Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe)

1. Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe) What Part of the Plant is Used? Interactions with Drugs • The transparent gel-like substance that is found in the leaves of the aloe plant are used for many medicinal purposes. • Topical use of aloe can lead to an increase in the absorption of steroid creams thus reducing the effectiveness and potential side effects from digoxin and digitoxin. • The use of aloe and furosemide may decrease potassium levels. • Aloe lowers blood sugar levels and can interact with hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. What is it Used for? • Dermatologic conditions such as skin infections, burns, acne and sunburns • Antiseptic • Antiviral and anti tumor activity (inactivation of many enveloped viruses) • Potent laxative • May help lower blood sugar levels • Moisturizer/ Anti-aging effects Saponin Side Effects • Topical use: redness, burning, stinging sensation • Oral use: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, red urine, electrolyte imbalance, worsen constipation • Not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding mothers (may cause: uterine contractions, gastrointestinal distress for infants) Active Components • Water • Hormones such as auxins and gibberellins • Vitamins: vitamins A,E,C, B12, follic acid, and choline • Lignin and saponins • Sugars: monosaccharides and polysaccharides • Salicylic acids and amino acids • Minerals: calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc Gibberellin Mechanism of Interest • Healing properties of aloe: • Glucomannan and gibberellin interact with receptors on fibroblasts thus increases collagen synthesis and collagen cross linking ultimately speeding up wound healing. Method of Administration • Topical (on the skin in form of aloe gel) • Often used for dermatologic conditions (burns, scars, antiseptic, etc) • Oral (consumed by mouth in form of aloe juice) • Often used as laxatives, sugar level regulator, etc

2. Specifically refers to the Aloe vera species Chemicals found in aloe Uses • Used in sunscreens, lotions, rubs, taken orally, and used as a flavoring • aloin • barbaloin • aloe-emodin • Used to treat wounds, burns, digestive issues, diabetes, HIV, cancer, many skin conditions such as herpes, ulcers, or dermatitis, and many other diseases and disorders • Other flavanoid compounds Aloe History • Used by Egyptians in rituals and as gifts • Began to be used as medicine to treat very minor wounds, minor burns, and constipation • Leaf parts used as products • Gel-like substance within the leaf pulp, used naturally or refined and put into lotions Scientific Analysis • Aloe may be effective for treating minor burns, minor wounds, and is a effective anti-constipation medicine • Green dermal tissue, used to make juice or refined into a latex • Aloe is unlikely to help with other issues, and may have detrimental effects • Aloe may reduce the absorption of some drugs, due to induced diarrhea Works cited: http://www.druzillabrown.com/store, http://nccam.nih.gov/, Bushra and Anwar, Chang et. al., http://www.dkimages.com, http://riodb01.ibase.aist.go.jp/sdbs/cgi- bin/direct_frame_top.cgi, http://www.titomarketing.com

3. AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY • What is it Used for? • Protects Heart • Anti-Constipation • Anti-Diarrheal • Anti-Asthma/Allergies • Slows Aging Process • Cushions Joints • Hyperacidity & Heartburn • Side Effects? • -unpasteurized cider or juice may contain E.coli • -grown with pesticides • -Amygdaline: cyanide occurs naturally in seeds. • Interactions with Drugs? • -potent inhibitor of cytochrome P-450 metabolism • -Decreases Digitoxin absorption • What Part of the Plant is Used? • Leaves & Bark (astringent properties) • Fruit • Active Component? • Pectin (insoluble fiber) • Homogalacturon • Rhamnogalacturonan I and II • Antioxidants • Quercetin (heart & lungs) • Magnesium & Potassium • Boron (for joints) • Malic & Tartaric Acid • -keeps food from fermenting • Method of Administration? • Orally • Apple Cider Vinegar • Apple Juice & Sauce • Whole Apple • Tea (Bark/Leaves) • As a Poultice • sore throats; skin inflammations Reduces blood sugar Removal of toxic metals Reduces bad cholesterol Hemetic (builds blood) References: EAT & HEAL (FC&A Medical Publishing) http://www.herballegacy.com/Lovett-Brown_Medicinal.html http://www.herbcraft.org/apple.html http://mars.ark.com/~squeeze/nutrient/herbal.html http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/Nutrients/Flavonoids.htm http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/feat/acf2f08.htm http://www.instituteforvibrantliving.com/glossary/a/apple_pectin.php http://www.herballegacy.com/Lovett-Brown_Contra.html http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs300/biochem1.htm

4. An apple a day… Used for: Cancers: colon, prostate, lung Heart ailment: cholesterol Diabetes Fever Scurvy Warts Alzheimers Parkinsonism Source: The apple is a tree Genus: Malus Family: Rosaceae Side effects: None? Unless you have a allergy to apple ` • Part of Plant Used: • Leaves, bark and root: • antibacterial (phloretin) at • low concentrations • Fruit: pectin used for • constipation and diabetes • Method of Administration: • Simply to eat the fruit • 1% topical formulation where procyanidines • promote hair growth • Aromatic qualities Interactions with Drugs: Fexofenadine (allegra): may reduce the bioavailability and exposure • Secondary Metabolites: • Antioxidants: prevent cell and tissue • damage from free radicals • Flavonoids: defensive phytochemicals • Pectin: natural fiber • Phytochemicals: may slow aging, • reduce risk of disease • Quercetin: neuroprotective properties • References: • http://www.drugs.com/npp/apple.html • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple • www.allaboutapples.com/health/terms.htm http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/images/apple_web_0.jpg

5. Bay Medicinal Uses In the Middle Ages bay leaves were believed to induce abortions and to be magical. The leaf Contains lauric acid which gives it insecticidal Properties. Bay has many properties for treating High blood pressure, migraines, bacterial and fungal infections, and gastric ulcers. Parthenolids compounds on the bay are used to treat migraines. It also has Eugenol which has anti- flammatory and anti- oxidant properties. It also helps the body to process onsulin more efficiently, which helps lower the blood sugar. Classification Kingdom: Plantae Family: Lauraceae Genus: Laurus Order: Laurales Species: L. nobilis Uses Method of Administration and Parts Used Bay is mostly used for cooking in Europe ( mainly Mediterranean) and North America. The leaves are used whole And removed before serving. It can also be crushed and used for its Fragrance. Bay is also known to be used To repel moths, flies, and roaches. Used orally and the leaves are used whole or crushed Active Component The active component of the bay leaves is likely a polyphenol (which acts as an antioxidant and protects cells and body chemicals against damage, also found in plants) since more than 80% of the in vitro insulin potentiating activity was removed by polyvinylpyrrolidone, which binds aromatic hydroxyl groups. References Medicinenet.com Monterey Bay Spice Company www.herbco.com Encyclopedia of Spices

6. Bay Laurel:: • small tree • Mediterranean and Asia. • Admired for it: beauty and aromatic leaves • What is it used for: • Dried and used for flavoring in in soups, fish, meat, vinegars, and beverages. • medicine: rheumatism, skin rash, insect repellant, Stress relieve • Cosmetic industry: perfumes, creams and soaps, Bay HERB • Part of plant used: • Leaves: oil accumulate in mesophyll and palisade cells • Side effects: • Umbellulone; mucous irritant • toxicological effect • Safrole; • carcinogenic and hallucinogic • Active component: • eugenol, eugenol acetate, methyl eugenol, 1-tepinol acetate, sabinene, 1,8-cineole, 1-linolool, phelladrine and other terpenoids and esters Sources: www.azarboretum.org/plantlis www.laurelcanyonlhebook.com

7. Blackberry Rubusfruticosus Remedies Blackberry is a safe and gentle astringent, diuretic, and tonic. It’s medicinal uses include internal treatment for dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, cystitis, and mouth sores and ulcers. It can also successfully lower blood sugar levels. The astringent aspect of the leaves can assist externally with blood clotting on open wounds and scratches. Extended use of herbal tea made from the blackberry root is believed to relieve enteritis, chronic appendicitis, and leucorrhoea. Active Component The leaves and roots of the blackberry plant contain 10% tannins and flavonoids. The tannins including gallotannins give the plant its astringent and anti-diarrheic qualities. Description Blackberry, a perennial plant grown in the dry soil of the northeastern and middle United States, has been used for centuries in a medicinal manner. The Romans used blackberry leaves for bleeding gums and the ancient Chinese used the berries for kidney problems and impotence. Currently, herbalist use the leaves and roots which contain astringent qualities as forms of alternative medicine. Dosages The blackberry herb is typically taken orally as a decoction of 1tsp root or leaves to 1 cup water or tea. The root can also be taken as a tincture of 15-40 drops in water. Side Effects Consuming large amounts of tannins has been linked to cancer, stomach distress, nausea and vomiting. The roots have the greatest concentration of tannins followed by the leaves and the fruit. Low doses are recommended for pregnant women and individuals with a history of stomach and colon cancer. Reference Sites http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Blackberry.htm http://www.holistic-online.com/herbal-med/_Herbs/h97.htm http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-blackberry.htm

8. Ellagic Acid Vitamin C • Cures Diseases • Diarrhea (Roots and leaves made into a tea with three teaspoons in one cup of hot water.) • Hemorrhoids (Proanthocyanidins strengthens the capillaries and veins in the anus) • Anticancer properties (Ellagic acid has anticancer properties ) • Diabetes (The leaves of the black berry when made into a tea help to lower blood sugar) • Constipation (A cup of water and blackberries mixed) • Fruit • A small dark purplish cluster berry, the fruits that make up the cluster are called drupes • Sweet, tangy taste • Changes color from red to dark purple • White hard core in the center of cluster • Immature, red berries are hard, mature purple berries are fragile and soft • Plant • Stems are long, arching, or trailing stems called canes • Canes are dull green and often have thorns, some varieties don’t have thorns • Leaves come in leaflets of three to five compound leaves • Phytochemicals • Vitamin C • Bioflavonoids • Folate • Iron • Calcium • Anthocyanins • Ellagic acid • Salicylate Blackberry References: Perdue University Horticulture 2006. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/fruits/blackberry1.htm Diabetes natural cures remedies 2007. http://www.theherbalbeauty.com/diabetes.html Home remedies for constipation, causes, symptoms 2007. http://www.natural-cure-guide.com/home-remedies/constipation.htm Reader digest staff. Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal: An A-Z Guide to Safe and Healthy Eating. 2004 Trivieri Larry, Anderson John W., Goldberg Max Allan Alternative Medicine The definitive guide.Ten Speed Press 2002 White, Linda B., Foster, Steven, The Herbal Drugstore: The Best Natural Alternatives to Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines! Rodale Press, Incorporated. 2003 Yeager, Selene Doctors Book of Food Remedies: The Newest Discoveries in the Power of Food to Cure and Prevent Health Problems--from Aging and Diabetes to Ulcers and Yeast Infections. Rodale Press, Incorporated2000

9. Burdock (Arctium Lappa) Introduction Methods of Administration -Taken as a decoction (extraction by boiling) and tinctures (extraction by alcohol) but can also be found as capsules and tablets. Roots are more commonly boiled and leaves extracted by alcohol. -Burdock also known as beggar’s buttons is a plant that has use to treat a variety of ailments. In medieval Germany, its been used to treat cancerous tumors and in china its been used for colds, flu, throat infections and pneumonia. Today it is often taken as an overall wellness drug. Structures of Active Components Polyacetylene • Side Effects and safety • FDA classifies burdock as an herb of “ undefined safety”. • Belladonna, a similar looking plant to burdock contains atropine (poison) and causes toxic effects that have been confused as effects of burdock . Parts used - Roots and Leaves Arctigenin Active Ingredients and Uses -Polyacetylenes (antibacterial and antifungal). The seeds of the plant contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which leads to increased perspiration, which is essential in cleansing the body of toxins or harmful elements. According to traditional healers, diaphoretics are integral to treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys which purify the blood. Another component arctigenin (a inhibitor of tumor growth) has burdock used in conjunction with cancer treatment under physician supervision.

10. Burdock • What is it? • A weed found in Europe, Asia, and United States • A large biennial that grows in the wild • Root is sweet and has gummy consistency • Method of administration • Oral (dried root, capsules, decoctions, tinctures, fluid extract, root tea) • Topical (compress or plaster) • What is it used for? • Diabetes • Fluid retention • Blood thinning • Skin ulcers • Eczema • Acne • Psoriasis • Bacterial infections • Arthritis • Tonsillitis • Cancer prevention • What part of plant is used? • Root • Seeds • Leaves • Side effects • Not common with oral ingestion • Occasional allergic reactions when using topical plasters • Drug interactions • Not well known • May alter effects of the following drugs: • - Antidiabetics • - Diuretics • - Anticoagulants • - Birth control pills • Active components • arcigen, calcium, potassium • chlorogenic acid, resin, iron • essential oil, tannin, mucilage • flavonoids, lactone, inulin • polyacetylenes, taraxosterol • vit A, B, essential fatty acids References: Burdock (Arctium lappa). (2008). MedlinePlus Retrieved April 10, 2008 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-burdock.html Burdock Root. (2008). Natural Herbs Guide Retrieved April 10, 2008 from http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/burdock.html Burdock Root. (2008). Vitamins and Supplement Guide Reetrieved April 10, 2008 from http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/herbal-supplements/burdock-root.php Images: www.wildmanstevebrill.com/JPEG'S/T-Shirt%20Im...; vitanetonline.com/.../burdock%20root.jpg, www.horizonherbs.com/images/burdock-seed.jpg; www.fushi.co.uk/images/products/Herbal-Tinctu...; www.garysmarketplace.com/ProdImages/413438.jpg; images.jupiterimages.com/.../18/58/23405818.jpg

11. CELERY SEED • Usages? • Reduces Insomnia & Anxiety using sedative affects • Prevents gout by neutralizing uric acid and relieve inflammation • Lowers blood pressure and lowers diabetes via diuretic pathways which will remove excess water, salts, and sugars in the body Which part of the plant is used? The seed (of course) • References: • Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herb. Emmaus, PA. Rodale Inc. 1991 • Foster, Steven & Linda White. The Herbal Drug Store. Rodale Inc. 2000. • http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/celery-seed-000886.htm • http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductChemicalPropertiesCB5174179_EN.htm Methods of Administration? Orally: Individuals consume 2 to 4 tablets per day Active Component? 3-n-butyl phthalide or 3nB • Interactions w/ drugs? • Not to be used with Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) such as Coumadin • Can cause bleeding Side Affects? Due to the diuretic properties, individuals can possibly become dehydrated in water or potassium

12. Celery Seeds (Apium graveolans) • Uses: • Diuretic • Arthritis • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol • Anticoagulant • Phytochemicals: • Coumarins • Flavonoids • Phenolic compounds • Unidentified alkaloids • Method of Administration: • Fresh/dried seeds • Tablets • Capsule filled w/ celery seed oil • Celery seed extract • Active ingredient: • 3nB • Plant description: • 2-3 ft tall • 3-5 segmented leaves and flowers with small white petals • Seeds are small tan to dark brown with a pleasant smell found in the flower • Side effects: • Uterine bleeding and muscle contraction in uterus • Causes photodermatitis References: www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsHerbs/CelerySeedch.html www.mdidea.com/products/new/new018.html www.metagenic.com/resources/imc/OneMedicineCons/ConsHerbs/CelerySeedch.html

13. Sage (Salvia) Interactions w/ drugs -Take caution when used In conjunction w/CNS depressants or stimulants -Addictive effect of sage may Conflict w/ dopamine -hypotensive properties may increase the potency of anorectic drugs (fenfluramine) -anti-tuberculous properties may react with other anti-TB drugs -tannins in sage may increase potency of antibiotics from Echinacea Active component .Salvinorin A-S. divinerum About sage -Salvia means healing -Healing powers came from virgin Mary -Evergreen shrub with woody stems - 3 ft tall -2001 herb of the Year Uses -flavors food -herbal beer (Fernet Branca) -Essential oils- aroma therapy -antiseptic- treats sore throats, ulcers, etc. -antipsychotic, antispasmodic, astringent, Stimulant, tonic, antihydrotic, etc. -Treats digestive problems, excessive, Lactation, night sweats, excessive salvation (Parkinsons disease), Excessive perspiration (TB), tooth aches, insect bites, insomnia, menstrual cramps, nervous system, vaginal discharge, colds, headaches, grey hair, etc. Part of plant used -All of the plant is used -leaves- medicine, food -Oils- aroma therapy -U.S typically leaves are prescribed Methods of Administratiion -internal .Chewing/cooked leaves or on food .Inhaled/smoked .Tea/ tonic .Gargled, pills -External .Rubbing it on parts of body Side Effects -Toxic due to Thujone content b/c of thujone long term usage can cause seizures, liver damage and damage to nervous system -pregnant women have to be cautious; induces contractions and dries up breast milk

14. Methods Mouthwash Infusion Aromatherapy Salve Uses Alzheimer’s Stomatitis Arthritis Liver Function Flatulence Hormonal Stimulant Menopausal Symptoms Amenorrhea/Dysmenorrhea Repress Lactation Night Sweats Hyperglycemia Muscle Spasms Antimicrobial Allergies Side Effects Hives Rash Itchy/Swollen skin Chest pain Breathing problems Seizures Interactions Diabetes Hypoglycemia Epilepsy Phenobarbital SAGE RosmarinicAcid Leaves and Essential Oils Astringent Aromatic Carminative Antiseptic Antihydrotic Spasmolytic Sources: http://www.ageless.co.za/sage.htm#which%20part%20to%20use , http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altmed/altmed-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ame0149.xml&contentName=Sage&contentId=312 , http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/sage.htm , http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/rosmarinic-acid.php