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Herb Uses -F, G, H Herbs
P. SHARMA, S. KULSHRESHTHA AND A.L. SHARMA
Department of Pharmacology, S.N. Medical College, Agra - 282 001.
SUMMARY Objective: Methods: Two models of experimental cataract were induced: (1) Galactosaemic cataract in
rats by 30% galactose, (2) Naphthalene cataract in rabbits by 1 gm/kg naphthalene. Ocimum sanctum (O.S.) was
administered orally in both models at two dose levels 1 and 2 gm/kg of body weight for curative and prophylactic
effects. The study was conducted for 40 days.
Results: O.S. delayed the onset of cataract as well as the subsequent maturation of cataract significantly in both
models. In addition to delay in reaching various stages of development of cataract, IV stage did not develop with high
doses till completion of 40 days of experimental period.
Conclusion: O.S. delayed the process of cataractogenesis in both models. The higher doses are more effective and
have got promising prophylactic role rather than curative one. This effect is more clear in galactosaemiccataract.
(Indian J Pharmacol 1998; 30: 16-20) More research: Surender Singh and D.K. Majumdar University of Delhi, New
Delhi, India: The fixed oil of O. sanctum seeds was screened for antiarthritic activity using Freund's adjuvant arthritis,
formaldehyde-induced arthritis and also turpentine oil-induced joint edema in rats. The oil was administered
intraperitoneally for 14 days in the case of adjuvant-induced arthritis and 10 days in formaldehyde-induced arthritis.
The mean changes in diameter of paw were noted at regular intervals. X-rays of paws were taken at the end of study
and SGOT & SGPT levels were also estimated. The fixed oil showed significant anti-arthritic activity in both models
and anti-edema activity against turpentine oil-induced joint edema.
Traditional Uses: The leaf infusion or fresh leaf juice is commonly used in cough, mild upper respiratory infections,
bronchospasm, stress-related skin disorders and indigestion. It is combined with ginger and maricha (black pepper) in
bronchial asthma. It is given with honey in bronchitis and cough. The leaf juice is taken internally and also applied
directly on cutaneous lesions in ringworm. The essential oil has been used in ear infections. The seeds are considered
a general nutritious tonic.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica & L. caprifolium) The Chinese use honeysuckle flowers extensively to treat sore
throat, colds, flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Honeysuckle flower extracts are strongly active against many
microorganisms that cause sore throat and respiratory conditions. It has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against
salmonella typhi, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pneumoniae. It’s considered
the echinacea of Chinese medicine. It’s also been shown to have an inhibitory effect with tuberculosis. A suggested
help is making a tea with a handful of flowers per cup of oiling water and drinking up to three cups a day. The bark is
diuretic and may be taken to relieve gout, kidney stones and liver problems. In winter a decoction of twigs and dried
leaves can be drunk adding lemon and honey for flavor. The leaves are astringent and make a good gargle and
mouthwash for sore throats and canker sores. The FDA has not put honeysuckle on its GRAS list
CHINESE: Clears heat and relieves fire toxicity: for hot, painful sores and swellings in various stages of development,
especially of the breast, throat, or eyes. Also for Intestinal abscess. Expels externally-contracted wind-heat: for the
early stages of warm-febrile diseases with such symptoms as fever, slight sensitivity to wind, sore throat, and
headache. Also for externally-contracted summer heat. Clears damp-heat from the lower burner: for damp-heat
dysenteric disorder or painful urinary dysfunction.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) The strobiles of hops are mildly sedative and diuretic. They are a bitter digestive that is
especially suited for treating nervous indigestion, ulcers, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
They relax nerves and smooth muscles, especially in the digestive tract, within 20-40 minutes after ingestion. A 1980
study suggested that they contain a muscle-relaxing constituent in addition to lupulin, which had been assumed to be
the only active chemical. Hops’ antibacterial agents, responsible for preserving bread and beer, also fight digestive
tract infections. Hormonal effects from estrogen-like compounds were first noted when female hops pickers
experienced changes in their menstrual cycles (some even stopped menstruating) after absorbing quantities of the
essential oil through their hands. Aphrodisiacal effects were observed in men. Regular doses of the herb can help
regulate the menstrual cycle. GLA which also occurs in evening primrose oil, has been found in hops, suggesting its
usefulness for PMS and menstrual problems, especially muscle cramps, headaches, and sore breaks. Hops also
helps insomniacs. A hops poultice can relive the pain and inflammation of earache or toothache. Experiments in
Germany have shown that hops tinctures are more stable than dried hops, which quickly degrades with exposure to
light and humidity. Externally used for skin infections, eczema, herpes, and leg ulcers. Combined with Valerian as a
sedative and Roman Chamomile or Peppermint for nervous digestive problems.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare ) Horehound’s bitterness stimulates the appetite and also promotes bile, making
large doses laxative. The whole herb and its derivatives are used in thousands of lung medications around the world,
especially for treating bronchitis and coughs. The essential oils and marrubiin dilate the arteries and help to ease lung
congestion. The herb apparently causes the secretion of a more fluid mucus, which is more readily cleared by
coughing. Marrubiin also normalizes the heart beat and is a weak sedative. At one time, horehound was suggested
for relieving menstrual pain and slowing a rapid heart beat. Since it also induces sweating, it has been used to reduce
fevers, even those associated with malaria. It is less commonly used as a decoction for skin conditions. Old recipes
call for the leaves to be boiled in lard and applied to wounds.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)…Horse chestnut is astringent, an anti-inflammatory, and an aid to
toning the vein walls, which, when slack or distended, may become varicose, hemorrhoidal, or otherwise problematic.
Horse chestnut also reduces fluid retention by acting on the connective tissue barrier between blood vessels and
tissue, where nutrients and gases diffuse, inhibiting exudation and the development of edema and reducing vascular
fragility. The wall of the vein becomes less permeable, and this inhibits edema and allows the reabsorption of excess
fluid back into the circulatory system. The bark can be used to reduce fever (dose of ½ ounce of the bark in 24
hours). The herb has been taken internally in small to moderate doses for leg ulcers, varicose veins, phlebitis,
inflammation of the veins, hemorrhoids, and frostbite, and applied externally as a lotion, ointment, or gel. It also stops
the enzymes that break down damaged veins (along with the enzyme bromelain from pineapple and gotu kola). After
only 12 days of taking horse chestnut, the level of these enzymes drops by one-quarter. Research trials have shown
that application of a topical escin (aescin) gel reduced the pain of injection hematoma and could be extrapolated to
other models in which extravasated blood leads to inflammation and tenderness as in impact hematoma. In the US, a
decoction of the leaves has been given for whooping cough.
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