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Acanthopanax (Acanthopanax gracilistylus)
- Acanthopanax inhibits tumor cells growth, good for thrombosis, arthritis, joint pain, excellent drink with wine for geriatric patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
- has an immunomodulating activity on human lymphocytes and its properties could be clinically applied in the treatment of several diseases, such as autoimmune and allergic diseases,
- inhibits human platelet aggregation and thrombosis, inhibits pancreatic lipase, exhibited anti-metastatic activity by stimulating the immune system,
- can be used as a therapeutical agent to prevent or inhibit tumor metastasis.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
- Agrimony is commonly used for liver disease,
- has strong antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity,
- inflammation of the mouth,
- arthritis,
- complaints of urinary system,
- varicose veins,
- mucus colitis,
- incontinence,
- agrimoniin, a plant tannin, is a novel cytokine inducer,
- scientific results indicate that the roots of Agrimonia eupatoria contain some antitumor constituents, and possible mechanisms of the antitumor activity may be some host-mediated actions and direct cytotoxicity.
Ajwain (Ptychotis ajowan)
- Ajowan is much used as a medicinal plant is ayurvedic medicine for its antispasmodic, stimulant, tonic and carminative properties.
- It is also widely used to treat diarrhea and flatulence.
- The thymol content makes ajowan a potent fungicide.
- Ajowan is a remedy for constipation, against itching, scabies.
Albizzia (Albizzia julibrissin)
- One of the most valued of Chinese herbs for relieving anxiety, stress and depression.
- It is traditionally known as "huan hua" (flowers) and "he huan pi" (bark) and popularly as the "happiness herb," and "collective happiness bark" by the Chinese. Recently some Chinese herbalists and acupuncturists have even called it “herbal Prozac.
- Albizzia is thought to enhance all aspects of neurotransmitter secretion and regulation. Anxiolytic, sedative, insomnia, exerts antidepressant-like effect via the 5-HT1A receptor system,
- poor memory, irritability, oxytocic, hypoglycaemic, diabetes,
- cytotoxic effect of its extract on human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells
- improves blood circulation, treats pain and swelling due to traumatic injuries (such as fractures),
- reduces swellings and abscesses on the skin and in the abdominal region.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Nutritional tonic, debility, source of vitamins A,C,E,K, source of many amino acids and minerals, loss of appetite, antipyretic, estrogenic, diuretic.
- A prominent amino acid constituent of alfalfa is L-canavanine. Results of some scientific studies indicate a potential toxic and immunoregulatory role of L-canavanine in the induction of a systemic lupus-like disease in primates.
- The leaves are a rich source of vitamin K. A very nutritious food in moderation, though it can trigger attacks in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and large quantities can affect liver function and cause photosensitization.
- Currently, the most convincing clinical evidence for a medical effect of alfalfa is for controlling cholesterol. In several animal and human studies, alfalfa supplements reduced blood cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals with a specific kind of high cholesterol known as type II hyperlipoproteinemia.
- Results of animal studies show that alfalfa may also lower blood sugar levels slightly due to its high manganese content. Manganese is a trace element that is thought to be involved with several body processes, including the use of carbohydrates from food. Some of the enzymes that control carbohydrate use and blood sugar levels depend on manganese as an activator. Low levels of manganese have been associated with diabetes in some studies.
- It may have some ability to enhance immune system function.
- Chemicals in alfalfa have mild diuretic properties, which may promote the loss of water from the body. Therefore, alfalfa may relieve swelling caused by excess water accumulation.
- Because other components of alfalfa may act somewhat like the female hormone, estrogen, it has been suggested as potentially useful in relieving the symptoms of menopause.
- In some countries, alfalfa seeds are used as a folk remedy for asthma or other breathing conditions.
Alisma Tuber (Alisma orientalis)
- Excellent for fatty liver,
- promotes conception,
- antibacterial,
- anticholesterolemic,
- diuretic, edema,
- hypoglycemic, diabetes,
- hypotensive,
- used in the treatment of cystitis, kidney stones,
- herpes infections,
- hypothyroidism.
- Some clinical studies suggested that extract of Aliasma orientalis has significant hepatoprotctive effects in nononalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- The active constituents of Alisma orientalis decrease the calcium oxalate formation in kidney, and inhibit the renal stone formation.
Allepo Oak (Quercus infectoria)
- Hepatitis C,
- astringent,
- intertrigo, impetigo, eczema,
- haemorrhages,
- chronic diarrhoea, dysentery,
- especially effective in hemorrhoids.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
- Purgative, laxative,
- tonic, antifungal, vermifuge, insect bites, eczema,
- burn wound healing, scalp problems, psoriasis in scalp, Aloe gel has been used for topical treatment of wounds, minor burns, and skin irritations. American consumers are most familiar with aloe's use in skin-care products, but aloe can also be used as a beverage.
- Aloe products for internal use have been promoted for constipation, coughs, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies, and many other conditions,
- the anthroquinones and anthrones in the aloe latex probably produce their laxative effect by increasing colonic peristalsis and increasing the intestinal water content by opening chloride channels of the colonic membrane to cause a net reduction of liquid absorption by the colon,
- the anthroquinone glycosides reach the colon mostly undigested, although some are metabolized by enzymes produced by intestinal bacteria. The result includes more frequent stools with softer consistency. In most of the studies on the laxative effects of aloe, the aloe was not used alone but in combination with other laxatives, such as celandin or psyllium. Aloe's side effects can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances, especially at higher doses.
- Few studies have tested whether taking aloe gel internally can influence wound-healing.
- False advertising claims for aloe are common, especially on the Internet. Some Web pages are making bold claims and using testimonials promoting it for treating the AIDS virus, cancer, arthritis, or other chronic and debilitating conditions. These claims have not been substantiated by scientific studies.
Ampelopsis Root (Ampelopsis grana paradises)
- Alterative, tonic, stimulant,
- fever, antipyretic,
- acne, swellings, skin diseases, promotes tissue regeneration, wounds, skin ulcers,
- expectorant,
- displays a strong inhibitive role during HIV-1 absorption, incubation and acute infection,
- anodyne, antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antifungal, depurative,
- febrifuge and vulnerary, a decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of tuberculous cervical nodes, bleeding from haemorrhoids and burn injuries.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
- In the last 10 years Andrographis paniculata has become very popular in America and Scandinavia where it is used as a preventative and treatment for the common cold.
- The global flu epidemic of 1918 was one of the most devastating infectious outbreaks in world history killing 50 million people worldwide. No country escaped its onslaught but in India, an amazing herb, Andrographis paniculata, was credited with stopping the spread of the deadly virus.
- Andrographolide, the major constituent of Andrographis paniculata is known to possess potent anticancer activities. Andrographolide showed anticancer activity on diverse cancer cells representing different types of human cancers. Inhibition of cell-cycle progression in human colorectal carcinoma, induces apoptosis of prostate cancer (PC-3) cells (the most sensitive cell line among the cell lines screened) via the activation of caspase 3, inhibits the tumor specific angiogenesis by regulating the production of various pro and antiangiogenic factors such as proinflammatory cytokine, nitric oxide, VEGF, IL-2 and TIMP-1. Andrographolide exerts direct anticancer activity on cancer cells by cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase through induction of cell-cycle inhibitory protein p27 and decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4).
- Strong immunostimulant, excellent against Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacteria causing periodontitis, treatment and prevention of periodontitis, sinusitis, respiratory infections,
- antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, diabetes,
- hepatoprotective,
- inhibits HIV-induced cell cycle dysregulation,
- protective effect on myocardial ischemia,
- choleretic activity,
- pharyngotonsillitis, sinusitis,
- antithrombotic,
- preventing myocardial infarction,
- killer of hepatitis B viruses,
- activates fibrinolysis, a natural process in the body in which blood clots are dissolved.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Buerger's disease,
- psychogenic asthma,
- cachexy,
- digestive disorders,
- antispasmodic,
- loss of appetite, diuretic,
- furanocoumarins isoleted from Angelica archangelica inhibit proliferation of human pancreas cell line PANC, some results demonstrate the antiproliferative activity in vitro and antitumour activity in vivo of a leaf extract from Angelica archangelica,
Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
- Eases intestinal gas, flatulence, intestinal colic,
- aqueous suspension possesses significant anti-ulcer activities against gastric lesions,
- exhibits strong antifungal activities.
Areca Nut (Areca catechu)
- Central nervous system stimulant,
- stimulating effect on the entire body,
- aphrodisiac.
Arginine (L-Arginine 99.999% purity)
- L-arginine is an amino acid that has numerous functions in the body. It helps the body get rid of ammonia (a waste product), is used to make compounds in the body such creatine, L-glutamate, and L-proline, and can be converted to glucose and glycogen if needed. Arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid because even though the body normally makes enough of it, supplementation is sometimes needed. For example, people with protein malnutrition, excessive ammonia production, excessive lysine intake, burns, infections, peritoneal dialysis, rapid growth, urea synthesis disorders, or sepsis may not have enough arginine. Symptoms of arginine deficiency include poor wound healing, hair loss, skin rash, constipation, and fatty liver.
- Arginine changes into nitric oxide, which causes blood vessel relaxation (vasodilation).
- Early evidence suggests that arginine may help treat medical conditions that improve with vasodilation, such as erectile dysfunction, chest pain, clogged arteries (called atherosclerosis), coronary artery disease, heart failure, intermittent claudication/peripheral vascular disease, and blood vessel swelling that causes headaches (vascular headaches).
- Arginine also triggers the body to make protein and has been studied for wound healing, bodybuilding, enhancement of sperm production (spermatogenesis), and prevention of wasting in people with critical illnesses.
- Arginine supplementation has been effective in angina treatment. In 36 patients with chronic, stable angina given arginine daily for two weeks, significant improvement was noted in flow-mediated vasodilation, exercise time, and quality of life, compared to placebo. In a small, uncontrolled trial, seven of 10 people with angina improved dramatically after taking 9 g arginine for three months. A double-blind trial in 22 patients with stable angina and healed myocardial infarction showed oral supplementation with arginine increased exercise capacity.
- In a randomized, double-blind trial six weeks of oral arginine supplementation significantly improved blood flow, arterial compliance, and functional status in patients with congestive heart failure, compared to placebo.
- Arginine may be of benefit in individuals with HIV/AIDS. In a pilot study of arginine supplementation in individuals with HIV, 11 patients were given arginine or placebo for 14 days. NKcell cytotoxicity increased 18.9 lytic units, compared to an increase of 0.3 lytic units with placebo.
- Arginine is required for normal spermatogenesis. Researchers found that feeding an arginine-deficient diet to adult men for nine days decreased sperm counts by approximately 90 percent and increased the percentage of non-motile sperm approximately 10-fold. Oral administration of 500 mg arginine per day to infertile men for 6-8 weeks markedly increased sperm count and motility in a majority of patients, and resulted in successful pregnancies.
- The functional state of the penis, flaccid or erect is governed by smooth muscle tone. Sympathetic contractile factors maintain flaccidity whilst parasympathetic factors induce smooth muscle relaxation and erection. It is generally accepted that nitric oxide is the principal agent responsible for relaxation of penile smooth muscle.
- Nitrogen oxide is derived from two principal sources: directly from non-adrenergic non-cholinergic parasympathetic nerves and indirectly from the endothelium lining cavernosal sinusoids and blood vessels in response to cholinergic stimulation. The generation of nitrogen oxide from L-arginine is catalysed by nitric oxide synthase. As a neurotransmitter, nitrogen oxide plays very important role in cell-signaling, in the erection of penis.
- Male erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases with age, doubling between the ages of 40 and 70 y for moderate erectile dysfunction and tripling over the same 3-decade time period for complete dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is caused by a variety of pathogenic factors, particularly impaired formation and action of nitrogen oxide. Studies in both male and female genital tissues indicate that the nitric oxide is an important regulator of blood flow and engorgement during sexual arousal. Arginine serves as a critical substrate for the generation of nitrogen oxide. Thus, replenishment of this molecule is expected so far to be the most promising therapeutic measures for patients with erectile dysfunction.
- Human clinical trials of L-arginine for erectile dysfonction have yielded mixed results. In one small, uncontrolled trial of men with erectile dysfunction who were administered arginine for two weeks, positive results were demonstrated. Forty percent of men in the treatment group reported improvement, compared to none in the placebo group.
- In a larger, double-blind trial, 50 men with confirmed erectile dysfunction were administered arginine for six weeks. Thirty-one percent of patients taking
- Arginine reported a significant subjective improvement in sexual function.
- All patients reporting subjective improvements had had initially low urinary nitrogen oxide excretion, which had doubled by the end of the study.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
- Excellent immune system booster,
- increases local blood supply and accelerates wound healing,
- increases the rate of absorption of internal bleeding, traumatic injuries, anti-inflammatory,
- rheumatic pain,
- phlebitis,
- muscular aches and pains,
- hematoma,
- heart problems,
- topical application of Arnica montana gel for six weeks is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee,
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
- Regeneration of the liver,
- antioxidative, protects against oxidative stress,
- anticholestatic activity,
- hepatoprotective, liver diseases, inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes, artichoke leaf extracts have been reported to reduce plasma lipids levels, including total cholesterol,
- ameliorates symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome,
- in the treatment of hepatobiliary dysfunction and digestive complaints, such as sensation of fullness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
- Immunostimulant, stimulates tissue regeneration,
- antiviral,
- hypoglycaemic, diabetes,
- liver disease, hypotensive,
- positive effects on cardiac vascular system,
- memory-improving effect,
- protect heart cells against lipid peroxidation,
- chronic hepatitis B,
- stimulates sperm motility,
- adaptogen,
- antibacterial,
- anticancer activity,
- vasodilatator, diuretic,
- hypotensive,
- hepatoprotective,
- indications supported by clinical trials include impaired immunity, adjunctive cancer treatment, and viral infections, including the common cold and cervical erosion associated with Herpes simplex,
- increases resistance to the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy drugs,
- in patients with ischemic heart disease treated with Astragalus, significant relief from angina was achieved, and the effective rate of electrocardiogram improvement was 82.6 percent.
Atractylodes (Atractylodes japonica)
- Normalizes irregular menstrual cycle,
- heals cervical pseudo erosions,
- reduces leukorrhagia in young women who had insufficient luteal function,
- rheumatoid arthritis, muscle aches, swellings and pain in legs and feet,
- weakness, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting,
- active against recombinant HIV-1 protease.
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