GINSENG (gp-3)

History of Ginseng
Through experiences of private doctors, ginseng has proven its effectiveness dating back thousands of years. Ginseng quickly got its name recorded in Oriental Medicine Books, used as miraculous medicines for certain illnesses, and became a valuable contribution to successive royal families. Growing as wild ginseng, it was cultivated around 16 BC, and recorded as a marvelous medicine in almost all Oriental medicine books from several hundred years ago. Nowadays, lots of literature have been published concerning the effectiveness of ginseng, written by scholars in China and abroad, which strengthens its foothold by degrees contributing to the health of mankind.

Ginseng Cultivation
After raising seeds for 18 months in temporary seedbeds, ginseng are then transplanted to permanent seedbeds and allowed to mature for the next 4-6 years. Unlike other plants, ginseng should be sterilized and fertilized many times throughout the years on well-drained slanted main seedbeds. Since ginseng are shaded ground plant, ginseng fields should be roofed to shut off direct sunlight. Because it is almost impossible to get machineries to work in ginseng fields, ginseng cultivation is primarily accomplished through intensive manual labor. Fertilized using natural manure, ginseng is vulnerable to blight and insects. Ginseng also requires a lot of manpower and technology for cultivation, so it is not cultivated more than 15 years once it is cultivated.

Effects of Korean Ginseng

Effect of Ginseng on Hepatopathy

• Ginseng extracts have the function of stimulation biosynthesis of RNA, serum protein, and bone-marrow DNA.
• Through serological experiments, it was observed that a commonly used hepatitis remedy supplemented with ginseng promoted the recovery of B-type viral hepatitis, toxic and drug-induced hepatitis.
• It was reported that Ginseng extracts reduced induction of alcoholic anesthesia and maintenance and shortened recovery time.

Clinical Effect of Ginseng on Diabetes Mellitus

• It was reported that ginseng saponin components were effective in the induction of hyperglycemia by adrenalin.
• It was revealed that ginseng was effective in the relief of general subjective symptoms and lowered the blood sugar level.
• It was reported that using ginseng supplemented with insulin could reduce the required insulin dosage.

Effects of Ginseng on Cancer

• It was reported that fat-soluble components of ginseng inhibited the growth of three types of cancer cells (Leukemic cells L5178Y, Hella cells, and Sarcoma 180 cells) in vivo and vitro.
• Ginseng inhibited subjectively the growth of cancer cells only and destroyed cancer tissues.
• Saponin, which was orally administered for 30 days at a dosage of 200 mg/day to breast cancer patients (54) have high fever caused by overdose radiation. As a result, the high fever was cleared, appetite improved, and leukocyte count and hemogram normalized.
• As a result of dressing 8g of ointment daily for 90 days made from saponin only to abdominal wounds of the patients who carried metastasis into cancerous peritonitis and skin cancer caused by stomach cancer, it had not been developed and did not show process of cancer metastasis.

Effects of Ginseng on Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension

• The preventive effect of ginseng saponin against aortic atheroma formation caused by hyperchoiesterolemia might stimulate the enzymes relating to the metabolism of lipids, particularly cholesterol.
• It was reported that ginseng saponin stimulated the activity of enzymes relating to the metabolism of lipid, and reduced the cholesterol level in blood.
• Ginseng saponin has preventive effect against the formation of aortic atheroma. It was reported that the active components of ginseng enhanced cholesterol turnover and thus improved the hyperlipidemia, which is the major detrimental factor of arteriosclerosis.
• The administration of ginseng principles reduced the total cholesterol and triglyceride level in blood and accelerated the depletion of serum cholesterol.
• Ginseng components also accelerated the excretion of cholesterol metabolites and bile acids in feces.

SP-7 (Herbal Stimulant Laxative)

Senna
Latin binomial : Cassia senna, Cassia acutifolia Synonyms: Alexandrian Senna, Tinevelly Senna Parts Used: Leaves and seed pods, the leaves having stronger action than the pods.1 Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides notably sennosides A, B, C, D, palmidin A, Rheinanthrone and aloe-emodin glycosides, Mucilage, Naphthalene glycosides. 1,2 Medicinal Action: Laxative, Cathartic

Pharmacology
The medicinal action of Senna can be attributed mainly to the anthraquinone glycosides, especially sennoside A and B. It appears that the aglycone portion is responsible for its actions. The bowel flora can directly hydrolyze them, in a step-wise fashion, to the free active aglycone, alternatively, in the presence of bile and the sugar moiety, the free aglycone can be absorbed into the blood stream and secreted later into the colon. The final result is stimulation of the Auerbach plexus resulting in increased intestinal muscle contraction. In addition, its mucilage content decreases bodily absorption of fluid leading to an enhancement of the final laxative action. 3-5

Indications
Senna has been shown to be comparable with other laxatives in the treatment of constipation 1-6

Toxicology and Contraindications
If used properly, Senna has few adverse effects, though abdominal pain can occur especially at high doses. Senna should be avoided in long-term use since this may lead to an increasingly irreversible atony of the bowel. Unfortunately, laxatives containing anthraquinone glycosides are commonly abused. 3 Senna is contraindicated in intestinal obstruction, colitis, appendicitis and spastic conditions of the colon. Senna should only be used under medical supervision during pregnancy and lactation. Drug Interactions -In cases of long-term use or abuse, resulting hypocalcaemia may encourage the action of cardiac glycosides.

Administration
Senna is usually taken as raw herb in tea or decoction, tablet or capsule. It may be taken alone or in combination with other botanical medicines, usually carminatives, antiparasitic or fiber sources. Senna should not be used long-term. Treatments should be limited to a maximum of 8 to 10 days.

Dosage: 10-60 mg of anthraquinone glycosides daily, either at bedtime or equally divided in the morning or at night. The laxative action normally occurs eight hours later.

References

1. British Herbal Compendium(1992). Vol 1. Page 199-203. BHMA, Bournemouth, UK

2. Wren R.C. (1988). Potter's New Encyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparatons. Page 249. C.W. Daniel Company, Saffron Walden, UK

3. Mills S.Y. (1991) Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Page 289. Penguin Books, London

4. Bowman W.C. Rand M. J. (1982). 2nd Edition. Textbook of Pharmacology. Page 25,35. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford

5. Weiss R. (1988) Herbal Medicine. Page 107 Beaconsfield Publishers, Beaconsfield, UK

6. Passmore A.P., Wilson-Davies K. et at. (1993) chronic constipation in long stay elderly patients. A comparison of lactulose and senna fibre combination. BMJ 307:769-71

Aloe Medicine (Indian Aloe Vera Powder)

Health Benefits
Ulcers, Heartburn, Digestive Conditions-Trials indicate that Aloe Vera aids in the treatment of peptic ulcers, controls intestinal secretions to normal levels, and influences proper bowel flora. In addition, aloe reduces gastric acidity, promotes the function of the pancreas and limits adverse bacterial action in the colon.

Cholesterol
Published medical studies have shown that the polysaccharides in Aloe Vera reduces the bodies' serum lipids. The result is a lower triglyceride and LDL level (bad cholesterol) and an increase of HDL (good cholesterol). This decreases the risk of coronary artery disease, without the undesirable side effects of many pharmaceuticals.

Arthritis, Inflammation
Aloe Vera contains molecules, which act as an acute anti-inflammatory agent that does not retard healing like steroids do. This anti-inflammatory activity also promotes good circulation for the heart and nervous system. Studies also show that Aloe Vera alleviates edema in acute rheumatoid arthritis.

Cancer
Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides that activate the immune system macrophages which is your body's natural defense against cancer. Studies also suggest that the Aloe Emodin reduces the reproduction of abnormal or malignant cells such as lymphatic leukemia. The lectin in Aloe stimulates anti-tumor immunity and tests show Aloe is a preventative treatment against stomach and colon cancers.

Allergies, Sinusitis, Bronchitis and Asthma
Aloe Vera contains magnesium lactate and salicylates, which stops inflammation and histamine reactions that causes allergic discomfort. In addition to eliminating these symptoms, Aloe Vera helps the root caused by boosting your immune system, by activating the macrophage that regulates certain blood cells and chemicals that defend the body.

Immune System Regulation
Research shows the long chain mannan polysaccharides in Aloe Vera activates and boosts the immune system. Your immune system is your body's natural defense against everything from the common cold to cancer. By boosting your immune system, you can expect to live worry-free of chronic and acute health problems.