Official websites Altenrative. gov A. gov website belongs to freatments official government Altternative in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure uerbal. Herbal tteatments are treatmrnts used like a medicine.
People use herbal remedies Aternative help prevent or cure disease. They use Algernative to get hefbal from symptoms, boost energy, relax, Customizable weight loss supplements lose treatment.
How can you know what you are getting and if it is useful? This guide can help trewtments choose and use herbals safely. You have to be careful when using an herbal treatmenhs. Herbal remedies are a type of Alternatige supplement. Treagments are Aletrnative medicines.
Fat metabolism science treatmdnts some things you Fat metabolism science know about herbals:. Many people Trsatments that using plants to treat illness is safer than Akternative medicine. People have been using plants in folk medicine for Alternayive.
So, it is easy to see the appeal. Yet "natural" does treatmenys mean safe. Unless hherbal as directed, some herbals can Altrenative with other treztments or be toxic at high doses.
Also, Altternative may cause treatmenhs effects. Of course, some herbals Fat metabolism science been tested and BIA body fluid compartment analysis well Altrrnative Alternative herbal treatments intended purpose.
Many are also quite Weight loss and cardiovascular health, but Vegan-friendly juice bars word "natural" will not tell hsrbal which ones are safe and which ones are not safe.
Alternatkve herbals can make you Akternative better and help keep you healthy. Alternative herbal treatments you need to be a smart consumer. Use these Optimize insulin function when choosing herbal remedies.
Aronson JK. Herbal medicines. In: Apple cider vinegar for body odor JK, ed. Meyler's Side Green tea and weight management of Clean eating habits. Waltham, Treatmetns Elsevier Hebal.
Gardiner P, Herba AC, Low Dog Treatmentss. Prescribing Fat metabolism science. In: Hernal D, ed. Integrative Medicine. Metabolic health consultations, PA: Elsevier; chap National Center for Complementary and Strengthen emotional resilience Health website, Clean eating habits.
Using dietary supplements wisely. Updated January Accessed November 24, Information for consumers on using dietary supplements. Updated October 21, Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A. Editorial team. A guide to herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are not regulated or tested like medicines. Herbals are not Medicines. Here are some things you should know about herbals: Herbals are not regulated like medicines.
Herbals do not need to be rigidly tested before they are sold. Herbals may not work as claimed. Labels do not need to be approved by any authority. It may not list the correct amount of an ingredient.
Some herbal remedies may contain ingredients or contaminants not listed on the label. Natural Does not Mean Safe. Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia, symptoms of menopause, and other ailments.
Some studies show it may work for anxiety. But kava can also cause severe liver damage. The FDA has issued a warning against its use. John's Wort may work for mild to moderate depression. However, it can interact with birth control pills, antidepressants, and other drugs.
It can also cause side effects such as stomach upset and anxiety. Yohimbe is a bark used to treat erectile dysfunction. The bark can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety, and other side effects. It can interact with certain medicines for depression.
Taking it in high does or for a long time can be dangerous. How to Choose and use Herbal Remedies Safely. Look closely at the claims made about the product. How is the product described? Is it a "miracle" pill that "melts away" fat?
Will it work faster than regular care? Is it a secret your health care provider and drug companies don't want you to know? Such claims are red flags. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is not. Remember "real-life stories" are not scientific proof.
Many products are promoted with real-life stories. Even if the quote comes from a provider, there's no proof that other people will get the same results. Before trying a product, talk with your provider. Ask for their opinion.
Is the product safe? What are the chances it will work? Are their risks? Will it interact with other medicines? Will it interfere with your treatment? Buy only from companies that have certification on the label, such as "USP Verified" or "ConsumerLab.
com Approved Quality. Do not give herbal supplements to children or use them if you are older than age 65 years. Talk to your provider first. Do not use herbals without talking to your provider if you are taking any medicines. Do not use them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use them if you are having surgery.
Always let your provider know what herbals you use. They can affect the medicines you take as well any treatment you receive. Where to get More Information. These sites can help you learn more about specific herbal supplements: NIH MedlinePlus database of herbs and supplements -- medlineplus.
html The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH : Herbs at a glance -- nccih. htm American Cancer Society: Complementary and alternative medicine -- www.
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: Alternative herbal treatments| Latest news | Am J Med. Several studies provide evidence that topical application of the constituents of black tea can decrease UV-B-induced erythema, inhibit tumor initiation, and act as an antitumor promoter Javed, Mehrotra, and Shukla ; Zhao Zhang and Jin et al. Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice. Dermatol Clin. However, the authors say that larger studies are needed to see exactly how effective it is. Alternative medicine and dermatology. Herrick J. |
| A guide to herbal remedies | For details about specific CAM therapies, NCI provides evidence-based Physician Data Query PDQ information for many CAM therapies in versions for both the patient and health professional. Also see the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's page, Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need to Know for more details about CAM and some of the current research. Some CAM therapies have undergone careful evaluation and have been found to be generally safe and effective. These include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation to name a few. However, there are others that do not work, may be harmful, or could interact negatively with your medicines. CAM therapies include a wide variety of botanicals and nutritional products, such as herbal and dietary supplements , and vitamins. These products do not have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA before being sold to the public. Also, a prescription isn't needed to buy them. Therefore, it's up to you to decide what's best for you. Some tips to keep in mind are below. It's always important for you to have a healthy diet, but especially now. Do the best you can to have a well-rounded approach, eating a variety of foods that are good for you. For advice about eating during and after cancer treatment, see the NCI booklet, Eating Hints. Cancer patients who want to use CAM should talk with their doctor or nurse. This is an important step because things that seem safe could be harmful or even interfere with your cancer treatment. It's also a good idea to learn if the therapy you're thinking about has been proven to do what it claims to do. Examples of questions to ask are below. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's okay to feel hesitant when asking about using CAM. But doctors want to know what concerns you have so they can give you the best possible care. Let them know that you would like to use CAM methods and want their input. NCI and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH are currently sponsoring or cosponsoring clinical trials that test CAM treatments and therapies in people. Some study the effects of complementary approaches used in addition to conventional treatments, and some compare alternative therapies with conventional treatments. You can find a list of all cancer CAM clinical trials here. Jeffrey D. White, OCCAM Director, explains the use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer. Patients, their families, and their health care providers can learn about CAM therapies and practitioners from the following government agencies:. Home About Cancer Cancer Treatment Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Credit: iStock. Trial Tests Acupuncture for Pain in Cancer Survivors Modest pain improvements were seen, although a placebo effect could not be ruled out. Print Email. They include:. Many CAMs have been used for mental health problems, but there is little good evidence to support their use. Some of these treatments may work, but most have not been thoroughly tested. The studies have often been too small to give a clear answer. We know most about the treatments for depression , anxiety and insomnia. Despite the lack of evidence, people all over the world take CAMs, and many report that they find them helpful. Ultimately, whether taking CAMs is a good idea depends on individual circumstances. We recommend that you talk to your GP or mental health team first. Herbal remedies come from plants. If possible, choose a remedy which has been standardised, i. the contents are approximately the same in each bottle or tablet you buy. Plant remedies are not always safer than ordinary medicines. All of them can have side-effects and interact with other medicines. Supplements include vitamins, minerals and animal and plant products, such as cod liver oil. They can also have side-effects and interact with other medicines. Some people take supplements, like vitamin C in high doses, but this can damage the liver or kidneys. Many supplements have a recommended daily intake RDI , or allowance RDA. Ginkgo is a tree originating in China. Extracts of its seeds and leaves are used to improve thinking in healthy people, as well as people with dementia. Research shows that Ginkgo may help in dementia. The same is true of its use in healthy adults, but ultimately, we do not know. It may rarely cause bleeding into the brain and into the eye or prolong bleeding time during surgery. About twenty such cases have been reported, and patients undergoing surgery may consider avoiding gingko. Gingko should not be taken together with blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. There is an increased risk of fits and lower fertility in both men and women. Ginseng grows in many parts of the world. Panax ginseng or Korean ginseng are most commonly used. How good is it? It might improve cognitive performance, but there is no evidence that it delays ageing. Side-effects: agitation and mania; sleep problems; blood pressure changes; changes in bleeding time so people with bleeding disorders such as stroke and blood clots thrombosis should avoid it. It may possibly stimulate breast cancers. This comes from a fungus which lives on rye. For hundreds of years it has caused epidemics of poisoning ergotism. This is caused by eating bread made from infected rye flour. It can cause fits, confusion, hallucinations and psychosis. Severe poisoning can cause gangrene. Sage produces oils which are used in aromatherapy. It is used to improve concentration and memory and has been suggested as a treatment of depression and anxiety. There is some evidence for improved memory in volunteers. One study found that it improved mood, alertness, calmness and contentedness. It may help concentration in people with dementia. Although safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, some types when taken orally can cause convulsions. Sage may also lower blood sugar. It should not be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Vitamin E is found in plant oils, nuts, vegetables and, to a lesser degree, in meat and dairy products. It may improve behaviour in dementia, but there is no good evidence that it improves memory or slows the progress of the disease. A recent study found that a daily intake of more than IU mg of alpha-tocopherol resulted in an increase of death from all causes, and an increased risk of bleeding and stroke. Most of these treatments seem to work on gamma-amino-butyric acid GABA , a chemical in the brain linked to anxiety. We do not know if these drugs cause addiction. They are less powerful than conventional sedatives or sleeping tablets. Valeriana officinalis is thought to be safe and is available as a standard extract in the UK. Some other species may cause liver problems. This remains unclear at the moment, but some studies have shown that people report sleeping better having taken Valerian. drowsiness or excitability. It may slow down reactions, so you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking it. Valerian is safe more most people when used sort-term. As with most complementary medicines, we do not know whether long-term use may be harmful. You should not take it in pregnancy. Passion flower is used to treat anxiety. It has also been suggested as a treatment in alcohol craving and opiate withdrawal. Very few studies have been conducted, One trial found it to be as good as conventional tranquillisers. Isolated reports of severe toxicity even at normal doses. It can cause dizziness, confusion, heart problems, and inflammation of blood vessels. Some species may contain cyanides, so toxicity may depend on the preparation. Chamomile is a mild sedative. It is also used to treat stomach upsets and mucosal irritations. Traditionally the flowers are prepared as a tea. We know very little, but one recent study has shown that it may make people less anxious, as long as the anxiety is not too bad. It may increase bleeding time and may stimulate breast cancer cell growth in oestrogen sensitive cancers. People use this to lower cholesterol and for stomach upsets, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It has also been used to treat anxiety and tiredness. It has even been suggested for use in alcohol and nicotine addiction. Some extracts can cause liver problems or possibly cancer. It should not be used in pregnancy and it may increase epileptic fits. Lemon balm is a herb of the mint family. It is used for anxiety, sleep problems, heavy periods and period pain. It is also used to treat agitation in dementia. Lemon balm is used as tea or extract. The oil is also used in aromatherapy. Some evidence of calming in dementia. No research on its use in anxiety and insomnia. In combination with valerian and hops, it can improve sleep. Lavender is also a member of the mint family. Drops of lavender oil or seeds put onto pillows have been used to help sleep. It is used in aromatherapy, and as an extract or tea. This is an extract from a combination of flowers which is used to treat anxiety, panic and trauma. Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the base of the brain. It controls our body clock. If you are over 55, your doctor can prescribe melatonin for you. The prescribed brand is called Circadin. A mixture of two aminoacids - L-Arginine and L-Lysine - has been used to try to reduce stress and anxiety. Roseroot is also known as 'arctic root' or 'rhodolia'. It is also a so called 'adaptogen' which should help the body cope better with stress, anxiety and tiredness. Roseroot has also been used as an energy booster, for instance to enhance athletic performance. Vitamins, trace elements and supplements. It has been suggested that certain vitamins, trace elements and supplements may help anxiety. However, there are very few studies to rely on at present. One problem is that studies tend to test combinations rather than individual substances, so that it's difficult to tell which ingredient does what. The Food Standards Agency has produced a website which explains all about vitamins, trace elements and supplements. In bipolar disorder manic depression , adding omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the chance of becoming ill again. Some people buy natural lithium, but we do not recommend this because the doses offered in the tablets are much lower than in prescription preparations. Also, lithium at any dose should be closely monitored. Most treatments for depression are supplements, which are building blocks in the production of serotonin. This is a chemical in the brain that seems to be involved in depression. L-tryptophan and 5 hydroxytryptophan 5-HT , are such building blocks, but they have not as yet been cleared as safe. This is when the plant starts to flower. For a long time it was thought that the red dye, hypericin, which is produced when the plant is crushed, was responsible for its action. Research now suggests that another ingredient, hyperforin, may produce the antidepressant effect. It may cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. There is also a risk of organ rejection in people taking St John's wort who undergo transplant surgery. S-adenosyl-methionine SAME is another building block of serotonin. It is not often used in the UK, but is popular in Europe and the US. It is also popular with HIV sufferers because it has few side-effects. It is often given as an injection. However, oral preparations are available, but some do not work. SAME can be expensive. In some countries, folic acid is added to the flour. Selenium is an important trace element. It is found in vegetables, meat, fish and Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts can vary in selenium content, but sometimes the concentration is so high that the US National Institutes of Health advise that Brazil nuts should be only eaten occasionally. The Food Standards Agency recommends a safe upper level of 0. Some formulations exceed this dose. can lead to nausea, vomiting, nail changes, irritability, weight loss, depression, confusion, liver and skin changes. We don't know. Many depressed people may have low vitamin D levels, but studies have not been able to show that taking Vitamin D helps depression. NOTE: Going out into the sunlight is a good way to stock up on Vitamin D because the light of the sun helps our skin to produce Vitamin D itself. And the physical activity can help to lift low mood as well. Omega-3 acids are mainly derived from fish — they are used to prevent heart and joint disease. They are also used in depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have two main components: docosahexaonic acid DHA and eicosapentaonic acid EPA. The pills are often large, and some people find them hard to swallow. Avoid preparations which have added vitamin A. This could cause vitamin A poisoning. They may be worth taking with antidepressants. They may help prevent relapse in bipolar disorder. There is not enough evidence to recommend them as an alternative to antidepressants or mood stabilisers. Choices are limited. Rauwolfia, a plant originating from India, has been used, but is not as good as antipsychotic medicines. Reserpine, a drug developed from Rauwolfia, can cause depression and is no longer used in the UK. Omega-3s may be tried with antipsychotic treatment, but there is no good evidence that they help. Many antipsychotics can cause weight gain and lead to a higher risk of heart and blood pressure problems. Omega-3s may reduce these changes, but success is not guaranteed. Many older antipsychotics could cause abnormal movements, known as tardive dyskinesia. If this occurs, the dose of the antipsychotic can be lowered, or an alternative antipsychotic given. Vitamin E, may prevent the movements getting worse. However, the potential benefits need to be offset against long-term use, particularly if high doses of vitamin E are considered. Melatonin has also been tried, but the research is inconclusive. One study found that Gingko biloba can reduce tardive dyskinesia and that the effect may last for some time, even after Ginkgo biloba has been stopped. As mentioned above, there may be health risks because of a potentially increased bleeding risk. The choice is limited. Valerian has been suggested to improve sleep in people withdrawing from drugs like Valium. But no good research has been done. Kudzu, or 'Japanese arroweed' flowers have a pleasant fragrance. They have been used for many medical purposes, including menopausal problems. It has also been used for alcohol problems. One study showed reduction in alcohol use in heavy drinkers. Another study failed to show any effect on craving. Iboga is a West African shrub producing ibogaine. This causes hallucinations and has been used widely for religious rites. It became famous as a treatment for opiate addiction in the 60s. However, it can have serious life-threatening side-effects. Until these safety concerns are clarified it cannot be recommended. Several deaths after ibogaine use have been reported. The risk of death may be as high as 1 in treatments. It is not known how many deaths have occurred, and may have gone unreported because of the 'underground nature' of ibogaine treatment. Finding a well-trained practitioner can be difficult. You can also always ask your general practitioner GP or mental health professional. It may be useful to consult with your local drug information service, and to find a health professional with special expertise in this area, or use services recommended by your GP or hospital. There are professional herbalists who belong to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. They are trained and often work in a private setting. Most are not medically qualified. Food and Behaviour Research: this website has information about a wide variety of conditions where behaviour, learning and mood are linked with food and nutrition. You can browse this information by condition. MedlinePlus: This is a website run by the US National Institute of Health. The homepage has a search option allowing you to type in different keywords so you can retrieve the information you want. Mayo Clinic: Nutrition and healthy eating. An American website that offers a wealth of information on all aspects of eating and weight control. NHS choices: Complementary and alternative medicines. This website is very helpful to get information on all aspects of complementary alternative medicines, ranging from individual treatment to regulation of medicine, and how to find a practitioner. It is easy to surf. Of particular interest is the clinical trial register which gives an overview of American research. This needs to be complemented with information from other clinical trial databases, for instance the Cochrane collaboration. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database : A subscription-only website with extremely detailed and comprehensive information on all types of natural medicines. It is cross-referenced with the scientific literature, and contains features such as a natural product effectiveness and drug interaction checker. It also allows condition-specific searches and offers tutorials on specific topics. Patient hand-outs can be downloaded. Quackwatch : A non-profit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. This website can be helpful when unusual treatments are suggested, particularly if a lot of money is to be paid in advance. This site uses cookies: Find out more Okay, thanks. Home Mental health Support, care and treatment Complementary and alternative medicines: herbal remedies. Print this page Share this page facebook twitter linkedin. Disclaimer This leaflet provides information, not advice. What are complementary and alternative medicines CAMs? They include: herbal medicines foods nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. CAMS and mental health problems. If you are considering taking CAMs, you should seek specialist advice if: you are pregnant or breastfeeding you want to give CAMs to children you are competing in sports to make sure that the CAM you are considering taking is not in breach of doping regulations. How to use CAMs safely. Do choose a qualified practitioner who is a member of a recognised society ask about their qualification and experience ask about side-effects if in doubt, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist tell the professionals involved in your care, including your CAM practitioner, about all your treatments and medications tell them if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breast-feed tell them about your physical health and allergies discuss your concerns about treatment seek medical advice if you experience unusual symptoms make special time for your treatment sessions find a reliable source for your information about therapies. An introduction to herbal remedies and supplements. Do not go beyond this dose without talking to an experienced health professional. Herbal remedies and supplements for brain function and dementia. These are called 'cognitive enhancers' and can improve concentration. They include: Ginkgo ginkgo biloba Ginseng panax ginseng Hydergine Ergot claviceps purpurea Sage Salvia officinalis, salvia lavandulaefolia Vitamin E alpha-tocopheril Ginkgo Ginkgo is a tree originating in China. How does it work? It may: act as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage increase the blood flow in the brain or increase chemical transmitters in the brain. |
| Alternative medicine - Wikipedia | In particular, multiple studies reveal that supplemental doses of curcumin are as effective for alleviating arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are widely considered safe, but very high doses may lead to diarrhea, headache, or skin irritation. Instead, consider purchasing supplements online. Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits and may be especially effective for treating pain associated with arthritis. Ginger is a commonplace ingredient and herbal medicine. You can eat it fresh or dried, though its main medicinal forms are as a tea or capsule. Much like turmeric, ginger is a rhizome, or stem that grows underground. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds and has long been used in traditional and folk practices to treat colds, nausea, migraines, and high blood pressure 18 , Its best-established modern use is for relieving nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical operations Furthermore, test-tube and animal research reveals potential benefits for treating and preventing illnesses like heart disease and cancer , although the evidence is mixed Ginger is very well tolerated. Negative side effects are rare, but large doses may cause a mild case of heartburn or diarrhea You can find ginger supplements at your local supermarket and online. Valerian root may be dried and consumed in capsule form or steeped to make tea. Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was taken to relieve restlessness, tremors, headaches, and heart palpitations. One review found valerian to be somewhat effective for inducing sleep, but many of the study results were based on subjective reports from participants Valerian is relatively safe, though it may cause mild side effects like headaches and digestive issues. Look for this herb online , as well as various health food stores. Valerian root is often used as a natural sleep and anti-anxiety aid, though evidence supporting its efficacy is weak. Chamomile is a flowering plant that also happens to be one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world. The flowers are most often used to make tea, but the leaves may also be dried and used for making tea, medicinal extracts, or topical compresses. For thousands of years, chamomile has been used as a remedy for nausea, diarrhea, constipation , stomach pain, urinary tract infections, wounds, and upper respiratory infections This herb packs over active compounds, many of which are thought to contribute to its numerous benefits Several test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity, though insufficient human research is available Yet, a few small human studies suggest that chamomile treats diarrhea, emotional disturbances as well as cramping associated with premenstrual syndrome PMS , and pain and inflammation linked to osteoarthritis You can find it in most grocery stores or order it online. Despite limited scientific evidence, chamomile remains one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world and is used to treat a broad range of ailments. For instance, raw elderberries can be toxic, St. Additionally, many herbal medicines have not been studied rigorously enough to verify their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Another important factor to consider is that herbal medicines are not strictly regulated like other medications. As such, some supplements may list ingredients improperly or even contain compounds not stated on the label. Thus, you should opt for brands that have been tested for quality by a third-party organization, such as U. Pharmacopeia or NSF International. Herbal medicines carry many possible side effects, so you should consult your healthcare provider prior to taking them. When shopping, choose brands that have been certified for purity and quality. Many people around the world rely on herbal medicines to treat health conditions. Countless varieties exist, but some of the most popular include gingko, ginseng, ginger , turmeric, and chamomile. Though their applications tend to be very broad, many of their supposed benefits lack strong scientific evidence. Keep in mind that, like conventional drugs, herbal remedies may interact negatively with other medicines. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Meet gingko, grapeseed extract, echinacea, and six more powerful plants with science-backed health benefits. Natural remedies abound, but these are…. Side-effects Several deaths after ibogaine use have been reported. Drug interactions with drugs which affect the same neurotransmitters. Finding a practitioner. Useful websites. General overviews Brown R. New York, London: WW Norton Company. Eisenberg, D. et al Unconventional medicine in the United States. Prevalence, costs and pattern of use. N Engl J Med , , Ernst, E. Psychiatry Res , , Freeman, M. Omega-3 fatty acids: evidence basis for treatment and future research in psychiatry. 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A systematic review of hypericum perforatum in depression. International Clinical Psychopharmacology , 16, Psychotic states Joy, C. Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for schizophrenia Cochrane Review. Movement disorders Bhidayasiri R, Fahn S, Weiner WJ, Gronseth GS, Sullivan KL, Zesiewicz TA: American Academy of Neurology Evidence-based guideline: treatment of tardive syndromes: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology; Shamir, E. Melatonin treatment for tardive dyskinesia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Arch Gen Psychiatry , 58, Is melatonin treatment effective for tardive dyskinesia? Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , 61, Soares, K. Vitamin E for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia Cochrane Review. Zhang, W. J Clin Psychiatry, Sep Herbal remedies for alcoholism: promises and possible pitfalls. Alcohol Clin Exp Res , 27, My Eboga Addiction research. Ibogaine therapy: a 'vast, uncontrolled experiment'. Science, , This information was produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Public Education Editorial Board. It reflects the best available evidence at the time of writing. Published: Apr Review due: Apr © Royal College of Psychiatrists. Antitumor effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicines against lung cancer. Anticancer Drugs. Damery S, Gratus C, Grieve R, et al. The use of herbal medicines by people with cancer: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Cancer. Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, et al. The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies. J Clin Epidemiol. Dos Santos-Neto LL, de Vilhena Toledo MA, Medeiros-Souza P, de Souza GA. The use of herbal medicine in Alzheimer's disease-a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Ernst E. Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America. Fang L, Wang Z, Kong W, Feng JG, Ma SL, Lin NM. Anti-tumor and apoptotic effects in vitro and in vivo of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription. Chin Med J Engl. Gratus C, Wilson S, Greenfield SM, Damery SL, Warmington SA, Grieve R, Steven NM, Routledge P. The use of herbal medicines by people with cancer: a qualitative study. Complement Altern Med. Hasan SS, Ahmed SI, Bukhari NI, Loon WC. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with chronic diseases at outpatient clinics. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review. Jang SH, Kim DI, Choi MS. BMC Complement Altern Med. Ke F, Yadav PK, Ju LZ. Herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Saudi J Gastroenterol. Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Mauri PL, Scholey AB. Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine. Hum Psychopharmacol. Knox J, Gaster B. Dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease. J Altern Complement Med. Kraft K. Prev Med. Lovera J, Bagert B, Smoot K, et al. Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Mult Scler. Luo H, Lu M, Pei X, Xia Z. Chinese herbal medicine for subacute thyroiditis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Tradit Chin Med. Manheimer E, Wieland S, Kimbrough E, Cheng K, Berman BM. Evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration for traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Marcus DM. Therapy: Herbals and supplements for rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol. Mendes E, Herdeiro MT, Pimentel F. The use of herbal medicine therapies by cancer patients. Act Med Port. Modi AA, Wright EC, Seeff LB. Complementary and alternative medicine CAM for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a review. Antivir Ther. Moquin B, Blackman MR, Mitty E, Flores S. Complementary and alternative medicine CAM. Geriatr Nurs. Oktem M, Eroglu D, Karahan HB, Taskintuna N, Kuscu E, Zeyneloglu HB. Black cohosh and fluoxetine in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms: a prospective, randomized trial. Adv Ther. Pham AQ, Kourlas H, Pham DQ. Cinnamon supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Roberts AT, Martin CK, Liu Z, et al. The safety and efficacy of a dietary herbal supplement and gallic acid for weight loss. |
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Venezuelans turn to home-made remedies to fight cancerAlternative herbal treatments -
Some health care providers, including doctors and pharmacists, are trained in herbal medicine. They can help people create treatment plans that use herbs, conventional medications, and lifestyle changes to promote health. Abeloff: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology.
Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM.
The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care. Birks J, Grimley Evans J. Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Chen Y, Zhu J, Zhang W. Antitumor effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicines against lung cancer.
Anticancer Drugs. Damery S, Gratus C, Grieve R, et al. The use of herbal medicines by people with cancer: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Cancer. Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, et al.
The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies. J Clin Epidemiol. Dos Santos-Neto LL, de Vilhena Toledo MA, Medeiros-Souza P, de Souza GA.
The use of herbal medicine in Alzheimer's disease-a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Ernst E. Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America. Fang L, Wang Z, Kong W, Feng JG, Ma SL, Lin NM.
Anti-tumor and apoptotic effects in vitro and in vivo of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription. Chin Med J Engl. Gratus C, Wilson S, Greenfield SM, Damery SL, Warmington SA, Grieve R, Steven NM, Routledge P.
The use of herbal medicines by people with cancer: a qualitative study. Complement Altern Med. Hasan SS, Ahmed SI, Bukhari NI, Loon WC. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with chronic diseases at outpatient clinics. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Izzo AA, Ernst E.
Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review. Jang SH, Kim DI, Choi MS. BMC Complement Altern Med. Ke F, Yadav PK, Ju LZ. Herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Saudi J Gastroenterol. Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Mauri PL, Scholey AB.
Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine. Hum Psychopharmacol. Knox J, Gaster B. Dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease. J Altern Complement Med.
Kraft K. Prev Med. Lovera J, Bagert B, Smoot K, et al. Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Mult Scler. Luo H, Lu M, Pei X, Xia Z. Chinese herbal medicine for subacute thyroiditis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Tradit Chin Med. Manheimer E, Wieland S, Kimbrough E, Cheng K, Berman BM.
Evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration for traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Marcus DM. Therapy: Herbals and supplements for rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol. Mendes E, Herdeiro MT, Pimentel F. The use of herbal medicine therapies by cancer patients. Act Med Port.
Modi AA, Wright EC, Seeff LB. Complementary and alternative medicine CAM for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a review. This is caused by eating bread made from infected rye flour. It can cause fits, confusion, hallucinations and psychosis. Severe poisoning can cause gangrene.
Sage produces oils which are used in aromatherapy. It is used to improve concentration and memory and has been suggested as a treatment of depression and anxiety.
There is some evidence for improved memory in volunteers. One study found that it improved mood, alertness, calmness and contentedness. It may help concentration in people with dementia. Although safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, some types when taken orally can cause convulsions.
Sage may also lower blood sugar. It should not be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Vitamin E is found in plant oils, nuts, vegetables and, to a lesser degree, in meat and dairy products.
It may improve behaviour in dementia, but there is no good evidence that it improves memory or slows the progress of the disease.
A recent study found that a daily intake of more than IU mg of alpha-tocopherol resulted in an increase of death from all causes, and an increased risk of bleeding and stroke. Most of these treatments seem to work on gamma-amino-butyric acid GABA , a chemical in the brain linked to anxiety.
We do not know if these drugs cause addiction. They are less powerful than conventional sedatives or sleeping tablets. Valeriana officinalis is thought to be safe and is available as a standard extract in the UK.
Some other species may cause liver problems. This remains unclear at the moment, but some studies have shown that people report sleeping better having taken Valerian. drowsiness or excitability.
It may slow down reactions, so you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking it. Valerian is safe more most people when used sort-term. As with most complementary medicines, we do not know whether long-term use may be harmful. You should not take it in pregnancy.
Passion flower is used to treat anxiety. It has also been suggested as a treatment in alcohol craving and opiate withdrawal. Very few studies have been conducted, One trial found it to be as good as conventional tranquillisers.
Isolated reports of severe toxicity even at normal doses. It can cause dizziness, confusion, heart problems, and inflammation of blood vessels. Some species may contain cyanides, so toxicity may depend on the preparation.
Chamomile is a mild sedative. It is also used to treat stomach upsets and mucosal irritations. Traditionally the flowers are prepared as a tea. We know very little, but one recent study has shown that it may make people less anxious, as long as the anxiety is not too bad.
It may increase bleeding time and may stimulate breast cancer cell growth in oestrogen sensitive cancers. People use this to lower cholesterol and for stomach upsets, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
It has also been used to treat anxiety and tiredness. It has even been suggested for use in alcohol and nicotine addiction. Some extracts can cause liver problems or possibly cancer.
It should not be used in pregnancy and it may increase epileptic fits. Lemon balm is a herb of the mint family. It is used for anxiety, sleep problems, heavy periods and period pain. It is also used to treat agitation in dementia.
Lemon balm is used as tea or extract. The oil is also used in aromatherapy. Some evidence of calming in dementia. No research on its use in anxiety and insomnia. In combination with valerian and hops, it can improve sleep. Lavender is also a member of the mint family.
Drops of lavender oil or seeds put onto pillows have been used to help sleep. It is used in aromatherapy, and as an extract or tea.
This is an extract from a combination of flowers which is used to treat anxiety, panic and trauma. Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the base of the brain.
It controls our body clock. If you are over 55, your doctor can prescribe melatonin for you. The prescribed brand is called Circadin.
A mixture of two aminoacids - L-Arginine and L-Lysine - has been used to try to reduce stress and anxiety.
Roseroot is also known as 'arctic root' or 'rhodolia'. It is also a so called 'adaptogen' which should help the body cope better with stress, anxiety and tiredness. Roseroot has also been used as an energy booster, for instance to enhance athletic performance.
Vitamins, trace elements and supplements. It has been suggested that certain vitamins, trace elements and supplements may help anxiety. However, there are very few studies to rely on at present. One problem is that studies tend to test combinations rather than individual substances, so that it's difficult to tell which ingredient does what.
The Food Standards Agency has produced a website which explains all about vitamins, trace elements and supplements. In bipolar disorder manic depression , adding omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the chance of becoming ill again. Some people buy natural lithium, but we do not recommend this because the doses offered in the tablets are much lower than in prescription preparations.
Also, lithium at any dose should be closely monitored. Most treatments for depression are supplements, which are building blocks in the production of serotonin.
This is a chemical in the brain that seems to be involved in depression. L-tryptophan and 5 hydroxytryptophan 5-HT , are such building blocks, but they have not as yet been cleared as safe.
This is when the plant starts to flower. For a long time it was thought that the red dye, hypericin, which is produced when the plant is crushed, was responsible for its action.
Research now suggests that another ingredient, hyperforin, may produce the antidepressant effect. It may cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. There is also a risk of organ rejection in people taking St John's wort who undergo transplant surgery.
S-adenosyl-methionine SAME is another building block of serotonin. It is not often used in the UK, but is popular in Europe and the US. It is also popular with HIV sufferers because it has few side-effects.
It is often given as an injection. However, oral preparations are available, but some do not work. SAME can be expensive. In some countries, folic acid is added to the flour. Selenium is an important trace element. It is found in vegetables, meat, fish and Brazil nuts.
Brazil nuts can vary in selenium content, but sometimes the concentration is so high that the US National Institutes of Health advise that Brazil nuts should be only eaten occasionally. The Food Standards Agency recommends a safe upper level of 0.
Some formulations exceed this dose. can lead to nausea, vomiting, nail changes, irritability, weight loss, depression, confusion, liver and skin changes. We don't know. Many depressed people may have low vitamin D levels, but studies have not been able to show that taking Vitamin D helps depression.
NOTE: Going out into the sunlight is a good way to stock up on Vitamin D because the light of the sun helps our skin to produce Vitamin D itself. And the physical activity can help to lift low mood as well. Omega-3 acids are mainly derived from fish — they are used to prevent heart and joint disease.
They are also used in depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have two main components: docosahexaonic acid DHA and eicosapentaonic acid EPA. The pills are often large, and some people find them hard to swallow.
Avoid preparations which have added vitamin A. This could cause vitamin A poisoning. They may be worth taking with antidepressants. They may help prevent relapse in bipolar disorder.
There is not enough evidence to recommend them as an alternative to antidepressants or mood stabilisers. Choices are limited. Rauwolfia, a plant originating from India, has been used, but is not as good as antipsychotic medicines.
Reserpine, a drug developed from Rauwolfia, can cause depression and is no longer used in the UK. Omega-3s may be tried with antipsychotic treatment, but there is no good evidence that they help. Many antipsychotics can cause weight gain and lead to a higher risk of heart and blood pressure problems.
Omega-3s may reduce these changes, but success is not guaranteed. Many older antipsychotics could cause abnormal movements, known as tardive dyskinesia. If this occurs, the dose of the antipsychotic can be lowered, or an alternative antipsychotic given. Vitamin E, may prevent the movements getting worse.
However, the potential benefits need to be offset against long-term use, particularly if high doses of vitamin E are considered. Melatonin has also been tried, but the research is inconclusive.
One study found that Gingko biloba can reduce tardive dyskinesia and that the effect may last for some time, even after Ginkgo biloba has been stopped. As mentioned above, there may be health risks because of a potentially increased bleeding risk.
The choice is limited. Valerian has been suggested to improve sleep in people withdrawing from drugs like Valium. But no good research has been done. Kudzu, or 'Japanese arroweed' flowers have a pleasant fragrance.
They have been used for many medical purposes, including menopausal problems. It has also been used for alcohol problems.
One study showed reduction in alcohol use in heavy drinkers. Another study failed to show any effect on craving. Iboga is a West African shrub producing ibogaine. This causes hallucinations and has been used widely for religious rites.
It became famous as a treatment for opiate addiction in the 60s. However, it can have serious life-threatening side-effects. Until these safety concerns are clarified it cannot be recommended. Several deaths after ibogaine use have been reported. The risk of death may be as high as 1 in treatments.
It is not known how many deaths have occurred, and may have gone unreported because of the 'underground nature' of ibogaine treatment. Finding a well-trained practitioner can be difficult. You can also always ask your general practitioner GP or mental health professional.
It may be useful to consult with your local drug information service, and to find a health professional with special expertise in this area, or use services recommended by your GP or hospital.
There are professional herbalists who belong to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. The aloetreated group showed statistically significant improvement There were no adverse effects reported in the treatment group Syed et al. Capsaicin is the main ingredient in cayenne pepper C. frutescens , which is Class 1 internally but Class 2d externally McGuffin et al.
In vitro, capsaicin was found to inhibit phorbol ester-induced activation of transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 Surh et al. Two trials showed that 0. The first study showed a significant decrease in scaling and erythema during a 6-week period in 44 patients with moderate and severe psoriasis Bernstein et al.
The second was a double-blind study of patients in whom psoriasis was treated with the capsaicin cream four times daily for 6 weeks, with a significant decrease in scaling, thickness, erythema, and pruritus Ellis et al.
The main adverse effect reported was a brief burning sensation at the application site. Capsaicin is contraindicated on injured skin or near the eyes, and the German authority Commission E suggests it should not be used for more than 2 consecutive days, with a day lapse between applications.
This is consistent with previous Norwegian surveys of patients with psoriasis Jensen Herbal therapy is one of the most frequently chosen alternative therapies.
Psoriasis has been treated for centuries with herbal preparations, both topical and oral. There are many herbal preparations composed of furocoumarins, which act as psoralens when combined with ultraviolet A UV-A, — nm. Furocoumarins derived from Ammi majus and related plants that produce 8-methoxy-psoralen when applied topically or taken orally intercalate with DNA.
Further, when coupled with exposure to UV-A from the sun or a an ultraviolet light-box, the photoactivation causes cross-linkages with the thymine in the DNA, inducing cell death van Wyk and Wink This, in turn, inhibits hyperproliferation in psoriatic lesions.
One commonly used TCM, Radix Angelicae dahurica , included in Class 1 McGuffin et al. In a study involving patients with psoriasis, this TCM, taken orally, was combined with UV-A therapy and was compared with the standard treatment of psoralen—UV-A with methoxsalen.
The efficacy of the two treatments was equivalent; however, there were fewer adverse effects such as nausea and dizziness in the group treated with TCM and UV-A Koo and Arain In addition, there are topical preparations made from herbs that show systemic efficacy against psoriasis, but are too toxic when given systemically Ng Some types of TCM may act in part on the microcirculation of the psoriatic lesion Zhang and Gu Additional TCM herbal mixtures for psoriasis are listed by Xu Turmeric has been used for centuries in India to provide glow and luster to the skin.
It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, and other useful effects that help to heal wounds and reduce scarring Chaturvedi In vitro, the purified turmeric extract curcumin has been found to inhibit phorbol ester-induced activation of transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 Surh et al.
The resulting suppression of phosphorylase kinase activity correlates with the resolution of psoriasis when curcumin is applied topically to the lesions Heng et al.
Microencapsulation of curcumin reduces the yellow staining produced by application of topical curcumin on the skin, while prolonging the bioavailability of curcumin Aziz, Peh, and Tan Tars have been used for centuries to treat psoriasis.
They are photosensitizing compounds, so judicious exposure to sunlight can be beneficial, or they can be used in conjunction with ultraviolet B UV-B; — nm or narrowband UV-B nm. Depression and anxiety can cause skin problems. Kava kava Piper methysticum has moderate anxiolytic effects, but its use is not recommended due to its potential hepatotoxicity.
It is included in Classes 2b, 2c, and 2d McGuffin et al. Lavender oil aromatherapy Lavendula spp. has been demonstrated to produce significant reduction in anxiety. This may in part be a conditioned response, and it is important that the first exposure to lavender oil is a pleasant and relaxing one.
It is Class 1 McGuffin et al. Lemon balm M. officinalis is approved by the German authority Commission E for treating nervousness and insomnia. It is also Class 1 McGuffin et al. Magnolia bark Magnolia obovata has moderate anxiolytic effects.
It contains honokiol and magnolol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Kuribara, Stavinoha, and Maruyama effects.
It is Class 2b McGuffin et al. Passion flower Passiflora incarnata is approved by Commission E for treating nervousness and insomnia.
perforatum is approved by Commission E for treating depression. It is helpful for treating mild to moderate depression but not for severe depression Linde et al. It has significant interactions with the metabolism of a number of other drugs by inducing cytochrome P isoform 3A4, and is Class 2d McGuffin et al.
Valerian Valariana spp. is approved by Commission E for treating insomnia caused by nervousness. Anise Pimpinella anisum seeds are a source of an essential oil that displays antibacterial and insecticidal activity in vitro and is used topically to treat scabies and head lice.
It should not be used in pregnancy and is Class 2b McGuffin et al. Neem Azadirachta indica is indigenous to India, and every part of the plant is used medicinally. In a study of more than villagers in India, a paste of neem and turmeric applied topically was reported to treat chronic ulcers and scabies Peirce, Fargis, and Scordato It seems to be safe for use in adults, but can be poisonous to children Peirce, Fargis, and Scordato Numerous other herbs have been used for centuries in India and China to treat scabies Fleming Red ginseng Panax ginseng is a classic TCM.
In a recent study, red ginseng extracts used topically were found to inhibit chemically induced skin tumors in mice. This is thought to be due to the immuno-modulating properties of red ginseng Cheng, Lin and Lei et al.
It is Class 2d McGuffin et al. Propolis is a resinous material gathered by honeybees from the buds and bark of certain plants and trees. Propolis has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor effects, which are thought to result from the flavinoid and related phenolic acids components.
A tumoricidal component, clerodane diterpenoid, has also been isolated. This compound was studied regarding its topical effects on skin tumorigenesis in mice. Clerodane diterpenoid appeared to reduce the incidence of chemically induced dysplastic papillomas by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA in a de novo pathway and by suppressing the growth of tumors by decreasing DNA synthesis in a salvage pathway Mitamura et al.
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis extract is reputed to have antioxidant activity. A methanol extract of the leaves was evaluated for its effects on skin tumors in mice.
It was found that topically applied rosemary inhibited induction and promotion of skin tumors in mice treated with known chemical carcinogens. Although the exact mechanism of action is still under study, it appears that several components of the extract are important in this process.
This finding suggests that it was not the antioxidant properties alone that were beneficial in the prevention of skin tumors Huang et al. Rosemary should not be used in pregnancy as it is a Class 2b herb McGuffin et al. Silymarin is a flavinoid isolated from milk thistle Silybum marianum , and is approved by the German Commission E for treating liver disease because of its antioxidant properties.
An experiment was performed to assess whether this antioxidant effect would protect against tumor promotion. Topically applied silymarin was found to possess highly protective effects against chemically induced skin tumor promotion in mice.
This may involve inhibition of promoter-induced edema, hyperplasia, and proliferation, as well as the oxidant state Lahiri-Chatterjee et al. These results are promising, yet more research involving human models is needed. Silymarin is safe to use topically and orally when used appropriately, and is Class 1 McGuffin et al.
Tea is manufactured from the leaf and bud of Camellia sinensis see also Chapter 12 on tea. The majority of tea consumed worldwide is in the form of black tea, which is Class 2d McGuffin et al. Green tea has been found in several mouse models to have anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic properties.
The polyphenolic constituent — -epigallocatechingallate is thought to be the active ingredient. Numerous studies of green tea and skin cancer were reviewed Katiyar, Ahmad, and Mukhtar It was found that topical application or oral consumption of green tea protects against inflammation, chemical carcinogenesis, and photocarcinogenesis.
Green tea demonstrated the blocking of many mediators in the inflammatory process important in the early steps of skin tumor promotion. It also appears that there is inhibition of biochemical markers of chemical carcinogenesis, inhibition of UV-induced oxidative stress, and prevention of UV-induced immunosuppression Katiyar, Ahmad, and Mukhtar as a result of action of green tea.
Green tea also protects against psoralen UV-A-induced photochemical damage to the skin Zhao Jin and Yaping et al. Many cosmetics and skin care products have been recently supplemented with green tea, but more research in humans is needed to understand the true benefits. Black tea may also play a role in the prevention of skin tumors.
It appears that theaflavins are the components active in chemoprevention Nomura et al. Several studies provide evidence that topical application of the constituents of black tea can decrease UV-B-induced erythema, inhibit tumor initiation, and act as an antitumor promoter Javed, Mehrotra, and Shukla ; Zhao Zhang and Jin et al.
Oral administration of black tea was also found to inhibit tumor proliferation and promote tumor apoptosis in nonmalignant and malignant skin tumors Lu et al.
A survey of older patients compared tea consumption and history of squamous cell carcinoma. There was a lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma in patients who regularly consumed hot black tea than in nonconsumers Hakim, Harris, and Weisgerber Different studies comparing the effectiveness of black and green teas in protecting against UV-induced skin tumors give conflicting findings as to which is more beneficial Wang et al.
Caffeinated teas seem to be more protective than decaffeinated teas, and caffeine by itself has some inhibitory effects on UV-B-induced carcinogenesis Wang et al. Podophyllin, used to treat condyloma acuminata, is extracted from the root of the American mayapple Podophyllum peltatum; Fleming It should not be used during pregnancy and is Class 2b externally and toxic internally McGuffin et al.
Commission E approves bittersweet nightshade S. dulcamara , Classes 2b and 2c, and oat straw A. sativa , Class 1, for the treatment of common warts McGuffin et al. Calotropis Calotropis procera is used in India, and greater celandine Chelidonium majus , Classes 2b, 2c, and 2d McGuffin et al.
Bittersweet nightshade and celandine should also be avoided in pregnancy and while breast-feeding Fleming Ginkgo G. biloba was found to be effective in a small study for treating limited, slowly spreading vitiligo Parsad, Pandhi, and Juneja Caution should be used when ginkgo is taken orally, as there have been reports of subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage, as well as increased bleeding time Fleming ; but the herb is included in Class 1 McGuffin et al.
Psoralens, such as the furanocoumarins derived from A. majus and related plants that produce 8-methoxy-psoralen, when applied topically or taken orally, intercalate with DNA. By thus reducing inflammatory cells while stimulating melanogenesis, the treatment often induces repigmentation of vitiliginous skin.
Aloe vera A. vera leaves produce a gel and a juice or latex. The gel is obtained from the central core of the leaf and has been used topically for centuries for the treatment of wounds and burns. The juice or latex is a bitter yellow fluid extracted from the inner leaf skin and is generally sold dried as a powder that has very potent laxative effects Peirce, Fargis, and Scordato Several case reports and animal studies demonstrate that aloe vera decreases burning, itching, and scarring associated with radiation dermatitis Klein and Penneys Aloe vera was also found to accelerate healing of chronic leg ulcers, surgically induced wounds, and frostbite.
The mechanism of action has been studied in vivo in animal studies. Aloe vera decreases thromboxane A 2 , thromboxane B 2 , and prostaglandin 2α, which cause vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. By increasing dermal perfusion, tissue loss from ischemia is reduced Klein and Penneys In vitro studies have also demonstrated a carboxypeptidase that inactivates bradykinin, decreasing pain at the treatment site Fujita and Shosike Salicylic acid present in aloe vera acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting prostaglandin production Robinson, Heggers, and Hagstrom Magnesium lactate is also present in aloe vera and is thought to be antipruritic by inhibiting histidine decarboxylase, which controls the conversion of histidine to histamine in mast cells Klein and Penneys Reduction in inflammation is also thought to result from the immunomodulatory properties of the gel polysaccharides present, especially the acetylated mannans Reynolds and Dweck Aloe vera also demonstrates bactericidal and antifungal activity in vitro.
The main adverse effect of topical aloe vera gel is that it causes allergic contact dermatitis. There are also reports of delayed healing after laparotomy or a Cesarean section. Taken orally, aloe vera is considered very safe when used properly. It is Class 1 internally and Class 2d externally McGuffin et al.
Asiaticoside in low concentrations has been found to enhance the healing of burn wounds, with evidence suggesting that enhanced angiogenesis may occur as a result of stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor production Kimura et al. Honey has been used topically for centuries to assist healing of wounds, including burns, decubitus ulcers, and infected wounds Greenwood It has been found in vitro to have antibacterial and antifungal activity against organisms that commonly infect surgical wounds Efam and Udoh A study was performed on nine infants with large, open, culture-positive postoperative wound infections for whom standard treatment consisting of appropriate intravenous antibiotics and cleansing with chlorhexidine for more than 14 days had failed.
The wounds were then treated with 5—10 mL of fresh, unprocessed honey twice a day. There was marked clinical improvement by day 5, and by day 21, the wounds were all closed, clean, and sterile Vardi et al.
The honey-treated wounds healed statistically earlier, with a mean of There have been no reports of significant adverse effects, although there are reports of contact dermatitis to honey Efam Marigold Calendula officinalis has been used topically since ancient times and is approved by the German regulatory authority Commission E as an antiseptic and for wound healing Bisset and Wichtl A topical preparation of marigold continues to be recommended for the treatment of wounds, ulcers, burns, boils, rashes, chapped hands, herpes zoster, and varicose veins.
Marigold gargles are used for mouth and throat inflammation Peirce Marigold is also widely used as a topical treatment for diaper dermatitis and other mild skin inflammations Brown and Dattner The treatment consists of an application several times a day of an ointment or a cream made by mixing 2—5 g of the flower heads with g of ointment.
A gargle or lotion is made by mixing 1—2 tsp 5—10 mL of tincture with 0. The main adverse event is allergic contact dermatitis. No serious adverse effects have been reported, and it is considered safe to use both topically and orally.
The anti-inflammatory effects of marigold are ascribed to the presence of triterpenoids. In animal studies, Calendula was suggested to stimulate granulation and increase glycoproteins and collagen at wound sites Brown and Dattner Marigold also shows in vitro antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties Peirce There are many herbs containing tannins that act as astringents, helping to dry oozing and bleeding wounds.
Some of the more commonly reported tannin-containing herbs that may be helpful for the topical treatment of wounds include English walnut leaf, goldenrod, Labrador tea, lavender, mullein, oak bark, rhatany, Chinese rhubarb, St. Herbal therapies vary greatly in their safety class ratings.
For example, some are consumed as foods and have high safety ratings, whereas others are highly biologically active and toxic and must be used very carefully. The safety classes of the herbs mentioned in this chapter are addressed in each section, and further discussion of interactions of herbal therapies that may be encountered in dermatology is detailed in the remaining sections of the chapter.
Many cutaneous reactions to herbal preparations have been reported, with the most common cutaneous adverse event being allergic contact dermatitis. More serious cutaneous reactions have been reported. Bullous and nodular lichen planus were reported to be induced by ingestion of native African herbal medicines Soyinka A young woman was also described with leukemia-related Sweet syndrome elicited by a pathergic response to topical arnica cream Delmonte et al.
Serious systemic adverse effects have been reported with the use of TCM herbal mixtures for the treatment of dermatologic disorders. The most common are hepatotoxic effects. Although most patients recover without serious consequences as long as the medication is stopped, there have been reports of patients with acute liver failure leading even to death.
There are also reports of renal failure and agranulocytosis Graham-Brown ; Mostefa-Kara et al. One patient was described with adult respiratory distress syndrome after administration of a TCM, kamisyoyo-san, for seborrheic dermatitis Shota et al.
A patient was reported with reversible dilated cardiomyopathy after receiving treatment for her atopic dermatitis with a Chinese herbal tea Ferguson, Chalmers, and Rowlands There are also reports of Chinese and Indian herbal medicines containing as contaminants heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury.
Prescription medications have also been found in over-the-counter herbal formulations from other countries. Some herbs are mislabeled or misidentified. There are many possible drug interactions with herbs and prescription medications.
It is crucial for patients to share information about what herbs, supplements, and other over-the-counter remedies they are taking or applying to their skin with their physicians.
The most important drug interactions in the dermatologic setting are the immune-upmodulating effects of Echinacea, Astragalus , licorice, alfalfa sprouts, and vitamin E, and zinc may decrease the efficacy of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants Miller Some herbs are reported to cause hepatic damage, and they should not be used in combination with medications such as methotrexate.
These include many of the ingredients in TCM preparations, as well as Echinacea , chaparral, germander, ragwort, and life root Ferguson, Chalmers, and Rowlands ; Borins Herbs containing y-linolenic acid, such as evening primrose oil, which has been used for treating dermatitis, psoriasis, and xerosis, lower the seizure threshold; thus, dosages of anticonvulsants may need to be increased Ferguson, Chalmers, and Rowlands Rue Ruta graveolens and other herbs containing psoralens can cause phototoxic reactions externally on the skin Eickhorst, Deleo, and Csaposs In addition to making them aware of the adverse effects already discussed, patients should be counseled on the relative lack of regulation for herbal medicines.
There are minimal quality-control requirements currently in place in the United States to ensure the purity, concentration, or safety of herbal supplements. Although herb manufacturers are restricted from making efficacy statements, there are no regulations on claims for what symptoms these herbs can alleviate.
In the United States, there are also minimal regulations on which herbs can be restricted in formulations Shaw Herbs may affect blood coagulation. A number of medicinal herbs contain coumarin, salicylate, or other platelet-inhibiting substances that can increase the risk of interoperative and postoperative bleeding.
Some coumarin-containing herbs include danshen Salvia miltiorrhiza , dong quai Angelica sinensis , horse chestnut bark Aesculius hippocastanum , sweet clover M. officinalis , sweet vernal Anthoxanthum odoratum , sweet-scented bedstraw Galium triflorum , tonka beans Dipteryx odorata , vanilla leaf Trilisa odoratissima , and woodruff Asperula odorata.
Salicylate-containing herbs include black cohosh Cimifuga racemosa , meadowsweet Spirea ulmaria , poplar bark Populus spp. Other platelet function inhibitors include bromelain Ananas comosus , cayenne C. frutescens , Chinese skullcap Scutullaria baicalensis , feverfew Tanacetum parthenium , garlic A.
sativum , ginger Zingiber officinale , ginkgo G. biloba , ginseng Panex ginseng , onion A. cepa , papain Carica papaya , reishi fruit Ganoderma lucidum , and turmeric C. longa; Pribitkin Herbs may also affect blood pressure.
Potentially hypertensive plants include black cohosh, ephedra or ma huang Ephedra spp. glabra , and yohimbe Pausinystalia yohimbe. Potentially hypotensive plants include garlic Pribitkin Further research into the efficacy, safety, optimal uses, and standardization of herbal remedies is clearly needed.
Inhibiting factors in the United States include the nonpatentability of herbal materials in a system in which the typical costs of double-blind testing for Food and Drug Administration FDA approval of drugs range in the millions of dollars, requiring patentability for private enterprises to attain a profit.
Since herbal remedies currently remain in the category of dietary supplements, a different mechanism of funding for research is needed. The funding for complementary and alternative medicines research provided through the National Institutes of Health is meager compared with private and public funding of research for conventional drugs.
Many herbal therapies have been used for centuries, which show good anecdotal results. A few randomized, controlled trials have also demonstrated significant results in the use of herbal therapies for the treatment of dermatologic disorders. Some countries, such as Germany, now require standardization of herbal preparations and specific recommendations as to the use and efficacy of herbs in the treatment of disease.
It is important to know what common herbal alternatives exist and which potential adverse effects or interactions can occur to permit more effective counseling of patients. Turn recording back on. National Library of Medicine Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD Web Policies FOIA HHS Vulnerability Disclosure.
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Show details Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Search term. Chapter 18 Herbal Treatment for Dermatologic Disorders Philip D. A cne Fruit acids, such as citric, gluconic, gluconolactone, glycolic, malic, and tartaric acids, used topically have demonstrated some effectiveness in treating acne because of their exfoliative properties.
A lopecia Essential oils have been studied in a randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 86 patients with alopecia areata Hey, Jamieson, and Ormerod B acterial And F ungal I nfections Of S kin Garlic Allium sativum contains ajoene, which has been demonstrated to exhibit antifungal activity.
D ermatitis Arnica is derived from the dried flowers of Arnica montana or other arnica species. H erpes S implex Lemon balm Melissa officinalis is a lemon-scented member of the mint family. H erpes Z oster Capsaicin, the main ingredient in cayenne pepper Capiscum frutescens , Class 1 internally but Class 2d externally; McGuffin et al.
H yperhidrosis By precipitating surface proteins, topical tannins can reduce the openings of sweat ducts and thus reduce sweating locally. P ruritus Camphor is derived from the camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora Classes 2b and 2d distillate of the wood McGuffin et al. P soriasis Aloe vera Aloe vera , which is Class 1 internally and Class 2d externally McGuffin et al.
P sychosomatic Depression and anxiety can cause skin problems. S cabies Anise Pimpinella anisum seeds are a source of an essential oil that displays antibacterial and insecticidal activity in vitro and is used topically to treat scabies and head lice.
S kin C ancer Red ginseng Panax ginseng is a classic TCM. V erruca V ulgaris And C ondyloma A ccuminata Podophyllin, used to treat condyloma acuminata, is extracted from the root of the American mayapple Podophyllum peltatum; Fleming V itiligo Ginkgo G.
W ounds And B urns Aloe vera A. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF HERBAL TH ERAPY Herbal therapies vary greatly in their safety class ratings. RESEARCH NEEDS Further research into the efficacy, safety, optimal uses, and standardization of herbal remedies is clearly needed.
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De Groot A. C, Weyland J. Contact allergy to tea tree oil. Contact Dermatitis. Delmonte S, Brusati C, Parodi A, Rebora A. Leukemia-related Sweet's syndrome elicited by pathergy to arnica.
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Official websites use. gov A. gov Clean eating habits heral to an official government organization in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine.
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