulene, Beta-carotene, Beta-pinene, Beta-sesquiphellandrene, Bis-(Para-hydroxy-cinnamoyl)-methane, Bis-desmethoxycurcumin, Bisabolene, Borneol, Boron, Caffeic-acid, Calcium, Caprylic-acid, Caryophyllene, Chromium, Cineole, Cinnamic-acid, Cobalt, Copper, Cuminyl-alcohol, Curcumene, Curcumenol, Curcumin, Curdione, Curlone, Curzerenone, Curzerenone-c, Cyclo-isoprenemyrcene, D-alpha-phellandrene, D-camphene, D-camphor, D-sabinene, Dehydroturmerone, Desmethoxycurcumin, Di-p-coumaroyl-methane, Dicinnamoylmethane, Didesmethoxycurcumin, Diferuloyl-methane, Dihydrocurcumin, EO, Eugenol, Feruloyl-p-coumaroyl-methane, Gamma-atlantone, Guaiacol, Isoborneol, L-alpha-curcumene, L-beta-curcumene, Limonene, Manganese, Monodesmethoxycurcumin, Niacin, Nickel, O-coumaric-acid, P-coumaric-acid, P-cymene, P-methoxycinnamic-acid, P-tolymethylcarbinol, Phosphorus, Protocatechuic-acid, Resin, Riboflavin, Syringic-acid, Terpinene, Terpineol, Thiamin, Turmerone, Ukonan-a, Ukonan-b, Ukonan-c, Ukonan-d, Vanillic-acid, Zingiberene
Characterization of a neutral polysaccharide having activity on the reticuloendothelial system from the rhizome of Curcuma longa.
In: Chem Pharm Bull ( Tokyo ) (1992 Jan) 40(1):185-8
A neutral polysaccharide, named ukonan D, was isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. It produced a single band on electrophoresis and a single peak on gel chromatography, and its molecular mass was estimated to be 28, 000. It showed remarkable reticuloendothelial system-potentiating activity in a carbon clearance test. Ukonan D is composed of L-arabinose: D-galactose: D- glucose: D-mannose in the molar ratio of 1:1:12:0.2, in addition to small amounts of peptide moiety. Methylation analysis, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance and enzymic degradation studies indicated that its structural features include mainly both alpha-1, 5-linked L- arabino-beta-3, 6-branched D-galactan type and alpha-4, 6-branched D- glucan type structural units. The influence of degradation with alpha- amylase followed by the elimination of glucan side chains on its immunological activity was discussed.
Gonda R Tomoda M Ohara N Takada K
Arabinogalactan core structure and immunological activities of ukonan C, an acidic polysaccharide from the rhizome of Curcuma longa.
In: Biol Pharm Bull (1993 Mar) 16(3):235-8
Controlled Smith degradation of ukonan C, a phagocytosis-activating polysaccharide isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., was performed. The reticuloendothelial system-potentiating, anti- complementary and alkaline phosphatase-inducing activities of ukonan C and its degradation products were investigated. Methylation analyses of the primary and secondary Smith degradation products and of a de-arabinosylated product indicated that structural features of the arabinogalactan core of ukonan C include a backbone chain composed of beta-1, 3-linked D-galactose and beta-1, 4-linked D-xylose. All of the galactose units in the backbone carry side chains composed of beta-1, 6-linked D-galactosyl residues with or without terminal alpha-L-arabinose units at position 3. Ukonan C showed remarkable effects on both reticuloendothelial system-potentiating and alkaline phosphatase-inducing activities. Periodate oxidation caused a decrease in or disappearance of the immunological activities, but the controlled Smith degradation product having the arabinogalactan core structure of polysaccharide showed a pronounced effect on anti- complementary activity.
Gonda R Tomoda M Takada K Ohara N Shimizu N
The core structure of ukonan A, a phagocytosis-activating polysaccharide from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, and immunological activities of degradation products.
In: Chem Pharm Bull ( Tokyo ) (1992 Apr) 40(4):990-3
The controlled Smith degradation of ukonan A, a phagocytosis- activating polysaccharide isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., was performed. The reticuloendothelial system-potentiating, anti- complementary and alkaline phosphatase-inducing activities of ukonan A and its degradation products were investigated. Methylation analyses of both the primary and the secondary Smith degradation products indicated that the core structural features of ukonan A include a backbone chain mainly composed of beta-1, 3-linked D- galactose, beta-1, 4-linked D-xylose and alpha-1, 2-linked L-rhamnose residues. All of the galactose units in the backbone carry side chains composed of alpha-L-arabino-beta-D-galactosyl or beta-D- galactosyl residues at position 6. Ukonan A has a remarkable effect on each of the three kinds of immunological activities. Periodate oxidation caused pronounced decrease or disappearance of the activities, but the controlled Smith degradation product having the core structure of polysaccharide showed considerable restoration of these activities.
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DRACAENA DRACO - DRAGON TREE RESIN
The Dragon Tree is a palm (family Palmae) and the part used is the red resinous secretion from the fruit and stem often called Dragon's Blood. It has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for millennia, known as Xue Jie.
Taste and property: sweet, salty and neutral.
Meridian action: Heart; Liver.
Action: To stop bleeding (hemostatic) and eliminate blood stasis; promotes wound healing (internal cell trauma); analgesic. Anti-fungal. Aphrodisiac (impotence). Bowel irregularity. Colitis. Ulcers and ulcerative colitis. Piles.
Mild diaphoretic detoxifier. It has strong antiseptic and bactericidal properties. Due to its anesthetic qualities it is calming.
This resin is a deep red, powerfully spicy resin that somewhat resembles benzoin and cinnamon mixed together. It is used in India during ceremonies designed to remove negative energies or spirits. While in many Catholic Churches it is used in their Frankincense mixture to intensify the smoke as well as for its disinfectant properties.
Other information: Dracaena draco is a giant tree of the East Indies and Canary Islands , and shares with the baobab tree the distinction of being the oldest living representative of the vegetable kingdom, being much reverenced by the Guanches of the Canaries, who use its product for embalming in the fashion of the Egyptians. The trunk cracks and emits a red resin used as 'tear' Dragon's Blood.
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ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA – PURPLE CONE FLOWER ROOT
Action: anti-septic, anti-microbial, alterative; vasodilator (peripheral), bacterial and viral infections, boils, septicaemia, laryngitis, pyorrhoea, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, catarrh, mouthwash.
Constituents: Echinacoside, the primary anti-microbial constituents in Echinacea. Polysaccharides, for example, possess the best immune stimulating properties and are also antiviral. Unsaturated isobutyl amides, echinacin and others, in E. angustifolia and E. pallida. Polysaccharides; a heteroxylan and an arabinorhamnogalactan. Polyacetylenes, at least 13 of which have been isolated. It has been postulated that these are artefacts formed during storage, since they are found in dried but not fresh roots of E. pallida. Essential oil, containing humulene, caryophyllene and its epoxide, germacrene D and methyl-p-hydroxycinnamate. Miscellaneous; vanillin linolenic acid derivatives, a labdane derivative, alkanes and flavonoids and the alkaloids tussilagine and isotussilagine.
It is used in the treatment of pyorrhoea and gingivitis. It may be used as an external lotion to help septic sores and cuts. Much research is focussing upon this plant, providing important insights into its activity and potential uses. Glycosides from the roots have mild activity against Streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Echinacoside was the most active with about 6 mg being equivalent to one unit of penicillin. It is able to reduce both the rate of growth and the rate of reproduction of Trichomonas vaginalis, and was found to be effective in halting the recurrence of Candida albicans infection. It seems to prevent infection and repair tissue damaged by infection, partially through inhibiting the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase. The hyaluronidase system is a primary defense mechanism, involving connective "ground" substance, or hyaluronic acid, acting as a barrier against pathogenic organisms. Some pathogens activate an enzyme, hyaluronidase, which once activated destroys the integrity of the ground substance. This causes the barrier to become leaky, allowing pathogens to invade, attach themselves to exposed cells, penetrate the membrane and kill the cell. The result as an inflammatory infection. Echinacea inhibits the action of hyaluronidase by bonding with it in some way, resulting in a temporary increase in the integrity of the barrier. Fewer pathogens are able to stimulate the destruction of the ground substance. A range of constituents mediate this process, especially a complex polysaccharide called echinacin B. This anti-hyaluronidase action is involved in regeneration of connective tissue destroyed during infection and in the elimination of pathogenic organisms creating the infection. Purified polysaccharides prepared from Echinacea possess a strong activating force on the body's macrophage-mediated defense system. These macrophages initiate the destruction of pathogens and cancer cells. Echinacea activates macrophages by itself, independent of any effect with T-cells. A tumour-inhibiting principle has been found, an oncolytic lipid-soluble hydrocarbon from the essential oil. The echinacosides glycosides appear to be the primary ‘antibiotics', but there are many other active substances present which probably function synergistically. The polysaccharides possess the best immune stimulating properties and are also antiviral. Other constituents have been shown to possess good anti-tumour, bacteriostatic, and anaesthetic activity.
This all points to the conclusion that its actions relate to immune system functioning on some level, helping deal with infections and stimulating the immune response. It activates the macrophages that destroy both cancerous cells and pathogens, increases the level of phagocytosis by raising levels of white blood cells such as the neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and B lymphocytes. It also has an effect on properidin levels, indication an activation of the complement system.
For more information: Citations from the Medline database for the genus Echinacea.
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ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM – CARDAMON SEED
Elettaria cardamomum or Amomom villosum (Cardamon seeds, Grains of Paradise, Yi Zhi Ren) - carminative; flatulent dyspepsia, increases appetite and saliva, anorexia, incontinence. Tonic to kidney yang: nutrient to bones and sinew; inhibits excess urination; anti-diarrhoeic; astringent, stomachic; kidney yang deficiency: impotence, premature ejaculation, frequent and profuse urination, urinary incontinence; diarrhoea, profuse salivation, cold and pain in abdomen; pungent, warm; SP, KI.
Description: Several varieties of seed plants are known as cardamon, but the best known is an export from India , where it is obtained from a ginger-like plant, Elettaria cardamomum. It is related to black cardamom, and to melegueta (also known as grains of paradise), a peppery cardamon-like seed which grows mainly in West Africa ; this was a popular European import in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Cardamom is particularly popular in Arab countries for flavoring coffee, and perhaps half the world's production is thus used. Cardamom and related spices were used by the Romans, and it remains popular in baked products in Scandinavian and Baltic countries. The seeds are widely used in cooking and in chewing products (similar to chewing gum) in India and Pakistan , and in Persian cuisine, but it is not widely appreciated in North America as a cooking spice or as a flavor in candies or beverages. Its exotic qualities have suggested it could be used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac, and long ago it was used as a perfume and breath freshener.
Useful Parts: The aromatic extract contains many essential oil chemicals, some of which have a smell like that of camphor. Thus, its main use is as an adjunctive spice in curries, coffees and other Asian or Middle Eastern foods. It used to be second in expense to saffron, and is known in India as Queen of Spices. However, declining markets and increased production in Guatemala have led to a fall in its value.
Medicinal Properties: Medically, it is used mainly as a flavor and an aid to digestion. It is used more prosaically to treat colds, bronchitis, fevers, inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx, and liver complaints.
Historical View “The effects of cardamoms are those of a very agreeable aromatic; they are used partly on account of their flavour, and partly for their carminative and stimulant properties. They are, however, rarely prescribed alone, but commonly either as adjuvants or correctives of cordial, tonic and purgative medicines.”
Main constituents
The content of essential oil in the seeds is strongly dependent on storage conditions, but may be as high as 8%. In the oil were found a-terpineol 45%, myrcene 27%, limonene 8%, menthone 6%, ß-phellandrene 3%, 1,8-cineol 2%, sabinene 2% and heptane 2%. (Phytochemistry, 26, 207, 1987)
Other sources report 1,8-cineol (20 to 50%), a-terpenylacetate (30%), sabinene, limonene (2 to 14%) and borneol.
In the seeds of round cardamom from Jawa (A. kepulaga), the content of essential oil is lower (2 to 4%), and the oil contains mainly 1,8 cineol (up to 70%) plus ß-pinene (16%); furthermore, a-pinene, a-terpineol and humulene were found.
Origin
Southern India and Sri Lanka . Indian cardamom is slightly smaller, but more aromatic. Although India is the largest producer of cardamom, only a small share of the Indian production is exported because of the large domestic demand. The main exporting country is Guatemala , where cardamom cultivation has been introduced to less than a century ago and where all cardamom is grown for export. There several related plants in genera Amomum, Aframomum and Alpinia, many of which have aromatic seeds; these may appear as cardamom substitute or adulteration, although the flavours of most of them differ markedly from true cardamom. Some of these have a eucalypt-like flavour worth dealing with in their own right (see black cardamom) while others are more pungent and almost peppery (see grains of paradise); yet many of them are quite disagreeable. These “wild cardamoms” can hardly be used as a substitute for the real thing.
Cardamom was known in Ancient Greece as an expensive item of commerce and known as kardamomon [?a?d ? µ?µ??] (kardomeia on the Linear B tablets). The name has not satisfying explanation, y et there is a similarity to the second element in the Greek name of cinnamon (kinnamomon [???? ? µ?µ??]); and there is also the name amomon [ ? µ?µ??] for a aromatic spice similar to cardamom. To make things worse, an apparently unrelated name kardamon [? ? ?daµ ??] denotes a pungent herb from Persia (probably a type of cress). Modern Greek has inherited that confusion: Both cardamom and cress may be called kardamo [???daµ?].
Also Roman sources tell of two similar spices: amomum and cardamomum, both of which were of Eastern origin. Some suspect the two to be identical (or different grades of the same product), but it appears more probable that they were distinct varieties of cardamom. The more expensive kind, cardamomum, is generally assumed to have been identical to what we call cardamom today; amomum, on the other side, may have been a type similar to black cardamom. Again, no etymology is known for these two names.
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EMBLICA OFFICINALIS – INDIAN GOOSEBERRY
Common Name: Amla, Indian Gooseberry
Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis, Family: Euphorbiaceae
Other Names: Emblic myrobalan, Amalaki
Amla is one of the most celebrated herbs in Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicine.
Traditional uses: detoxifier, eye wash, appetite stimulant, restorative tonic, and to treat anorexia, indigestion, bowel regulator, anemia, and jaundice.
Amla has unusually high levels of Vitamin C, which is resistant to storage and heat damage due to cooking.
Origin: It is a native species of India .
Chemical composition / key active constituents: Amla is highly nutritious and is an important dietary source of Vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. The edible fruit tissue contains protein concentration 3-fold and ascorbic acid concentration 160-fold compared to that of the apple. The fruit also contains considerably higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids than apples. Glutamic acid 29.6%, praline14.6%, aspartic acid 8.1%, alanine 5.4%, and lysine 5.3% . (l-lysine is a natural amino acid that is a building block of collagen and elastin fibers with l-proline); prevents digestion of collagen by blocking sites where enzymes attach, making this nutrient critical in preventing the degradation of collective tissue; l-lysine is not produced by the human bodyso the health of the connective tissue depends on optimal daily intake of this amino acid as well as others.) of the total amino acids. The pulpy portion of fruit, dried and freed from the nuts contains: gallic acid 1.32%, tannin, sugar 36.10%; gum 13.75%; albumin 13.08%; crude cellulose 17.08%; mineral matter 4.12% and moisture 3.83%. Amla contains chromium, 2.5 ppm; zinc 4 ppm; and copper 3 ppm.
Key Active Constituents: Emblicanin A&B, Puniglucanin, Pedunculagin, 2-keto-gluconolactone (Vitamin-C equivalents). Ellagic acid, Hexahydroxy-diphenic acid and conjugates.
Pharmacology: Emblica officinalis is effective in the treatment of peptic ulcer and in dyspepsia. The fruits exhibit hypolipiadaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects in rabbits & rats. The fruit extract has antimutagenic activity on certain directly acting mutagens in some strains of Salmonella typhimurium. The extract of amla also has antimicrobial properties. Amla is an antioxidant with free radical scavenging properties which may be due to the presence of high levels of super oxide dismutase.
Actions and uses: Indian Gooseberry or Amla is used to treat obstinate urinary conditions, anemia, biliousness, bleeding, colitis, constipation, convalescence from fever, cough, diabetes, gastritis, gout, hepatitis, hemorrhoids, liver weakness, to relieve stress, osteoporosis, palpitation, spleen weakness, tissue deficiency, vertigo, rebuilds blood, bones, cells, and tissues. It increases red blood cell count and regulates blood sugar; heart tonic, cleanses mouth, stops gum bleeding, stops stomach and colon inflammation; cleanses intestines, strengthens teeth, aids eyesight, expels worms and parasites, alkalizes the body, eye and lung inflammations, ulcerations, G.I. disorders, painful urination, and internal bleeding.
References:
CAS, IP, Ayurveda book etc.
1 Chem Abstr, 1992 [116- 19982, 127273]; 1993 [119-103470]; 1989[110-73906];
Vohora, Indian Drugs, [1989-26(10), 526]; Janjua, Hamdard, 1991 [34(2)-104];
Yaqeenudin et. al., Pakist J Sci Ind Res, 1990 [33-268].
2 Roy, A.K. et. al., Int. J.of Pharmacog., 1991, v. 29(2), 117-126.
3 Mand, J.K. et. al., J. Res. Edu. in Ind.Med., 1991, v., 10(2), 1-7.
4 Ghosh, A. et. al., Int. J. of Pharmacog., 1993, v. 31(2), 116-120.
5 Mathur, R. et. al., J. of Ethnopharmacol., 1996, v., 50(2), 61-68.
6 Singh, B.N. and Sharma, P.V., J.Res. Ind. Med., 1971, 5, 223.
7 Ramaswamy, Minor Forest Products, Mysore , 1945,55; Damodaran & Nair,Biochem.J. 1936,30,1014;Giri,Indian J. med. Res., 1939, 27, 429; Mitra & Ghosh,Ann. biochem.1941, 1, 307; Srinivasan, loc. cit.
8 Chawla et. al., 1982, Indian J. Med. Res. 76 (Suppl.), 95-98.
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ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS - SIBERIAN GINSENG ROOT
Action: adaptogen, circulatory stimulant, vasodilator; stress, depletion, (mental and physical), depression, immune stimulant.
Constituents: The chemical compound of Siberian Ginseng is complex. Among the many active substances which have been isolated, the most important seem to be 6 glycosides called eleutherosides(1), but vitamins, aminoacids and other principles are also found. It is difficult to dissociate the different components in the overall action of the plant.
It has a non-specific stimulant action on physical and intellectual capacities. It differs from that of the traditional stimulants (caffeine or amphetamine type) which produce a "lift" followed by a depression. Siberian Ginseng is the "anti-fatigue" and "anti-stress" drug par excellence. It was for this type of action that Brekhman(1) created the ideas of an 'adaptogen', whereas Fulder(2) preferred the name "biological optimiser". Dansberg(3) has confirmed this stimulating action experimentally on rats. It is a known fact that the Russian athletes use this herb during international sport meetings in order to benefit from its stimulating properties. For that reason, it was interesting to prove scientifically the effects of the powder of Siberian Ginseng on athletic performances. In 1984, the research staff of Arkopharma Laboratories(8) studied a group of sprinters and long distance runners. Half of them took Siberian Ginseng every day, the remainder took nothing and served as a control group. Both groups were equally fit. After one month, the conclusion was as follows: out of the two identically matched groups subjected to the same practice during one month, only the group treated with Siberian Ginseng powder improved its "maximum" strength in a significant way.
Information: Siberian Ginseng belongs to the same family as ginseng from Korea and China . It is a common plant in Siberia, and during the past few years it has been studied extensively i