Posted in Herbal Medicine

Recent research has investigated the use of dose-dependant herbal extract of Prunella vulgaris as neoadjuvant therapy in early stages of breast cancer. Researchers also examined the use of the herb together with the chemotherapy drugs taxane and concluded that in both cases, Prunella vulgaris The principles for treatment of breast cancer at different stages have been continuously refined. The commonly used methods are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, endo...

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers of the head and neck region worldwide and is generally treated surgically in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. However, anticancer agents have numerous serious side effects, and alternative, less toxic agents that are effective as chemotherapeutics for SCC are required. The Paeoniaceae family is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. We examined methanol and butanol extracts of Paeonia lutea ( P. lutea ) le...

The papaya or pawpaw (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit, which has been consistently associated with numerous medicinal properties. One of the most important of these claims is the ability of papaya leaf extract to revert low platelet counts to normal in dengue fever. Several researchers have tested preparations of papaya leaf, in particular, in regard to the platelet count. One systematic review confirmed the increase in platelet count to be more significant in the group that received the...

Proudly erect, growing up to two metres high, mullein is a striking weed that is hard to miss in the wild with its woolly leaves and tall solitary stem studded in golden flowers. Much loved in folk medicine to assist breathing, the leaves are a beneficial respiratory remedy for toning the mucous membranes and treating lung congestion. The flowers are famous for their use as an external earache remedy when infused in oil.  More than 2000 years ago mullein was described as a treatment f...

A bitter cholagogue and antispasmodic herb, used to treat spasms of the gastrointestinal tract and bile duct, celandine is said to clean the gall bladder and stimulate bile flow in cases of hepatitis, jaundice and gall stones. It is often used as an example of the doctrine of signatures, the concept that a plant resembles the condition or part of the body that it can heal, because the bright, yellowy, orange sap resembles bile. This sap is also used topically, twice daily, for viral warts a...

Urtica Dioica or Nettle roots are a folkloric classic for treating genitourinary complaints, although the mechanisms of action have not been extensively researched or explored. Limited evidence has shown that Urtica roots contain the phytosterols' stigmasterol, campesterol, and related steroids. In addition to these phytosterols, polysaccharides and lectins contribute to the medicinal effects. Recent research shows that Urtica has many mechanisms of action on the genitourinary trac...