_-1_0

Author: Ivelina Yankova, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

_-1_1

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?

Why does the new coronavirus strain, Omicron, raise everyone's concerns?

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?_0_0

On November 9, 2021, a person positive for SARS-CoV-2 was registered in South Africa. "Nothing new" you are probably telling yourself. On November 25, it was established that in fact this person had been infected with a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 – B.1.1.529, later called Omicron. This new strain was first isolated at Botswana's Harvard H.I.V. Reference Laboratory in Gaborone. Since then, the virus has spread and continues to spread steadily, little by little reaching different parts of the world. Just two or three weeks later, on November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Omicron a "variant of concern" - a term of the most serious category that the WHO uses only when the strain in mind has global public health significance (1).

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?_0_1

Scientists have discovered more than 30 mutations in the spike protein gene (S) alone and over 50 in total in the virus genome (2). Mutations in the S protein are the most disturbing ones because it is the means of the virus by which it manages to enter our cells. Once inside, the virus takes away the cells' replication control and forces them to make copies. Thus, the virus ensures the production of a sufficient amount of copies, which eventually causes the appearance of symptoms in people. Due to the large number of mutations, it is believed that Omicron will be able to enter the cells faster and therefore multiply faster.

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?_0_2

Mutations in the S gene are not a new event we face (other variants, such as Delta, also have S-gene mutations) and they are not the cause of surprise in scientists. What is surprising is the number of mutations. In order to collect so many mutations in one place, the virus must have had time to acquire them. Therefore, scientists believe that the strain was born in the body of a person with immunodeficiency disease, where the immune response teams are very few and very weak and have allowed the virus to play with its genes before they could kill it. Because of that, it is very important that people with immunodeficiency disease take proper security measures and are monitored and tested as needed.

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?_0_3

Despite the large number of mutations in the specific gene of the virus, they are not enough on their own to proclaim Omicron a "variant of concern". What is needed and unfortunately available in this case is a specific place of mutation to make the virus more dangerous. In Omicron's case, scientists believe the virus will be more easily transmitted from person to person. In combination with the large number of mutations in the S gene, this strain may be able to avoid antibodies that some people have already built from another strain or from a vaccine.

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?_0_4

Every day scientists around the world work to understand the epidemiology, degree of contagion and danger of Omicron.

Why-does-the-new-coronavirus-strain,-Omicron,-raise-everyone's-concerns?_0_5

What's-the-point-of-antibodies?

What's the point of antibodies?

What's-the-point-of-antibodies?_1_0

The way antibodies work is by recognizing specific particles of the virus.

What's-the-point-of-antibodies?_1_1

When the virus first enters our organism, it is detected by specific immune cells that lead to the degradation of the virus to small particles. These cells, called dendritic cells, snatch different particles from the degraded virus (hooking them to their receptors so that all other cells can see them) and carry them to the lymph nodes. There, another type of cells (T cells) are activated and they then go to activate the B cells that are responsible for producing antibodies. This process is long and takes several days for the antibodies to develop after an initial encounter with the infection, and usually a person has developed symptoms by then.

What's-the-point-of-antibodies?_1_2

If a person has already encountered the virus, when they re-encounter it, the memory cells (these store the data of each infection that a person has had) react immediately and the antibodies are produced much faster, ensuring security for human health. The job of the vaccine is to create these antibodies without the need for disease, and when meeting the virus, the body reacts as if it had already encountered it, therefore clearing the invader quickly before getting sick.

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?

Should we get vaccinated in the light of the new strain – Omicron?

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_0

Despite doubts that Omicron may be able to avoid the effect of antibodies that some of us have built so hard, scientists are advising people to get vaccinated. Why:

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
At least some of the antibodies will be able to do their job.
</li>
</ul>

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_2

Omicron has many mutations in the S gene, which gives information on how to build the spike protein (this protein represents the characteristic spikes on the surface of coronavirus-class viruses). When the virus enters our organism, it binds, through the spike protein, to our receptors on the surface of our cells and thus enters them and begins to multiply.

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_3

Similarly, the antibodies we have built from the vaccine bind to the spike protein to neutralize it. Since the mechanism of binding of antibodies and receptors to the virus is the same, if the antibodies cannot bind to the spike protein of the virus, then the virus will not be able to bind to the receptors of our cells to ensure access to their inside.

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_4

Since we don't know about another way in which SARS-CoV-2 gives itself access to the inside of our cells, this suggests that the virus, even containing many mutations, manages to bind to the receptors and enter our cells. This shows that the virus has been altered just as much as to provide new advantages over old strains (faster multiplication, faster infection between humans), but retaining the necessary genes to enter the cells.

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_5

Therefore, the antibodies we have will also be able to bind to the virus, leading to its destruction. What is possible is that some of the antibodies may not be able to bind to the spike protein. That is why it is even more advisable to vaccinate - by increasing the number of antibodies, we will also increase the number of these antibodies that can bind to the new strain of the virus.

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_6

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Cells that produce the antibodies can change their settings and start generating different antibodies
</li>
</ul>

Should-we-get-vaccinated-in-the-light-of-the-new-strain-–-Omicron?_2_7

B cells in the blood are the ones that produce the antibodies. If they produce one type of antibody and then in the next minute T cells signal an invader they have not seen before, then B cells can immediately change their settings and start generating another type of antibodies that are specific to the new virus. Since, as I mentioned earlier, it takes a few days to produce the new antibodies, it is good to have some of the old ones, which will certainly delay the initial reproduction of the virus and thus provide a shorter period of illness and milder symptoms.

What-is-sterilizing-immunity?

What is sterilizing immunity?

What-is-sterilizing-immunity?_3_0

The work of vaccines is just that – to create sterilizing immunity. This is when the virus is neutralized even before it has the opportunity to enter our cells. Soldiers who fight the virus in the extracellular space are the antibodies we have built up thanks to vaccines. About 50-75 % of COVID19 vaccines achieve this effect, and with Omicron, the expectation is that these rates will drop (3). This is another reason why it is advisable to vaccinate – to allow more antibodies to fight the virus and neutralize it in a timely manner before it begins to multiply – to give our body a chance to create sterilizing immunity.

What-is-sterilizing-immunity?_3_1

Zimmer, C., (2021). New Virus Variant Stokes Concern but Vaccines Still Likely to Work. New York Times.

Mandavilli, A., (2021). Omicron carries scary mutations. That doesn't mean they work well together. New York Times.

Bubb, E., (2021). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey Technical Article: Impact of vaccination on testing positive in the UK: October 2021. Office for National Statistics.

Tea is the second most common drink after water. Tea, which is prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant is 3 types: green, oolong and black - depending on the degree of oxidation of the leaves. The most oxidized are the leaves of black tea, not so much of the oolong tea and the leafs of green tea are not oxidized at all.

9 unexpected health benefits of green tea and how to prepare it

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/88f621f4-326c-4936-993d-8015cd6b0d91_middle.jpg

How to prevent premature aging of the skin and the formation of wrinkles? What herbs and cosmetics to use for keeping your skin young longer?

13 ways to prevent skin aging

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/f8329f49-e874-47e2-95bf-c9dd52de8953_middle.jpg

Fasting is becoming more and more popular among different groups of people – from active sports to obese people. The reason is that fasting, also known as intermittent fasting, has noticeable benefits both on our appearance and on our health. Its impact on diseases such as diabetes, dementia and cardiovascular disease is the subject of increased scientific interest and research.

Are there really benefits of fasting 

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e6873b61-e643-45b4-864b-a4a97e5fc275_middle.jpg

Brewer's yeast is a rich source of B vitamins, the biologically active form of chromium, as well as potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium and proteins. It can increase the energy and resistance of the body, improve digestion, glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes, may help for beautiful and healthy skin and hair.

6 Health Benefits of Brewer's Yeast

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/6ee35e69-c671-4d86-9246-fbd62fb5e7a3_middle.png

The desire for faster results, greater strength and endurance and accumulation of muscle mass sometimes lead active athletes to the decision to take supplements. It is well known that "chemistry" harms you, and yet it remains the easier choice. But here's nature to help.

Love active sports? Here are the herbs you need for strength and endurance

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/ff27bf16-79d7-4703-9c9d-2f6743d8f870_middle.jpg

I have a loving partner by my own and we feel ready for the most responsible step - to create a child. But what do I have to do before I get pregnant?

What should you do before you get pregnant

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/2341f44e-4a7a-49d0-9dc4-76ee54c5f27c_middle.jpg

Insomnia is the medical term for insomnia. It is a widespread condition that affects sleep quality and inevitably affects our productivity during the day. Perhaps you also wonder if you do not suffer from it, if you don't easily fall asleep or wake up too often at night, and during the day you feel drowsy and lethargic. In this article, we will look at what may be the reasons that lead to insomnia and whether you can help yourself.

What is insomnia and how to deal with it

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/19dfd628-1459-452a-a70b-10fbb06db453_middle.jpg

Gin hides its origin not as a summer drink, but as a healing agent in the arsenal of traditional medicine.

Healing Properties of Juniper - The Secret of Gin 

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e5142936-57aa-48df-8241-b28be420c0ae_middle.jpg

Should we get vaccinated in the light of the new SARS-CoV-2 strain, Omicron?

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/78f61033-5e26-47ea-99e2-f67849920719_middle.jpg

 Should we get vaccinated in the light of the new SARS-CoV-2 strain,

Ивелина Янкова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

_-1_2

In these troubled pandemic times, many people resort to self-treatment with home remedies and herbs. This is not recommended by doctors, but it is a fact and it is important to understand what the benefits and risks are.

_-1_3

Unfortunately, there are no clinical trials yet on the effectiveness of herbs in the treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, we decided to provide our readers with information about medicinal plants that are reported in the scientific literature that may support symptomatic treatment of influenza and other respiratory infections. We will also identify the potential dangers of using certain medicinal plants in the case of COVID-19.

_-1_4

According to an overview published in the end of September 2020 in Frontiers in Pharmacology [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/covid_19_is_there_evidence_for_the_use_of_herbal_medicines_as_adjuvant_symptomatic_therapy_33071794" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>], the risk assessment was positive for the use of 5of the studied herbs (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix and Sambucus nigra) and promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, essential oil from&nbsp;Eucalyptus globulus, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale).

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_0

Marshmallow herb can suppress cough and reduce irritation through anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the respiratory tract.

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_1

Traditionally the herb is used in the treatment of colds and symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infection. Data on the administration of marshmallow lead to the conclusion that it can alleviate the early symptoms of COVID-19.

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_2

No serious side effects have been reported from taking this herbal remedy, it has high safety profile.

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_3

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_4

How it is prepared: 0.5–5 g in 150 ml of water as an infusion, three times a day. Marshmallow root syrup is also a common preparation in a daily dose of 2-8 ml.

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_5

What it contains: polysaccharides (they are responsible for the mucus consistency of the extract) - galacturonormanans, arabins, glucans; flavonoids (e.g. kaempferol); phenolic acids; coumarin (scopoletin); tannins.

Marshmallow-(Althaea-officinalis)_0_6

Special requirements for use: the absorption of other medicines taken simultaneously with marshmallow may be delayed due to the presence of mucilage in the herb extract. As a precautionary measure, all preparations with marshmallow should be taken at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before or after taking other medicines, minerals or vitamins.

Myrrh-(Commiphora-molmol)

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)

Myrrh-(Commiphora-molmol)_1_0

It is synonymous with Commiphora myrrha, African myrrh, herabol myrrh, Somali myrrhor, common myrrh, or gum myrrh. Myrrh preparations appear to have a supportive effect as a painkiller and to relieve respiratory symptoms. However, their effect appears after a few weeks, thus exceeding the normal, uncomplicated development of COVID-19. It contains sesquiterpenes.

Myrrh-(Commiphora-molmol)_1_1

No serious safety concerns have been reported for this herb and it can be assessed as highly safe.

Myrrh-(Commiphora-molmol)_1_2

Myrrh-(Commiphora-molmol)_1_3

How it is prepared: it is preferable to use a commercial preparation of a certain composition, such as tincture (0.5–5 ml in 150 ml of water for rinsing or gargling three times a day).

Myrrh-(Commiphora-molmol)_1_4

Special requirements for use: due to the uterine-stimulating effect, products containing myrrh resin should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Simultaneous use of myrrh with theophylline (dimethylxanthine, which is used in the treatment of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or cyclosporin A (immunosuppressive drug) should be avoided.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_2_0

Liquorice can be useful for relieving respiratory symptoms, having a soothing&nbsp; effect on the respiratory tract - against cough and sore throat.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_2_1

The safety of the herb can be assessed as high, although it should be avoided by some risk groups. Patients suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease, liver or cardiovascular disorders or hypokalaemia (low levels of potassium in the blood) should avoid taking licorice. Short-term use seems safe for patients without serious illnesses.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_2_2

How it is prepared: 1.5 g roots in 150 ml, take the herbal decoction twice a day.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_2_3

What it contains: saponins (glycyrrhizin); triterpenes (glycyrrhetinic acid); flavonoids; coumarins; essential oil.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_2_4

Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)

Common ivy (Hedera helix)

Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)_3_0

Preparations containing ivy extract can be useful for symptomatic relief of respiratory diseases by its expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract.

Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)_3_1

In many countries, licensed preparations are regulated for use in children. Safety of medicines containing ivy can be assessed as high, since side effects have only been observed with overdose - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There is no evidence of interactions with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)

Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)_3_2

How to use: a pharmaceutical preparation with a certain chemical profile and an adequate dose should be used. Common ivy is poisonous!

Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)_3_3

What it contains: flavonoids and other phenols; polyacetylenes; saponins and essential oils (β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, lemon, α- and β-pinene and sabinene as main components).

Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)_3_4

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)_4_0

Black elderberry is also known as elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry. The dried flowers of the plant can alleviate conditions such as fever and inflammation of the respiratory tract, to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, to relieve headaches and as an expectorant. Elderberry has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (lowers fever) effects.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)_4_1

Clinical evidence is good and it is considered that this herbal remedy has a high level of safety.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)_4_2

How to use: 2–5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml as an infusion, 2-3 times a day. Or 3–6 g of dried flowers in 150 ml as a decoction, 2-3 times a day.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)_4_3

What it contains: flavonoids such as kaempferol, astragalin, quercetin, rutin; triterpenes (α- and β-amyrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid); sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol); phenolic acids and their corresponding glycosides (chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids); and essential oil.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)_4_4

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19

Other medicinal plants and herbs that may serve as complementary treatment for COVID-19

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19_5_0

The authors of the review also identified 12 more herbs that provide encouraging results on safety and effectiveness as complementary treatment for infectious respiratory diseases, in particular COVID-19. They are:

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19_5_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garlic (Allium sativum) - 2-4 g of fresh garlic cloves per day, but avoid garlic when taking blood-thinning drugs - it can cause bleeding.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Green chiretta (Andrographis paniculata) - may be beneficial for mild symptoms. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"> Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea) - the benefit of echinacea in the treatment of colds has been confirmed, but theoretically it can affect the immune response in an unusual way in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no evidence to support this; another theoretical risk is the damage to the liver in the seriously ill, who need to be anesthetised. [<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2020/2560645/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus&nbsp;(Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil - can relieve cough, but should not be used in young children under the age of 2.5 years.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis bark) - used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to treat asthma, allergic diseases, as well as relieve headaches, muscle pain and fever, but its active ingredient (magnolol) can enhance the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the cell.</li>
</ul>

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19_5_2

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19_5_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">African geranium or South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) - can alleviate symptoms at the beginning of respiratory disease, but it is good to stop taking it if the disease worsens due to immunomodulatory properties of the herb, which can cause an unexpected effect.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anise (Pimpinella anisum) - may provide some relief to the initial symptoms of COVID-19, especially in asthma sufferers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Willow (Salix sp.) - it has an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect, but it is not advisable to use with aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs, since it has the same properties and there is a risk of bleeding.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - it has an anti-inflammatory effect, but in high doses it may affect blood clotting, it&nbsp;is contraindicated for sufferers of gallstones, stomach irritation and high blood pressure.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freshcut, chambá or carpintero (Justicia pectoralis) - this herb has an anti-inflammatory effect, but it is contraindicated to use with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood-thinning drugs, since it contains coumarin.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guaco (Mikania glomerata) - may relieve cough and help with asthma, but also contains coumarin and is contraindicated to use with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood-thinning drugs.</li>
</ul>

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19_5_4

Herbs to avoid when taking aspirin, nurofen and paracetamol

Other-medicinal-plants-and-herbs-that-may-serve-as-complementary-treatment-for-COVID-19_5_5

Herbs are not a "magic wand" for solving problems caused by influenza, COVID-19 or any other coronavirus. They cannot prevent viral infection, but they can alleviate symptoms and potentially improve the general condition of patients, especially when the severity of the disease is little. Complicated flu or coronavirus infection requires medical treatment and specialized help.

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/covid_19_is_there_evidence_for_the_use_of_herbal_medicines_as_adjuvant_symptomatic_therapy_33071794" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?</a> , 2020, Frontiers in Pharmacology

Traditional Herbal Medicine Candidates as Complementary Treatments for COVID-19: A Review of Their Mechanisms, Pros and Cons, 2020, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

There are various medical methods for the treatment and therapy of cancer, such as chemotherapy, interventional oncology, radiation therapy, surgery, hematological oncology, and others. One of the most promising methods is aimed at destroying tumor cells and preventing their metastasis.

A light at the end of the tunnel - cancerous tumors and their "Achilles heel"

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/68279ed8-fde0-4bc7-9278-c5eaadec7a6e_middle.jpg

What are the most famous natural sweeteners, what they are and from which plants are extracted. The answers to these questions can be found in the following article.

Sweetness From Nature Or How To Replace Sugar With Natural Sweeteners

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/aab211f6-1d75-414f-9f31-0a635bc391d4_middle.jpg

In this article, you will learn what health benefits spirulina consumption brings according to science, as well as tips for growing it at home.

5 Reasons Why Spirulina Truly Is A Superfood And How To Grow It Home

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/572eaac7-297b-43c0-a44d-8e9182ff6a8a_middle.jpg

In this article you will find useful information about the healing properties of the broadleaf plantain according to the Iranian traditional medicine and modern science.

The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/655e7fb5-f85f-472a-a503-c7edc468e706_middle.jpg

Hops is well known as it is a major raw material in the production of beer. Interest in this plant is growing not only due to the search and creation of beer with new different flavors, but also for discovering and proving new beneficial properties for our health.

Healing Properties of Hops - The Essential Ingredient of Beer

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/6a071f3f-ae15-4552-940d-5747577e3bf9_middle.jpg

In this article you will find information about the beneficial effects of nettle and learn whether it has the potential to help treat oncological diseases.

Healing Properties of Stinging Nettle and Its Potential in Cancer Treatment

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e49ff731-30e7-49a6-be40-9424ddef2ab0_middle.jpg

In recent years omega-3 fatty acids have gained popularity due to their numerous health benefits. They are an important part of lipid metabolism of animals and play a significant role in human health.

Omega-3 fatty acids: health benefits and sources

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/39024984-92e9-442f-96aa-8e108a16ba26_middle.jpg

5 herbs to relieve mild COVID-19 symptoms and how to prepare them

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/bf1d3bd9-dd47-42e1-9d19-2c74eb24b790_middle.jpg

 5 herbs to relieve mild COVID-19 symptoms and how to prepare them

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Text adaptation: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen) and paracetamol (acetaminophen) are among the most commonly used anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. These medications are also among the most prescribed in connection with both the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, as well as for the relief of side effects after vaccination (fever, headache). Therefore, it is important to know which herbs to avoid in these moments.

Aspirin is also used by many people as a prophylactic agent - in thrombophilia and for maintaining the cardiovascular system, since it has the property of thinning the blood - it is a platelet antiaggregant and prevents the formation of thrombs in blood vessels.

Ibuprofen (known as Nurofen) also belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is among the most commonly used medications for pain relief, fever and suppressing inflammation. The combination of ibuprofen and aspirin can be very dangerous! It is good to avoid taking it with drugs that have anticoagulant and antiaggregant effect (blood thinners).

_-1_5

Due to the accessibility of these drugs and their widespread use, we hardly think&nbsp; about their potential negative interactions with another type of therapy, which we are also used to percieving as harmless - the herbal therapy. In this article you will learn which herbs and medicinal plants should not be taken when using these medications.

_-1_6

The information comes from the article Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_medication_potential_for_adverse_interactions_with_analgesic_drugs_12472978" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].

Aspirin-and-ibuprofen---which-herbs-to-avoid

Aspirin and ibuprofen - which herbs to avoid

Aspirin-and-ibuprofen---which-herbs-to-avoid_0_0

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially aspirin, have the potential to interact with herbal supplements known to have antiplatelet activity with those containing coumarin and with tamarind, which increases the risk of bleeding. It is good not to use these herbs when taking aspirin or ibuprofen to avoid severe bleeding.

Aspirin-and-ibuprofen---which-herbs-to-avoid_0_1

Aspirin-and-ibuprofen---which-herbs-to-avoid_0_2

Herbs with antiplatelet activity:

Aspirin-and-ibuprofen---which-herbs-to-avoid_0_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginkgo biloba,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garlic (Allium sativum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginger (Zingiber officinale),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blueberry (Vaccinium),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dong Quai or also called Danggui and female ginseng (Angelica sinensis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginseng (Panax ginseng),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Turmeric (Curcuma longa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Meadowsweet or mead wort&nbsp;(Filipendula ulmaria)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Willow (Salix) - a substance called salicyl is extracted from the young willow twigs, and then is used to produce aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).</li>
</ul>