Herbal Drugs for Skin, Eye, and Rheumatic Disorders PDF

Herbal drugs for skin, eye and rheumatic disorders By : DR/Reham Adel  Skin disorders Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema seen in children. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but researchers believe it may involve genetics, the...

Herbal drugs for skin, eye and rheumatic disorders By : DR/Reham Adel  Skin disorders Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema seen in children. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but researchers believe it may involve genetics, the environment, and/or the immune system. Acne (Acne vulgaris) Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands of the skin, often triggered by hormonal changes. The term acne refers to not only pimples on the face, but blackheads, cysts, and nodules as well. Some people get acne on other parts of their body too, such as the back and chest. Treatment of acne includes (keratolytics, antibiotics, antiseptics, and anti-inflammatories)  Psoriasis Psoriasis is an inflammatory hyperproliferative skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen, or hot. Treatment includes the use of keratolytics, anti-inflammatories, and immunosuppressants. Vitiligo Vitiligo is a disorder that causes patches of skin to become white. It happens because cells that make color in your skin are destroyed  Marigold (Calendula officinalis) TRADE NAMES Califlora Calndula Gel, Calendula Gel, Calendula Ointment Other Names: Calendula, Holligold, Goldbloom, Golds, Mary Bud, Ruddes, Mary Gowles, Holigold, Marybud COMPOUNDS: MARIGOLD FLOWERS Triterpene saponins (2 to 10%): Triterpene alcohols Flavonoids Hydroxycoumarins Carotinoids Volatile oil (0.2%) Water-soluble polysaccharides (15%) Polyynes EFFECTS: MARIGOLD FLOWERS The results of numerous studies on the mode of action are available. The flowers are antimicrobial due to the terpene alkaloids, lactone and flavones contained in the essential oil. Flavonoids isolated from flowers of Calendula officinalis demonstrated positive antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Topical application of Calendula has been shown to enhance the granulation and epithelialization of damaged skin Anti-Inflammatory Action The anti-inflammatory activity of the 3 main triterpendiol esters of Marigold were tested in mice. INDICATIONS AND USAGE MARIGOLD FLOWERS Approved by Commission E: Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx Wounds and burns Unproven Uses: Preparations are used for circulation, ulcers, spasms, swelling of the glands, jaundice, and for wounds and eczema. The herb is used in Russia for strep throat, on the Canaries for coughs and cramps and in China for irregular menstruation. PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS MARIGOLD FLOWERS AND HERB No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. There is a low potential for sensitization after frequent skin contact with the drug. A low rate of contact dermatitis (less than 1%) occurred in patients patch-tested with a tincture of 10% Calendula Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis TRADE NAMES Evening Primrose Oil Capsules (available from numerous manufacturers), Mega Primrose Oil, Oil of Evening Primrose. Original Primrose for Women, Royal Brittany Evening Primrose Oil DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fatty oil extracted from the ripe seeds and the fresh plant gathered at the beginning of the flowering season.  Production: Evening Primrose oil is the fatty seed oil of Oenothera biennis. The oil is extracted by means of a cold extraction process, which involves hexane in steel or glass lined tanks. The extract is washed and the solvent removed using low pressure. Other Names: Fever Plant, Night Willow herb, Scabish, Sun Drop,..etc COMPOUNDS Fatty oil: chief fatty acids linoleic acid (65-80%), gammalinolenic acid (8-14%), oleic acid (6-11%), palmitic acid (7- 10%) EFFECTS Gamma-linolenic acid (a component in Evening Primrose oil) is converted to di homo-gamma-linolenic acid and then to prostaglandin El (PGE1) in-vivo by the enzyme delta-6- desaturase. PGE1 has anti-inflammatory and cell membrane stabilizer activity in the body INDICATIONS AND USAGE Unproven Uses: Evening Primrose oil is used for neurodermatitis, premenstrual syndrome and as a dietary aid. The drug is also used to treat hyperactivity in children, high cholesterol levels, menopausal hot flashes and mastalgia. Capsules containing 500 mg of Evening Primrose oil have been approved for use in Germany, in the treatment of and to relieve the symptoms of atopic eczema PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS There are case reports of seizures in schizophrenic patients that were being treated with Evening Primrose oil along with phenothiazine medications. Practitioners should be aware that Evening Primrose oil has a potential to lower the seizure threshold in patients with seizure disorders or those being treated with drugs that lower the seizure threshold. Avocado Persea americana DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried leaves, the whole fruit including the seed and the oil extracted from the leaves. Production: Avocado oil comes from the fruit of Persea americana. Avocado oil is recovered from the pericarp of Persea americana and refined if necessary. COMPOUNDS Fatty oil: chief fatty acids oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid (tocopherols, vitamin E) EFFECTS Avocado oil is an emollient, which improves rough itchyotic skin.  INDICATIONS AND USAGE Avocado is a main ingredient in so-called natural cosmetics. PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana TRADE NAMES Witch Hazel (available from numerous manufacturers), Witch Hazel Leaf Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the plant's hamamelis water, which is distilled from various plant parts; the bark; the fresh and dried leaves; the fresh bark of the roots and branches; and the dried bark of the trunk and branches. Production: Witch Hazel leaf is obtained from the leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, which are collected in autumn and dried rapidly. Witch Hazel bark is the dried bark of the trunk and branches of Hamamelis virginiana. Other Names: Hamamelis. Hazel Nut, Snapping Hazel, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, Tobacco Wood, Winter bloom ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY COMPOUNDS: WITCH HAZEL BARK Tannins Catechins Oligomeric procyanidins EFFECTS: WITCH HAZEL BARK Witch Hazel bark is astringent, anti-inflammatory and locally hemostatic. COMPOUNDS: WITCH HAZEL LEAF Tannins Olgomeric procyanidins Volatile oil Flavonoid EFFECTS: WITCH HAZEL LEAF The tannins and tannin elements have an astringent, antiinflammatory and locally hemostatic effect.  INDICATIONS AND USAGE Approved by Commission E: Hemorrhoids Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx (leaf only) Inflammation of the skin Venous conditions Wounds and burns Unproven Uses: Witch Hazel leaf and bark are used internally in folk medicine for non-specific diarrheic ailments , hematemesis, haemoptysis and also for menstrual complaints. Efficacy in the treatment of diarrhea seems plausible because of the tannin content. Witch Hazel is used externally for minor injuries of the skin, localized inflamed swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS Health risks following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. If taken internally, the tannin content of the drug can lead to digestive complaints. Liver damage is conceivable following long term administration, but rare.  Sweet Clover Melilotus officinalis Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the flowering herb. Flower and Fruit. Production: Sweet Clover consists of the dried or fresh leaf and flowering branches of Melilotus officinalis, and/or Melilotus altissimus. Other Names: Melilot, King's Clover, Yellow Sweet Clover, Hay Flowers, Sweet Lucerne, Wild Laburnum, Hart's Tree  COMPOUNDS: IN THE FRESH PLANT Coumarinic acids glycosides COMPOUNDS: IN THE DEHYDRATED DRUG Free coumarin (0.4-0.9%) Hydroxycoumarins Flavonoids Triterpene saponins Volatile oil COMPOUNDS: IN THE SEEDS Canavanin (amino acid) Trigonelline (alkaloid) EFFECTS The drug has an antiphlogistic, antiexudative and antiedematous effect, which explain its use for inflammatory and congestive edema. It increases venous reflux and improves lymphatic kinetics. Animal experiments showed an increase in healing wound INDICATIONS AND USAGE Approved by Commission E: Blunt injuries Hemorrhoids Venous conditions The drug is used internally for problems arising from "chronic venous insufficiency, such as pain and heaviness in legs, night cramps in die legs, itching and swelling; for the supportive treatment of thrombophlebitis, post-thromboticsyndromes, hemorrhoids and lymphatic congestion. Externally, the drug is used for contusions, sprains and superficial effusions of blood. Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Sweet Clover is used as a Diuretic PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Administration of the drug in higher dosages can lead to headache and stupor, transitory liver damage is possible for a very small number of particularly susceptible patients. Elevation of liver enzyme values usually disappears following discontinuance of the drug. (Monitoring of the liver enzyme values is recommended.) German Chamomile Matricaria Recutita TRADE NAMES Chamomile Flowers (available from numerous manufacturers), Standardized Chamomile Extract, Wild Chamomile, Kid Chamomile DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts consist of the entire flowering herb or only the flowers. Production: German Chamomile consists of the fresh or dried flower heads of Matricaria recutita and their preparations. Other Names: Pin Heads, Chamomilla. Chamomile, Single Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY COMPOUNDS Volatile oil {0.4-1.5%): Flavonoids Hydroxycoumarins Mucilages EFFECTS Anti-Inflammatory Effects Chamazulene exerts anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation. Apigenin, a flavonoid, effectively blocks intercellular adhesion molecule-1 upregulation and leukocyte adhesion in response to cytokines. Antioxidant Effects Chamazulene, a volatile oil, exerts antioxidant effects through inhibition of lipid peroxidation  Antineoplastic Effects Apigenin applied topically has effects on skin tumor-genesis through inhibition of skin papillomas and a tendency to decrease the conversion of papillomas to carcinomas Anxiolytic Effects Flavonoids are CNS-active molecules and the chemical modification of the flavone nucleus dramatically increases the anxiolytic potency  Miscellaneous Effects Apigenin has been associated with an increase in atrial rate as a result of a reduction in noradrenaline uptake and a reduction in monoamine oxidase activity. The herb exerts antibacterial and drying effects on weeping wound areas, which increase healing Chamomile oil has antimicrobial activity against some skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Candida species INDICATIONS AND USAGE Approved by Commission E: Cough/bronchitis Fevers and colds Inflammation of the skin Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx Tendency to infection Wounds and burns Unproven Uses: In Folk medicine, the herb is used internally for diarrhea and flatulence. The herb is used externally for furuncles, hemorrhoids, abscesses, and acne. Drug Interactions and CONTRAINDICATIONS Coumarin Anticoagulants — Due to the content of hydroxycoumarins in chamomile, there may be an additive effect when taken with warfarin. Alcohol/Benzodiazepines — Chamomile has week anxiolytic properties at benzodiazepine receptor sites, thus concomitant use of alcohol and benzodiazepines should be avoided. Contraindications: Chamomile should not be taken by anyone with a known allergy to its components or other members of the Compositae family (eg, arnica, yarrow, feverfew, tansy, artemesia) Brewer's Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the mature, debittered, bottom-fermented Brewer's Yeast Production: Medicinal yeast consists of fresh or dried cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or of Candida utilis. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY COMPOUNDS Vitamins of the B group Polysaccharides Proteins Amines Sterols  EFFECTS The yeast is antibacterial and stimulates phagocytosis. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Approved by Commission E: Dyspeptic complaints Eczema, furuncles, acne Loss of appetite Unproven Uses: Brewer's Yeast is used for constipation and itching skin diseases. PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS General: Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The intake of large quantities can cause gas. Allergic intolerance reactions are possible Migraine headaches can be triggered in susceptible patients. Drug Interactions: The simultaneous intake of monoamine oxidase inhibitors can cause an increase in blood pressure. Hebal medicine for eye ? Eyebright Euphrasia officinalis TRADE NAMES Eyebright (Available from numerous manufacturers) Eye-- bright Herb, Herbal Eyebright, NuVeg Eyebright DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the flowering plant. Production: Eyebright consists of the whole plant of Euphrasia officinalis gathered during flowering season. Eyebright herb consists of the fresh or dried, above-ground parts of Euphrasia officinalis. Other Names: Euphrasia COMPOUNDS Iridoide monoterpenes: Lignans Flavonoids Tannins INDICATIONS AND USAGE EFFECTS No documentation available. Unproven Uses: Eyebright preparations are used externally as lotions, poultices, and eye-baths, for eye complaints associated with disorders and inflammation of the blood vessels, inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva, as a preventive measure against mucus and catarrh of the eyes. In folk medicine, Eyebright is used for blepharitis, conjunctivitis, styes, eye fatigue symptoms, functional eye disorders of muscular and nervous origin, coughs and hoarseness. The efficacy of the herb for its claimed uses is not documented. PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. DOSAGE Mode of Administration: Since the efficacy of the claimed uses is undocumented, and external eye application is not absolutely hygienic, therapeutic use cannot be recommended. Herbal medicine for Rheumatic disorders Rheumatic disorders Rheumatism refers to various painful medical conditions which affect joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Rheumatic diseases, also called musculoskeletal diseases, are characterized by pain and a consequent reduction in the range of motion and function in one or more areas of the musculoskeletal system; in some diseases there are signs of inflammation: swelling, redness, warmth in the affected areas. Rheumatic diseases can also affect internal organs. Some people use the word arthritis to refer to all rheumatic diseases. Arthritis, which literally means joint inflammation, is just part of the rheumatic diseases. Arthritis in the restricted sense primarily involves: joint pain, joint stiffness, joint inflammation, and joint damage.  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which inflammatory response develops especially in synovial joints. In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks our own body’s tissues. It affects mainly the lining of the joints and results in painful swelling of the joints and causes joint deformity. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) SLE is a multisystemic and complex autoimmune disease/condition characterized by loss of tolerance to self- antigens and production of high-titers serum autoantibodies with multifactorial etiology, which mainly affect women. Gout More than 2 million Americans have gout, which is a type of arthritis where microscopic crystals of uric acid develop on the joints and cause inflammation, swelling and pain. This often occurs in the big toe. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary periodic fever syndrome characterized by acute episodes of fever and painful manifestations. Colchicum Colchicum autumnale DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The fresh flowers and the dried ripe seeds, collected in early summer and then sliced, as well as the tubers (fresh and dried) are the medicinal parts of the plant.. Production: Colchicum seeds are the dried seeds of Colchicum autumnale harvested in the wild in June or July and airdried. Colchicum bulbs are the cut and dried tubers of the plant harvested in early summer. After the surrounding leaves have been removed, the tubers are cut into slices and dried at temperatures of 60°C or lower. Colchicum flowers are collected from the wild in late summer and autumn and then air-dried. Other Names: Meadow Saffron, Meadow Saffran, Autumn Crocus, Naked Ladies, Upstart ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY COMPOUNDS: COLCHICUM BULB Tropolone alkaloids Starch Fatty oil COMPOUNDS: COLCHICUM FLOWERS Tropolone alkaloids: EFFECTS: COLCHICUM BULBS, SEEDS AND FLOWERS Colchicum inhibits mitosis through the inhibition of motility, particularly of the phagocytosing lymphocytes. thereby producing an antiphlogistic effect. INDICATIONS AND USAGE COLCHICUM BULBS, SEEDS AND FLOWERS Approved by Commission E: Gout Mediterranean fever Unproven Uses: Due to the plant's toxicity, internal application is seldom used with the exception of acute attacks of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Efficacy for these uses appears plausible. The drug was previously used for skin tumors, psoriasis, necrotic vasculitis, tendovaginitis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, liver cirrhosis, acute and chronic leukemia; also for asthma, dropsy and rheumatism. PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS General: The drugs are severely poisonous. Signs of poisoning, including stomachaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and, less frequently, stomach and intestinal hemorrhages, can occur even with the administration of therapeutic dosages. Kidney and liver damage, hair loss, peripheral nerve inflammation, myopathia and bone marrow damage with their resulting symptoms (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia, and, more rarely, aplastic anemia) have been observed following long-term administration. Pregnancy: Colchicum is not to be used during pregnancy because of possible teratogenic damage. This also has been noted following intake of the drug by the father before conception.