Acerola
It is used as a source of Vitamin C.
(SBruneton J. Pharmacognosie et phytochimie plantes medicinales. Ed. Lavoisier, Paris, 1993 Sannia A. Formulario pratico di fitoterapia. Ed. Tecniche nuove, Milan, 1994).
Yarrow
Useful in dyspeptic disorders and lack of appetite, liver and gallbladder disorders.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Agar-Agar
The laxative effect is due to the ability of Agar-Agar to absorb and retain large amounts of water by swelling in the intestine. The mucilaginous substances increase the volume of the faecal mass by stimulating the intestinal muscles and peristalsis.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Agara-Agar cannot be absorbed and does not ferment.
Capasso F. et al. Phytotherapy. Rational use of plant drugs. 2006. Springer.
Garlic
Garlic exerts antiatherogenic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antiaggregant, vasodilator and antioxidant effects. It is useful for the prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, for the treatment of hyperlipidemia not sufficiently responsive to dietary change alone.
ESCOP The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. First Edition 2003
Alchemilla
It is traditionally used to alleviate menopausal discomfort.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
In past centuries, alchemilla was considered very effective for the treatment of female ailments.
Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy. Phytochemistry. Medicinal plants. Lavoisier. 1999.
Alfa Alfa
It is used as a natural source of Vitamins, A, C, E, and K4 as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive database. Unbiased, Scientific Clinical Information on Complementary, Alternative, and
Chlorella algae
Chlorella Algae in dietary supplements is used as a source of nutrients such as protein, nucleic acids, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Dunaliella algae
Natural source of -carotene, precursor of Vitamin A.
In in vivo studies, Dunaliella alga inhibited atherogenesis.
Harari A. et l. Prevention of atherosclerosis progression by 9-cis-β-carotene rich alga Dunaliella in apoE-deficient mice. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:169517.
Spirulina algae
Spirulina algae would enhance endurance to physical exertion during running.
Kalafati M, Jamurtas AZ, Nikolaidis MG, et al. Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010;42:142-51.
Aloe
It has cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory, emmollient, moisturizing action.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive database. Unbiased, Scientific Clinical Information on Complementary, Alternative, and
Aloe can stimulate the immune response by increasing humoral immunity.
Halder S et al. Augmented humoral immune response and decreased cell-mediated immunity by Aloe vera in rats. Inflammopharmacology. 2012 Dec;20(6):343-6.
Subjects taking an aloe-based nutritional supplement showed a reduction in TNF-α, endothelial growth factor, and interleukins 2 and 4.
Lewis JE et al. The effect of an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex on cognitive and immune functioning in Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(2):393-406.
Altea
For the treatment of dry cough and irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
ESCOP The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. First Second Edition. 2003
Marshmallow relieves irritation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx, has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant action.
The German E Commission recommends its use for coughs and bronchitis.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
The roots and leaves contain mucilaginous polysaccharides with an emollient and protective effect on the mucous membranes.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Pineapple
It has anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic and proteolytic effects. Proteolytic enzymes promote wound healing. Inhibition of platelet aggregation and improved absorption of antibiotics when administered concomitantly has also been observed.
It can be used to treat edema. It has anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic and proteolytic effect. Proteolytic enzymes promote wound healing.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Angelica
Useful in dyspeptic disorders and inappetence
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Anise
Aniseed is traditionally used to treat flatulence, colic pain and as a digestive aid.
Commission E approves its use in dyspeptic disorders.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
In traditional medicine it is also used as a galactagogue.
World Health Organization 2007. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Vol. 3.
Orange peels
It promotes the secretion of gastric juices. Its use is indicated to treat dyspeptic disorders and lack of appetite.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Ventilated Clay
Known since ancient times for its adsorbing, purifying, soothing power; it controls intestinal gas.
Astragalus
It is believed to stimulate the immune system through multiple mechanisms. By increasing the production of Iga and IgM immunoglobulins in nasal secretions in humans, stimulating macrophages, increasing phagocytosis and enhancing the effect of interferon, activating lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells.
Capasso F. et al. Phytotherapy. Rational use of plant drugs. 2006. Springer.
Oats
Oats according to various studies have the ability to reduce cholesterol levels and hinder the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. The effect of reducing cholesterol would be due to polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Traditionally used to treat acute and chronic states of anxiety, stress, sleep difficulties.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Recommended books:
Texts for the scientific study of phytotherapy
- – Lugli A. Knowing the medicinal plants. 40 practical cards, many curiosities and useful tips. Aboca editions. 2010.
- Capasso F. et al. Phytotherapy. Rational use of plant drugs. Springer-Verlag. 2006.
- Campanini. Dictionary of Phytotherapy and Medicinal Plants. New Techniques. 2012.
ESCOP- European Scientific Cooperation on Phytotherapy:
- – ESCOP Monographs The scientific basis of phytotherapy products. Italian edition of the second English edition edited by Planta Medica Edizioni.2006.
English versionMonographs On the medicinal uses of plants drugs European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Second edition 2003. Thieme.
- ESCOP Monographs On the medicinal uses of plants drugs European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Second edition Supplement 2009. Thieme.
- WHO Monographs Selected medicinal plants. Vol.1-2-3-4-5. World Health Organization Geneva.
Downloadable at the link: http://apps.who.int/medicinedoc/en/d/Js2200e/
- Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council. 2000
- Blumental L. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. The American Botanical Council. 2003
- PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.