VETERINARY HERBAL MEDICINE - Denes Natural Pet Care

PLANT CHEMISTRY
From a scientific viewpoint, it is the chemical constituents of plants that produce
physiological effects on the body and influence organ systems. Understanding plant
pharmacology is not altogether vital in terms of using herbal remedies in practice,
but is important in understanding the nature of how plants work and how they
interact with the body. The majority of plants contain a huge range of compounds
which perform specific functions or have specific properties. Chemists have
categorised these into definitive groups to simplify how they are able to interact with
the body.
Those herbs outlined in bold are included in Denes medicine and supplement range.
Alcohols
These appear in different forms, including as the components of volatile oils.
Menthol, which is a constituent of Peppermint, is a good example.
Alkaloids
These are potent compounds with wide-ranging effects on the body and on organ
systems, particularly the circulatory and nervous systems. Their structures are often
complex and most are poisonous to varying degrees.
Anthraquinones
This group includes plants that have purgative effects, the most familiar of which is
Rhubarb.
Bitter principles
As their name suggests, this group contains constituents which have a bitter taste.
Their main benefit is in stimulation of the digestive system and the liver by a reflex
action through the taste buds. Gentian is included within this group.
Carbohydrates
Both the sugars and starches found in plants are classed as carbohydrates and act as
energy sources. More highly complex carbohydrates form the basis of many of the
demulcent, soothing components in herbs such as Marshmallow and in gums such
as those in Seaweed.
Coumarins
Some compounds in this group have the characteristic smell of new mown hay and
some, such as Horse Chestnut Bark, have the ability to strengthen capillary walls.
Flavones and flavonoid glycosides
This is an important group with wide-ranging effects, covering diuretics, antispasmodics
and compounds that offer hepatic and cardiac support. A specific group,
known as bioflavonoides, includes the compound rutin, which is present in
Buckwheat and can increase the strength and permeability of blood vessel walls.
6