Tag: Heart failure

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Herbs & Plants

Siberian Squill

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Botanical Name:Scilla siberica
Family: Hyacinthaceae/Liliaceae
Other Names: Wood squill or Spring beauty,
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Genus: Scilla
Species: S. siberica

Common Name :Siberian Squill

Habitat:Native to Siberia.

Description:
It is a small perennial plant.This plant grows to 15 cm (6 inches) tall and produces small, violet-blue flowers with blue pollen early in the spring.

It spends the winter as a small bulb, perhaps as big as the end of a little finger. It puts up short, somewhat grassy foliage very early in the spring, produces one or more tiny blue flowers, goes to seed, and disappears by summer.

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This plant can be planted into a lawn, and, if it naturalizes, can give a very pretty early spring display.S. siberica, are grown in gardens for their attractive early spring flowers. It can tolerate light foot traffic while dormant and transplants easily. They are best grown in cool, moist locations with well-drained soil of average fertility. They are very cold-tolerant. It does not do well in hot and/or dry conditions, though it does well in sun or light shade.

Medicinal Uses:
Syrups and tinctures are used as emetics and cathartics as well as diuretics in the treatment of congestive heart failure. It is also used in expectorants to treat lung disorders. It was used by the Greek physician Epimerides hence it is also know as Epemenidiea.

Squill liquid extract, a preparation of powdered squill bulbs extracted in ethanol, is an ingredient in cough medicines and cardiac surgery.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.piam.com/mms_garden/plants.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_squill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scilla

 

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Herbs & Plants

Digitalis Lanata

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Botanical Name:Grecian Foxglove
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Digitalis
Species: D. lanata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
 Kingdom: Plantae

Synonym:Digitalis lamarckii auct. balcan.
Common Name:Woolly Foxglove, Grecian Foxglove
Other Common Names:Ari Quwani [E], Degitalis [E], Grecian Foxglove [H,P,B], Ke-Zigitarisu [E], Sahr Al Kishteban [E],

Habitat:Woodland, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge. Native to Eastern Europe.One of the biggest populations can be found near Bácsalmás in Hungary.
It grows on woods and scrub

Description:
An evergreen biennial/Perennial growing to 0.6m by 0.3m or about 13 to 26 inches. . It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
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The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil.

Digitalus lanata, like some other foxglove species, is highly toxic in all parts of the plant.

Grecian Foxglove produces spikes of white flowers each of which has purple veins. The flower spikes give the plant its height. Flowering occurs in early  summer. Volunteer plants will grow if the plant is allowed to form seed.

Cultivation:
An easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil, especially if it is rich in organic matter. It prefers a neutral to acid soil and also succeeds in dry soils and, once established, is drought tolerant. It prefers semi-shade but succeeds in full sun if the soil is moist.

The Grecian foxglove is cultivated for the medicinally active glycosides that are contained in the leaves. This species is preferred over D. purpurea as a source of glycosides for the pharmaceutical industry.

Plants are either biennial or short-lived perennials.

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.

This species can develop crown rot and root rot when growing in damp conditions.

Propagation: Grow new plants from seed.

Medicinal Uses:
The Grecian foxglove is a widely used herbal medicine with a recognised stimulatory effect upon the heart. It is also used in allopathic medicine as the main source of the cardiac glycosides that are used in the treatment of heart complaints. It has a profound tonic effect upon a diseased heart, enabling the heart to beat more slowly, powerfully and regularly without requiring more oxygen. At the same time it stimulates the flow of urine which lowers the volume of the blood and lessens the load on the heart. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (including digoxin, digitoxin and lanatosides). Digitoxin rapidly strengthens the heartbeat but is excreted very slowly. Digoxin is therefore preferred as a long-term medication.

The leaves are cardiac, diuretic, stimulant and tonic. The leaves should only be harvested from plants in their second year of growth, picked when the flowering spike has grown and about two thirds of the flowers have opened. Harvested at other times, there is less of the medically active alkaloid present. The seed has also been used in the past. The leaves also have a very beneficial effect on the kidneys, they are strongly diuretic and are used with benefit in the treatment of dropsy. Great care should be exercised in the use of this plant, the therapeutic dose is very close to the lethal dose. Their use should always be supervised by a qualified practitioner since in excess they cause nausea, vomiting, slow pulse, visual disturbance, anorexia and fainting.

A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves[9]. It is used in the treatment of cardiac disorders

In 1775 Dr. William Withering, an English physician, discovered the efficacy of Digitalis purpurea in the treatment of severe congestive heart failure. He attributed its efficacy to a diuretic effect and published his findings based on clinical observations in 1785. The pharmacological properties of regulating the heart rate and rhythm and strengthening of the heart muscle were discovered later.
The German ophthalmologist and botanist Ernst Fuchs is responsible for giving foxglove its Latin name in the Linneal binomial system of the naming of plants. To him and others before him, each blossom resembled a thimble, so he arrived at digitalis from the Latin digitus, finger and alis, suffix meaning pertaining to the qualities or characteristics of a finger.
The thimble resemblance of the blossoms is also responsible for the English common name foxglove: “gloves for little folks”, and the common German name der Fingerhut which translates as the finger hat (a thimble).
Digitalis lamarckii auct. balcan. is a, it is still used by some for plants available in horticulture.

Commercial uses:
Digoxin, a drug which is used to treat some heart conditions, is extracted from the leaves of Digitalis lanata.

Known Hazards : All parts of the plant are poisonous.  Unsafe for self-medication. Monitoring by a physician to determine correct dose recommended. For overdose give activated charcoal. Can be fatal especially to children.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis_lanata
http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modzz/00002107.html
http://www.piam.com/mms_garden/plants.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Digitalis+lanata

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Herbs & Plants

Pashanabhedi(Coleus forskohlii )

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Botanical Name : Plectranthus barbatus/Coleus forskohlii
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Plectranthus
Species: P. barbatus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales

Synonym : Coleus forskohlii

Trade Name : Pashanabhedi
Other Names:Suganda , Makandi
Common names: pashanabhedi, makandi, colforsin, HL-362 , and mao hou qiao rui hua.

In Marathi the plant roots are known as mainmula and especially used for pickles. The pickle is supposed to help strengthen the heart muscles. In Kenya it is also referred to as Kikuyu toilet paper, as in rural areas its leaves are used as such.

Habitat:The plant is native to subtropical and tropical regions of India and east Africa. A synonym is C. barbatus.Grows on the dry slopes on the indian plains and in the foothills of the himalayas.

Description:Coleus forskohlii is an aromatic perennial, with an erect stem and tuber like roots, reaching 60 cm. .Grows and cultivated throughout India.
Stem is square in shape and are usually extremely fragrant due to their large content of essential oil. The plant  is 1 to 2 feet tall having teardrop striking leaves, shimmering green framing a bright purple center; leaf color differs with the amount of shade. Flowers are of pale purple or blue color.

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Propagation : Forskolin, Coleous root

Parts Used :  Leaves and Roots.

Chemistry:
Herbal teas made from Plectranthus barbatus contains rosmarinic acid and also flavonoid glucuronides and diterpenoids. The chemical constituents of Plectranthus barbatus showed interesting activities in vitro, such as antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Forskolin is one of the most extensively studied constituents of P. barbatus.

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Medicinal Uses : Coleus has been used as a medical herb to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia and convulsions. Forskolin may also assist in dilating blood vessels and improving the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood.It may help to reduce blood pressure and improved heart function in people with cardiomyopathy. It is found effective in skin conditions as eczema and psoriasis. It can aid in weight loss due to its ability to breakdown stored fat.

The root is used for a myriad of medicinal purposes. According to the ancient Sanskrit texts, coleus has been used as a medical herb to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia and convulsions. It also lowers blood pressure, antispasmodic, dilates the blood vessels.

It is found to be effective in skin conditions as eczema and psoriasis. Coleus is primarily indicated for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, congestive heart failure and angina. It is also used for asthma, intestinal colic, uterine cramps as well as painful urination. Coleus can aid in digestive and malabsorption disorders through its ability to stimulate secretion of saliva, hydrochloric acid, pepsin, amalyase and pancreatic enzymes and increase nutrient absorption in the small intestine. It accelerates the breakdown of existing fat stores and promotes healthy cardiovascular function, lowers elevated blood pressure. Useful in treatment for eczema and other allergic condition. The oil finds useful applications in flavor and fragrance preparations as well as in aromatherapy.

Home remedy:
It is widely used as a home remedy in South America among both urban and rural developments, sometimes confused with the native plant with similar properties but different uses, boldo.

The Brazilian name is boldo brasileiro (Portuguese pronunciation: , as opposed to the Chilean true boldo), boldo-da-terra , boldo-de-jardim or tapete-de-Oxalá , and it is used to alleviate digestive problems, particularly liver-related ones, such as headaches caused by hangovers and other consumption of alcohol, as well as excessive fat content in food.

The traditional Brazilian use consists in finely macerating three big, healthy leaves inside a 200ml cup with an impermeable wand, such as the holding extremity of a fork or a spoon, adding water and drinking the bitter juice, but not the leaves. More water is immediately added, without further maceration, and drank 2 hours after. The process is repeated once more. Leaves should be taken from the plant after the sunrise and before the sunset.

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
This species and other related species were used in Ayurvedic medicine under the name pashanabhedi for heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions. It was studied for cardiovascular activity in 1974 by scientists from Hoechst India and the Central Drug Research Institute of India in screening programs that examined medicinal plants.

Cardiovascular effects
Forskolin has been shown to dilate the blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure, increasing the contractility of the heart, and inhibiting platelet aggregation in patients. Because of its multiple sites of action, it should be used with caution. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of forskolin for antithrombotic effects. Forskolin has shown positive effects in human heart tissues. More clinical studies are needed.

Asthma
Forskolin has been shown to relax contracted airways in humans. A small human study found that inhaled forskolin powder formulations were capable of causing bronchodilation in asthma patients. Further clinical study is necessary.

Contraindications
Avoid use in patients on anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and vasodilators because of additive effects. Avoid use with ulcers because of stimulation of gastric acid, and in diabetes due to stimulation of lipid release and gluconeogenesis.

Pregnancy/nursing
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Interactions
May have additive effects with anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and vasodilators.

Side Effects
Avoid use with ulcers because of stimulation of gastric acid and in diabetes due to stimulation of lipid release and gluconeogenesis.

You may click to see:->for more knowledge in medicinal uses of forskolin :
Research Update:Coleus forskohlii,Forskolin :

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.drugs.com/npc/forskolin.html
http://apmab.ap.nic.in/products.php?&start=30
http://www.motherherbs.com/coleus-forskohlii.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectranthus_barbatus

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News on Health & Science

Anger Alert for Heart

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Episodes of anger may lead to potentially lethal abnormal heart rhythms in patients with heart disease and those who are survivors of heart attacks, a medical study has suggested.

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The study by researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine in the US is the first to show how emotion triggers a distinct pattern of electrical activity that contributes to arrhythmias — abnormal heart rhythms.

The researchers who monitored a group of 62 patients found that those with high levels of anger-induced electrical cardiac activity called T-wave alternans were more likely to experience arrhythmias than patients with low levels of this electrical activity.

Anger appeared to increase the risk of arrythmias by up to 10 times. The findings will appear shortly in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

“Our study identified individuals vulnerable to increased electrical instability due to emotion,” said Rachel Lampert, associate professor of medicine at Yale who has been exploring how mental stress can disturb heart rhythms.

The researchers studied patients with heart problems who had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators — small, battery-powered devices in the chest from where they constantly monitor the heart rate and rhythm.

When the device detects abnormal heart rhythms, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart muscle to stop the arrhythmia and return the heart to its normal rhythm.

The study examined incidence of arrhythmias over three years and found that patients with arrhythmias had higher T-wave alternans induced by anger than patients who had not experienced arrhythmias.

Arrhythmias of concern are rare in healthy people. “The implications of our findings are for the increasing number of people who have survived a heart attack or are living with heart failure,” Lampert told The Telegraph.

Cardiologists believe it is important to identify patients who are at risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias. The results suggest that therapy to help patients deal with anger and other negative emotions may reduce arrhythmias, said Lampert.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Diagnonistic Test

Arterial Blood Flow Studies of the Legs (Segmental Doppler Pressures)

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What is the test?
People who have leg pain when exercising may need an evaluation to make sure they have normal blood flow through their leg arteries. Normally blood pressure is similar whether it is measured in the legs or in the arms. If blood pressure is lower in the legs, it usually means that cholesterol buildup inside the leg arteries is interfering with circulation. By taking accurate blood pressure measurements at different locations along your legs, your doctors can determine if you have any arterial narrowing and, if so, where.

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In order to get accurate blood pressure measurements, your doctor uses a technique called Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound is a painless way to detect blood flowing through a small artery. It uses sound waves and a type of sonar detection system to make noise when blood flow is detected. For arterial studies of the legs (called segmental Doppler pressures), Doppler ultrasound is used in place of the stethoscope that doctors usually use when taking blood pressures.

Why This Test is Done:
Blood flow studies measure the flow of blood through arteries and veins as well as blood pressure. Two methods for performing blood flow studies include a duplex study (using Doppler ultrasound) and plethysmography. The duplex study measures blood flow through the veins and arteries. Plethysmography uses sophisticated blood pressure readings to measure changes in blood volume in a specific blood vessel.

Fast Facts:
*Blood flow studies help researchers find treatments for exercise intolerance in heart failure patients.

* Arterial blood flow studies of the legs (segmental Doppler pressures) help physicians diagnose leg pain.

* Blood flow studies improve the diagnosis and treatment of epicondylitis, which is commonly known as tennis elbow

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What is Peripheral Artery Disease(PAD)

What happens when the test is performed?
You lie on a table and a technician or doctor wraps blood pressure cuffs around one of your legs in four or five locations (including the thigh, calf, and ankle). He or she then squirts some clear jelly onto your skin to help the Doppler sensor (which resembles a wand or pen) slide around easily and to help conduct sound waves through your skin.

Each blood pressure cuff is inflated two times. The first time, the cuff is only inflated part way so that it exerts a gentle pressure on your leg. The cuff sends information to a computer about the size of your leg and how elastic your arteries seem to be as the pressure is increased. A wavy line that signifies your blood flow appears on a video screen.

The second time, each cuff is inflated to exert more pressure on your leg. This temporarily cuts off circulation in the leg. Many patients briefly experience some cramping pain in the calf or thigh (similar to the sensation you experience when a blood pressure cuff is inflated around your arm). As the cuff is deflated, the doctor places a Doppler sensor against your foot to detect the moment when blood flow starts up again. (When it does, you will hear a noise that sounds like your heartbeat.) Checking the air pressure of the deflating cuff at this time shows the leg blood pressure.

After all the cuffs on one side have been tested, the other leg is checked in the same way. For comparison, you also have your blood pressure checked in each arm using the Doppler Technique. The whole test usually takes 45 minutes.

Some patients have their leg pressures checked both before and after exercise. If this is the case for your test, you are asked to walk on a treadmill for a short time and then have the test again afterward. The exercise version of this test takes more time.

How do you prepare for the test?
You may want to wear shorts for this exam, and your feet should be bare during the test. If you are not wearing shorts, you may have to change into a hospital gown.

Risk Factors: There are no risks.

Must you do anything special after the test is over?
The jelly will be wiped off. You will have no side effects from the test.

How long is it before the result of the test is known?
Your doctor should receive a formal report within a few days.

Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/diagnostics/arterial-blood-flow-studies-of-the-legs.shtml
http://organizedwisdom.com/Blood_Flow_Studies

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