Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a species of Lagerstroemia native to tropical southern Asia. The tree is called the Crape Myrtle. The leaves of the Banaba and other sections are used often by the, Taiwan, and Philippines as a tea preparation. In isolated cells, corosolic acid, is known to stimulate glucose uptake. In vitro experiments show that banaba extracts demonstrated a similar activity to insulin in causing glucose update by cells. In addition, banaba leaf includes a elevated concentration of antioxidant compounds for protecting against oxidative stress and indicates anti inflammatory effect.

Banaba Benefits

Banaba have been used for long years in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, with the first published research study being reported in 1940. The banaba extracts include corosolic acid, a component being studied for its insulin like effect of lowering the glucose in the body. The active insulin-like triterpenoid component, corosolic acid, has been shown to stimulate glucose into cells andis effective in reducing blood glucose and insulin levels. (On the other hand, unlike insulin, banaba extract has been found to be effective when taken orally). Other important properties in banaba extract contain the phytochemicals lager-stroemin, flosin B and reginin A, which could also play a role in the blood glucose level reduction.

Researches performed by Dr. Yamazaki, have shown that the banaba includes corosolic acid, which has insulin-like effects. Studies performed by Dr. William V. Judy, confirmed that corosolic acid lowers the blood sugar levels. In a study reported in “Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry” in 1996, researchers showed that treating diabetic mice with banaba extract (diet containing 5% of the hot-water extraction from banaba leaves) helped protect against high blood sugar levels. The antidiabetic effect of an extract from the leaves of banaba standardized to 1% corosolic acid (glucosol preparation) has been showed in a randomized study involving Type II diabetics. Glucosol at daily doses of 32 and 48 mg for two weeks demonstrated a important decrease in the blood glucose levels. Blood sugar levels, were 20 % less with powder capsules, and 30 % less with a softgel extract. (July 2003 edition the Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

Dosage

It is usually administered in daily doses of 8-48 milligrams, with a 1-2% concentration of corosolic acid. High doses should be avoided due to the likely for hypoglycemia.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a perennial herb in the poppy family. Grows primarily in North America and in India. This herb produces blood-red sap from its fresh roots. The rhizomes include alkaloids, responsible for different pharmacological effects. The main bioactive components of bloodroot are alkaloids, mainly sanguinarine. Fresh bloodroot sap or an infusion of the root can be applied externally to treat eczema, warts, ringworm, ulcers, and benign skin tumors.

Bloodroot Uses

Bloodroot was included in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926 as an botanical medication. The important component of bloodroot is sanguinarine, an alkaloid that indicates anticancer, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antimicrotubule and anesthetic effects. Sanguinaria canadensis used as an coughs, sore throats, antiseptic, emetic and cathartic to treat such conditions as skin cancer, inflammation and infection. It has also been used on warts, ringworm, nasal polyps, and periodontal infections, gingivitis, and plaque. Bloodroot (sanguinarine) exhibits antiplatelet activities and decreases platelet thromboxane production. Also, in a research reported in the Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants in 2009 bloodroot were found to modulate and stimulate human immune cells.

Researchers have isolated, sanguinarine, as the anti-cancer constituent. Sanguinarine, is also found in the greater celandine. In the 1800s, bloodroot was used as an ointment on breast tumors. Sanguinaria canadensis and zinc chloride  are two agents that are used as part of the Mohs chemosurgery fixed-tissue technique. When mixed with zinc oxide, blood root creates a corrosive paste that digests skin tissue. Allopathic use of bloodroot as an escharotic (Escharotic therapies are localized treatments utilizing herbs that are corrosive or caustic. Corrosive salves are usually referred to as ‘escharotics’ because they produce a thick, dry scab named an ‘eschar’ on the skin.)  for treating skin cancers was popularized by Frederick Mohs, who used a bloodroot paste to assist in the demarcation of the lesion, allowing a targeted surgical excision. It is a combined of blood root and zinc chloride and is known as “Mohs chemosurgery,” after F. Mohs, who invented the method. Scientists from University of Wisconsin have shown that bloodroot (sanguinarine) possesses powerful proapoptotic  and antiproliferative effects against human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells, immortalized human HaCaT keratinocytes, androgen-unresponsive human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells and human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells. Nevertheless; the effect of bloodroot needs more research before it is approved as a therapeutic cure for cancer.  (The FDA includes bloodroot on the list of  ‘Fake Cancer Cures‘ that consumers should avoid.)

Sanguinarine, has been used as a toothpaste for mouthrinse ingredient. Some studies have shown that mouthwash containing  zinc and sanguinarine is effective in reducing plaque formation. It acts as an antiseptic that avoids bacteria from forming plaque on teeth. A study reported in 2005 shown that a toothpaste containing sanguinarine and fluoride helped to avoid dental cavities better than just fluoride.  Small proportions of sanguinarine have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in toothpastes to help tussle gingivitis. In a announcement  from 2003, the FDA Dental Plaque Subcommittee of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee concluded “…that sanguinaria extract at 0.03-0.075% concentration is safe, but there are insufficient data available to permit final classification of its effectiveness in an oral rinse or dentifrice dosage form as an antigingivitis/antiplaque active ingredient.”

Bloodroot Side Effects

Bloodroot should be used only under the supervision of a doctor. Are not recommended for glaucoma patients, pregnant women, breast-feeding women, and children. Adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, grogginess, burning feeling in the stomach and drowsiness. High doses can cause  blurring of vision, slowing of heart beat, shock, coma. Topical use of blood root for skin cancer can lead to negative effects including disfigurement. Use of blood root as an escharotic agent in the form of a paste or salve has led to localized tissue damage and disfiguring scarring in a number of case reports. No scientific studies have examined the efficacy of escharotic agents as therapies for cancers.  Goldman and McDaniel reported 4 case studies documenting treatment failures or complications with their use. In a study of bloodroot as adjunctive treatment for HIV, patients were unable to tolerate doses over 5 mg, due to vomiting and nausea, vertigo and and dizziness angioedema.

Cissus quadrangularis (devil’s backbone) is a perennial plant of the  grape  family. Also known as Veld Grape, it has been used for centuries as a traditional tonic for a different health problems. The leaves and stems are indicated as the main sources for C. quadrangularis healing and restorative activities. Lab experiments and research in animal-based, demonstrate that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. C. quadrangularis includes plant steroids named ketosterones, which accelerate bone healing by acting as glucocorticoid antagonists.

Cissus quadrangularis Benefits

This plant helps to speed recovery from bone fracture, relieve gastric problems, as an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. Recent researches has shown the effect of Cissus to speed up bone healing by acting as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.

Researches has focused on C. quadrangularis capability to speed bone healing by showing it acts as a glucocorticoid antagonist. Since anabolic and androgenic substances are well known to effect as antagonists to the glucocorticoid receptor promote bone growth and fracture healing, it has been postulated that Cissus quadrangularis possesses anabolic and androgenic activities.

C. quadrangularis is the frequently used effective Ayurvedic remedy for the purpose of bone fractures.  In clinical studies, C. quadrangularis has led to a fracture healing time in the order of 55 to 33% of that of controls. C. quadrangularis extract, in vitro, has been  to boost Insulin-Like Growth Factor signalling in bone cells treated with Cissus. In vitro other study found that, cissus quadrangularis extract was able to induce stem cell production into osteoblasts. A study was undertaken to analyze the effect of methanolic extract of Cissus on the healing process of experimentally fractured radius-ulna of dog. Cissus quadrangularis treated animals revealed faster initiation of healing process than the control animals on radiological and histopathological examinations. Improvement was nearly complete on 21st day of fracture in the treated animals and remained incomplete in the control animals.

Developing research demonstrate that taking a specific Cissus quadrangularis combination product (Cylaris or CQR-300)  decreases weight in obese and overweight people. A weight loss supplement (Cylaris) containing Cissus quadrangularis and other ingredients including soy albumin, green tea, niacin-bound chromium, selenium, and vitamins B-6 and B-12, and folic acid was evaluated in an 8-week study. The supplement helped decrease body weight by 4-8% a clinically noteworthy weight loss. (2.4% in the placebo group)

Scientific researches have shown Cissus relieve ulcers by strengthening the gastric mucosa, the stomach’s protective lining. The ulcer-protective effect of a methanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was comparable to that of the reference medication sucralfate. Some of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin reason gastric ulcer. The experimental results suggests that Cissus quadrangularis  promotes ulcer protection by the reduce in ulcer index, gastric secretions and increase in the glycoprotein level, gastric mucin content and NPSH (non-protein sulfhydryls) concentration. In addition, gastric juice and mucosal studies demonstrated that Cissus at a dose of 500 mg/kg given for ten days significantly increased the mucosal defensive factors like mucin secretion, mucosal cell proliferation, glycoproteins and life span of cells.

Dosage

The recommended daily dosage of C. quadrangularis extract is between 100 and 500 milligrams. Cissus extract can safely be taken in dosages of up to 500 milligrams per day.

Cissus quadrangularis Side Effects

Animal toxicological experiments demonstrate that no signs of toxicity or adverse effects were observed in rats fed up to 2500 milligrams Cissus extract/kg body weight/day for 90 days. This amount, is the equivalent of 200 g for an 80 kg man. However, some people have reported insomnia, headache and diarrhea with long-term use of Cissus extract .

Psyllium (Plantago ovata) is a soluble fibre obtained from the plant genus Plantago. This herb is native to North Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The seed and the outer covering of the seed are used to make drug. Psyllium husk includes a high amount of hemicellulose, composed of a xylan backbone linked with arabinose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid units. Each herb can produce up to 15000 tiny, gel coated seeds, from which psyllium husk is derived. Every 100 g of psyllium provides 71 g of soluble fiber.

Psyllium Benefits

Psyllium is used in human with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, constipation, ulcerative colitis,  irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure and diabetes. Some researches demonstrate psyllium can reduce total cholesterol by approximately 9 percent, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by percent.

Constipation

Constipation is a fairly common condition. Constipation, is defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. The stool can be dry and hard. Constipation may be caused by not eating sufficient fibre, or not drinking sufficient fluids. It can also be a adverse effect of certain drugs, or related to an underlying disease.

Psyllium is a hydrophilic mucilloid compound made of plant fiber. Seeds contain 10–30 percent mucilage. The laxative effects of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This increases the size of stool and helps it pass more  readily through the intestines. When psyllium is combined with water, it expands by 8 to 16 times its normal weight. As a result, they become soft and bulky as they pass through the intestinal tract.

In a clinical trial, two weeks of psyllium (3.6 grams 3 times daily) provided a important greater development in symptoms over placebo. Randomized, double-blind study followed 170 person with chronic constipation. The study compared psyllium herb and other laxative and found in favor of psyllium for better stool softening. (In the Journal of Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1998). In a clinical trial of 149 people with chronic constipation, the consumption of 15-30 g daily of a psyllium seed preparation provided bowel relief in 85 % of patients who had no known pathological cause for their constipation.

Hemorrhoids

Since Plantago ovata is known to help soften stool, it is an effectual way to decrease the pain and problems associated with hemorrhoids. This plant, fiber absorbs water and expands, softening the movements and making them easier to pass. Thus reduce hemorrhoid problem. A double-blind study showed that 7 g of psyllium, taken three times daily decreased the bleeding and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Fifty participant with internal bleeding hemorrhoids were given  a placebo  or 11.6 g of psyllium (Metamucil) daily for forty days. Patients in the Metamucil group had important development in reduction of bleeding and a noteworthy reduction of congested hemorrhoidal cushions.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a illness that causes ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon. The important symptom of active disease is generally constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset. Other symptoms may include, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bleeding from the rectum,  anemia, and joint pain. Also, individuals who have had extensive ulcerative colitis for many years are at an increased risk to develop large bowel cancer. This disease is the result of an abnormal response by your body’s immune system. In a study of patients with ulcerative colitis, psyllium seeds were as shown to be as effectual as the prescription medication mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa) in decreasing recurrences of the illness. This activity may probably be due to increased levels of butyric acid with psyllium supplementation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome  is one of the most common disease of the bowel. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. You may also have mucus in your stools. Women are more often affected. Some researches have found that soluble fiber including psyllium helps to regulate stool frequency and consistency in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Psyllium provided positive effects in IBS patients in a research that was reported in the August 2009 edition of the British Medical Journal. Recuperation at the end of the experiment was 45% better in the psyllium group.

Hypercholesterolemia

Soluble fibers, including those from psyllium husk, have been shown to increase the cholesterol-lowering effects of a low-fat diet in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Plantago ovata is well tolerated and safe when used adjunctive to a low-fat diet in people  with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia. Some findings demonstrate that psyllium seed might be more effectual than the seed husk for reduce cholesterol.

An analysis of double-blind studies in 1997 concluded that a daily amount of 10 g psyllium reduced cholesterol levels by 5 percent and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 9 percent. There is some research findings that taking psyllium for high cholesterol makes it possible to reduce the dose of specific drugs used to lower cholesterol. Taking 15 g of psyllium along with 10 mg of simvastatin daily seems to lower cholesterol about as well as taking a higher dose  of simvastatin daily. Research reported in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” concludes that the use of soluble-fiber cereals is an effectual and well-tolerated part of a diet for the therapy of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

As proof of this, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) authorized the use of health claims on food products containing soluble fiber from  psyllium that state that they are associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

“3 to 12 grams of soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease”.

Diabetes

The Journal of Diabetes and its Complications edition September 1998 have published a study investigating the benefits of psyllium in type II diabetes and its effects in the glucose and blood lipid levels. The findings of the study indicated that participants given 5 g of psyllium husk 3 times a day for 2 weeks demonstrated significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose. In a clinical study, patients with type 2 diabetes who took 5.1 g of psyllium per day for 8 weeks reduced their blood glucose levels by 11 to 19.2 percent.

Psyllium Dosage

The recommended dosage for psyllium ranges from 10-30 grams daily, in divided doses. Some physicians recommend taking 5 grams of psyllium husks or 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds, mixed with water or juice, one to two times per day. For Constipation; According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), dosages of psyllium for constipation can range between 7 grams and 40 grams daily taken in up to four divided doses. (As a laxative, psyllium is generally taken in the early evening to stimulate a bowel movement the following morning). For Cholesterol; According to researches 5 g of psyllium husk taken three times a day demonstrated a significant reduction of total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. For Diabetes; In an comment published in 1998 in the Journal of Diabetes Complications showed that an therapeutic dosage of psyllium is 5 grams before each meal. Psyllium should be taken with a minimum of 8 ounces of water.

Sarsaparilla root (Smilax regelli) is a perennial plant that is native to the rainforests of South America, Caribbean and the Jamaica. The herb belongs to the lily family. Root is the most common part of the sarsaparilla vine that is used for therapeutic purposes. This root has a pleasant fragrance and spicy sweet taste. One of the most important ingredients in sarsaparilla root are saponins, a chemical substance.

Sarsaparilla Benefits

Conventionally, sarsaparilla root, as a tonic and blood purifier, and has been used for gonorrhea, syphilis, rheumatism, arthritis, fever, cough, gout, anorexia, liver protection, digestive disorders, wounds, psoriasis, eczema, skin disorders. Also, sarsaparilla includes beta-sitosterol which has anti-inflammatory effects.

This plant, used to treat syphilis in the 1800’s and was exported to Europe. From 1820 to 1910, was registered in the US Pharmacopoeia as a therapy for syphilis. Chinese researches indicate sarsaparilla root, in combination with  other plants, was tested as a cure for syphilis. Clinical observations showed that smilax was effectual in approximately 90 percent of acute and 50 percent of chronic cases.

Smilax binds with toxins and is used to improve  blood and liver functioning. The active chemicals of the sarsaparilla herb are its saponins, which help to reduce the body’s toxic load. It binds to toxins and causes them to be eliminated from the bowel readily.

Sarsaparilla is usually used in connection with psoriasis, eczema, and other skin problems. Specific root phytochemicals, have soothed psoriasis, probably by disabling bacterial components called endotoxins. Patients with psoriasis have been found to have high levels of endotoxins circulating in the bloodstream. A Chinese study shows a sarsaparilla formula is an effectual potential therapy for psoriasis. “The New England Journal of Medicine” reported study in 1942 showing that  extract of sarsaparilla was effective in reducing psoriasis symptoms, 62 percent of the 92 participants studied demonstrated important development in their symptoms, while 18 percent showed  complete removal of their psoriasis symptoms.