Medicinal Plants

Few herbal remedies have conclusively demonstrated any positive effect on humans.Many of the studies cited refer to animal model investigations or in-vitro assays and therefore cannot provide more than weak supportive evidence.

• Artichoke may reduce production cholesterol levels in in vitro studies. Clinical evidence of reduction in serum cholesterol is lacking.
• Soy and other plants that contain phytoestrogens (plant molecules with estrogen activity) (black cohosh probably has serotonin activity) have some benefits for treatment of symptoms resulting from menopause.
• Butterbur (Petasites )
• Calendula
• Cranberry may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.
• Echinacea extracts may limit the length and severity of rhinovirus colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels, which might be higher than is available over-the-counter, require further research.
• Elderberry may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.However it is possibly risky in the case of avian influenza because the immunostimulatory effects may aggravate the cytokine cascade.
• Feverfew is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.However, many reviews of these studies show no or unclear efficacy.However a more recent RTC showed favorable results,Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women as it may be dangerous to the fetus.
• Garlic may lower total cholesterol levels
• Ginger
• Purified extracts of the seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa may have some antihypertensive, antifungal and antibacterial effect. Toxicity tested low except for an isolated case of damage to the testes of a rat after prolonged and excessive consumption.
• Magnolia
• Milk thistle
• Nigella sativa (Black cumin) has demonstrated analgesic properties in mice. The mechanism for this effect, however, is unclear. In vitro studies support antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects. However few randomized double blind studies have been published.
• Oregano may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
• Pawpaw can be used for insecticidal purposes (killing lice, worms).
• Phytolacca or Pokeweed is used as a homeopathic remedy to treat many ailments. It can be applied topically or taken internally. Topical treatments have been used for acne and other ailments. It is used to treatment tonsilitis, swollen glands and weight loss.
• Peppermint oil may have benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
• Pomegranate
• Rauvolfia Serpentina, high risk of toxicity if improperly used, used extensively in India for sleeplessness, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
• Salvia lavandulaefolia may improve memory
• St. John's wort, has yielded positive results, proving more effective than a placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in some clinical trials. A subsequent, large, controlled trial, however, found St. John's wort to be no better than a placebo in treating depressionHowever more recent trials have shown positive results or positive trands that failed significance. A 2004 meta-analysis concluded that the positive results can be explained by publication bias but later analyses have been more favorable.The Cochrane Database cautions that the data on St. John's wort for depression are conflicting and ambiguous.
• Saw Palmetto can be used for BPH. Supported in some studies, failed to confirm in otherrs.
• Shittake
• Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia. Clinical studies show mixed results and researchers note that many trials are of poor quality.
• Vanilla
• Ocimum gratissimum and tea tree oil can be used to treat acne.
• Green tea components may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells and may heal scars faster.
• Lemon grass can lower cholesterol.
• Honey may reduce cholesterol. May be useful in wound healing.