Introduction to Pharmacognosy

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WOULD YOU CLASSIFY A HERB? Carrot Coriander

Lettuce Cucumber Cornsilk Butternut Celery Oats Melons Chillies

Cardamom Nasturtium Rose Hibiscus Agapanthus Pine Plantain Garlic

Fennel All spice Flaxseed Turmeric Nutmeg

Cinnamon Bay Clove Cumin Ginger Onion

DEFINITIONS IN PHARMACONGNsyY
Pharmakon = A Drug

Gignosco = To acquire a Knowledge of a Structure, Function & Geographical habits of a Plant

SUBJECTS INVOLVED IN PHARMACOLOGY

BOTANY:

The Science of or Study of

Plants
PHYTOTHERAPY:

The study of herbs and its application for holistic healing.

BIOCHEMISTRY:

To Understand the Chemical Composition of the plant.

PHARMACOLOGY: The study of drugs, their sources, nature, and properties, and the body's reaction to these drugs. COMMERCE: The buying and selling of goods, especially on a large scale, as between cities or nations. The exchange of commodity for commodity GENETICS: A branch of biology involving the study of the structure, location, effects & abnormalities of genes (physical unit of heredity)

Enzymology: Branch of biochemistry concerned with the structure & Fx of enzymes & co-enzymes. Plant Chemistry: Chemistry specific to plant function & structure. Horticulture: The science/art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants or herbs. Quality Control: A procedure for keeping quality of inputs or outputs to specifications. The operational techniques and the activities used to fulfil and verify requirements of quality.

 Ethnobotany

The plant lore of a race or people; also the systematic study of such lore. The study of biologically active plant constituents, traditionally employed or observed by man for healing.

Ethnopharmacology

 Aim

of Pharmacognosy:

Development

of Pharmacognosy

Herbal Glossary

Abortifacient: Can stimulate a miscarriage (see Emmenogogue). E.g. Hydrastis cannadensis used to for digestive disorders.

Adaptogen: Increases the bodys resistance to stress (helps the body adapt). E.g. Ashwaganda

 Adrenal

tonic: Strengthens and nourishes the adrenal glands. E.g. borago exam stress

Alterative: Herbs

that gradually alters ones condition, normalizes body functions and increases health and vitality. Galium aperine

 Analgesic,

Anodyne: Reduce pain e.g. Papaver somniferum opium poppy

Anti-helmentic:

worms from body most are toxic in high dosage. Artemissia afra Wormwood and Garlic.
removes

 Anti-bilous:
helps

remove excess bile e.g.Hydrastis Canadensis

Anti-catarrhal:

helps the body remove excess catarrhal or mucous buildups; In the sinuses and other parts of body. E.g. Garlic and Golden seal Hydrastis Canadensis

Anti-emetic: Herbs that reduce the feeling of nausea and can help relieve or prevent vomiting. E.g. Mentha piperita, Zingiber officinalis (works better than pharmaceutical anti-emetics).

Anti-lithic: A herb that helps prevent the formation of stones or gravel in the UT and helps the body with their removal. E.g. Gravel Root, Stone Root, Carrot, Parsley

 Anti-microbial:

herb

that helps the body destroy or prevent pathogenic micro-organisms. E.g. Garlic, allium sativum
Anti-spasmodic:

Prevent

or ease spasms and cramps in the body. E.g. Cramp bark

 Aperient:

mild

laxative herbs. E.g. Apricots, Prune juice, Linum usitassimum

Aromatic: Aromatic

herbs have a strong and often pleasant odour and can be used to stimulate the digestive system. They are often used to add aroma and taste to other medicines. E.g. Mentha piperita (peppermint).

 Astringent: Herbs

that contract tissues by precipitating proteins and therefore reduce secretions and discharges. All astringents contain tannins. E.g. Catechu
Bitter:

A herb that has a bitter taste that acts as a stimulating tonic for digestion. e.g. Wormwood

 Cardiac

Tonic: Affect the heart. Affect heart in different ways depending on the specific herb. E.g. Crataegus monogyna.

Carminative:

Stimulate peristalsis, relax the stomach and support digestion. E.g. Fennel Foeniculum vulgare, Peppermint

 Chologogue:

Herbs

that stimulate the release of bile. Also have a laxative effect E.g. Hydrastis Canadensis Golden Seal
Demulcent:

Herbs

rich in mucilage which soothe and protect irritated and inflamed internal tissue. E.g Glycerrhiza glabra.

 Diaphoretic:

Promote

perspiration and aid elimination of toxins via the skin. E.g. Zingiber officinalis Ginger
Diuretic:

Increases

the secretion and elimination of

urine. E.g. Galium aperine, Clivers, Cleavers

 Emetic:
Herbs

that cause vomiting. Most herbs are only emetic in very high doses. e.g. Lobelia inflate and Blood root
Emmenogogue:

Stimulate and normalize the menstrual cycle. E.g. False unicorn root, Raspberry, Red Sage, Thyme, True Unicorn Root, Wormwood, Squaw vine, Rosemary

 Febrifuge,

anti-pyretic: Helps reduce fevers E.g. Peppermint Red sage, Thyme,

Galactogogue: Help

stimulate the flow of breast milk e.g. Brewers yeast, Fennel, Raspberry

 Hepatic:

Aid the liver. E.g. Black root, Blue flag, Celery, Fennel
Hypnotic:

Herbs

that induce sleep (not a hypnotic trance). Also called a soporific. E.g. Wild lettuce, hops

 Laxative:

Promote the evacuation of the bowels E.g. Aloe, Senna

Mucilage:

Mucilaginous herbs act as demulcents and emollients e.g. Slippery Elm, Iceland moss, Marshmallow

Nervine: Herb that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Some act as stimulants, others as sedatives. e.g. Chamomile, Ginseng, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Wormwood, Wild Lettuce

Ocytocic: Stimulate the contraction of the uterus and aid in childbirth. e.g. Squaw vine

Pectoral: Strengthening and healing effect on the respiratory system. e.g. Comfrey, Symphytum officinalis

Rubefacient: when applied to the skin they mild local irritation and stimulate the dilation of the capillaries, increasing circulation to the skin. Blood is drawn from deeper parts of the body into the skin, removing or relieving pain. e.g Cayenne, Garlic, Ginger, Mustard, Peppermint, Rosemary.

 Sedative:

Calm the nervous system and reduce stress and nervousness. E.g. St Johns Wort, Wild cherry, Wild lettuce, Hops

Sialagogue:

Herbs that stimulate the increase of saliva secretion from salivary glands. E.g.Ginger, Cayenne

 Stimulant:
quickens

and enlivens the physiological functions of the body. E.g. Cayenne, Rosemary, Garlic
Stomachic:

Strengthens and tones the stomach, reduces gas/flatulence and aids digestion (similar but not identical to carminative does not stimulate peristelsis). E.g. Garlic

 Styptic:

Reduce or stop bleeding due to astringency. E.g. Plantain

Tonic:
Strengthen

and enliven specific organs or the whole body. E.g. Garlic, Ginseng, Hawthorn.

 Yang

tonic: Nourishes and strengthens the fluids of the body. E.g. Daucus carota
Yin

tonic: Nourishes and strengthens the activity of the bodys functions E.g. Commiphora molmol

 Vulnerary:
Aid

in healing wounds and cuts E.g. Aloe ferrox, Hypericum perforatum, Compositiae Family (Matricaria recutica)

DEFINITION OF A HERB?

Definition of herb

Botanists: A small, stemless, seed bearing plant with fleshy, rather than woody, parts ("herbaceous"). Broader defintion: addition to herbaceous perennials, includes trees, shrubs, annuals, vines, primitive plants, such as ferns, mosses, algae, lichens, and fungi. They are valued for their flavour, fragrance, medicinal, economic and industrial uses, pesticidal properties, and colouring materials.

GROUP ACTIVITY
IDENTIFY

ALL HERBS ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE DEFINITION

Carrot Daucus carota rich in Vit. A and beta HERB!

carotene, Ca, P, Mg, K raw boosts liver, kidneys & GIT alterative (blood tonic) anti-bacterial & anti-viral leaves contains significant amounts of porphyrins, which stimulate the pituitary gland and leads to the release of increased amounts of sexhormones, Worms children (eaten raw)

Lactuca sativa Lettuce HERB!

soporific cleansing tonic to the kidneys Vitamins A, C, Bc, Ca (as much as milk, actually) * anti-spasmodic Leaves contain silica strengthens the tissues, bones, joints Found to be sedative

Cucumis sativus Cucumber HERB!

aids digestion k, bc, enzyme (erepsin) aids digestion dissolves uric acids that causes kidney & bladder stones natural laxative (high in fibre) regulates bp (diuretic high water content)

Zea mays Corn silk HERB!

Diuretic Cystitis Rheumatism & arthritis Demulcent: UTIs, & kidney stones Pollen extracts: BPH Pollen: weakness & appetite loss

Butterut Juglans cinerea HERB!

Anti-helmintic Alterative Cathertic Anti-microbial Anti-parasitic Cancer Cholesterol Headache Liver stagnation

Celery Apium Gravelens HERB!

Diuretic Slimming Agent Anti-inflammatory Anti-acid (rheumatism, arthritis, gout), UTI, cystitis

Avena sativa oats HERB!

Cardiac tonic Nervous system tonic Nervous system nutritive Beauty: exfoliant, cleanser & rejuvenator Hot flushes: menopause Tonic: thymus gland Nervous exhaustion Depression

Cucumis melo Melons HERB!

Vitamins B & C Diuretic Kidney tonic High gi, low gl, used for weight loss (same with grapes)

Corrandrum sativum Coriander HERB!

wounds burns sores boils anti-spasmodic indigestion, colic, flatulence

Elletaria cardamomum Cardamom HERB!

Anti-septic Anti-spasmodic Carminative Anorexia Strengthen the heart & lungs Spleen tonic Stimulate the mind, impart clarity & mental alertness Fetal restlessness

Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium HERB!

Anti-viral Anti-fungal Anti-bacterial Diuretic Chologogue

Rosa spp. - Rose HERB!

astringent menorrhagia skin toner originally comes from Iran. Mildly sedative & antidepressant Rosewater: astringent: toner & sore eyes Rose petals: reduce high cholesterol levels.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hibiscus HERB!

mild anti-microbial bladder infections coughs debility diarrhoea fever hypertension liver disorder eye infections itchy skin conditioning shampoo can be made from the leaves anti-inflammatory

Agapanthus africanus Agapanthus HERB!

Decoction given orally/rectally as an antenatal & postnatal birth medicine Given to baby immediately after birth Mild purgative Ease difficult labour Ensure the placenta is expelled

Pinus sylvestrus Pine HERB!

colds flu bronchitis sinusitis respiratory disorders digestive complaints diuretic

Plantago lanceolata Plantain HERB!

Astringent Anti-biotic Heamostyptic Anti-catarrhal Anti-inflammatory

Allium sativum Garlic HERB!

immune booster decreases cholesterol anti-bacterial, antihelmintic, anti-parasitic anti-spasmodic anti-inflammatory anti-thrombotic anti-platelet alterative mucolytic

Chillies capsicum fructesens/minimum HERB!

laryngitis sore throat tonsillitis angina bronchitis circulatory disorders colds and flu

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare HERB!

Indigestion galactogogue flatulence colic intestinal cramps over-indulgence laxative

Allspice Pimenta officinalis HERB!

proteins, lipids, minerals, Vit A, C, B1+2 digestive stimulant flatulence & indigestion diarrhoea tonic /laxative (how its mixed with other herbs) anti-septic stomach settling

Linum usitassimum flaxseed HERB!

Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Anti-spasmodic Anti-tussive Expectorant Anti-catarrhal Bulk laxative Emollient demulcent

Curcuma longa Turmeric HERB!

Hepatic Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant Anti-microbial Circulatory stimulant Hypoglycaemic Vulnerary Astringent Carminative Alterative Analgesic

Myristica fragrans Nutmeg HERB!

Anti-emetic Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Aromatic Astringent Carminative Circulatory stimulant Euphoric Hallucinogen (large doses)

Cinamomum zeylanicum Cinnamon HERB!

Analgesic Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Anti-diarrhoeal Astringent Cardiac stimulant Stomachic Anti-viral Anti-oxidant Anti-fungal Expectorant hypoglycaemic

Laurus nobilis Bay HERB!

Anti-fungal (tea soak hands/feet) Astringent Aromatic Carminative Diaphoretic Circulatory stimulant Colic Memory loss Poultice: bronchitis, colds, coughs etc.

Syzygium aromaticum Clove HERB!

Analgesic Anti-fungal Astringent Anti-microbial Anti-emetic Anti-spasmodic Expectorant Rubefacient diaphoretic

Cuminum cyminum cumin HERB!

Anti-oxidant Anti-septic Carminative Galactogogue Stimulant

Zingiber officinalis Ginger HERB!

Diaphoretic Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Circulatory stimulant Anti-microbial Sialogogue

ONION: Allium cepa HERB!

planting between roses enhances the smell, insects and aphids are less common boosts the immune system cleanses the blood (alterative) flushes the kidneys (diuretic) reduces spasm and tension in asthma (anti-spasmodic) decreases cholesterol removes heavy metals from blood

15 minute

INFLUENCE OF HERBAL MEDICINE ON YOUR STUDIES

Influence of European Herbalism Today

increasingly popular in Europe. European Herbal Philosophy: World is made up of elements: Earth, Fire, Water & Air. Plants: hot dry cold or moist properties Theory of 4 humours Four principal fluids exist within the body
Blood choler (yellow bile) Melancholy (black bile) Phlegm Ideally: all 4 humours are in balance (normally with 1 or 2 predominating) Influences: Phytotherapy & Unani Tibb NOTE: Phytotherapy Western Herbal Medicine

TCM & herbal medicine developed separately from Chinese folk medicine Principle theories Yin & Yang, 5 elements, effect of nature on Health Living in harmony with these principles = key to good health. Herbs are said to be Yin or Yang tonics, and also to strengthen the organs associated with each element.

China

Africa has a greater variety of herbal traditions than any other continent. North Africa: Papyrus BC 1500 Gentiana lutea, Aloe vera, Papaver somnifera with conditions ranging from chest pain to croc bites. Nomadic peoples: healing is linked to the spiritual worlds (largely unchanged from original shamanistic beliefs).

Africa

ENERGETIC CORRESPONDENCES IN HERBAL MEDICINES

Involves

Asian Theories about the Energy of the body The Four Element (Humours) Theories of Ancient Greece (Unani Tibb) The Planetary Correspondences of Oriental philosophy & astrology

Flavour

Five Categories

Sour Bitter Sweet Pungent (spicy) Salty

TCM associates each taste with a particular organ or organ-system within the body. HOW IT WORKS: When we experience a flavour, taste sensors send messages to the brain induce physiological effects in the organ system affected/linked to the taste.

Through flavour, were able to alter & affect the functions of our bodies

Yin Flavours
Yin

Flavours = Cooling Sour & bitter flavours.

Salty, Yin

flavours arise & subside quickly.

Yang Flavours
Yang

flavours = warming & pungent flavours = Yang

Sweet These

tastes are also slower to be sensed and remain longer (effect)

Drying Energies
Sour, Help

bitter & pungent: drying energy

regulate imbalances arising from excessive dampness oily skin, oedema, joint swelling, candida, fatigue, etc.

E.g.

Moist Energy
Sweet

& Salty: Moistening

Regulate

conditions resulting from fluid deficiency Dry cough, constipation etc.

E.g.

Salty Flavour

Cooling, Dry & Astringent Normally due to the presence of acids: malic, citric or ascorbic acids. Stimulates the liver & gallbladder & salivary glands Restricts secretions such as sweat, urine, blood, seminal fluid. Carminative, anti-pyretic. Helps cleanse the skin & tonify the tissues Pts suffering from hyperacidity, diarrhoea, broken capillaries & dark circles under their eyes should be careful of overdoing the sour flavour.

Bitter Flavours

Cooling, drying, toning, draining (catabolic). Anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial Most bitters contain an alkaloid. Bitters stimulate the intestines, pancreas, & digestive secretions. Strengthens the heart, lowers cholesterol & fevers, reduces cravings for sweets, supports fat metabolism, helps reduce allergies, eliminates heat & mucous, especially from the lungs. Can aid weight loss, decrease fat, detoxify the blood and clear the mind & skin. Herbs include Angelica, chamomile, dandelion leaf, green tea & yarrow. Energising: beneficial for those feeling lethargic, & pts who are hot & aggressive Pts suffering from low energy (chronic), cold & dry or suffering from ulcers should use bitters sparingly.

Sweet Flavours

Sweet is toning & nourishing. Results from the presence of CHOs Helps to slow down acute symptoms, increases tolerance to stress & pain. Rejuvenating, anabolic, heals & tones muscle. Energising & calming Sweet nourishes Ying (Fluids of the body), strengthening the immune system, especially in the frail & elderly. Pts who are cold, dry, cold and spacey (Vata) benefit especially from sweet foods, such as fruit, whole grains & sweet herbs e.g. anise, fennel, liquorice & stevia.

Pungent Flavours

pungent or spicy is warming & dispersing Stimulating: induces perspiration, stimulates the nerves, relieves nerve pain, clears Qi stagnation, promotes circulation, aids digestion and clears the skin. Moves internal energy to the surface (e.g. ginger) Mostly due to the presence of volatile oils (anti-microbial) Pungent is cooling to the interior and worming to the exterior of the body. E.g. Basil, cinnamon, ginger & mint. Should not be taken in excess by those suffering from excess heat.

Salty Flavours

Cooling, softening, draining & diuretic (drying). Indicates the presence of minerals in food/herbs. Helps softens hardened masses within the body (tumors). Used in moderation, it has a moistening effect. Beneficial to the nerves, kidneys & bladder. Aids fluid metabolism, helps strengthens the nerves, opens blocked Qi meridians, improves circulation, awakens the mind & senses & strengthens the heart. Excessive salt craving may indicate adrenal exhaustion (prolonged stress). Sea vegetables such as kelp and dulse are good examples of salty tastes, and herbs such as nettle, dandelion leaf and plantain.

In reference to the activity of the plant: does it heat the body (ginger), or cool it (mint). Indicated by the condition presented by the patient E.g. fever or inflammation (hot conditions) cooling herbs Cold conditions: OA, constipation, fatigue or poor circulation heating herbs.

Temperature

Excessive dampness & dryness are signs of imbalance. Dampness: swelling, oedema, diarrhoea, infancy (natural moisture) Dryness: dry cough, dry skin, constipation, old age (naturally dry) Moistening plants contain mucilage Drying plants contain tannins

Moisture

Temperament?

Polarity

Yin and yang exist only in relation to each other & each contain aspects of the other. Good health results in Ying & Yang being in constant & perfect balance (Homeostasis) Yin plants can be used to correct conditions arising from a Ying imbalance, Ying plants can be used to correct conditions arising from a Yin imbalance Yin plants: cooling Yang plants: Warming

Planets

The association between herbs & astrology is rooted in the Ancient Doctrine of Signatures. In terms of healing: observing a plants colour, leaf shape, growth habit, habitat; all give clues to the plants therapeutic uses. Acknowledges that macrocosms such as planets can be represented in microcosms such as plants (Homeopathy, TCM).

Sun

Corresponds with hot, dry energy Heart of our solar system (governs the heart of the body, spinal column & eyes) Herbs corresponding to the sun often affect the heart, are hot & drying.

Cool, moist & feminine energy. Plants: high juice content, mild flavour, soft leaves, preference to growing in or near water (TAM: Indigenous herbs used for labour), pale yellow or white flowers & fruits. Moon (plants) govern bodys fluids, digestive secretions, breasts, glandular & mucous membrane secretions, affect the subconscious, soothe the stomach and aid digestion.

Moon

Mercury

Cool & dry energy. Governs the nervous system, communication, senses of hearing (& speaking), thyroid, respiratory system (incl. lungs, bronchi & vocal cords). Facilitates the ability to make associations and link concepts.

Venus Cool & moist energy

Associated with love, sensual pleasures, beauty and the arts. Related to internal sexual & reproductive organs, skin, nose and sense of smell, umbilical cord, neck, spine & palate, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus gland & kidneys. Help purify the blood, open up the sweat glands, calm desire for over-indulgence.

Mars

hot, pungent & dry Affects the adrenal glands, muscles, gallbladder, sense of taste, red blood cells, metabolism, motor nerves, rectum, eye muscles, head, left brain, left ear. Strong, acrid flavour, pungent aroma, prickles & thorns

Jupiter

Warm & Moist Associated with adventure, social order, morals & optimism. Organs: anterior pituitary gland, liver, pancreas, sciatic nerve, subcutaneous fat tissue, adrenals, kidneys, spleen, immune system, blood-O2 levels, lungs, blood sugar & semen. Large forest trees (long-living perennials), plants that increase bile flow, help balance the pancreas, affect both the mind & body. Sweet fragrance & induce a positive frame of mind.

Saturn

Cold & dry Bitter & sour flavours. Affects the bones, teeth, joints, bladder, skin, nerves, vagus nerve, spleen, endocardium, ant. Pit gland, blood constituents (aging process)

Cold & dry Correlates with dramatic, sudden & forceful energy, originality, genius, independence, selfexpression & a desire to break away from tradition. Herbs: grow in unusual places differ from plant to plant, commonly hybrids & easy to transplant.

Uranus

Neptune

Cold & moist CSF, pineal gland, lymph system Obscure, hard to Dx conditions, addiction, schizophrenia & psychosis. Herbs: psychoactive. Often grow close or in the ocean (algaes & seaweeds).

Pluto

Associated with the subconscious & spiritual self Cold & Moist Related to excretions, secretions & reproduction, including the metabolic, genetic & chemical processes that promote health. Herbs: Found in remote places or underground

Elements
Theory

of the four elements (humours) arose in ancient Greece. Numerous cultures have similar theories (TCM: elements; UT: humours; A: doshas, etc). Elements: Water, Fire, Earth Air. Plants (like individuals), contain all 4 elements, although one normally dominates.

Water

ORGANS: Kidneys, bladder, sexual energy, willpower

SENSE: hearing

EMOTION: fear.

Fire

ORGANS: Heart & Small Intestine

SENSE: Speech
EMOTIONS: Joy & lack of joy

Earth

ORGANS: Stomach & Spleen

SENSE: Taste EMOTIONS: Sympathy & Obsession

Air

ORGANS: Lungs, large intestines, skin

Communication
SENSE: Smell EMOTION: grief

Lesson Take-Away

All

Definitions

End of lesson 1
THANK YOU!