Herbal Constituents Actions PDF

Constituent - Mucilage Mucilage – A group of polysaccharides that form a gel-like consistency when combined with water. Actions: • Demulcent • Emollient • Anti-inflammatory • Vulnerary • Bulking laxative • Soothing expectorant Marshmallow – Althea off. • Anti-spasmodic Slippery Elm – Ulmus fulvus Pl...

Constituent - Mucilage Mucilage – A group of polysaccharides that form a gel-like consistency when combined with water. Actions: • Demulcent • Emollient • Anti-inflammatory • Vulnerary • Bulking laxative • Soothing expectorant Marshmallow – Althea off. • Anti-spasmodic Slippery Elm – Ulmus fulvus Plantain – Plantago lanceolata Aloe gel – Aloe vera Chia / Flax / Psyllium Mucilage Actions • Emollients – soften, soothe and protect the skin (for topical use only) • Form a protective barrier for the skin that will soothe and moisten any inflammation, irritation or burn • Applied as a gel, salve, oil, cream, lotion or poultice • Herbal Examples: • Aloe gel (Aloe barbadensis) • Plantain (Plantago major) • Chickweed (Stellaria media) • Comfrey (Symphytum off) Mucilage Actions • Demulcents – soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue • Cooling, soothing and relaxing to raw, hot, irritated or inflamed membranes of the digestive, respiratory and genitourinary tracts • Some demulcents have a soothing effect distal to the site of contact due to a reflex response initiated in the gut • Herbs for soothing the digestive tract: • Marshmallow (Althea off) • Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) • Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) • Herbs for soothing the respiratory tract: • Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) • Coltsfoot (Tussilago sp) • Herbs for soothing the genitourinary tract: • Corn silk (Zea mays) Mucilage Actions • Vulnerary • Helps with healing wounds – speeds up the natural wound healing process to reach resolution faster • Used both topically and internally • Promotes the laying down of granulation tissue to form a scab or eschar sooner • Allantoin is another constituent that has this action found in comfrey and plantain • Herbal examples: • Calendula (Calendula off) • Comfrey (Symphytum off) • Plantain (Plantago lanceolata / major) Mucilage Actions • Bulking Laxatives • Herbs that contain mucilage can pull water into the colon to soften and give bulk to stool • By bulking the stool, this enhances the body’s reflex signaling pathway to evacuate the stool • Herbal Examples: • • • • Aloe gel (Aloe barbadensis) Psyllium seed (Plantago psyllium) Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) Marshmallow root (Althea off) Mucilage Actions • Soothing Expectorant • Remove excess mucous from the lungs and soothes irritated lung tissue • Very helpful for dry, sticky mucous that is difficult to cough up • Very helpful for unproductive and irritable coughs • Relax bronchial tissues and loosen mucus to be expelled • Herbal Examples: • Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) • Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) • Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Constituent - Tannins Tannins – Toning and tightening effect due to the ability to precipitate proteins and reduce secretions. Usually found in those parts of a plant that are shed – leaves, fruits and bark Actions: • Astringent • Hemostatic • Vulnerary • Anti-diarrheic • Dry up secretions Condensed: pre-flavonoids • Green / Black Tea – Camellia sinensis • Red Raspberry leaf – Rubus ideaus • White Willow – Salix alba Hydrolysable: use caution • Horsechestnut – Aesculus hippocastanum • Witch Hazel – Hamamelis virginicus • Uva Ursi / Bearberry – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Tannin Actions • Astringent • • • • • Binding, tightening and drying effect on tissues Reduce secretions and diarrhea via toning and tightening effect Reduce mucous membrane irritation, inflammation and swelling Improve mucous membrane integrity and form a barrier against infectious agents Speeds wound healing (vulnerary effect) • Herbal Examples: • • • • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Tannin Organ Affinity / Tissue Specificity Gastrointestinal Tract • Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaris) • Green / Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) Kidneys • Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) • Uva Ursi / Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Lungs • Plantain (Plantago lanceolata/major) Cardiovascular System • Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) • Blueberry / Bilberry (Vaccinium spp) Female Reproductive System • Shepard’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) • Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus) Skin & Connective Tissue • Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) • Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginicus) Constituents & Actions - Tannins • Safety Concerns: • Tannins may be inappropriate in the following conditions: • Constipation • Iron deficiency and malnutrition • Tannins should not be taken with other medications or supplements • Herbs rich in hydrolyzable tannins (Witch Hazel) should be reserved for topical use due to hepatotoxic effects Constituent - Salicylates Salicylates – Ease pain and reduce inflammation. A group of simple phenolics with salicin, methyl salicylate and salicylic acid. Actions: • Anti-inflammatory • Analgesic • Anti-pyretic / Febrifuge • Anti-septic Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria White Willow – Salix alba Cramp bark – Viburnum opulus Salicylate Actions • Anti-inflammatory • Help the body modulate inflammation (not suppress or promote) • Support and balances our own chemical mediators responsible for inflammation – cytokines, interleukins, prostaglandins, leukotriene, etc Salicylate Actions • Analgesic • Soothe and relieve pain • Usually salicylate, alkaloid and resin constituents • Lesson neural sensitivity and pain signals within the nervous system • Inhibit the cell sodium dependent channels to reduce action potential (pain signal) transduction along the nerve fibers • Stimulate and deplete Substance P • Used in low doses for long periods of time • Herbal Examples: • • • • Cayenne (Capsicum spp.) California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Cramp Bark (Viburnum spp) White Willow (Salix alba) Salicylate Actions • Anti-Pyretic / Febrifuge • Control or reduce fever • Fever is a natural healing process and should only be interfered with if fever gets too high • Herbal Examples: • Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) • White Willow (Salix alba) Constituents & Actions - Salicylates • Safety Concerns: • High doses can be ototoxic and may induce transient hearing loss in zinc-deficient individuals • Toxic overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, tinnitus and dizziness – “Salicylism” • Avoid in cases of salicylate allergy Constituents & Actions - Bitters Bitter principle – bitter, digestive stimulant. A number of constituents brought together by their bitter taste. Bitter Action: Wormwood – Artemisia absinthium • Hepatic Gentian – Gentiana lutea Oregon Grape – Berberis sp • Alterative Dandelion – Taraxacum off. • Stimulates appetite Bitter Greens • Aids liver in detoxification • Regulates blood sugars • Stimulates Parasympathetic Nervous System • Mild laxative • Stimulates release of digestive enzymes, acid and bile Bitters & Hepatics • Hepatics – cholagogues & choleretics • Cholagogues stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder • Choleretics increase the volume of bile produced by the liver • Aid in the digestion of food and break-down of dietary fats • Supports healthy liver cells • Hepatoprotective – Turmeric • Hepatotrophorestorative – Milk thistle • Herbal examples: • • • • Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Dandelion root (Taraxicum radix) Bitters & Alteratives • Alteratives • • • • Gradually restore proper nutrition, elimination & metabolic function of the body Blood cleansers / purifiers / detoxifiers Action on the lymphatic, gastrointestinal, urinary and skin systems Improve the body’s metabolism of nutrients, elimination of waste and contain macro/micro/phytonutrients • Herbal examples: • • • • • • Burdock (Arctium lappa) Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) Cleavers (Gallium aparine) Dandelion root (Taraxicum off radix) Stinging Nettle tops (Urtica dioica folia) Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Constituents & Actions - Bitters • Safety Concerns: • Use caution with strong bitters or avoid use with: • • • • • • Active or acute inflammatory bowel disease Diarrhea Pregnancy Kidney stones Acute gallbladder disease Reflux or hiatal hernia Constituents & Actions - Flavonoids Flavonoids – “Biological Response Modifiers”. Made up of a carbon skeleton with 2 substituted benzene rings. Mostly found in leaves, fruits and flowers. Actions: • Anti-oxidant • Anti-spasmodic • Anti-inflammatory • Vascular tonic • Connect tissue tonic • Liver-protective Marigold - Calendula off • Anti-allergic Green/Black Tea – Camellia sinensis • Anti-viral Hawthorn Berries – Crataegus sp. Bilberry, Blueberry, etc • Anti-cancer Turmeric – Curcuma longa Chamomile – Matricaria recutita Flavonoid Actions • Anti-oxidant • Redox (oxidation-reduction) regulators – transfer of electrons • Reduce oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species • Inhibits the reduction of dehydroascorbic acid via glutathione by acting as H+ donors allowing resonance stabilization allowing damaging molecules to be unreactive • Slows the aging of cells • Herbal Examples • • • • • Colorful fruits and veggies Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Hawthorn (Crataegus sp) Green tea Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Flavonoid Actions • Antispasmodics / Spasmolytics: • Prevent or ease spasms or cramping within the musculature (smooth and skeletal muscles) • Also nervine relaxants and carminatives • Salicylates, alkaloids and volatile oils also have this action • Herbal examples: • • • • • Hops (Humulus lupulus) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) Ginger (Zingiber off) Flavonoid Actions PMID: 3061322 & PMID: 16920072 Constituents - Volatile Oils Volatile Oils – aromatic herbs. A complex mixture made up of over 100 compounds. Actions: Garlic – Allium sativum • Carminatives Peppermint – Mentha piperita Lemon Balm – Melissa off • Rubefacients Ginger – Zingiber off • Nervine stimulants Lavender – Lavendula off • Nervine relaxants • Anti-microbial • Immune Stimulants • Anti-inflammatory • Beneficially affect the skin, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system and circulatory systems Volatile Oil Actions • Carminatives • • • • Promote and ease digestive system function Soothe and settle the gut wall to ease cramping pains Aid in the removal of gas from the intestines Volatile oils can both stimulate and relax the smooth muscles of the intestines depending on the body’s needs • Herbal Examples • • • • • Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Lemon Balm (Melissa off) Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Ginger (Zingiber off) Volatile Oil Actions • Rubefacients • Volatile oils dilate the blood vessels and mildly stimulate the tissue it comes in contact with • Resins and volatile oil are often responsible for this action • Cleanses and nourishes affected tissue via improved blood and lymphatic flow • Draws blood from deeper parts of the body into the skin to benefit organs • Herbal Examples: • • • • Mustard seed (Brassica alba/niger) Cayenne (Capsicum spp) Castor Oil (Ricinis communis) Onion & Garlic (Allium cepa & sativa) Volatile Oil Actions Nervines • Have a beneficial effect upon the nervous system • Either relaxants, stimulants or tonics 1. Nervine Relaxants: eases physical and psychological tension in cases of restlessness and anxiety (high doses = sedative) • Herbal Examples: • Lavender (Lavendula off) • Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) • Lemon Balm (Melissa off) 2. Nervine Stimulants: stimulates the nervous system in cases of mental fatigue • Herbal Examples: • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) • Orange EO • Caffeine 3. Nervine Tonics: strengthen and feed the nervous system in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion • Herbal Examples: • Oat tops (Avena sativa) • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) • Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Volatile Oil Actions • Immune Stimulants / Antimicrobials • Act directly against a bacteria or virus and stimulate the innate immunological defenses • “Immune booster” good at the onset of a cold or flu to fight the pathogen • Herbal Examples: • • • • Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Echinacea (Echinacea spp) Old Man’s Beard (Usnea spp) Constituents & Actions – Volatile Oils • Safety concerns: • Generally safe, although internal use may increase salivation, perspiration, peristalsis and stimulate the heart muscle to contract • Most essential oils (EO) should not be used internally • Internal use of EO is contraindicated in pregnancy • Caution with topical EO as it may be caustic to skin Constituents - Saponins • Saponins – “soap-like”. Based on a steriod or triterpene fat-soluble base joined with a water-soluble sugar molecule • Actions: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Immunomodulator Wild Yam – Dioscorea villosa Diuretic Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra Stimulating Expectorant Ginseng – Panax ginseng Anti-catarrhal Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Aphrodesiac Anti-oxidant Emmenogogue Cardiac stimulant Hormone modulating – mimics endogenous hormones Hepatoprotective – supports Kuppfer cells Adaptogen – spares cortisol Saponin Actions • Stimulating Expectorant • Activation of the muco-ciliary escalator and mucous membrane irritation • Causes the respiratory system to expel thick, copious mucus from the lungs • Helpful in congestive lung disorders • Herbal Examples: • Blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis) • Eucalyptus Saponin Actions: • Immunomodulators / Deep Immune Tonics • • • • Saponins and polysaccharides have this action Benefit the responsiveness of the immune system Feeds and strengthens the immune system Support the cells involved in our immune defense • Stimulate T-suppressor cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, WBCs & antibodies • Adaptogenic to help with convalescence • Used in chronic or recurrent disease states • Herbal Examples: • Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) • Medicinal mushrooms – Reishi, Shiitake, Chaga, etc • Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) Saponin Actions • Anti-catarrhals • Saponins, volatile oils and tannins have this action • Thin and remove excess mucous from the body (usually ear, nose, sinuses and throat) • Great for nasal and sinus congestion • Herbal Examples: • • • • Elderberry & Flower (Sambucus nigra) Eyebright (Euphrasia off) Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Saponin Actions • Adaptogens • • • • Regulate adrenal function Help build resilience to stress Improve energy and stamina Some are trophorestorative to the adrenal tissue • Herbal Examples: • • • • • • Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera) Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) Holy Basil (Occimum tenuifolium) Ginsengs Constituents & Actions - Saponins • Safety Concerns: • May have an irritating effect on mucous membranes potentially causing urticaria, sneezing, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting • May have hemolytic properties when taken intravenously or intramuscularly Constituents - Alkaloids • Mixed group of constituents containing nitrogen-bearing molecule. Most commonly found in flowering plants Actions: • Anti-spasmodic • Analgesic • Anti-arrhythmic • Anti-bacterial • Anti-cancer • Nervine Stimulant • Vasodilatory • Psychotropic / Hallucinogenic Deadly Nightshade – Atropa belladonna Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis Oregon Grape – Berberis aquifolium Lobelia – Lobelia inflata Borage – Borage off. Comfrey – Symphytum off. Coffee Green Tea Chocolate Constituents – Types of Alkaloids • Indole • Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) • Psilocybe sp, Lophophora williamsii (Peyote) • Isoquinoline • • • • Corydalis ambigua (Corydalis) Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) Berberis aquifolium/vulgaris (Oregon Grape) Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) • Purine • Coffea arabica (Coffee) • Camellia sinensis (Tea) Constituents & Actions - Alkaloids • Safety Concerns: • All alkaloids have the potential to be toxic • Must adhere to maximum weekly and daily doses with plants containing high levels of alkaloids • Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation • Early signs of toxicity: • • • • • • Dry mouth & eyes Pupil dilation Heart palpitation Rapid/Shallow breathing Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Delirium, confusion Constituents & Actions - Anthraquinones • Largest subgroup of quinones. • Yellow-brown pigments, occur mainly as glycosides. Actions: • Major constituent responsible for stimulant laxative effects (dose & bowel flora dependent) • Mostly a local action with little absorption • Increased peristalsis and inhibition of water and electrolyte resorption by the intestinal mucosa. • 6 – 8 hours delay after ingestion before effects commence Herbal Examples: • • • • Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) Senna (Cassia angustifolia) Aloe latex (Aloe barbadensis) Turkey Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) Constituents & Actions - Anthraquinones Safety Concerns: • Adverse effects à acute intestinal pain & cramping • Long term use à Dependence, electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia), dehydration, interfere with absorption of medications, peroxidation of lipids in enteric mucosa • Use caution in acute IBS/IBD, bowel obstructions, spastic colon, abdominal pain of unknown origin, children <12 years old • Harmless reddish discoloration of urine and feces may occur • Absolute Contraindication: Pregnancy Constituents & Actions - Coumarins • Often occur in glycosidic form. Simple coumarin has vanilla-like odor. • Derivatives are found in many plant species and have widely divergent actions • Hydroxycoumarins • Furanocoumarins • Pyranocoumarins Actions: • Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic & edema-modifiers Herbal Examples: • Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastinum) • Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Constituents & Actions - Coumarins Safety Concerns: • Anticoagulant? • Coumarins are NOT coumadin (aka. warfarin) • Transformation to the natural anticoagulant dicoumarol occurs by a number of species of fungi. Anticoagulant effect only occurs after fermentation. • Photosensitivity • Furano & pyrocoumarins are activated by UV light, which can lead to photosensitivity rashes in some people. Constituents & Actions - Lignans • Polyphenolic indigestible plant fibers, often are metabolized by intestinal microbiota Actions: • • • • Phytoestrogenic Antioxidant Reduce Cholesterol Nephro & Hepatoprotective Herbal Examples: • Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) • Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) • Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) Summary of Constituent-Action Pairing CONSTITUENT MAIN ACTIONS Mucilage Emollient, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary Polysaccharides (Beta-glucans) Immune modulant Alkamides Analgesic, immune stimulant Coumarins Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, lymphatic, vascular tonic Flavonoids Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular tonic, antispasmodic Isoflavones Phytoestrogenic Lignans Adaptogenic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotectant, phytoestrogenic Summary of Constituent-Action Pairing CONSTITUENT MAIN ACTIONS Anthraquinones Stimulating laxatives Salicylates Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic Tannins Astringent, antimicrobial Volatile oils Antimicrobial, carminative, rubefacient, antispasmodic, nervine Resins Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, expectorant, rubefacient Saponins Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, anticatarrhal Phytosterols Hormone modulant, hypolipidemic Alkaloids Many (nervine stimulant, nervine sedative, antimicrobial…)