|  | Alternative Medicine | Folk Medicine

Phytochemical Properties of Medicinal Plants

Dr. Mary Ann Lila reports that, when plants are under stress, they sometimes create chemicals designed to protect them. Many of these chemicals can have medicinal properties that can help treat diseases and conditions in the human body. More than 25 percent of drugs are derived from the plant phytochemicals contained in plants, and traditional medicinal remedies have utilized these plants to cure diseases for thousands of years.

  1. Circulatory Health

    • Cayenne pepper has capsaicin, a phytochemical that can stop or prevent heart attacks by increasing the heart action without raising blood pressure. The phytochemical properties of capsaicin thin out the blood naturally, reducing the risk of stroke. Capsaicin also has disinfectant properties, which can kill harmful microorganisms in the body. Capsaicin can relieve stomach ulcers and will also help cuts stop bleeding.

    Immunity

    • Some plants contain vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and can also fight respiratory infections. Apigenin found in mesquite has antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties. This chemical is also anti-inflammatory and antiviral. A similar chemical Quercetin has all these properties and also is an analgesic and an antidiabetic. Terpenes can fight both malaria and cancer. Neem trees are used to help cure malaria and the Paclitaxol found in Yew trees can prevent microtubules from separating chromosomes, which fights cancer.

    Depression and Anxiety

    • The Hydroxytryptamine found in mesquite has an antidepressant property that can help those battling depression. Kava-Kava can fight anxiety. The kavapyrones found in the roots act as tranquilizers. This plant can also act as a local anesthetic. Saint John's wort can act as an anti-depressant thanks to chemicals such as the hypericins and hyperforins. This plant acts as a Monoamine Oxidase inhibitor and a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor. The plant also effects serotonin receptors.

    Diabetes

    • The hypoglycaemic drug glucophage (metformin) comes from Galega officinalis. Various other plant compounds such as glycosides, galactomannan gum, polysaccharides, hypoglycans and alkaloids help against hyperglycaemia. Isorhamnetin-3-Diglucoside in some plants has hepatoprotective activity, meaning it protects the liver. Diabetes can increase the risk of liver disease.

    Stimulants

    • Coffee plants contain caffeine, a stimulant. Caffeine helps reduce mental fatigue and speed up cognitive processing. Caffeine can act as a pain killer. Caffeine can also have a positive effect on blood pressure. One medicinal plant called Plantago major contains plantain, a chemical used to discourage smoking. This substance also stimulates the heart.

    Painkillers and Depressants

    • Medicinal plants often contain alkaloids, which can have physiological effects on animals. Alkaloids mostly impact the central nervous system. Many can depress the central nervous system and relieve pain. Morphine and qunine are derived from alkaloids.

Folk Medicine - Related Articles