Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
FITOTERAPIA
PROFESSIONALE
INDICE
LA GALENICA pag. 6
Le tisane pag. 7
Le compresse pag. 7
I succhi pag. 7
I nebulizzati pag. 7
I macerati pag. 7
Le tinture madri pag. 8
Le sospensioni integrali di pianta fresca pag. 8
Gli oli essenziali pag. 8
Totum pag. 8
I
Piante epato-stimolatrici – Fase acida-cristallina pag. 46
Alburno di Tiglio pag. 46
Erica pag. 47
Baccharis pag. 48
Kinkeliba pag. 49
Artiglio del Diavolo pag. 50
Pelle pag. 67
Acne pag. 67
Alopecia pag. 69
Bruciature pag. 70
SCHEMI RIASSUNTIVI pag. 71
II
Sistema Cardio-Circolatorio pag. 119
Aritmia pag. 120
Aterosclerosi-Arteriosclerosi pag. 121
Problemi circolatori-Insufficienza venosa pag. 125
Ipertensione arteriosa pag. 131
SCHEMI RIASSUNTIVI pag. 133
III
BREVE STORIA DELLA FITOTERAPIA
L’utilizzo di piante medicinali è da sempre stato importante per
l’uomo. Testimonianze dell’uso di rimedi fitoterapici sono state
ritrovate in diverse sedi: in Irak, in una tomba che risale a 60.000
anni fa state rinvenute diverse piante, fra cui l’efedra; Aristotele,
nel IV sec. a.C., attribuiva una “psiche” alle piante.
Le prime civilizzazioni
1
La conoscenza delle piante
2
In India si diffonde lo studio dell’Ayurveda e con esso la
costruzione di ospedali e di coltivazioni di piante medicinali. Anche
le grandi civiltà precolombiane avevano conoscenze di fitoterapia,
ma fra loro è ancora forte il legame spirituale e magico. In Europa
verso l’anno 1000 vengono fondati i primi ospedali e le prime
scuole di medicina: una delle più importanti è la Scuola
Salernitana.
3
L’influenza di Paracelso ed il nuovo razionalismo
Una delle figure più rilevanti del XVI secolo è stata senza dubbio
quella di Paracelso (1493-1541), personaggio sicuramente fuori del
comune che ha rifiutato le teorie di Galeno a favore di una più
attenta osservazione dei fenomeni medici. Ha poi studiato
attentamente i dosaggi delle piante, affermando che la loro
tossicità dipende solo dalla dose.
Le sostanze chimiche
4
L’isolamento dei singoli componenti della pianta ha aperto la
strada allo sviluppo, già a partire dall’inizio del XIX secolo, di
laboratori chimici: nel 1838 dal salice bianco venne estratto
l’acido salicilico, precursore dell’aspirina, che verrà poi
sintetizzato in laboratorio per la prima volta nel 1860. Questo però
non è che il primo passo, perché la fitoterapia costituisce ancora il
trattamento predominante.
5
LA GALENICA
La galenica è la forma in cui il prodotto viene presentato.
6
Le tisane
È un infuso in acqua. Con questo
procedimento è possibile
utilizzare i soli principi
idrosolubili, mentre si perdono
enzimi e vitamine termolabili. Se
si vogliono sfruttare le virtù
medicinali degli oli essenziali, è
necessario coprire l’infuso per
evitarne l’evaporazione. Si versa
acqua bollente sulla pianta, si
lascia in infusione per un tempo
massimo di quindici minuti, poi si
filtra. Il rapporto ottimale fra
pianta ed acqua è di 5 gr di pianta
per 100 di acqua.
Le compresse
Hanno un contenuto minimo di materiale inerte (eccipienti,
lattosio) del 30%, a cui vengono aggiunti piante triturate e rese in
polvere. La procedura di triturazione (la tramoggia sviluppa calore)
rovina i principi attivi termolabili.
I succhi
In terapia vengono utilizzati succhi ottenuti da piante medicinali.
Diversi sono i succhi alimentari che derivano dalla frutta. I succhi
industrializzati contengono conservanti, coloranti ed aromi
artificiali.
I nebulizzati
Si ottengono a partire da un estratto acquoso, che viene
nebulizzato in corrente di aria calda e molto secca; l’acqua
evapora lasciando una polvere finissima, con una buona
biodisponibilità ma che può alterarsi facilmente a causa dell’alto
grado di igroscopicità.
I macerati
I macerati glicerinati derivano da estrazioni con alcool e glicerina
di gemme fresche, raccolte in primavera, di giovani germogli e di
tessuti embrionali in fase di crescita, oppure da estrazioni dalla
scorza interna delle radici o ancora dagli steli.
7
Le tinture madri
Si tratta di preparazioni liquide che derivano dall’estrazione di
pianta fresca, o di parte di essa, lasciata macerare in alcool. La
preparazione avviene da pianta fresca, raccolta nel giusto periodo
balsamico. Generalmente il titolo alcolico è del 10% in rapporto al
peso della pianta disidratata. La macerazione in alcool deve durare
almeno per 21 giorni. Con questo tipo di preparazione possono
essere utilizzati i principi solubili in alcool. Permette la
standardizzazione e la conservazione. Partendo da una pianta
medicinale si ottiene un farmaco.
Totum
E’ la forma galenica più efficace se si parte da una pianta
medicinale. La pianta viene criotriturata a freddo, in un ambiente
a temperatura – 15°; questo procedimento la rende estremamente
friabile. Viene poi eliminata l’acqua, ottenendo una polvere con un
alto grado di biodisponibilità; questa polvere viene poi incapsulata.
8
Se la polvere ottenuta viene messa in alcool, si ottiene una Tintura
Madre. Con la preparazione del totum, si ha la massima integrità
della pianta, i cui effetti collaterali sono ridotti al minimo, in
quanto la pianta in totum, e quindi così come si trova in natura, è
equilibrata.
9
COME IMPIEGARE LE PIANTE
Il nostro corpo è composto da sangue, linfa, liquido extra-cellulare
e liquido intra-cellulare, così come si può vedere dallo schema
seguente:
10
L’intestino smaltisce tossine colloidali. La vescicola biliare
produce bile, che viene riversata nell’intestino, per poter lavorare
le sostanze colloidali immesse nel bolo alimentare.Quando
l’intestino non è in grado di provvedere all’eliminazione (per
surlavoro o altre cause) altri organi emuntori svolgono una
funzione di soccorso (pelle, polmoni, utero…).
11
Il primo intervento dovrà sempre avere
come obiettivo l’alimentazione
12
COLAZIONE ORE PRANZO E CENA ORE
10,30 (ALTERNANDO GLI ALIMENTI) 16,00
Lunedì Lievito di A scelta, carni bianche o pesce (molluschi e
birra ½ Un frutto crostacei esclusi) cotti a vapore, ai ferri o al Un frutto
cubetto, cartoccio
miele, caffè
d’orzo Verdure crude (no pomodori, melanzane e
oppure the, peperoni)
un frutto, un
tuorlo d’uovo Formaggi: piccole quantità di ricotta o
parmigiano
13
Venerdì Lievito di birra A scelta, carni bianche o pesce (molluschi e
½ cubetto, Un frutto crostacei esclusi) cotti a vapore, ai ferri o al Un frutto
miele, caffè cartoccio
d’orzo oppure
the, un frutto, Verdure crude (no pomodori, melanzane e
un tuorlo peperoni)
d’uovo
Formaggi: piccole quantità di ricotta o
parmigiano
14
Nel trattamento bisogna poi sempre considerare le interazioni che
esistono fra i diversi sistemi, come si può facilmente vedere dallo
schema qui sotto riportato.
15
PERCORSO TERAPEUTICO –
PRIMA FASE OBBLIGATORIA: LA DETOSSINAZIONE
La detossinazione costituisce la prima tappa fondamentale ed
obbligatoria di ogni percorso terapeutico, ed ha come obiettivo
1. Alimentazione
2. Indagine
16
L’approccio classico prevede di utilizzare una pianta epato-
protettrice, per rigenerare la cellula epatica, da abbinare ad
una pianta che stimoli la funzione epatica. Unitamente a
queste due si somministrerà una pianta ad azione sintomatica
sul sintomo riflesso.
PIANTE EPATO-PROTETTRICI
Famiglia: Leguminose
Provenienza: Africa
Principali costituenti:
alcaloidi (triptamina) e acidi grassi
17
Proprietà:
• Rigenerazione e protezione delle cellule epatiche; non è
colagogo né coleretico
• Difesa contro gli attacchi infiammatori o virali o tossici
• Riduce la reazione allergica grazie alla sua azione protettrice
(inibisce l’azione dell’istamina) ed inibisce la monoossidasi
dell’acido arachidonico
• Permette la normalizzazione delle transaminasi
Utilizzo:
• Disfunzioni epatiche minori
• Epatiti virali, epatiti tossiche (da farmaci)
• Lesioni epatiche dovute a chemioterapia od alcolismo
• Manifestazioni allergiche o broncospasmi
Il Desmodio può essere utilizzato sia in caso di intossinazione da
colle che in caso di intossinazioni di tipo acido.
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità (test di mutazione inversa e di tossicità
acuta), nessuna incompatibilità con altri trattamenti.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti. Si possono
consigliare almeno due cicli all’anno, nei cambi di stagione
(settembre/ottobre, marzo/aprile).
Studi clinici
Numerosi studi dimostrano che il Desmodio consente:
- la prevenzione della cirrosi attraverso l’attenuazione dei processi
infiammatori
- la normalizzazione delle transaminasi e delle gamma GT
- un rapido recupero della fatica
- la ripresa dell’appetito
18
Large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium (maxi-K) channels play an
important role in regulating the tone of airway smooth muscle and
the release of bronchoconstrictive substances from nerves in the lung.
Crude extracts of Desmodium adscendens, a medicinal herb used in Ghana as a
treatment for asthma, inhibit binding of monoiodotyrosine charybdotoxin
(125I-ChTX) to receptor sites in bovine tracheal smooth muscle membranes that
have been shown to be associated with maxi-K channels. Using this assay, three
active components have been purified and identified by NMR and MS.
Comparison with authentic samples revealed the three active components as the
known triterpenoid glycosides dehydrosoyasaponin I (DHS-I), soyasaponin I,
and soyasaponin III. The most potent of these compounds, DHS-I, is a partial
inhibitor of 125I-ChTX binding (Ki = 120 nM, 62% maximum inhibition).
Inhibition of 125I-ChTX binding is primarily due to a decrease in the observed
maximum number of binding sites, with a smaller decrease in affinity. DHS-I
increases the rate of toxin dissociation from its receptor, suggesting that
modulation of ChTX binding occurs through an allosteric mechanism. DHS-I
reversibly increases the open probability of maxi-K channels from bovine
tracheal smooth muscle incorporated into planar lipid bilayers when applied to
the intracellular, but not the extracellular, side of the membrane at
concentrations as low as 10 nM. In contrast, DHS-I had no effect on several other
types of potassium channels or membrane transporters. This natural product is
the first example of ahigh-affinity activator of calcium-dependent potassium
channels and is the most potent known potassium channel opener.
Registry Numbers:
115422-61-2 (Charybdotoxin)
117210-14-7 (dehydrosoyasaponin I)
51330-27-9 (soyasaponin I)
55304-02-4 (soyasaponin III)
7440-70-2 (Calcium)
19
*****AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE*****
Ho CS Wong YH Chiu KW
The hypotensive action of Desmodium styracifolium and Clematis chinensis.
In: Am J Chin Med (1989) 17(3-4):189-202
ISSN: 0192-415X
Three fractions (n-butanol, F2, and L5), isolated from an aqueous extract of
Desmodium adscendens, a plant used in Ghana for the management of asthma,
were evaluated for their pharmacological activity using ovalbumin and
arachidonic acid-induced contractions of guinea pig airways. All three fractions
inhibited the ovalbumin- induced contractions of indomethacin-pretreated
tracheal spirals from sensitized animals dose dependently, but only L5 and n-
butanol inhibited such contractions in the absence of indomethacin. The
concentrations required to inhibit ovalbumin-induced contractions of lung
parenchymal strips were threefold higher than with trachea. The contractile
response over a 60-min period was divided into three phases. F2 and n-butanol
inhibited all phases, whereas L5 inhibited only the late phase. n-Butanol and L5
inhibited arachidonic acid-induced contractions on indomethacin-pretreated
tracheal spirals, a leukotriene-dependent reaction. There was no inhibition of
arachidonic acid-induced contractions of lung parenchymal strips, which is
largely a thromboxane-dependent reaction. The results suggest that D.
adscendens contains several pharmacologically active substances
that can inhibit allergic airway smooth muscle contraction at
multiple sites, including the synthesis and (or) activity of the
bronchoconstrictor leukotrienes.
Registry Numbers:
506-32-1 (Arachidonic Acid)
53-86-1 (Indomethacin)
71-36-3 (n-butyl alcohol)
9006-59-1 (Ovalbumin)
20
Two triterpenoid saponins (1 and 2) were isolated from Desmodii Herba [the
dried whole plants of Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. (Leguminosae)]
and their chemical structures were characterized as soyasaponin I and a new
saponin, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1---- 2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl- (1--
--2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]soyasapogenol E, respectively, by chemical and
spectroscopic means.
*****JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY*****
Addy ME Burka JF
Effect of Desmodium adscendens fraction 3 on contractions of respiratory
smooth muscle.
In: J Ethnopharmacol (1990 Jul) 29(3):325-35
ISSN: 0378-8741
Addy ME Awumey EM
Effects of the extracts of Desmodium adscendens on anaphylaxis.
In: J Ethnopharmacol (1984 Aug) 11(3):283-92
ISSN: 0378-8741
21
This study investigates some pharmacological effects of the ethanolic extract of
the leaves of Desmodium adscendens (Papillionaceae), a medicinal plant in the
African traditional medicine, on the central nervous system. The plant extract
induced hypothermia and had analgesic effect in mice. D. adscendens suppressed
the tonic phase of convulsion and mortality induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)
in mice. In addition, the plant extract delayed the onset of PTZ forelimb clonus,
and generalized limbic seizures induced by kainic acid. In contrast, the plant
extract did not affect either tonic convulsion induced by maximal electroshock in
mice or the progression of limbic seizures towards the status epilepticus in rats.
Registry Numbers:
487-79-6 (Kainic Acid)
54-95-5 (Pentylenetetrazole)
64-17-5 (Alcohol, Ethyl)
64-19-7 (acetic acid glacial)
Addy ME Dzandu WK
Dose-response effects of Desmodium adscendens aqueous extract on histamine
response, content and anaphylactic reactions in the guinea pig.
In: J Ethnopharmacol (1986 Oct) 18(1):13-20
ISSN: 0378-8741
*****PHYTOCHEMISTRY*****
Monache GD Botta B Vinciguerra V de Mello JF de Andrade Chiappeta A
Antimicrobial isoflavanones from Desmodium canum.
In: Phytochemistry (1996 Feb) 41(2):537-44
ISSN: 0031-9422
22
Bioassay-directed fractionation of Desmodium canum resulted in the isolation
and characterization of three antimicrobial isoflavonones. These compounds,
namely, desmodianones A, B and C, were assigned the structures 5,7,2'-
trihydroxy-6,6"-dimethyl-6"-(4-methylpent-3-
enyl)pyrano(2",3";4',5')isoflavanone, 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methyl-8-
(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-is oflavanone, and 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl-5'-(3,7-
dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl )-isoflavanone,respectively.
*****PLANTA MEDICA*****
Iwu MM Jackson JE Tally JD Klayman DL
Evaluation of plant extracts for antileishmanial activity using a mechanism-
based radiorespirometric microtechnique (RAM).
In: Planta Med (1992 Oct) 58(5):436-41
ISSN: 0032-0943
23
*****YAO HSUEH HSUEH PAO [ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA]*****
Yang JS Su YL Wang YL
[Studies on the chemical constituents of Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck)
Merr.]
In: Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao (1993) 28(3):197-201
ISSN: 0513-4870 (Published in Chinese)
Famiglia: Composite
Provenienza: Europa
Principali costituenti:
• flavonolignani (silimarina)
• principi amari
• tiramina, istamina
Proprietà:
• Epatoprotettore: la silimari-
na inibisce l’ingresso di elementi
tossici nella cellula
• Colagogo
• Coleretico
• Aumenta la produzione di
enzimi digestivi
Utilizzo:
• Intossicazioni epatiche
• Disfunzioni epatiche minori
• Epatiti
24
Tollerabilità:
Il contenuto in istamina la rende allergizzante.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno durante i pasti.
Studi clinici:
Diversi studi hanno dimostrato che è possibile prevenire
intossicazioni epatiche, anche gravi, dovute all’ingestione di
tetracloruro di carbonio o di funghi velenosi, tramite l’assunzione
di silimarina.
PIANTE EPATO-STIMOLATRICI
Fase alcalina/colloidale
Famiglia: Composite
Principali costituenti:
• Principi amari: lactucopicrina
• Triterpeni
• Vitamine: A, B, C, D
25
Le foglie:
• Aminoacidi
• Carotenoidi
• Minerali (Potassio)
La radice:
• Tarassacosidi
• Zuccheri
• Minerali
• (Potassio,Calcio)
•
Tarassasterolo
Proprietà:
• Potente depurativo, a livello epatico e biliare
• Diuretico
• Antinfiammatorio
• Tonico amaro
Utilizzo:
• Costipazione
• Problemi cutanei
• Reumatismi
• Intossinazione epatica e biliare
E’ una pianta epatica che riesce però anche a riequilibrare la
funzione renale. Può essere utilizzato nel caso di pazienti con
intossicazione da colle in fase di inversione di acidità.
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Studi clinici:
Riportiamo qui di seguito alcuni studi effettuati sul Tarassaco,
tratti dal sito PubMed, della National Library of Medicine:
26
Previous studies have demonstrated unexpectedly high levels of genetic variation
in the apomictic populations, suggesting the occurrence of genetic segregation in
the apomicts and (or) hybridization between sexual and apomictic individuals. In
this study we analysed meiosis in both sexual diploid and apomictic triploid
plants to find mechanisms that could account for the high levels of genetic
variation in the apomicts. Microscopic study of microsporocytes in the triploid
apomicts revealed that the levels of chromosome pairing and chiasma formation
at meiotic prophase I were lower than in that of the sexual diploids, but still
sufficient to assume recombination between the homologues. Nomarski DIC
(differential interference contrast) microscopy of optically cleared
megasporocytes in the apomicts demonstrated incidental formation of tetrads,
which suggests that hybridization can occur in triploid apomicts.
PMID: 11081973, UI: 20532223
27
6: Plant Physiol 2000 May;123(1):71-80
Cloning, developmental, and tissue-specific expression of sucrose:sucrose 1-
fructosyl transferase from Taraxacum officinale. Fructan localization in roots.
Van den Ende W, Michiels A, Van Wonterghem D, Vergauwen R, Van Laere A
Department of Biology, Botany Institute, K.U., Kardinaal Mercierlaan 92, B-
3001
Heverlee, Belgium. wim.vandenede@bio.kuleven.ac.be
The hormonal status of the Taraxacum officinale Web. ovary was quantitatively
assayed for the first time during early stages of embryogenesis. Apparent
concentrations of endogenous cytokinins were measured using two systems of
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA systems differed from
one another by the specificity for the main endogenous forms of zeatin. The
specificity of two heterological ELISA systems based on zeatin- and kinetin-
specific antisera was studied. A new immunochemical approach to the problem
of differential quantitative determination of natural zeatin forms is suggested.
This approach does not require preliminary separation of experimental samples
into individual fractions. True concentrations of zeatin and zeatin riboside in the
T. officinale ovary were calculated based on the average values of apparent
concentrations of endogenous cytokinins. When the embryo sac maturation had
been completed, there was a threefold increase in the zeatin riboside
concentration within the following 12 h. By the time of the first division of an
unfertilized ovicell (i.e., within the next 12 h), there had been a twofold decrease
in the zeatin riboside concentration. Therefore, at early stages of division of the
unfertilized ovicell the zeatin riboside concentration virtually returned to the
initial level. In contrast to zeatin riboside, there was a steady trend toward an
increase in the zeatin concentration in the T. officinale ovary. Within the first 12
h and the next 12 h after completion of the embryo sac maturation, the zeatin
concentration was increased 1.5-fold and 2-fold, respectively. The results of this
work provide a pioneering insight into the dynamics of various natural forms of
zeatin during the reproductive process. The immunochemical approach to
28
quantitative monitoring of various natural forms of zeatin and their dynamics
during embryogenesis suggested in this work can be extended to similar
biological, medical, and agricultural problems of differential determination of
low-molecular-weight agents of similar structure but different biological
activity.
PMID: 10713546, UI: 20180399
29
100 m. The total Mn, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe and Zn concentrations were measured in the
soils and in the plants
(flower, stem, leaves and root) by neutron activation analysis. Exchangeable Mn
was measured in soils by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mn
concentrations of the different parts of the plant and exchangeable Mn in soils
were not correlated with distance from the roadway and, thus, do not seem to be
a sensitive indicator of Mn contamination. Soil Mn concentrations were
correlated with distance from the roadway. This suggests the hypothesis that the
environmental fate of Mn from MMT sources could be associated with an
increased total Mn in soil but does not lead to an increase in exchangeable Mn.
PMID: 10570841, UI: 20037431
Two new triterpene synthase cDNAs, named as OEW and TRW, were cloned
from olive leaves (Olea europaea) and from dandelion roots (Taraxacum
officinale), respectively, by the PCR method with primers designed from the
conserved sequences found in the known oxidosqualene cyclases. Their ORFs
consisted of 2274 bp nucleotides and coded for 758 amino acid long polypeptides.
They shared high sequence identity (78%) to each other, while they showed only
about 60% identities to the known triterpene synthases LUPI (lupeol synthase
clone from Arabidopsis thaliana) and PNY (beta-amyrin synthase clone from
Panax ginseng) at amino acid level. To determine the enzyme functions of the
translates, they were expressed in an ERG7 deficient yeast mutant. Accumulation
of lupeol in the cells of yeast transformants proved both of these clones code for
lupeol synthase proteins. An EST (expression sequence tag) clone isolated from
Medicago truncatula roots as a homologue of cycloartenol synthase gene,
exhibits high sequence identity (75-77%) to these two lupeol synthase cDNAs,
suggesting it to be another lupeol synthase clone. Comparatively low identity
(approximately 57%) of LUP1 from Arabidopsis thaliana to either one of these
clones leaves LUP1 as a distinct clone among lupeol synthases. From these
sequence comparisons, now we propose that two branches of lupeol synthase
gene have been generated in higher plants during the course of evolution.
PMID: 10542078, UI: 20009418
30
The N-terminal sequence of taraxalisin has 40% of its residues identical to those
of subtilisin Carlsberg. Thus, the serine proteinase from dandelion roots is a
member of the subtilisin family, which is evidently widespread in the plant
kingdom.
PMID: 10521720, UI: 99453393
The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Taraxacum
officinale (TO) on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Stimulation of mouse
peritoneal macrophages with TO after the treatment of recombinant interferon-
gamma (rIFN-gamma) resulted in increased NO synthesis. TO had no effect on
NO synthesis by itself. When TO was used in combination with rIFN-gamma,
there was a marked cooperative induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent
manner. The optimal effect of TO on NO synthesis was shown 6 h after treatment
with rIFN-gamma. This increase in NO synthesis was manifested as an increased
amount of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein. NO production was inhibited
by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine. The increased production of NO from rIFN-
gamma plus TO-stimulated cells was decreased by treatment with a protein
kinase C inhibitor such as staurosporin. In addition, synergy between rIFN-
gamma and TO was mainly dependent on TO-induced tumor necrosis factor-
alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion. All the preparations of TO were endotoxin free.
These results suggest that the capacity of TO to increase NO production from
rIFN-gamma-primed mouse peritoneal macrophages is the result of TO-induced
TNF-alpha secretion.
PMID: 10401993, UI: 99328420
31
15: Arch Dermatol 1999 Jan;135(1):67-70
Allergic contact and photoallergic contact dermatitis to plant and pesticide
allergens.
Mark KA, Brancaccio RR, Soter NA, Cohen DE
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of
Medicine, New York, USA. kam7@is4.nyu.edu
BACKGROUND: The panel of patch test allergens used for the evaluation of
patients with suspected photoallergy typically does not include plant and
pesticide allergens. The prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and
photoallergic contact dermatitis to plant and pesticide allergens was determined
for this subgroup of patients. OBSERVATION: Positive reactions were detected in
12 of 26 patients who were tested with our photoallergen series: 5 with allergic
contact dermatitis, 5 with photoallergic contact dermatitis, and 2 with both. Four
of the 12 patients had positive patch and photo-patch test reactions to plant
allergens, pesticide allergens, or both. The positive patch test reactions were to
the plants Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy)
and to the pesticides folpet and captafol. Positive photo-patch test reactions were
to the pesticides folpet and captan. The histories of the patients suggested that 2
or 3 of the 4 patients had clinically relevant reactions. In the other 8 patients,
positive reactions to the patch and photo-patch tests included fragrances,
sunscreens, and antibacterial agents.
CONCLUSION: Plant and pesticide allergens should be included in the patch and
photo-patch test series used for the evaluation of patients with suspected
photoallergy.
PMID: 9923784, UI: 99120659
32
The nutrient composition was investigated in wild vegetable products grown in
the Argentine Chaco. The evaluated species were: Rumex sp., Amaranthus
quitensis and Taraxacum officinale, as vegetable leaves; Morrenia odorata,
Passiflora sp. (in two ripening stages) and Eugenia myrciantes as fruits; and the
pollen of the flowers of Typha domingensis. Sampling was performed during
three harvesting seasons. Values for protein, total lipid, crude fiber, ash,
reducing and total sugar, starch, total pectin and computed energy value are
given. Mineral values are reported for: calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium,
iron and phosphorus. Vitamin values are given for ascorbic acid and beta-
carotene. Comparison of two means test was employed to test the significant
differences among the means. In the wild leaves, higher concentrations of the
macronutrients were found thean in commercially exploited cultivars such as
swiss chard, spinach and chicory. Also higher energy value: 33-60 Kcal against
14-30 Kcal/100 g. Unusually high levels of calcium, iron and magnesium were
found for Amaranthus quitensis (274.3, 6.4 and 136.2 mg/100 g, respectively)
and 48.9 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid were found in Rumex sp. As a rule, all these
wild fruits exhibited higher amounts of macronutrients and energy value than
cultivated species such as apples (Mallus sp). The most interesting results were
for T. domingensis pollen regarding its macro and micronutrient composition
with an energetic value of 287.7 Kcal/100 g.
PMID: 9673684, UI: 98338472
33
However, compared to T. officinale the turnover of the D1 protein was
considerably slower in the alpine plants. The potential advantage of a slow D1
turnover for adaptation to the environmental conditions of high mountain plants
is discussed.
PMID: 9541014, UI: 98200083
Famiglia: Crucifere
Principali costituenti:
• Zolfo
• Vitamina C
• Rafanina (potente antibatterico)
Proprietà:
• Stimola la secrezione biliare e
favorisce l’eliminazione delle tossine,
depurativa. Lavora efficacemente sulle
sostanze grasse.
• Digestiva
• Antibatterica
• Fluidifica le secrezioni bronchiali e paranasali
34
Utilizzo:
• Discinesia biliare
• Eccesso di tossine
• Lievi disfunzioni epatiche
• Dispepsie
• Problemi della pelle
• Bronchite, sinusite
• Costipazione
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità. Ha un forte potere detossinante, e
l’assunzione della pianta può provocare manifestazioni cutanee
che derivano dall’eliminazione delle tossine.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Studi clinici:
Riportiamo qui di seguito alcuni studi effettuati sulla Radice Nera,
tratti dal sito PubMed, della National Library of Medicine:
35
experimental influenza infection. A significant decrease of the hemagglutinin
titre of the mouse lung homogenate was noted, as well as a decrease of the
mortality rate and a significant increase of the rate of survival as compared to
the untreated controls.
PMID: 3617495, UI: 87293872
Famiglia: Composite
Principali costituenti:
• Acidi fenoli
• Flavonoidi
• Inulina
• Principi amari (cinaropicrina)
• Sali di potassio e di magnesio
Proprietà:
• Favorisce l’eliminazione delle tossine, drenante epatico
• Coleretico, colagogo
• Ipocolesterolemizzante
• Ipoglicemizzante
• Diuretico
Utilizzo:
• Insufficienza epatica
• Pre-cirrosi, cirrosi
• Intossicazioni
• Diabete
• Costipazione
• Dermatosi
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
36
Chrysanthellum americanum
Famiglia: Compositae
Provenienza: Africa
Principali costituenti:
• Flavonoidi
• Saponine
Proprietà:
• Azione positiva sul sistema circolatorio: consolidamento ed
impermeabilità dei vasi capillari. Migliora la circolazione delle
estremità inferiori (azione vitaminica P)
• Azione epato-protettiva: protegge il fegato dagli eccessi
alimentari o da alcool e dall’abuso di farmaci
• Disintossicante epatico: grazie all’induzione enzimatica del
citocromo P450.
• Azione protettiva a livello pancreatico
• Fluidificante biliare ed ematico
• Coleretico e colagogo
• Ipocolesterolemizzante, abbassa il tasso di trigliceridi
Utilizzo:
• Insufficienza epatica
• Intossicazioni
• Problemi circolatori
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità. Il Chrysanthellum americanum non deve
essere utilizzato in abbinamento con altre piante fluidificanti
(gingko) né con aspirina o farmaci fluidificanti: si possono rischiare
emorragie.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
37
Chrysanthemum parthenium
Famiglia: Compositae
Principali costituenti:
• Lattoni sesquiterpenici
(partenolide)
• Olio essenziale ricco in
tuione
• Flavonoidi
Proprietà:
• Abbassa il tasso di trigliceridi, soprattutto tipici dell’alcool,
ma non ha effetto sul tasso di colesterolo
• Antipiretico ed antinfiammatorio
• Combatte efficacemente gli stati di emicrania
Utilizzo:
• Intossicazioni
• Emicranie, soprattutto se recidive, anche se di origine pre-
mestruale
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Studi clinici:
Riportiamo qui di seguito alcuni studi effettuati sul
Chrysanthemum parthenium, tratti dal sito PubMed, della National
Library of Medicine:
*****LANCET*****
Murphy JJ Heptinstall S Mitchell JR
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in
migraine prevention.
In: Lancet (1988 Jul 23) 2(8604):189-92
ISSN: 0140-6736
38
The use of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for migraine prophylaxis was
assessed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.
After a one-month single-blind placebo run-in, 72 volunteers were randomly
allocated to receive either one capsule of dried feverfew leaves a day or matching
placebo for four months and then transferred to the other treatment limb for a
further four months. Frequency and severity of attacks were determined from
diary cards which were issued every two months; efficacy of each treatment was
also assessed by visual analogue scores. 60 patients completed the study and full
information was available in 59. Treatment with feverfew was associated with a
reduction in the mean number and severity of attacks in each two-month period,
and in the degree of vomiting; duration of individual attacks was unaltered.
Visual analogue scores also indicated a significant improvement with feverfew.
There were no serious side-effects.
*****BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY*****
Sumner H Salan U Knight DW Hoult JR
Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase in leukocytes by
feverfew.
Involvement of sesquiterpene lactones and other components.
In: Biochem Pharmacol (1992 Jun 9) 43(11):2313-20
ISSN: 0006-2952
39
specifically to the presence in the sesquiterpene lactone of the potentially reactive
alpha-methylene function was tested on rabbit isolated aortic ring preparations.
This was done (a) by comparing the effects of two plantderived sesquiterpene
lactones purified from yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis): cynaropicrin
(an alpha- methylenebutyrolactone) and solstitialin 13-acetate (lacking the
alpha-methylene function), and (b) by chemically inactivating the alpha-
methylene functions in cynaropicrin and parthenolide by reaction with cysteine.
3. The results show that the characteristic smooth muscle inhibitory profile is
demonstrated by the two alpha-methylenebutyrolactones (parthenolide and
cynaropicrin), but not by the compound lacking this functional group (solstitialin
13-acetate), or by those previously active compounds in which it has been
inactivated with cysteine. 4. Thus the alpha-methylene function is critical for this
aspect of the toxic pharmacological profile of the sesquiterpene butyrolactones,
which are natural products widely distributed in the Compositae family of
flowering plants.
Registry Numbers:
22738-70-1 (solstitialin)
29552-41-8 (parthenolide)
35730-78-0 (cynaropicrin)
4371-52-2 (Cysteine)
59-42-7 (Phenylephrine)
*****JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY*****
Bejar E
Parthenolide inhibits the contractile responses of rat stomach fundus to
fenfluramine and dextroamphetamine but not serotonin.
In: J Ethnopharmacol (1996 Jan) 50(1):1-12
ISSN: 0378-8741
29552-41-8 (parthenolide)
458-24-2 (Fenfluramine)
50-67-9 (Serotonin)
51-64-9 (Dextroamphetamine)
40
*****JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY*****
Hayes NA Foreman JC
The activity of compounds extracted from feverfew on histamine
release from rat mast cells.
In: J Pharm Pharmacol (1987 Jun) 39(6):466-70
ISSN: 0022-3573
Capasso F
The effect of an aqueous extract of Tanacetum parthenium L. on
arachidonic acid metabolism by rat peritoneal leucocytes.
In: J Pharm Pharmacol (1986 Jan) 38(1):71-2
ISSN: 0022-3573
The effect of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L., Schultz Bip.) as a whole plant
on an aqueous extract equivalent to 20 mg dried plant per ml, has been examined
on both cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase activity in rat leucocytes in-vitro. At
10-25 micrograms ml-1 feverfew had no effect on the formation of arachidonate
metabolites while at highest concentrations (50-200 micrograms ml-1) it
inhibited both cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolic products.
Registry Numbers:
EC 1.13.11.12 (Lipoxygenase)
EC 1.14.99.1 (Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase)
506-32-1 (Arachidonic Acid)
We have studied the effects of a chloroform extract of fresh leaves from the herb
feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) on potassium currents in smooth muscle. The
currents were recorded from single cells dissociated from the rat anococcygeus
and the rabbit ear artery using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. When
applied to cells isolated from the rat anococcygeus, the extract reduced the
41
current and increased the rate of decay of the current. These effects can be
explained by the feverfew extract blocking open potassium channels. In single
cells isolated from rabbit ear artery the feverfew extract again reduced the
voltage-dependent potassium current, whilst at the same time having the
spontaneous transient outward currents which arise as a consequence of
activation of calcium-dependent potassium channels. These results suggest that
chloroform extracts of feverfew leaf contain an as yet unidentified substance
capable of producing a selective, open-channel block of voltagedependent
potassium channels.
42
*****PHYTOCHEMISTRY*****
Williams CA Hoult JR Harborne JB Greenham J Eagles J
A biologically active lipophilic flavonol from Tanacetum parthenium.
In: Phytochemistry (1995 Jan) 38(1):267-70
ISSN: 0031-9422
*****PLANTA MEDICA*****
Barsby RW Salan U Knight DW Hoult JR
Feverfew and vascular smooth muscle: extracts from fresh and dried plants
show opposing pharmacological profiles, dependent upon sesquiterpene lactone
content.
In: Planta Med (1993 Feb) 59(1):20-5
ISSN: 0032-0943
43
A quantitative analysis of biologically active sesquiterpene lactones in ethanol
and aqueous extracts of Chrysanthemum parthenium and its form flosculosum
was carried out. The sesquiterpene lactone contents in the extracts were
comparable, although the contents of ethanol extracts (ca. 0.5%) were higher
than of aqueous ones (ca. 0.3%). Parthenolide was found to be the main
constituent of the lactones. The applied IR and TLC/FID methods for quantitative
determination of the total sesquiterpene lactones and parthenolide, respectively,
may be used for chemical standardizing of the raw material and its
preparations.
Registry Numbers:
29552-41-8 (parthenolide)
Feverfew has been used since antiquity to treat fevers and other inflammatory
conditions. Feverfew extracts were found to inhibit ADP, thrombin, or collagen-
induced aggregation of human platelets, but significantly, did not affect
aggregation induced by arachidonic acid. Synthesis of thromboxane B2 from
exogenous 14C-arachidonic acid was also not inhibited. Washed platelets
prelabelled with 14C-AA responded normally to thrombin by releasing 14C-
TXB2. This was completely blocked by feverfew. A purified platelet
phospholipase A2 was inhibited by the material with an I50 of 0.1 antiplatelet
units. The pharmacological properties of feverfew may thus be due to an
inhibitor of cellular phospholipases, which prevents release of arachidonic acid
in response to appropriate physiological stimuli.
Registry Numbers:
EC 3.1.- (Phospholipases)
EC 3.4.21.5 (Thrombin)
506-32-1 (Arachidonic Acid)
50683-78-8 (12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid)
54397-85-2 (Thromboxane B2)
58-64-0 (Adenosine Diphosphate)
59985-28-3 (12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid)
9007-34-5 (Collagen)
Famiglia: Fumariacee
Principali costituenti:
• Flavonoidi
• Alcaloidi (fumarina)
• Acido fumarico
• Sali minerali
• Polifenoli
44
Proprietà:
• Stimolante epatico e della vescicola biliare, depurativa
• Diuretica
• Anti-aggregante piastrinica
• Antistaminica
• Leggermente lassativa
• Amfocoleretica: favorisce la continuità del flusso biliare,
anche in caso di asportazione della colecisti
• Antispastica
• Contrasta l’ipertensione arteriosa e l’aritmia
• Ammorbidisce le arterie
Utilizzo:
• Gonfiori addominali
• Disbiosi
• Emicranie di origine epatica
• Litiasi della vescicola biliare
• Discinesia della vescicola biliare
• Affezioni respiratorie
• Affezioni cutanee
Tollerabilità:
Buona, ma tossica ad alte dosi. Si consiglia la somministrazione per
20 giorni, seguita da 15 giorni di interruzione.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti (dose massima).
Famiglia: Composite
Principali costituenti:
• Glucosidi amari
• Flavonoidi
• Tannini
• Olio essenziale
• Inulina
• Sesquiterpeni
45
Proprietà:
• Depurativa, stimola le funzioni epato-biliari
• Batteriostatica
• Antibiotica ed antisettica
• Ipoglicemizzante
• Diuretica
Utilizzo:
• Acne e malattie della pelle in generale
• Stati di iperglicemia
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti (dose massima).
Fase acida/cristalli
Famiglia: Tiliacee
Provenienza: Europa
Principali costituenti:
• Cumarine
• Polifenoli
• Vitamine B1, B2 e C
• Zuccheri e derivati triterpenici
46
Proprietà:
• Drenante epato-biliare ed urinario
• Antalgico per le emicranie
• Solve l’acido urico e ne migliora il metabolismo
• Antispastico
• Ipotensivo
Utilizzo:
• Malattie reumatiche
• Litiasi biliari
• Litiasi renali
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti (dose massima).
Famiglia: Ericacee
Principali costituenti:
• Arbutina
• Tannini
• Flavonoidi
• Inulina
Proprietà:
• Depurativa e detossinante a livello
renale
• Antisettica per le vie urinarie
• Diuretica
Arbutoside
47
Utilizzo:
• Cistiti
• Litiasi renali e biliari
• Reumatismi
• Artrite
• Gotta
• Edemi
• Ritenzione idrica
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Baccharis - Carqueja
Famiglia: Composite
Provenienza: Brasile
Principali costituenti:
• Principi amari
• Olio essenziale (carquejolo)
• Sesquiterpeni
Proprietà:
• Favorisce l’eliminazione delle tossine, depurativa,
soprattutto a livello epato-renale
• Digestiva
• Colagoga e coleretica
• Leggermente lassativa
• Diuretica
• Favorisce la regolazione del tasso di zucchero nel
sangue
• Inibisce l’accumulo di depositi grassi
48
Utilizzo:
• A livello urinario: per il drenaggio di
reni e vescica
• A livello epatico: favorisce un’azione
antitossica
• A livello intestinale: per contrastare la
costipazione
• A livello circolatorio: per lievi
insufficienze
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Famiglia: Combretacee
Provenienza:
Africa occidentale
(Senegal e Mali)
Principali costituenti:
• Composti polifenolici
(tannini)
• Colina (combretina)
• Inositolo, sorbitolo
• Nitrato di potassio
Proprietà:
• Colagoga e coleretica
• Stimola la secrezione esocrina del pancreas
• Attività antispastica
• Diuretica
• Tonica
49
Utilizzo:
• Sovraccarico epatico e vescicolare
• Digestione difficile
• Fermentazioni intestinali
• Insufficiente eliminazione renale di acqua ed urea
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Famiglia: Pedaliacee
Principali costituenti:
• Glucosidi iridoidi (arpagoside,
procumbide)
• Zuccheri
• Fitosteroli
• Flavonoidi
• Arpagochinone
Proprietà:
• Antinfiammatorio
• Analgesico
• Antireumatico
• Tonificante del sistema digestivo
• Ipotensivo
Gli arpagosidi contenuti bloccano la produzione di PGE2
(inibiscono la prostaglandinosintetasi); ne deriva un’azione
antinfiammatoria e viene favorita l’eliminazione di acido urico.
50
Utilizzo:
• Drenaggio epatico
• Iperuricemia
• Ipercolesterolemia
• Reumatismi
• Artrite
• Artrosi
• Gotta
Tollerabilità:
Ottima. Nessuna tossicità. L’utilizzo è controindicato in caso di
ulcera gastrica o duodenale.
Modo d’uso:
2 capsule per tre volte al giorno prima dei pasti.
Studi clinici:
Riportiamo qui di seguito alcuni studi effettuati sull’Artiglio del
Diavolo, tratti dal sito PubMed, della National Library of Medicine:
51
day. RESULTS: After four months, considerable improvements in osteoarthritis
symptoms were seen in both groups, with no significant differences for pain,
functional disability, or the Lequesne score. However, use of analgesic
(acetaminophen-caffeine) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (diclofenac)
medications was significantly reduced in the Harpagophytum group, which also
had a significantly lower rate of adverse events. CONCLUSION: In this study,
Harpagophytum was at least as effective as a reference drug (diacerhein) in the
treatment of knee or hip osteoarthritis and reduced the need for analgesic and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy.
52
Harpagophytum procumbens methanolic extract caused a mild decrease in the
heart rate with a concomitant mild positive inotropic effect at lower doses but a
marked negative inotropic effect at higher doses. The coronary flow decreased at
higher doses only. The negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effects of
harpagoside were comparatively higher with respect to that of the extract,
whereas harpagide had only a slight negative chronotropic effect and a
considerable negative inotropic one. Both in experiments on intact rats and on
isolated rabbit heart, the Harpagophytum procumbens extract also
demonstrated a protective action with regard to arrhythmias induced by
aconitine, and particularly to those provoked by calcium chloride and
epinephrine--chloroform.
53
Riassumendo:
54