We live in the XXI century tied to many medicines and products to combat diseases, when several centuries ago it was said that food was true health.
Therefore, the scientific community has been looking for healthy alternatives to the main diseases of this century, such as heart attacks, diabetes, obesity and cancer, for many years.
From the scientific point of view, we wanted to look for 9 medicinal plants and seeds that offer multiple advantages for our body.
Currently, between 10 and 15% of all medicines considered essential by the World Health Organization contain plant extracts. However, this dynamic is changing and these active materials are increasingly used.
In turn, we must also take into account the side effects of all this type of medicinal plants, cases of allergies, stomach problems and abuses of the phytoactive compounds present.
We have gathered 9 products with clinical trials that have endorsed their medicinal properties, which are increasingly used as a preventive and reinforcement of food.
Finally, keep in mind that not all medicinal plants are endorsed or registered by the Food and Drug Administration, so ultimately you have to consult with the medical specialist or consult the registered technical information.
Therefore, we wanted to reflect the current safety of the different plants and seeds under a classification level, as well as the tests or medical trials carried out, on a scale ranging from 0 (without trials) to 5 (with a lot of medical and clinical support).
Table of Contents
Turmeric
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3/5
- Safety: 4/5
Turmeric is currently living a time of splendor due to recent research about its potential in medicine.
It is known to have anti-cancer properties and reduces the effects of free radicals and DNA mutations. It also has great potential as an anti-inflammatory, so it is currently used as a supplement and there are many products derived from turmeric.
The potential medicinal effects of turmeric are due, in general, to the content of curcumin, a natural dye and a polyphenol.
In addition, it contains other interesting substances for modern medicine:
- Curcumins and curcumoids, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Turmerol (sesquiterpene ketones)
- Essential oils: zingiberene, borneol and cineole.
- Valeric and caprylic acids.
Some benefits of turmeric with scientific evidence:
Antitumor properties: induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.
Improves cognitive functions in adults: improvement in cognitive tests from 60 years.
Antidiabetic activity: improvement in insulin secretion and reduced glucose production.
Improves liver and kidney function: related to the lower accumulation of sugar in these organs (and therefore, to diabetes).
Prevention of heart disease: increased blood flow by reduced blood viscosity.
High presence of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activity: improved response to problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other damage to muscles and joints.
Reduces respiratory diseases: increase in cathepsins K and L with reduction in collagen deposition in the lungs.
Elements to consider
- Future efforts are based on better control of the dose when used as a supplement, since it is easy to get out of control, added to the intake of turmeric as a spice.
- Prolonged use in high amounts can lead to side effects linked to stomach problems.
- The assimilation rate of turmeric is very low, which is why it is sometimes successfully combines with piperine.
Turmeric extracts
Ginkgo
Consult properties of Ginkgo Biloba
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3,5/5
- Security: 3/5
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree from which a multitude of extracts are extracted with current uses in medicines. A very recurrent tree in traditional Chinese medicine that today is endorsed by the scientific community.
From the plant, the leaves are basically used, creating capsules and extracts and even for consumption by infusion.
The main research of Ginkgo focuses on its power of improvement in the face of mental problems, so it can be an effective alternative to the growing Alzheimer’s disease.
It can help fight inflammation: reduces markers of inflammation in human cells.
markers of inflammation in human cells: given its content in terpenoids and flavonoids.
Improves circulation and heart health: considerable increase in blood flow and nitric oxide production.
Reduces pms symptoms
Reduces symptoms of psychiatric disorders and dementia: reduces neuronal degradation and increases cognitive ability.
Ginkgo biloba Extracts
Concentration of 120 mg Ginkgo Biloba extract
It does not contain the additive magnesium stearate (magnesium salts of fatty acids), guaranteeing a good bioassimilation.
Suitable for vegans. It does not contain genetically modified ingredients or unnecessary additives, nor do the capsules contain gelatin.
Enriched with acai extract, L-carnitine and vitamin E.
Elements to consider
- Side effects associated with headache, dizziness, allergic reactions and stomach problems may occur.
- It has quite a few interactions with medications, especially anticoagulants.
- It can affect liver enzymes.
- It increases the chances of suffering from thyroid (long-term) and its involvement in liver cancer in animals (rats) has been studied.
Evening primrose oil
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3/5
- Safety: Topical use: 4.5 / 5. Consumption: 3/5
The properties of evening primrose oil they have been used very regularly in recent times. It has become very popular for its main positive effects on the human body, therefore, this has made it one of the best-selling oils today, especially among the female public.
Many scientific studies have endorsed the properties of evening primrose oil for its anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition, several fields of research have been opened in the prevention and cure of more important diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients.
As we are still far from having evidence in both cases, we will comment on what is currently known about evening primrose oil.
Skin eczema relief: hskin irritation, relief against bites, ezcemas or irritations, cell regeneration, lighten dark circles and reduce pore oil and acne.
Helps reduce breast pain: anti-inflammatory effect by inhibition of prostaglandins.
Reduces menopausal hot flashes: under a study where 500 mg daily of evening primrose oil capsules was consumed for 6 weeks.
Reduces alterial pressure: 4% reduction in systolic blood pressure in a 2013 trial.
Improves the circulatory system: anti-inflammatory activity and reduced fixation of bad cholesterol.
Reduces the effects of rheumatoid arthritis: reduction of the chronic inflammatory disorder of this type of diseases.
Reduced blood clotting
Elements to consider
- It interacts with some blood clotting medications.
- The exact safety of its consumption in pregnant women is not known.
- It interacts with lithium in treatments against the disorder.
- The effects for long-term consumption are not known.
Ingredients: Evening primrose oil (9% Gamma-Linolenic Acid) 1000mg, Vitamin E 10mg, Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified water.
Instructions: take one to three capsules a day, preferably with meals. This is not a medicine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor before taking supplements.
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use as a substitute for a balanced diet. It contains ingredients derived from meat.
Flax seed
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3,5/5
- Safety: 4,5 / 5
There is a current trend to consume moderate amounts of nuts and seeds, very nutritious but rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
Specifically, flax seed is also available in other formats, such as capsules and tablets that extract pure oil, of vegetable origin.
It is known to offer anti-inflammatory properties and a very good nutritional balance.
The Omega 3 present in flax offers us the following benefits:
- Reduces the likelihood of arrhythmias and heart attacks.
- It manages to reduce hypertension.
- Reduces high blood sugar levels.
- They have a reducing effect on migraines and depressions.
High fiber content to reduce constipation: one of the foods that contains more fiber inside the seeds.
Antioxidant protection: contains lignan, which is part of the phytoestrogens with antioxidant capacity.
Improves heart health: the University of Cambridge certifies a drop in bad choleserol (LDL).
Supplement to lose weight: although it contains a significant caloric index (500 kcal per 100 grams), it has a very high satiating power.
Elements to consider
- It affects the balance in the production of estrogen in women, especially in those who are pregnant or who have suffered from cancer.
- They need a transformation process, since raw or green (still unripe) can become toxic depending on the dose.
Tea tree oil
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3/5
- Safety: 4/5
The tea tree is continuously subjected to clinical trials to know its effectiveness in treatments. It has always been associated that the oil that was extracted from it was beneficial for various skin problems.
The scientific community has pointed out some benefits in delaying acne, as long as it is linked to reducing the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
Therefore, it has applications on the skin when the improvement occurs by limiting the growth of bacteria that can cause infections and delayed healing.
- Reduces the development of acne
- It is used to facilitate the healing of cuts.
- Reduces discomfort from insect bites.
Elements to consider
- Tea tree oil should only be used for the skin, as it is toxic when ingested.
- It is necessary to check possible allergies and dermatitis of its use.
- Long-term use is not recommended.
Echinacea
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3,5/5
- Safety: 4,5/5
Echinacea brings much more than the ornamental power of its flowers that can be seen in many gardens. It has always been considered as a plant with medicinal power to combat respiratory problems.
Although several studies have been identified that value the results positively, there is still much to assess where its potential really comes from and what more medical applications it may have.
Echinacea is useful for reducing the effects of some respiratory diseases, such as:
- Colds and flus
- Bronchitis
- Allergies
- Upper respiratory infections
Elements to consider
- May cause stomach disorders
- In general, it has more side effects than other types of plants.
Grape seed extract
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3,5/5
- Safety: 4,5/5
There are many benefits of consuming berries, such as grapes or blueberries, due to their high content of polyphenols and antioxidants.
These benefits have been derived from the manufacture of capsules and tablets that contain the pure synthesized extract of these natural fruits.
The scientific community attributes positive results to them when it comes to reducing cholesterol, improving circulation and reducing hypertension.
In recent years, the involvement of grape seed extract against the formation of the first cancer cells, especially at the digestive level, is being evaluated.
Elements to consider
- Grape juice can interact with medications that regulate blood pressure or blood-thinning drugs.
- Its implication in the reduction of iron assimilation.
Lavender
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3,5/5
- Safety: 4/5
Lavender has historically been used as a skin benefit, wound and bite soothing and muscle relaxant.
A very very good product used in aromatherapy and for the manufacture of oils and alcohols.
There are several scientific studies that attribute anti-inflammatory properties to lavender, and it has the virtue that it offers few side effects.
In addition, its involvement in reducing blood pressure and improving circulation is being investigated.
Elements to consider
- Depending on the concentration, it can cause skin irritation.
- Lavender is toxic if ingested.
Chamomile
Classification
- Scientific evidence: 3,5/5
- Safety: 4/5
Within medicinal plants, chamomile is a historical plant. Its applications number in the hundreds, although the scientific community has subtracted a large number of these benefits by not finding sustainable evidence.
Active principles of chamomile
- Bisabololol: sesquiterpene with skin healing properties.
- Camazulene: this compound can be found in the properties of chamomile and wormwood. It has anti-inflammatory activity.
- Organic acids (antémic, caffeic, peptic and salicylic).
- Tigalic acid: it is used as a perfume and flavouring agents.
- Alcohols (geraniol, borneol, farnesol).
- Apigenin: a flavone that induces autophagy (cell recycling) and has chemopreventive properties and other very interesting effects.
Still, it continues to be studied and discovered new potential health effects, beyond the benefits on digestion that have always been attributed.
Improves digestive health: reduces muscle spasms, gastric inflammations, gas and nausea. In addition, it regulates intestinal microbiology.
Relieves stress and anxiety: Compounds such as tiglic acid favor states of relaxation and is used in aromatherapy.
Helps you sleep better: the phytocompoun apigenin acts on brain receptors to reduce states of insomnia.
Applications on the skin: It has anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties.
Elements to consider
- It can have small side effects, such as allergic reactions.
- It could interact with blood-thinning medications.