Galanga
Dyspeptic disorders, lack of appetite.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Anti-inflammatory effect.
Lee H.J.et al-Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum. Planta Med. 2006 Jan;72(1):68-71.
Yadav PN1, Liu Z, Rafi MM. A diarylheptanoid from lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum) inhibits proinflammatory mediators via inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase, p44/42, and transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003 Jun;305(3):925-31.
Galega
Galega extract is traditionally attributed a galactogenic action, i.e. it promotes milk production. This is why it would be useful in the early stages of breastfeeding.
Bruni A. et al. Annotated Dictionary of Herbalism and Phytotherapy. PICCIN publisher 2003.
Gentian
Useful in dyspeptic disorders, lack of appetite during convalescence.
ESCOP The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. Second Edition. Supplement 2009
To relieve the sense of abdominal bloating, flatulence.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. 2000. THOMSON publisher.
Ginseng
It can be used to treat conditions of reduced mental and physical ability, such as weakness, exhaustion, fatigue, and loss of concentration, as well as during convalescence.
ESCOP The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. First Edition. 2003
Gymnema sylvestre
Gimnema extract is used as a dietary supplement because it reduces body weight, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Tiwari P. et al. Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: an important medicinal plant. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:830285.
Gimnema in in vivo studies has been confirmed to be effective in reducing body weight and positively modulating lipid metabolism.
Kumar V. et al Evaluation of antiobesity and cardioprotective effect of Gymnema sylvestre extract in murine model. Indian J Pharmacol. 2012 Sep-Oct;44(5):607-13.
Guarana
Guarana has a stimulating effect because it contains methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline). Guarana is used as a tonic to better resist fatigue, hunger and thirst. Its stimulating effect on circulation, heart and diuresis is probably due to the caffeine.
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.