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Plant
Remedies Research
Health-promoting properties
of common herbs.
Common herbs used in the kitchen including
garlic, ginger and even green tea, can be very potent medicines and
valuable additions to your medicine cabinet.
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As far back as biblical times, herbs have been
used for their health-promoting and medicinal effects. Indeed, many modern
drugs contain, or are based upon, herb and plant extracts. However, in
recent years, researchers have focused their attention on various common
herbs which have been shown to possess hypolipidemic, antiplatelet,
antitumor, or immune-stimulating properties. The researchers believe that
some of these herbs may be useful adjuncts in helping prevent and treat
chronic degenerative diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
In different herbs, a wide variety of active
phytochemicals, including the flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, sulfides,
polyphenolics,
carotenoids, coumarins, saponins, plant sterols, curcumins,
and phthalides have been identified.
Several of these phytochemicals either inhibit
nitrosation or the formation of DNA adducts or stimulate the activity of
protective enzymes such as the Phase II enzyme glutathione transferase (EC
2.5.1.18).
Research has centered around the biochemical
activity of the Allium sp. and the Labiatae, Umbelliferae, and
Zingiberaceae families, as well as flaxseed, licorice root, and green tea.
Many of these herbs contain potent antioxidant compounds that provide
significant protection against chronic diseases. These compounds may
protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, inhibit cyclooxygenase
and lipoxygenase enzymes, inhibit lipid peroxidation, or have antiviral or
antitumor activity. The volatile essential oils of commonly used culinary
herbs, spices, and herbal teas inhibit mevalonate synthesis and thereby
suppress cholesterol synthesis and tumor growth.
Health-promoting properties
of common herbs. Craig WJ. Department of Nutrition, Andrews University,
Berrien Springs, MI USA. Am J Clin Nutr, 70:491S-499S, 1999 Sep
©
The Internet Health Library 2000
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This page was last updated on 14 December 2006 23:17:18
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