Stem-O-Sphere

Author: lathamprojectanalytics@gmail.com

  • Dandelion: A Detoxifier

    Dandelion: A Detoxifier

    Author: Lorena Tran

    The first documented use of dandelion’s medicinal properties was in the 1500s, when German physicians used mixtures of dandelion leaves and roots to treat liver problems[1]. Various cultures have used dandelion’s detoxifying properties in their traditional medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion is used as a diuretic, or a substance that rids the body of excess salt and water by increasing urine production[2]. Turkish traditions also use dandelion as a laxative, while early Native American medicine used dandelion root extracts to treat indigestion[1]. So, dandelion’s abilities to detoxify the body’s liver and intestinal tract have been recognized for hundreds of years.

    However, modern biomedical research has only recently begun to investigate the dandelion’s medicinal properties. Recent research on dandelion leaf extract has supported the plant’s role in Chinese medicine as a diuretic, which suggests that dandelion could be used to treat high blood pressure[2]. Diuretics like dandelion remove excess water and salt from the blood, resulting in lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that one of dandelion’s active compounds – taraxasterol – prevents alcohol damage in the livers of mice. This finding could potentially assist in the development of protective treatments for liver damage due to alcoholism[3].

    Sources:

    [1] Schütz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum–a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2006 Oct 11;107(3):313-23.

    [2] Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34.

    [3] Zheng Y, Lei L, Liang S, Ai J, Deng X, Li YQ, Zhang TP, Pu SB, Ren YS. Protective Effect of Fresh/Dry Dandelion Extracts on APAP-Overdose-Induced Acute Liver Injury. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2021 Nov 24.

  • St. John’s wort: A Natural Antidepressant

    St. John’s wort: A Natural Antidepressant

    Author: Lorena Tran

    Though currently found worldwide, St. John’s wort is native to Europe, which is where it was first used medicinally. In ancient Greece, St. John’s wort was used for burns and open wounds, as well as insomnia. Beyond physical impairments, St. John’s wort can be used to treat depression, the first documented instance of this being in 17th-century Germany[1]. Since then, it has become one of the most popular medicinal remedies for depression, with traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine using St. John’s wort to calm the mind and lift the spirits[2].

    St. John’s wort’s function as an antidepressant has been extensively studied. Though the plant cannot treat severe depression, studies have found that it is effective in treating mild to moderately severe depression. Notably, researchers found that St. John’s wort extract treats depression just as effectively as conventional antidepressant medications, with fewer side effects of anxiety, headaches and loss of appetite[3]. Studies have also shown that St. John’s wort can treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as seasonal depression[3, 4].

    [1] Gupta RK, Möller HJ. St. John’s Wort. An option for the primary care treatment of depressive patients? European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. 2003 Jun;253(3):140-8.

    [2] Ng QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CY. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2017 Mar 1;210:211-221.

    [3] Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2001 May;53(5):583-600.

    [4] Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytotherapy Research. 2018 Jul;32(7):1147-1162.

  • White Willow: A Natural Aspirin

    White Willow: A Natural Aspirin

    Author: Lorena Tran

    Throughout history, willow has been commonly used as a pain reliever. Ancient Egyptians used extracts of willow leaves to treat nonspecific pains, while ancient Greeks used willow to lessen pains during childbirth[1]. Sumerians also used willow leaves to treat inflammatory and arthritic conditions. More recently, Native American tribes use willow to treat fevers, headaches, and arthritis[2].

    In the 1900s, the active compound of willow, salicin, was modified to create aspirin. Because salicin is very similar to the active compound in aspirin, willow bark powder or extract could potentially be substituted for aspirin to relieve mild pain[3]. This notion has not been thoroughly studied, but researchers found that willow bark extract can treat lower back pains, joint pains associated with arthritis, fever, and general body aches[2, 3].

    Sources:

    [1] Desborough MJR, Keeling DM. The aspirin story – from willow to wonder drug. British Journal of Haematology. 2017 Jun;177(5):674-683.

    [2] Montinari MR, Minelli S, De Caterina R. The first 3500 years of aspirin history from its roots – A concise summary. Vascular Pharmacology. 2019 Feb;113:1-8.

    [3] Shara M, Stohs SJ. Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts. Phytotherapy Research. 2015 Aug;29(8):1112-6.