G

Galangal  (Alpinia galanga)

• Hypoglycaemic,
• antirheumatic,
• antispasmodic,
• antimicrobial, antifungal,
• stimulant and carminative,
• especially useful in flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting and sickness at stomach, being recommended as a remedy for sea-sickness.

Galo (Tinospora cordifolia)

• Very good for asthma, significantly decreases all symptoms of allergic rhinitis, 
• excellent natural analgesic agent, used for all types of pain,
• hypoglycaemic, diabetes, prevention of diabetic cataract,
• hepatoprotective,
• immunomodulatory activity, very potent antioxidant,
• hypolipidemic activity,
• excellent for obstructive jaundice,
• potent diuretic,
• antipyretic,
• cardioprotective activity,
• has estrogen like effects in bone but not in reproductive organs like uterus and mammary gland,
• diabetic patients with foot ulcers on Tinospora cordifolia as an adjuvant therapy showed significantly better final outcome with improvement in wound healing, reduced debridements and improved phagocytosis were statistically significant, indicating beneficial effects of immunomodulation for ulcer healing.

Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia)

• Garcinia cambogia-derived (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a safe, natural supplement for weight management.
• HCA is a competitive inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase, a key enzyme which facilitates the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Clinical studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HCA-SX over a period of eight weeks were conducted in 60 human volunteers. Subjects were given a 2,000 kcal diet/day, participated in a 30 min walking exercise program 5 days/week and given an oral dose of placebo or 4666.7 mg HCA-SX (providing 2,800 mg HCA) in three equally divided doses 30-60 min before meals, body weight, BMI, lipid profiles, serum leptin, serotonin and excretion of urinary fat metabolites were determined at 0, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. At the end of 8 weeks, body weight and BMI decreased by 5.4% and 5.2%, respectively. Food intake, total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and serum leptin levels were significantly reduced, while HDL and serotonin levels and excretion of urinary fat metabolites (a biomarker of fat oxidation) significantly increased.
• Also inhibits platelet-activating factor receptor binding,
• appetite suppression,
• antiulcer activity,
• antimicrobial,
• antioxidant,
• antitumor-promoting activity,
• free radical scavenging activity,
• inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation.

Garden Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)

• Sanguisorba officinalis is employed mainly for its astringent action, being used to slow or arrest blood flow. It is taken both internally and externally internally and is a safe and effective treatment.
• Modern research in China has shown that the whole herb heals burns more effectively than the extracted tannins (the astringent component of the plant).
• Antiallergic effects, antiallergic natural disaccharide exerts its effect via inhibition of mast cell mediator release,
• antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus,
• anti-HIV activity,
• antioxidant,
• haemostatic activity, astringent, haematuria, menorrhagia, ulcer bleeding.

Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum)

• Asthma,
• diuretic,
• galatogogue,
• stimulant,
• chemoprotective effects towards colonic preneoplastic lesions,
• has a marked influence on fracture healing, clearly supporting their effects on human bones as a well-known natural element to promote fracture healing in traditional medicine.

Gentian (Gentiana lutea)

• Gentiana lutea is one of the most useful bitter vegetable tonics. 
• It is specially useful for conditions of exhaustion resulting from chronic disease and in cases of general debility, weakness of the digestive organs and want of appetite. 
• Gentian is one of the best strengtheners of the human system.
• Aids digestion, loss of appetite, complaints of the stomach, intestinal complaints, gastrointestinal tonic, heartburn.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

• Flatulence, dyspepsia,
• circulatory stimulant,
• nausea,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• anticholesterolemic activity.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

• Failing memory, arteriosclerosis,
• disease of the eye,
• asthma,
• exhaustion,
• dizziness,
• circulation problems,
• cold hands and feet,
• headaches,
• tinnitus,
• senility.

Ginseng Tienchi (Panax notoginseng)

• Inhibitory effect on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase,
• antiproliferative activity,
• analgesic,
• hypoglycaemic, diabetes,
• anti-inflammatory,
• anti-arrhytmic effects,
• protective effects on ischemic brain damage,
• immunostimulating activity, immunomodulating activity
•  hepatoprotective,
• it appears that Panax notoginseng exerts its therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis through an anti-inflammatory action and regulation of the blood lipid profile and that an NF-kappaB signalling pathway is involved, can effectively protect the neuron and promote functional rehabilitation in patients after cerebral haemorrhage,
• can enhance the anti-proliferation effect of 5-FU on human colorectal cancer cells and may decrease the dosage of 5-FU needed for colorectal cancer treatment.

Ginseng Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

• Activates the proliferation of human lymphocytes,
• strong antiviral activity,
• increases the resistance of the recipient to a variety of physical, chemical, or biological stressors,
• acts as a general stabilizer/normalizer,
• against all forms of allergies,
• antiarrhytmic activity, cardioprotective,
• antimutagenic activity,
• hypoglycemic,
• circulatory stimulant,
• chronic fatigue,
• adaptogen,
• mental and physical depletion,
• depression,
• immunostimulant, prevention of bone resorption during steroid-induced osteoporosis,
• protect against neuritic atrophy and cell death,
• Eleutherococcus has been touted as the herb that builds Russian athletes. In his review of the Russian scientific literature, Dr Farnsworth notes a single 4mL dose of a 33-percent ethanolic liquid extract given to five male skiers 1-1.5 hours before a 20-50 kilometer race increased skier resistance to hypoxemia and enhanced their ability to adapt to increased exercise demands. In 838 children utilizing the fluid extract on a daily basis for two months had a 25-percent increase in T-lymphocytes, a 20-percent increase in B-lymphocytes, a 10-percent reduction in overall infections, and a 60-percent decrease in the incidence of pneumonia.

Gledistia Fruit (Gledistia sinensis)

• Bronchial asthma with sticky phlegm,
• epilepsy,
• apoplexy with loss of consciousness, stroke,
• antitussive, expectorant,
• haemostatic,
• skin diseases,
• for washing sores,
• antitumor activity,
• used in the treatment of cancer of the rectum,
• 2beta-carboxyl,3beta-hydroxyl-norlupA (1)-20 (29)-en-28-oic acid has strong anti-HIV activity,
• has expressed apoptotic properties in various solid and non-solid tumors,
• might be potentially used as a chemotherapeutic drug to treat patients with acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia,
• could be potentially used as an angiogenic inhibitor in both solid tumour and leukaemia therapy.  

 
Glutamine

• Glutamine, or L-glutamine, is an amino acid derived from another amino acid, glutamic acid.
• Glutamine plays a role in the health of the immune system, digestive tract, and muscle cells, as well as other bodily functions.
• It appears to serve as a fuel for the cells that line the intestines.
• Heavy exercise, infection, surgery, and trauma can deplete the body's glutamine reserves, particularly in muscle cells.
• The fact that glutamine does so many good things in the body has led people to try glutamine supplements as a treatment for various conditions, including preventing the infections that often follow endurance exercise, reducing symptoms of overtraining syndrome, improving nutrition in critical illness, alleviating allergies, and treating digestive problems.
• Angina,
• attention aeficit disorder,
• Crohn's disease,
• enhancing mental function;
• food allergies,
• HIV support,
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
• overtraining syndrome,
• post-exercise colds,
• ulcerative colitis,
• ulcers,
• undesired weight loss.
  
  
• Sports Supplementation: Prevention or improvement of overtraining syndrome, assists in providing energy, Improves water and electrolyte absorption, Stimulates glycogen replacement post-exercise, Increases protein synthesis (anabolic effect), Aids recovery and repair following training or exercise, Glutamine can therefore be used before, after and during exercise with considerable benefit.

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum)

• The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
• A sweet tonic decoction made from the fruits is used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
• It acts mainly on the liver and kidneys.
• The fruit is taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure,
• diabetes,
• poor eyesight,
• vertigo,
• lumbago,
• impotence,
• menopausal complaints.
• Daily consumption of Goji berries for 14 days increases subjective feelings of general well-being, and improves neurologic/psychologic performance and gastrointestinal functions,
• significantly decreases the oxidative stress induced by the exhaustive exercise,
• can be used in compensating the decline in total antioxidant capacity, immune function and the activities of antioxidant enzymes,
• reduces the risks of lipid peroxidation accelerated by age-induced free radical,
• has expressed skin-protective properties,
• hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.

Golden bells fruit (Forsythia suspensa)

• Forsythia suspensa has been used in Chinese herbalism for over 4,000 years and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
• It is used internally in the treatment of acute infectious diseases such as mumps, and also for tonsillitis, urinary tract infections allergic rashes, etc.
• The flowers have a broad-spectrum antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, haemolytic streptococcus, Pneumococcus, Bacillus typhi, Mycobacterium tuberculi etc.
• A decoction of the leaves and twigs is used in the treatment of breast cancer.
• Antibacterial,
• anti-inflammatory,
• stimulates the heart, nervous system and gall bladder,
• cold, fever,
• irritability,
• lymph gland swelling,
• breast tumors,
• inhibition of low density lipoprotein oxidation.

Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis)

• The plant contains galegine, an alkaloid that strongly reduces blood sugar levels which make it useful in the treatment of diabetes
• The hypoglycaemic drug metformin is derived from galegine, which is naturally found in Goat's rue (Gallega officinalis).
• Used in diabetes, hypoglycaemic activity,
• diuretic,
• diaphoretic,
• aids milk flow in nursing mothers,
• infective disorders, antibacterial activity,
• inhibits platelet aggregation.

Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea)

• A good vulnerary herb, it has also proved of value when used internally in the treatment of urinary infections, chronic catarrh, skin diseases,
• influenza, whooping cough,
• bladder and kidney stones,
• anti-inflammatory activity,
• antiseptic,
• chronic naso-pharyngeal catarrh, bladder infection,
• flatulent dyspepsia,
• antimicrobial,
• diuretic,
• antispasmodic,
• analgesic,
• especially recommended for treatment of infections and inflammations,
•  to prevent formation of kidney stones and to help remove urinary gravel.

Golden Seal Root (Hydrastis Canadensis)

• Increases production of immunoglobulin G and M,
• oxytocic,
• antihemorrhagic, astringent,
• gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer,
• anorexia,
• dysmenorrhoea,
• cardiovascular effects,
• relaxant effect,
• antibacterial,
• ocular trachoma infection,
• hypoglycaemic activity,
• best natural LDL-lowering agent,
• diabetes,
• inhibits tumor-promoting activity.  

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

• After oral and topical administration in rats, increased cellular hyperplasia and collagen production were noted at the site of injury, measured by increased granulation tissue levels of DNA, protein, total collagen, and hexosamine. Compared to control, wounds treated with Centella asiatica had a higher degree of epithelialization and a significantly more rapid rate of contraction.
• In a double-blind study, 94 patients (86 men, 8 women; ages 20-80) with venous insufficiency of the lower extremities for an average of 14 years, were randomized to one of three treatment groups: a triterpenoid extract of Centella asiatica at daily dose of 60 or 120 mg or placebo for three months. Individuals who took mentioned herbal preparation at either dose demonstrated significant clinical improvements in limb heaviness, edema, and global evaluation of efficacy. Venous distension, measured by plethysmography, was significantly better in the active group compared to deteriorating placebo values.
• Centella has been used as a topical cream in a comprehensive scar management program. Observationally, it was found to improve scar maturity from an average of six months without treatment to three months with treatment.
• Used for vascular problems, leg ulcers, varicose veins, loss of memory,
• Alzheimer’s disease,
• Raynaud’s phenomenon,
• skin problems,
• radioprotective effects,
• treatment of oedema,
• treatment of diabetic microangiopathy,
• haemorrhoids,
• prevents ethanol induced gastric lesions,
• sedative,
• analgesic,
• antidepressive,
• antiviral,
• immunomodulatory effect,
• improvement of capillary permeability,
• chronic hepatic disorders.

Gravel (Eupatorium purpureum)

• Eupatorium purpureum was used by the native North American Indians as a diaphoretic to induce perspiration and break a fever.
• Strong diuretic, kidney stones, antilithic,
• rheumatoid arthritis, antirheumatic,
• gout.

Greenbosch (Asphalthus linearis)

• Digestive disorders, colic,  
• antispasmodic,
• antioxidant,
• allergies,
• eczema,
• migraine,
• immunostimulant,
• skin disorders,
• sleep disorders,
• diabetes,
• bronchodilator,
• blood pressure lowering effects,
• an excellent adjuvant support for the prevention and therapy of diabetic vascular complications, particularly for protecting ocular membrane systems against their peroxidation by reactive oxygen species.  

Grindelia (Grindelia robusta)

• Used internally, it slows down the heartbeat and reduces the stimulation of the nerve endings in the air passages that causes coughing - it is therefore extremely effective as a calming agent in the treatment of asthma,
• asthma, bronchitis, expectorant
• nasal congestion,
• antiphlogistic,
• demulcent,
• sedative,
• hypotensive,
• antispasmodic.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana)

• Obesity, weight loss,
• inhibition of thromboxane biosynthesis,
• inhibition of platelet aggregation,
• decreases fatigue,
• reduces hunger,
• in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse,
• headaches related to menstruation,
• arthritis,
• decreases proliferation and increased apoptosis of some tumor cells, consequently reducing the tumor burden area,
• can improve cognitive performance and reduce the mental fatigue associated with sustained mental effort.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

• Gymnema sylvestre is regarded as one of the plants with potent anti diabetic properties.
• This plant is also used for controlling obesity in the form of Gymnema tea.
• The active compound of the plant is a group of acids termed as gymnemic acids. Gymnemic acid formulations have also been found useful against obesity, according to recent reports. This is attributed to the ability of gymnemic acids to delay the glucose absorption in the blood. The atomic arrangement of gymnemic acid molecules is similar to that of glucose molecules. These molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing its activation by sugar molecules present in the food, thereby curbing the sugar craving. Similarly, gymnemic acid molecules fill the receptor location in the absorptive external layers of the intestine thereby preventing the sugar molecules absorption by the intestine, which results in low blood sugar level. When Gymnema leaf extract is administered to a diabetic patient, there is stimulation of the pancreas by virtue of which there is an increase in insulin release. Gymnema leaf extract, notably the peptide gurmarin, has been found to interfere with the ability of the taste buds on the tongue to taste sweet and bitter. Gymnemic acid has a similar effect. It is believed that by inhibiting the sweet taste sensation, people taking it will limit their intake of sweet foods and this activity may be partially responsible for its hypoglycemic effect.
• There are some possible mechanisms by which the Gymnema leaves and especially gymnemic acids exert its hypoglycemic effects are: 1) it increases secretion of insulin, 2) it promotes regeneration of islet cells, 3) it increases utilization of glucose: it is shown to increase the activities of enzymes responsible for utilization of glucose by insulin-dependant pathways, an increase in phosphorylase activity, decrease in gluconeogenic enzymes and sorbitol dehydrogenase, and 4) it causes inhibition of glucose absorption from intestine.