herbal medicine

Few herbal remedies have conclusively demonstrated any positive effect on humans, possibly due to inadequate testing.^[72] Many of the studies cited refer to animal model investigations or in-vitro assays and therefore cannot provide more than weak supportive evidence.

• Aloe vera has traditionally been used for the healing of burns and wounds.^[73] A systematic review (from 1999) states that the efficacy of aloe vera in promoting wound healing is unclear, while a later review (from 2007) concludes that the cumulative evidence supports the use of aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns.^[73][74]
• Agaricus blazei mushrooms may prevent some types of cancer.^[75]
• Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) may reduce production cholesterol levels according to in vitro studies ^[76] and a small clinical study.^[77]
• Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) leaf has drawn the attention of the cosmetology community because it interferes with the metalloproteinases that contribute to skin wrinkling.^[78]
• Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) may have a role in preventing oral cancer.^[79][80][81]
• Boophone (Boophone disticha) This highly toxic plant has been used in South African traditional medicine for treatment of mental illness ^[82]. Research demonstrate in vitro and in vivo effect against depression.^[83][84][85]
• Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.^[86] In animal research an aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis^[86] There is "limited evidence" that calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.^[87][88] flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use.
• Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.^[89]
• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea) extracts may limit the length and severity of rhinovirus colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels, which might be higher than is available over-the-counter, require further research.^[90][91]
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.^[92]avian influenza because the immunostimulatory effects may aggravate the cytokine cascade.^[93] However it is possibly risky in the case of
• Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is sometimes used to treat migraine^[94] Although many reviews of Feverfew studies show no or unclear efficacy, a more recent RTC showed favorable results^[95][96][97] Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women as it may be dangerous to the fetus.^[98][99] headaches.
• Gawo (Faidherbia albida), a traditional herbal medicine in West Africa, has shown promise in animal tests ^[100]
• Garlic (Allium sativum) may lower total cholesterol levels^[101]
• German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has demonstrated antispasmodic, anxiolytic, antiinflammatory and some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering effects in animal research.^[102] In vitro chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer.^[103][104] Essential oil of chamomile was shown to be a promising antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro.^[105]
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale), administered in 250 mg capsules for four days, effectively decreased nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in a human clinical trial.^[106][107]
• Grapefruit (Naringenin) components may prevent obesity.
• Green tea (Camelia sinensis) components may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells^[108]scars faster.^[109] and may heal
• Purified extracts of the seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa may have some antihypertensive, antifungal and antibacterial effect. Toxicity tested low except for an isolated case of damage to the testes of a rat after prolonged and excessive consumption.^[110]
• Honey may reduce cholesterol.^[111] May be useful in wound healing.^[112]
• Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), administered daily as an aqueous extract of the fresh leaf, has lowered total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels in rats, as well as increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Lemon grass administration had no effect on triglyceride levels.^[113]
• Magnolia
• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria) can be used for a variety of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes due to presence of salicylic acid. Effective for fevers and inflammations, pain relief, ulcers and bacteriostatic. Listed as therapeutical in 1652 by Nicholas Culpeper. In 1838, salicylic acid was isolated from the plant. The word Aspirin is derived from spirin, based on Meadowsweet's synonym name Spiraea ulmaria.^[114]
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extracts have been recognized for many centuries as "liver tonics.".^[115] Research suggests that milk thistle extracts both prevent and repair damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and medications.^[116]
• Morinda citrifolia (noni) is used in the Pacific and Caribbean islands for the treatment of inflammation and pain.^[117] Human studies indicate potential cancer preventive effects.^[118]
• Nigella sativa (Black cumin) has demonstrated analgesic properties in mice. The mechanism for this effect, however, is unclear. In vitro studies support antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects.^{[119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128][129][130]} However few randomized double blind studies have been published.
• Ocimum gratissimum^[131][132] and tea tree oil can be used to treat acne.
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare) may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.^[133]
• Pawpaw can be used as insecticide (killing lice, worms).^[134],^[135]
• Peppermint oil may have benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.^[136][137]
• Phytolacca or Pokeweed can be applied topically or taken internally. Topical treatments have been used for acne and other ailments. It is used as a treatment for tonsilitis, swollen glands and weight loss.^{[citation needed]}
• Pomegranate contains the highest percentage of ellagitannins of any commonly consumed juice. Punicalagin, an ellagitannin unique to pomegranate, is the highest molecular weight polyphenol known.^[138] Ellagitannins are metabolized into urolithins by gut flora, and have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in mice.^[138][139]
• Rauvolfia Serpentina, high risk of toxicity if improperly used^{[citation needed]}, used extensively in India for sleeplessness, anxiety, and high blood pressure.^[140]
• Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) contains a number of phenolic compounds, including flavanols, flavones, flavanones, flavonols, and dihydrochalcones.^[141] Rooibos has traditionally been used for skin ailments, allergies, asthma and colic in infants.^[142] In an animal study with diabetic mice, aspalathin, a rooibos constituent improved glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and glucose uptake in muscle tissue.^[143]
• Rose hips – Small scale studies indicate that hips from Rosa canina may provide benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis.^{[144][145][146]} Rose hips show anti COX activity.^[147]
• Salvia lavandulaefolia may improve memory^[148]
• Saw Palmetto can be used for BPH. Supported in some studies,^[149] failed to confirm in others.^[150]
• Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are edible mushrooms that have been reported to have health benefits, including cancer-preventing properties.^[151] In laboratory research a shiitake extract has inhibited the growth of tumor cells through induction of apoptosis.^[151]antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi in vitro.^[152][153] Both a water extract and fresh juice of shiitake have demonstrated
• Soy and other plants that contain phytoestrogens (plant molecules with estrogen activity) (black cohosh probably has serotonin activity) have some benefits for treatment of symptoms resulting from menopause.^[154]
• St. John's wort, has yielded positive results, proving more effective than a placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in some clinical trials^[155] A subsequent, large, controlled trial, however, found St. John's wort to be no better than a placebo in treating depression^[156] However, more recent trials have shown positive results^{[157][158][159]} or positive trends that failed significance.^[160] A 2004 meta-analysis concluded that the positive results can be explained by publication bias^[161] but later analyses have been more favorable.^[162][163] The Cochrane Database cautions that the data on St. John's wort for depression are conflicting and ambiguous.^[164]
• Stinging nettle In some clinical studies effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia^[165] and the pain associated with osteoarthritis.^[166] In-vitro tests show antiinflammatory action.^[167] In a rodent model, stinging nettle reduced LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.^[168] In another rodent study it reduced platelet aggregation.^[169]
• Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia. Clinical studies show mixed results and researchers note that many trials are of poor quality.^{[170][171][172]}
• Vanilla
• Willow bark (Salix alba) can be used for a variety of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes due to presence of salicylic acid and tannins. Has been in use for aprox. 6000yrs and was described in the 1st century AD by Dioscorides.^[114]