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PubMed2006

Complementary and alternative medicine for upper-respiratory-tract infection in children.

PURPOSE: Evidence on the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the prevention and treatment of upper-respiratory-tract infection (URTI) in children is reviewed. SUMMARY: A search of the literature to June 2005 identified six clinical trials examining the use of herbal medicines and nine trials of other CAM therapies. All articles were critically evaluated for adherence to standards of efficacy and safety research. Echinacea did not reduce the duration and severity of URTI. Andrographis paniculata or echinacea decreased nasal secretions (p < 0.01) but not URTI symptoms. A combination of echinacea, propolis, and ascorbic acid decreased the number of URTI episodes, the duration of symptoms, and the number of days of illness (p < 0.001). Echinacea was associated with a higher frequency of rash compared with placebo (p = 0.008). Neither ascorbic acid nor homeopathy was effective. The efficacy of zinc was not clear, and zinc may be associated with adverse effects in children. Osteopathic manipulation decreased episodes of acute otitis media (p = 0.04) and the need for tympanostomy tube insertion (p = 0.03) in children with recurrent acute otitis media. Stress-management therapy reduced the duration of URTI compared with relaxation therapy with guided imagery or standard care (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Current data are generally inadequate to support CAM for the prevention or treatment of URTI in children.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Investigation of anti-hyaluronidase treatment on vocal fold wound healing.

SUMMARY: Phytochemical constituents of medicinal plants demonstrate inhibition of tissue and bacterial hyaluronidase. Echinacoside is a caffeoyl conjugate of Echinacea with known anti-hyaluronidase properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wound healing effects of Echinacea on vocal fold wound healing and functional voice outcomes. Pig animal model. METHODS: Vocal fold injury was induced in 18 pigs by unilateral vocal fold stripping. The uninjured vocal fold served as control. Three groups of six pigs randomly received a topical application of 300, 600, or 1,200 mg of standardized Echinacea on the injured side. Animals were euthanized after 3, 10, and 15 days of wound healing. Phonation threshold pressure and vocal economy measurements were obtained from excised larynges. Treatment outcomes were examined by comparing the animals receiving treatment with a set of 19 untreated and 5 historical controls. Treatment effects on wound healing were evaluated by histologic staining for hyaluronan and collagen. Treated larynges revealed improved vocal economy and phonation threshold pressure compared with untreated larynges. Histologically, treated vocal folds revealed stable hyaluronan content and no significant accumulation of collagen compared with control. Findings provide a favorable outcome of anti-hyaluronidase treatment on acute vocal fold wound healing and functional measures of voice.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: a systematic review.

Despite the widespread use of herbal medicines, documented herb-drug interactions are sparse. We have reviewed the literature to determine the possible interactions between the seven top-selling herbal medicines (ginkgo, St John's wort, ginseng, garlic, echinacea, saw palmetto and kava) and prescribed drugs. Literature searches were performed using the following databases: Medline (via Pubmed), Cochrane Library, Embase and phytobase (all from their inception to July 2000). All data relating to herb-drug interactions were included regardless of whether they were based on case reports, case series, clinical trials or other types of investigation in humans. In vitro experiments were excluded. Data were extracted by the first author and validated by the second author. 41 case reports or case series and 17 clinical trials were identified. The results indicate that St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) lowers blood concentrations of cyclosporin, amitriptyline, digoxin, indinavir, warfarin, phenprocoumon and theophylline; furthermore it causes intermenstrual bleeding, delirium or mild serotonin syndrome, respectively, when used concomitantly with oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol/desogestrel), loperamide or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (sertaline, paroxetine, nefazodone). Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) interactions include bleeding when combined with warfarin, raised blood pressure when combined with a thiazide diuretic and coma when combined with trazodone. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) lowers blood concentrations of alcohol and warfarin, and induces mania if used concomitantly with phenelzine. Garlic (Allium sativum) changes pharmacokinetic variables of paracetamol, decreases blood concentrations of warfarin and produces hypoglycaemia when taken with chlorpropamide. Kava (Piper methysticum) increases 'off' periods in Parkinson patients taking levodopa and can cause a semicomatose state when given concomitantly with alprazolam. No interactions were found for echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida) and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). In conclusion, interactions between herbal medicines and synthetic drugs exist and can have serious clinical consequences. Healthcare professionals should ask their patients about the use of herbal products and consider the possibility of herb-drug interactions.

Drug Interactions↗
PubMed2003

[Estimation of maximum acceptable concentration of lead and cadmium in plants and their medicinal preparations].

UNLABELLED: Heavy metals (lead, cadmium) are possible dashes which quantity is defined by the limiting acceptable contents. Different drugs preparations: infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, etc. are produced using medicinal plants. The objective of this research was to study the impurities of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in medicinal plants and some drug preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated liquid extracts of fruits Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and herbs of Echinacea purpurea Moench., tinctures--of herbs Leonurus cardiaca L. The raw materials were imported from Poland. Investigations were carried out in cooperation with the Laboratory of Antropogenic Factors of the Institute for Biomedical Research. Amounts of lead and cadmium were established after "dry" mineralisation using "Perkin-Elmer Zeeman/3030" model electrothermic atomic absorption spectrophotometer (ETG AAS/Zeeman). It was established that lead is absorbed most efficiently after estimation of absorption capacity of cellular fibers. About 10.73% of lead crosses tinctures and extracts, better cadmium--49.63%. Herbs of Leonurus cardiaca L. are the best in holding back lead and cadmium. About 14.5% of lead and cadmium crosses the tincture of herbs Leonurus cardiaca L. We estimated the factors of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in the liquid extracts of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Echinacea purpurea Moench., tincture of Leonurus cardiaca L. after investigations of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in drugs and preparations of it. The amounts of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) don't exceed the allowable norms in fruits of Crataegus monogyna Jacq., herbs of Leonurus cardiaca L. and Echinacea purpurea Moench. after estimation of lead and cadmium extraction factors, the maximum of acceptable daily intake and the quantity of drugs consumption in day.

Cadmium↗
PubMed1998

Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions.

Herbal medicinals are being used by an increasing number of patients who typically do not advise their clinicians of concomitant use. Known or potential drug-herb interactions exist and should be screened for. If used beyond 8 weeks, Echinacea could cause hepatotoxicity and therefore should not be used with other known hepatoxic drugs, such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate, and ketoconazole. However, Echinacea lacks the 1,2 saturated necrine ring associated with hepatoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may negate the usefulness of feverfew in the treatment of migraine headaches. Feverfew, garlic, Ginkgo, ginger, and ginseng may alter bleeding time and should not be used concomitantly with warfarin sodium. Additionally, ginseng may cause headache, tremulousness, and manic episodes in patients treated with phenelzine sulfate. Ginseng should also not be used with estrogens or corticosteroids because of possible additive effects. Since the mechanism of action of St John wort is uncertain, concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is ill advised. Valerian should not be used concomitantly with barbiturates because excessive sedation may occur. Kyushin, licorice, plantain, uzara root, hawthorn, and ginseng may interfere with either digoxin pharmacodynamically or with digoxin monitoring. Evening primrose oil and borage should not be used with anticonvulsants because they may lower the seizure threshold. Shankapulshpi, an Ayurvedic preparation, may decrease phenytoin levels as well as diminish drug efficacy. Kava when used with alprazolam has resulted in coma. Immunostimulants (eg, Echinacea and zinc) should not be given with immunosuppressants (eg, corticosteroids and cyclosporine). Tannic acids present in some herbs (eg, St John wort and saw palmetto) may inhibit the absorption of iron. Kelp as a source of iodine may interfere with thyroid replacement therapies. Licorice can offset the pharmacological effect of spironolactone. Numerous herbs (eg, karela and ginseng) may affect blood glucose levels and should not be used in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Drug Interactions↗
PubMed1999

Inhibition of human sperm motility by specific herbs used in alternative medicine.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to analyze sperm motility parameters in the presence of herbs. METHODS: Washed sperm were incubated in either saw-palmetto (Serenoa repens, Permixon Sabal serrulatum), echinacea purpura, ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), or control medium. Parameters were measured on a Hamilton-Thorn analyzer after 1, 4, 24, and 48 hr at 37 degrees C. RESULTS: Sperm motility was inhibited at the high concentration (0.6 mg/mL) of St. John's wort. Curvilinear velocities and beat cross frequencies also decreased, but not hyperactivation. High-concentration saw-palmetto, echinacea, or gikgo inhibited motility at 24 and 48 hr. CONCLUSIONS: A potent inhibition of sperm motility was seen in St. John's wort unrelated to changes in pH. Furthermore, sperm viability was compromised in St. John's wort, suggesting a spermicidal effect. Metabolic changes were observed in saw-palmetto-treated sperm. High-concentration echinacea purpura interfered with sperm enzymes. Ginkgo did not have an antioxidant effect on sperm motility.

Cell Survival↗
PubMed2004

Phytochemical Assays of Commercial Botanical Dietary Supplements.

The growing popularity of botanical dietary supplements (BDS) has been accompanied by concerns regarding the quality of commercial products. Health care providers, in particular, have an interest in knowing about product quality, in view of the issues related to herb-drug interactions and potential side effects. This study assessed whether commercial formulations of saw palmetto, kava kava, echinacea, ginseng and St. John's wort had consistent labeling and whether quantities of marker compounds agreed with the amounts stated on the label. We purchased six bottles each of two lots of supplements from nine manufacturers and analyzed the contents using established commercial methodologies at an independent laboratory. Product labels were found to vary in the information provided, such as serving recommendations and information about the herb itself (species, part of the plant, marker compound, etc.) With regard to marker compound content, little variability was observed between different lots of the same brand, while the content did vary widely between brands (e.g. total phenolic compounds in Echinacea ranged from 3.9-15.3 mg per serving; total ginsenosides in ginseng ranged from 5.3-18.2 mg per serving). Further, the amounts recommended for daily use also differed between brands, increasing the potential range of a consumer's daily dose. Echinacea and ginseng were the most variable, while St. John's wort and saw palmetto were the least variable. This study highlights some of the key issues in the botanical supplement market, including the importance of standardized manufacturing practices and reliable labeling information. In addition, health care providers should keep themselves informed regarding product quality in order to be able to appropriately advise patients utilizing both conventional and herbal medicines.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1991

[Immunologic studies of plant combination preparations. In-vitro and in-vivo studies on the stimulation of phagocytosis].

The activity of phagocytosis was tested in the in vitro granulocyte test and the in vivo carbon-clearance-test in the mouse for an extract combination consisting of four plant extracts (Echinacea angustifolia, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Baptisia tinctoria and Arnica montana). In both immune models, a step by step stimulation of the activity of phagocytosis by the addition of the four plant extracts was shown with an increase in effectiveness of partially over 50% in comparison to the pure Echinacea angustifolia mono-extract. The extract combination showed also in both test models a higher efficiency than two other differently composed combination preparations and two Echinacea mono-preparations.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[The effects of plant preparations on cellular functions in body defense].

Two preparations of Echinacea purpurea and a preparation of Eleutherococcus senticosus increased the in vitro phagocytosis of Candida albicans by granulocytes and monocytes from healthy donors by 30-45%. The chemotactic migration of granulocytes in the Boyden Chamber was increased by 45% with an Echinacea purpurea extract. The two herbal preparations had no effect in either direction on intracellular killing of bacteria or yeasts. Echinacea and Eleutherococcus preparations did not induce in vitro transformation of lymphocytes. The mistel toe preparation examined (Viscum album) did not influence the tested functions of granulocytes, monocytes or lymphocytes of healthy donors.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A new test method for the evaluation of total antioxidant activity of herbal products.

A new test method for measuring the antioxidant power of herbal products, based on solid-phase spectrophotometry using tetrabenzo-[b,f,j,n][1,5,9,13]-tetraazacyclohexadecine-Cu(II) complex immobilized on silica gel, is proposed. The absorbance of the modified sorbent (lambda(max) = 712 nm) increases proportionally to the total antioxidant activity of the sample solution. The method represents an attractive alternative to the mostly used radical scavenging capacity assays, because they generally require complex long-lasting stages to be carried out. The proposed test method is simple ("drop and measure" procedure is applied), rapid (10 min/sample), requires only the monitoring of time and absorbance, and provides good statistical parameters (s(r)<or= 0.2). The method was approved in the analysis of the most popular herbal beverages (black and green teas) and drugs (Echinacea products). The results obtained were compared with the content of total flavonoids and tannins of teas and total caffeic acid derivatives of Echinacea, determined spectrophotometrically.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2004

Influence of peroral application of a herbal immunomodulator on the antibody production of Peyer's patches cells.

The influence of the peroral administration of the macromolecular components of a herbal immunomodulator isolated from an aqueous-ethanolic extract of the mixed herbal drugs Thujae summitates, Baptisiae tinctoriae radix, Echinaceae purpureae radix and Echinaceae pallidae radix on the function of Peyer's patches cells was investigated in mice. Peyer's patches cells isolated from mice which had received oral administration of the macromolecular fraction of the plant extract developed a significantly enhanced plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to sheep red blood cells after incubation with these cells in the presence of lipopolysaccharide or the extract fraction for 7 days in vitro. These results show that after oral administration of the herbal immunomodulator, the immunologically active macromolecules can contact the cells of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and modulate the mucosal immune response.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2002

Effect of oral application of an immunomodulating plant extract on Influenza virus type A infection in mice.

The influence of the oral administration of an aqueous-ethanolic extract of a mixture of Thujae occidentalis herba, Baptisiae tinctoriae radix, Echinaceae purpureae radix and Echinaceae pallidae radix, on the course of Influenza A virus infection in Balb/c mice was investigated. The extract was administered to mice via the drinking water for 14 days starting 6 days before intranasal infection with Influenza A virus. The progress of infection was recorded during a time range of 21 days. Parameters for the evaluation of antiviral activity were survival rate and mean day to death. In a further set of experiments infected mice were sacrificed on defined days. Determination of consolidation score and virus titer were performed for each lung. The data show that the oral treatment with the extract induced a statistically significant increase in the survival rate, prolonged the mean survival time and reduced lung consolidation and virus titer. The experiments demonstrate that the plant immunomodulator given 6 days before exposure is a potent inhibitor of Influenza A virus pathology in vivo.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

A survey of dietary supplement use during pregnancy at an academic medical center.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the usage patterns of dietary supplements during pregnancy, providing information about type of supplements used, prevalence of use, and rationale for use. STUDY DESIGN: A survey was distributed to pregnant patients who were touring the University of California, San Francisco birthing center or who were receiving care at the University of California, San Francisco Women's Health Clinic between November 1999 and March 2000. RESULTS: Of the 150 surveys completed, 20 women (13%) used dietary supplements during pregnancy. The most common products were echinacea (4/45, 8.9%), pregnancy tea (4/45, 8.9%), and ginger (3/45, 6.7%). The most common reasons for beginning or discontinuing use of dietary supplements were to relieve nausea and vomiting (5/20, 25%) and to avoid potential harm to the fetus (5/20, 25%). All side effects were mild and included gastrointestinal discomfort in a patient using elderberry, taste disturbance in a patient using echinacea, and intestinal gas in a patient using borage seed oil. Most patients informed their primary care provider of their use of dietary supplements (15/20, 75%). CONCLUSION: The use of dietary supplements among pregnant women is low but is of concern because of the lack of safety data. Most patients use dietary supplements to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms and disclose such use to their primary care provider.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2002

Effect of an orally applied herbal immunomodulator on cytokine induction and antibody response in normal and immunosuppressed mice.

The influence of the oral administration of a herbal immunomodulator, consisting of an aqueous-ethanolic extract of the mixed herbal drugs Thujae summitates, Baptisiae tinctoriae radix, Echinaceae purpureae radix and Echinaceae pallidae radix, on cytokine induction and antibody response against sheep red blood cells was investigated in mice. The treatment of the animals with the extract caused no enhancement of the cytokine titers in the serum. Spleen cells isolated from the treated mice, however, produced higher amounts of IL-2, IFNgamma and GM-CSF ex vivo in comparison to spleen cells isolated from control animals, especially after additional stimulation by lipopolysaccharides or concanavalin A. The application of the extract also triggered the production of IL-1 and TNFalpha by peritoneal macrophages ex vivo. The influence of the herbal extract on the antibody response was examined by the plaque forming cell assay. The administration of the extract caused a significant enhancement of the antibody response against sheep red blood cells, inducing an increase in the numbers of splenic plaque forming cells and the titers of specific antibodies in the sera of the treated animals. In mice, immunosuppressed by old age or additional treatment with hydrocortisone, the therapy with the extract resulted in a normalization of the antibody response against sheep red blood cells.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2006

Modulatory effects of resveratrol, citroflavan-3-ol, and plant-derived extracts on oxidative stress in U937 cells.

Phytochemicals and plant extracts, present in fruit, vegetables, plants, herbs, and beverages, have been shown to have antioxidant potential that may modulate the etiology of certain chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of compound that inhibited cell growth by 50% (IC(50)) of a range of phytochemicals and plant extracts and to investigate their antioxidant and genoprotective effects under conditions of oxidative stress in U937 cells. Two phytochemicals-resveratrol and citroflavan-3-ol-and four plant extracts-grapeseed polyphenols, olive leaf extract, bearberry, and Echinacea purpurea-were examined. Viability was assessed by the fluorescein diacetate/ethidium bromide assay. The IC(50) was calculated. To examine their antioxidant and genoprotective effects, U937 cells were pretreated with the test compounds at levels below the IC(50) and then exposed to oxidants: 0.5 microM etoposide or 100 microM hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) or 400 microM tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH). Cellular reduced glutathione levels were measured as an indicator of oxidative stress. DNA damage was assessed by the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay or comet assay. Resveratrol demonstrated the highest IC50 value of 13.7 microg/mL, with Echinacea the lowest at 9,400 microg/mL. Etoposide-induced oxidative stress was strongly reduced by olive leaf extract and bearberry. Grapeseed polyphenols and bearberry strongly protected against H2O2- and tBOOH-induced DNA damage. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that non-nutrient dietary constituents may act as significant bioactive compounds and that plant extracts, such as bearberry, grapeseed polyphenols, and olive leaf extract, strongly protect against oxidative stress.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2003

[Technology and analysis of "Askoeziuofito" tablets].

The objective of this work is to produce chewable tablets out of Echinacea purpurea liquid extract (1:1) and ascorbic acid: to create the technology, to select methods of analysis and to examine stability. The paper describes the technology of tablets: a method of condensation is chosen; the influence of additional substances over tableting is established; pressing characteristics of tableting mixtures are examined. The quality of tablets is evaluated in terms of appearance and technological rates: average tablet mass, hardness against pressure, hardness against wearing, time of disintegration, and speed of ascorbic acid secretion. The identity of ascorbic acid, ferments and hydroxycinamon acid was established. Quantities of ascorbic and chicory acids were defined. The tablets produced were named "Askoeziuofito" tablets. The name consists of abbreviated terms of ascorbic acid, Echinacea plant and phytochemical preparation.

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMed2006

Effect of various natural medicinals on salivary protein putrefaction and malodor production.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary incubation assays are commonly used in oral malodor studies. Using an in vitro model system, the effect of various natural medicinals (i.e., echinacea, propolis, elder, mastic gum, marigold, sage, lavender, thyme, and chamomile) on salivary protein putrefaction and malodor production was examined. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Malodor production levels were scored by an experienced odor judge. Volatile sulfide levels were measured using a sulfide monitor (Halimeter), and salivary protein degradation was determined densitometrically following electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Microbial population was evaluated by viable counts and microscopy. RESULTS: Whereas all of the various medicinals caused some reduction in malodor production from the incubated whole saliva, echinacea and lavender were the most effective. CONCLUSION: The bioassay utilized in the present study suggests that these herbs may inhibit oral malodor production.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The influence of active components of Eleutherococcus senticosus on cellular defence and physical fitness in man.

The influence of active components of Eleutherococcus senticosus, contained in Taiga Wurzel preparation, were studied on cellular defence and physical fitness in man. 50 healthy volunteers of both sexes were selected, and basic clinical examination and laboratory tests were performed in all subjects. All were randomly subdivided into two study groups: group A with 35 subjects receiving Taiga Wurzel and group B with 15 subjects receiving Echinacea. 20 healthy males were randomly selected from both groups and underwent an ergospirometric study. The preparations were administered for 30 days as follows: Taiga Wurzel 25 drops three times daily, Echinacea 40 drops three times daily. After 1 month blood was drawn for control tests. Changes in the following blood parameters were observed in comparison to initial values in group A: total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. No alterations were seen in group B. The ergospirometric test revealed a higher oxygen plateau in group A (Taiga Wurzel). On the basis of the present study the following conclusions were drawn: active components in Eleutherococcus senticosus contained in Taiga Wurzel preparation affect cellular defence and physical fitness, as well as lipid metabolism.

Adult↗