Plants and plant materials in phytotherapy
The use of herbal raw materials in dietary supplements has now received exceptional attention. When secondary plant compounds come mentioned in this context, then only a partial aspect is illuminated. The collective term “secondary plant compounds” refers to approximately 100,000 different plant compounds, of which 5,000 to 10,000 occur in human food.
The state of knowledge on the importance of secondary plant substances for human health has increased considerably. It is essential to know that a standard diet contains an estimated 1.5 g of secondary plant substances per day, without reflecting the range of trace elements. With the following groups of raw materials, we try to make a complex topic manageable with a few examples. The selected grouping (spices, essential oils, extracts) is undoubtedly incomplete. Nevertheless, we hope to be able to bring a very complex topic a little closer to the interested parties.
Spices
FennelFoeniculum vulgare
Function: Strengthens the stomach and intestines, diuretic, by colic and stomach cramps (generally for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract).
GalgantAlpinia officinarum
Function: Stimulation of digestion, antispasmodic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, flatulence, stomach disorders (functional dyspepsia), for mild spasmodic complaints in the gastrointestinal tract. Herbal medicine uses the essential oil in the rhizome containing gingerols, flavonoids and tannins.
CarawayCarum carvi
Function: Stimulation of digestive glands, antiflatulent and antispasmodic properties, for mild cramps in the stomach, intestines and bile, as well as for nervous heart-stomach complaints. Important ingredient: l-Carvone.
Essential oils
Fennel oilFoeniculum vulgare
Function: Antimicrobial by Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyoogenes un staphyolococcus aureus. Fungicide. Decreases tone and amplitude of gastric muscle, increases both parameters in small intestine and colon. Used for digestive problems, flatulence and diarrhoea.
Ingredients: Anethol, trans- (ca. 68 %); Fenchon (ca. 16 %); Methylchavicol (ca. 5 %).
Majoran oilOriganum majorana
Function: Antgimicrobial, fungicidal, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (and Bacillus Cereus). Use for gastrointestinal cramps. Bile.
Ingredients: Terpinenol (4) (approx. 20 %); γ-Terpines, s (approx. 13 %); Sabines (approx. 8 %); α-Terpines (approx. 8 %); α-Terpineol (approx. 4 %); 1,8-Cineol (approx. 2 %).
Clove oilSyzygium aromaticum
Function: Antioxidant (like oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage).
Ingredients: Eugenol (approx. 87 %); Caryophylls (approx. 5 %); Humulen (approx. 1 %); Eugenylacetat (approx. 4 %).
Peppermint oilMenthae piperita L
Function: Functional stomach, intestinal and biliary problems. Ingredients have antimicrobial, fungicidal (inhibition of mycelium growth of 22 fungal strains), effective with 6 gram-positive and 4 gram-negative bacteria.
Ingredients: Menthol (approx. 40 %); Menthon (approx. 24 %); Isomenthon (approx. 7,5 %); Menthylacetat (approx. 2,5 %); Piperiton (approx. 2,6 %).
Extracts
Example
Liquorice extractGlycyrrhiza glabra
Function: Antibacterial and antimycotic. Application e.g. for gastritis and stomach ulcers. Clinically proven anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. According to current knowledge, anti-inflammatory properties are due to the glycerric acid contained, which also influences the metabolism (no inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesize). The extract influences the migration of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. Licorice extract has an antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory (also liver-protective) effect.