African Star Grass

African Star Grass

African Star Grass

Scientific names: Hypoxis rooperi

Other common names: African potato

This member of the Hypoxidaceae (Amaryllidaceae) family, a perennial herbaceous plant native of South-East African regions. The part of the plant usually used is made from a dark brown or black tuber, which presents a yellow pulp. Hypoxis roopery is traditionally known as a “miracle plant” because it has been traditionally used for a wide array of human aliments, including cancers, diabetes, infections, nervous disorders, immune-related illnesses, heart weaknesses, and urinary problems

HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN STAR GRASS

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Uses

Hypoxis rooperi—also known as African star grass, African potato, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, or yellow star—belongs to the Hypoxidaceae (Amaryllidaceae) family, a perennial herbaceous plantnative of South-East African regions. The part of the plant usually used is made from a dark brown or black tuber, which presents a yellow pulp. Hypoxis roopery is traditionally known as a “miracle plant” because it has been traditionally used for a wide array of human aliments, including cancers, diabetes, infections, nervous disorders, immune-related illnesses, heart weaknesses, and urinary problems [1]. Botanical formulations based on Hypoxis rooperi became popular as far back as 1967, when R.W. Liegenberg initiated the use of Hypoxis phytosterols, β-sitosterol, and its glucoside products. The product, marketed as Harzol is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy which gained wide acceptance in Germany [2].

View Important Precautions

Active Constituents of African Star Grass

Botanical formulations based on Hypoxis rooperi became popular as far back as 1967, when R.W. Liegenberg initiated the use of Hypoxis phytosterols, β-sitosterol, and its glucoside

Mechanism of Action:

The pharmacological effects of Hypoxis could be attributed to sterols. In particular, β-sitosterol is postulated to have antiandrogenic and antiinflammatory properties increasing, in the stromal cells of human prostate, the TGF-β1 expression, and protein kinase C-alpha activity [7,8]. The mechanism of action of this tuber is not well known; from preclinical studies it does not seem to inhibit 5-α-reductase. In vitro, has been shown to have antiinflammatory activity, by inhibiting the cytokine production, COX-1 and COX-2 activity, by reducing the activity of transcription factors, and it might interfere with the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins [3].

Clinical Studies

The most recent systematic review of its efficacy of beta-sitosterols for BPH was undertaken in 1999 by Wilt et colleagues encompassing three different products: Harzol, Azuprostat, and WA184, all of which have different amounts of β-sitosterol. Five hundred and nineteen men from four randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials (lasting 4–26 weeks) were assessed. Three trials used nonglucosidic β-sitosterols and one utilized a preparation that contained 100% B-sitosteryl-B-d-glucoside. Two of the four studies reported an improvement in IPSS score of roughly 35% over placebo. All studies reported an improvement in maximum flow rate of around 45% against placebo but β-sitosterols did not reduce prostate size [4].

Parts Used

Rhizome

Additional Resources

[1] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:148-149

[2] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:150-151

[3] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:152-153

[4] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:154

Pregnancy and lactation

The safety of African Star Grass has not been established. In view of the lack of toxicity data and the documented hormonal activity, the use of African Star Grass during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Babassu

Babassu

Babassu

Scientific names: Orbygnya Speciosa

Other common names: Babassu Coconut, Babassu Palm Tree

Babassu is the common name of a Brazilian native palm tree called Orbignya speciosa, whose kernels are commonly used (eaten entirely or as a grounded powder), in parts of Brazil for the treatment of urinary disorders

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common complaint among aging men and are usually caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A number of medical treatments for LUTS/BPH exist, such as α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phytotherapeutical drugs and combination therapies. [1]. 

TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF BABASSU

 Immune Support, Men, Urinary Tract Support

Uses

Among the parts used for medicinal purposes, leaves, roots, and fruits should be highlighted. Leaves and roots are used as tea for pain and wound healing, while fruits are used in a much bigger scale: mesocarp floor and milk are used for the treatment of gastritis, hepatitis, osteoporosis, skin wounds, and leukorrhea; liquid albumen is used as eyedrops to treat conjunctivitis; and the seed oil is used as laxative, vermifuge, and anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of myiasis, mycosis, skin wounds, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea and female genital inflammation, and spider bites

Microemulsions containing babassu oil, may act as new and potentially efficient therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia due to their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects and improve human immune system function by increasing superoxide anion release, phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes, and antimicrobial activities [2].

View Important Precautions

 Chemistry of Babassu oil

Babassu oil is composed mainly of saturated fatty acids (80-91%),  such  as  lauric  acid  (43-50%),  myristic  acid  (15-18%), palmitic acid (6-10%), capric acid (4-6%), caprylic acid (0-5%) and stearic acid (3-5%); the remainder is unsaturated fatty acids (9-20%), in which oleic acid (12-19%) and linoleic acid (1-3%) are present.

Parts Used

Kernels

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21396436?report=abstract.
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753019/

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Hoary Willowherb

Hoary Willowherb

Hoary Willowherb

Scientific names: Epilobium parviflorum

Other common names: Small Flowered Willow Herb, Willow Herb

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HOARY WILLOWHERB

Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Description:

Willow Herb is a herbaceous, perennial plant, reaching about 1 meter in height. Leaves are alternate and lanceolate on very short stems, forming a rosette close to the ground. Flowers are small (5-8 millimeters in diameter), solitary in the leaf axils, four-petaled and purplish or pale-pink in color. Fruit is a slender red capsule. Seeds are black and tiny, encased in a fluffy fiber, which can easily get carried by wind.   

Uses

Willow Herb had been traditionally used in treatments of numerous conditions: prostate enlargement, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), gastrointestinal disorders, kidney and bladder disorders, rectal bleeding, menstrual disorders, cystitis, urinary infections, diarrhea, mouth lesions and irritable bowel syndrome. Now, after thorough researches, Willow Herb has been recognized as a powerful herb against bladder and kidney ailments, various urinary tract disturbances and especially helpful in cases of prostate disorders. Tea made from the Willow herb can be a very beneficial treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It has also been useful in controlling urinary incontinence in both men and women. Made into an ointment, it can soothe skin problems in children.

View Important Precautions

Useful Components of Hoary Willowherb

Flavorglycosides (especially derivatives of kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin), b-sitosterol, various esters of sitosterol and sitosterol glucoside, gallic acid derivatives.

Parts Used

Whole plant

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Pygeum

Pygeum

Pygeum

Scientific names: Pygeum africanum

Other common names: African plum tree

This member of the Palmaceae/Arecaceae plant family is native to the southeastern part of the US and West Indies and was used by tribes such as the Mikasuki Seminoles for making baskets, rope, brushes, and other useful items as well as for a food and medicine source. It has been used for at least 150 years in North America as a complete genito-urinary tonic for men as well as for some conditions in Women. Finley Ellingwood; M.D. wrote about these uses in his work called; The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy in 1919. It was also given a nod in King’s American Dispensatory written by a doctor (Harvey Wickes Felter) and a pharmacist (John Uri Lloyd) in 1898. They mention its use for various respiratory ailments as well including laryngitis.

TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PIGEUM

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Uses  

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking pygeum by mouth reduces symptoms of BPH such as low urine flow. Taking a product containing pygeum, pumpkin seed oil, Epilobium parviflorum, lycopene, and saw palmetto once daily seems to decrease the number of times men with BPH need to urinate during the day and night [1].

Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia [2]

BACKGROUND: 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate, can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH has been growing steadily. The extract of the African prune tree, Pygeum africanum, is one of the several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH.

MAIN RESULTS: 

A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1562 men met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Pygeum africanum provided a moderately large improvement in the combined outcome of urologic symptoms and flow measures as assessed by an effect size defined by the difference of the mean change for each outcome divided by the pooled standard deviation for each outcome. Men using Pygeum africanum were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms

REVIEWER’S CONCLUSIONS: 

A standardized preparation of Pygeum africanum may be a useful treatment option for men with lower urinary symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the reviewed studies were small in size, were of short duration, used varied doses and preparations and rarely reported outcomes using standardized validated measures of efficacy. Additional placebo-controlled trials are needed as well as studies that compare Pygeum africanum to active controls that have been convincingly demonstrated to have beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. These trials should be of sufficient size and duration to detect important differences in clinically relevant endpoints and use standardized urologic symptom scale scores.

View Important Precautions

Active Constituents of Pygeum 

Pygeum contains several groups of substances, identified and quantified according to modern scientific analytical methods. The most important constituents of the bark are triterpenes, saturated and unsaturated fatty alcohols and acids and their esters.

Parts Used

Bark

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-388/pygeum

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11869585

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto

Scientific names: Serenoa repens

Other common names: American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm, fan palm

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAW PALMETTO

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Saw palmetto berries have been used in American folk medicine for several hundred years as an aphrodisiac and fortreating prostate problems. Native Americans in the southeast United States have used saw palmetto since the 1700s to treat male urinary problems.

A pungent tea made from saw palmetto berries was commonly used in the early 1900s to treat prostate enlargement andurinary tract infections. It was also used in men to increase sperm production and sex drive, although these uses arediscounted today. One of the first published medical recommendations that saw palmetto was effective in treating prostateproblems appeared in the 1926 edition of United States Dispensatory.

Uses

Saw palmetto is primarily used to treat mild to moderate benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), stages I, II. It is also used to treat chronic and subacute cystitis; to increase breast size, sperm count, sexual potency; and as a mild diuretic.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) Action

Saw palmetto has been studied extensively for its use in the treatment of BPH. The herb has been found to decrease both the symptoms of BPH and the swelling of the prostate. A study of a saw palmetto herbal blend versus a placebo noted a decrease in the symptoms and swelling in moderately symptomatic clients with BPH in the experimental group. Saw palmetto extract was shown to inhibit alpha 1-adrenoceptors, which may be involved in the production of urinary tract symptoms of BPH. Another study found that saw palmetto exerts a significant effect on urine flow rates and that it is able to control symptoms effectively [1].

Active Constituents of Saw Palmetto

Carbohydrates Invert sugar 28.2%, mannitol, high molecular weight polysaccharides (e.g. MW 100 000) with galactose, arabinose and uronic acid(1) identified as main sugar components for one. Fixed oils 26.7%. Many free fatty acids and their glycerides. Monoacylglycerides (1-monolaurin, 1-monomyristicin).(2) Oleic acid (unsaturated) and capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid (saturated). Steroids b-Sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and other compounds.(3–5) Other constituents Flavonoids (e.g. rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol),(5) pigment (carotene), resin, tannin and volatile oil 1.5%. Most commercial preparations of saw palmetto contain lipophilic extracts. [2]

 Chemistry:

The principle chemical constituents consist of:

Phytosterols, fatty acids, carbohydrates, monoacylglycerides, and selected other compounds. Of these, the probable active compounds are among the phytosterols, fatty acids and their ethyl esters, and monoacylglycerides.

Parts Used

Berry

Additional Resources

[1] Skidmore-Roth, L. Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs & Supplements, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., Elsevier; 2006:555-557.

[2] Joanne Barnes; Linda A. Anderson; J. David Phillipson. Herbal Medicines, 3rd Ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press 2007:521-529

View Important Precautions

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB