astragalus edulis

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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About 2 million people worldwide die each year from liver disease. Unfortunately, the awareness of the deterioration of the liver comes only when it’s too late and symptoms are already showing. This makes preventive examinations especially important.

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The most common diseases of this organ are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NSCLC), steatosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis), liver cancer, liver failure. Not everyone knows that elevated blood cholesterol levels are also directly related to the liver.

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The liver is the main purifying organ in our body - it has the task of neutralizing toxins and harmful substances that enter the blood. This makes it particularly sensitive to the use of drugs and herbs, especially in some diseases. Therefore, consultation with your doctor is mandatory before you start taking any herb for liver problems to avoid potential hepatotoxicity and additional damage to this extremely important organ.

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IIn this article we will look at herbs that have been shown to help with some liver diseases:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chronic hepatitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cirrhosis</li>
</ul>

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Most of the information is taken from the scientific article "Current Status of Herbal Medicines in Chronic Liver Disease Therapy: The Biological Effects, Molecular Targets and Future Prospects", published in 2016 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Medicinal-plants-for-chronic-hepatitis

Medicinal plants for chronic hepatitis

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Chronic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxic substances such as drugs or alcohol.

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Viral hepatitis is the most common liver disease. Over time, it can develop into fibrosis and cirrhosis. The causative agents are hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Currently, more than 30% of the world's population is infected with HBV.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) - the active substance of licorice is called glycyrrhizin. Various studies have established its various functions in protecting the liver - has an anti-inflammatory effect on the liver by several mechanisms, inhibits the release of viral particles in HCV infection, controls the reproduction of HBV [ref.2], lowers liver enzymes ALT and AST. It is important to keep in mind that prolonged use of licorice can lead to dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure and low levels of potassium in the blood.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - the active substance of milk thistle, with effects on the liver, is silibinin. It is extracted from the seeds of the plant. Inhibits HCV and lowers ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_pilot_study_on_the_liver_protective_effect_of_silybin_phosphatidylcholine_complex_IdB1016_in_chronic_active_hepatitis_8225695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>] Fortunately, no side effects from the use of milk thistle have been identified.</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gale of the wind, Stonebreaker, or Seed-under-leaf (Phyllanthus niruri) - according to some studies, the aqueous extract of the plant can help with viral hepatitis B. Side effects are upper abdominal pain and diarrhea.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) - the substance baikalin from the herb seems to accelerate the regeneration of liver cells and inhibits the onset of programmed cell death (apoptosis).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mongolian milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus)- the aqueous extract of the root of the herb can help with chronic viral hepatitis B and against the occurrence of liver fibrosis. There are no known side effects, but it may interact with some medications.</li>
</ul>

Medicinal-plants-for-fatty-liver-disease-(hepatic-steatosis)

Medicinal plants for fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)

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Hepatic obesity or steatosis is a reversible pathological process in which large vacuoles with triglyceride fat accumulate in the liver cells.

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Fatty liver disease is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption or metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

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Alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD) refers to alcohol-related steatosis, while nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD) means that the primary cause of steatosis is not alcohol. Steatosis predisposes the liver to inflammation and fibrosis.

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In developed countries, fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease, the prevalence of which ranges from about 20% to 60%.

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For those with early stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gradual weight loss is the only solution to prevent the progression of the disease.

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According to recent studies, some herbal products appear to have positive effects on this potentially reversible disease. Both laboratory and clinical studies have suggested that medicinal plants may have a moderate benefit in its treatment.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cardus marianus, Milk thistle, Blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle (Silybum marianum) - after intake of white thistle seed extract, a decrease of hepatic steatosis was observed in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in ultrasound results.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)- according to a clinical trial, the root of Baikal hellebore has a protective effect in alcoholic fatty liver disease&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041008X11003978?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]. In laboratory animals, intake of the herb root extract has been shown to reduce the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, ALT and AST and increase the level of serum HDL-cholesterol.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)&nbsp;- the aqueous extract of the plant has been found to suppress the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent oxidative stress. According to a clinical trial, it lowers serum AST, ALP, insulin, lowers body fat index and insulin resistance index [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_add_on_effects_of_Gynostemma_pentaphyllum_on_nonalcoholic_fatty_liver_disease_16708768" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>].</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) - In laboratory animals, apricots have been found to have the potential to suppress hepatic steatosis through their antioxidant action and reduced serum AST and ALT levels.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v18/i31/4118.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]</li>
</ul>

Medicinal-plants-against-liver-cirrhosis

Medicinal plants against liver cirrhosis

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Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage, it is an extreme complication of chronic liver disease.

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According to a study in Germany, the most common etiologies of liver cirrhosis are associated with alcoholic liver disease (52%), chronic hepatitis C (28%) or hepatitis B (14%) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (6%).

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The pathological hallmark of cirrhosis is the development of fibrosis, which replaces the normal parenchyma. Fibrosis means that non-functional tissue accumulates in the liver, as a scar remains when wounds heal.

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The most effective way to fight cirrhosis is prevention, as the disease is irreversible in itself.

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In this case, the seeds of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and the roots of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, or danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), and East Asian arrowroot, kudzu (Pueraria lobata) have shown beneficial effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Q&amp;A

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Where is the liver located?

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The liver is a large organ located mainly in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm and above the stomach.

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When can you feel liver pain?

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With liver pain, most people feel a dull, throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen. Liver pain can also be felt as a stabbing sensation that takes your breath away. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling or pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder blade.

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The causes of liver pain are the same that were discussed in the article above, but also others: viral hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, liver steatosis, abscess or cyst in the liver, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, Bud-Chiari syndrome, thrombosis of the portal vein, liver cancer, liver injury or gallstones.

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What are the symptoms of liver diesease?

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Liver disease is not always associated with noticeable signs and symptoms. If they do occur, this may include:

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<ul>
<li>Skin and eyes that look yellowish (jaundice),</li>
<li>Abdominal pain and swelling,</li>
<li>Swelling of the legs and ankles,</li>
<li>Dark color of urine,</li>
<li>Pale stool color,</li>
<li>Chronic fatigue,</li>
<li>Itchy skin,</li>
<li>Easy bruising,</li>
<li>Nausea or vomiting,</li>
<li>Loss of appetite.</li>
</ul>

The liver does not hurt. Which are the herbs that can improve its health in the case of hepatitis, steatosis, and cirrhosis

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 The liver does not hurt. Which are the herbs that can improve its

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

As we told <a href="/p/mozhie_li_kitaiskata_traditsionna_mieditsina_da_podpomoghnie_liechieniieto_na_covid_19_66b2086f_3972_41b2_9eec_8869683711c1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>you earlier, 85% of those infected with thenew SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and infected with COVID-19 in China have received not only conventional treatment, but also therapy with herbs from Chinese traditional medicine. In this article we will look separately at each of the herbs that have been used and what science has to tell us about them.

Mongolian-milkvetch-(Astragalus-membranaceus,-synonym-Astragalus-propinquus)

Mongolian milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus, synonym  Astragalus propinquus)

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Astragalus%20membranaceus&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A25087616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Astragalus membranaceus</a> [ref. 1] is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Chinese traditional medicine. The root of the plant is known as Huang Qi. It is used as an immunostimulant, tonic, antioxidant, hepatoprotectant, diuretic, antidiabetic, anticancer and expectorant [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Review_of_the_botanical_characteristics_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology_of_Astragalus_membranaceus_Huangqi_25087616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]. Many of the plants belonging to the same genus contain toxicglycosides or can accumulate dangerous amounts of selenium in themselves, but this is not the case with Astragalus membranaceus.

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Photo by I, Doronenko, Wikipedia

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It is assumed that the plant has many health benefits, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_study_on_the_immune_receptors_for_polysaccharides_from_the_roots_of_Astragalus_membranaceus_a_Chinese_medicinal_herb_15249203" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> including stimulation of the immune system [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_study_on_the_immune_receptors_for_polysaccharides_from_the_roots_of_Astragalus_membranaceus_a_Chinese_medicinal_herb_15249203" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>] <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12800417" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including fatigue, allergies and the common cold. It is also used in heart disease [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12800417" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>], diabetes and others.

Chinese-liquorice-(Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)

Chinese liquorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Glycyrrhizae%20uralensis&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A18177995" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glycyrrhiza uralensis</a> [ref. 5] is also among the 50 most commonly used herbs in Chinese traditional medicine. The root of the plant is used, which has a very sweet taste. Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra - belongs to the same genus.

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Photo by Michael Wolf, Wikipedia

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In pharmacopoeia and traditional medicine, the plant <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_Helicobacter_pylori_flavonoids_from_licorice_extract_12127165" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> is also used to soothe sore throats and as an expectorant in the treatment of cough and bronchitis. Also in the prevention and treatment of gastric and duodenal <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Liquiritin_from_Glycyrrhiza_uralensis_Attenuating_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_via_Reducing_Inflammation_Suppressing_Angiogenesis_and_Inhibiting_MAPK_Signaling_Pathway_30785275" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> ulcers [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_Helicobacter_pylori_flavonoids_from_licorice_extract_12127165" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] (duodenal) and dyspepsia. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of allergic reactions, rheumatism and arthritis [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Liquiritin_from_Glycyrrhiza_uralensis_Attenuating_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_via_Reducing_Inflammation_Suppressing_Angiogenesis_and_Inhibiting_MAPK_Signaling_Pathway_30785275" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>], to prevent liver toxicity and to treat tuberculosis and adrenocorticosis.

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Moreover, a 2003 <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Glycyrrhizin_an_active_component_of_liquorice_roots_and_replication_of_SARS_associated_coronavirus_12814717" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> by the University of Frankfurt found that the substance glycyrrhizin, which is found in the herb, actively inhibits the reproduction of the SARS virus (which caused the epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS) and recommended that this substance be used in the treatment of the dangerous disease.

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But the intake of the herb is contraindicated in patients with hypertension, cholestatic disorders or cirrhosis of the liver, hypokalemia (low potassium levels) or chronic renal failure, as well as during pregnancy [<a href="https://books.google.bg/books?id=zLniRalmWuoC&amp;pg=PA79&amp;lpg=PA79&amp;dq=glycyrrhiza+uralensis+pregnant+hipokalemia&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=GzTNMKYis8&amp;sig=ACfU3U1eO6QidZ-O7zZyLYwNioc-jJlCHQ&amp;hl=bg&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNgvj0hLbpAhXTnFwKHbZgDCEQ6AEwAXoECAgQAQ#v=onepage&amp;q=glycyrrhiza%20uralensis%20pregnant%20hipokalemia&amp;f=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>].

Saposhnikovia-divaricata-(Ledebouriella-divaricata,-Fang-Feng)

Saposhnikovia divaricata  (Ledebouriella divaricata, Fang Feng)

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Saposhnikovia%20divaricata&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saposhnikovia divaricata</a> [ref. 9] belongs to the Family of Senicoflower, as well as parsley and carrot, but is a single species in its genus.

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In Chinese traditional medicine, the root of the plant is used. It is used in combination with various other herbs. Extracts from the plant have shown antioxidant and anti-proliferative action in several cancer cell lines, i.e. suppress the division of cancer cells in the cases studied - in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs such as campothecin or paclitaxel, the extract has shown aditative anti-proliferative effects on cells K562, HL60 and MCF7 and antagonistic effects on MDA-MB-468 cells [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6288016_Anti-proliferative_and_antioxidant_activities_of_Saposhnikovia_divaricata" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>].

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The herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve inflammation, rheumatic conditions, cramps and other diseases.

Rhizoma-Atractylodis-Macrocephalae-(Atractylodes-Macrocephala-Koidz-root,-Bai-Zhu)

Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Atractylodes Macrocephala  Koidz root, Bai Zhu)  

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Rhizoma%20Atractylodis%20Macrocephalae&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A23573125" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae</a> [ref. 11] or in other words, the root of Atractylodis Macrocephalae is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the spleen, boost vital energy, promote hydrohesis (perspiration). [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Fast_determination_of_two_atractylenolides_in_Rhizoma_Atractylodis_Macrocephalae_by_Fourier_transform_near_infrared_spectroscopy_with_partial_least_squares_24211810" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 12</a>] It is also used for digestive problems, but more research is needed to scientifically confirm these properties of the plant.

Lonicerae-Japonicae-Flos-(dried-leaves-and-flowers-of-Lonicera-japonica)

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos  (dried leaves and flowers of  Lonicera japonica)

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Lonicerae%20Japonicae%20Flos&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A18830958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lonicera japonica</a> [ref. 13] is a type of Honeysuckle (Lonicera), which is often used as a decorative plant and although it originates in East Asia, today it is an invasive (imported) species in many places around the world.

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Photo by 清水五月, Wikipedia

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Dried leaves and flowers (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae) are used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of fever, headache associated with cold, cough, thirst, some inflammations, including sore throat, skin infections, and according to some studies may also have an antiviral effect, due to the fact that the plant is rich in chlorogenic <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385491/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acid</a> [ref. 14].

Fructus-Forsythiae-(Fruit-of-Forsythia)

Fructus Forsythiae  (Fruit of Forsythia)

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Pharmacology has proven <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Fructus%20forsythia%D0%B5&amp;p=2&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that Fructus forsythia</a> [ref. 15] or the fruits of the forsythia plant have various therapeutic effects, both in vitro (in laboratory conditions) and in vivo (in the living organism), such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor action, as well as hepatoprotective (liver protection), neuroprotective and cardiovascular protective effects [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151565/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 16</a>].

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The fruits of forsythia have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases, such as acute nephritis, erysipelas (Red Wind) and ulcers, for more than 2,000 years.

Radix-Platycodonis-(Root-of-Platycodon-grandiflorum,-Jiegeng)

Radix Platycodonis  (Root of  Platycodon grandiflorum, Jiegeng)

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Radix%20platycodonis&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Radix platycodonis</a> [ref. 17] or also called Jiegeng in Chinese traditional medicine is essentially the root of the plant Platycodon grandiflorum.

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Photo by Atilin, Wikipedia

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The root of the plant is used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, acute and chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases [<a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-319-06047-7_23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 18</a>]. In various studies, substances from the plant have shown anticancer action. the substance platicodine D, triterpenoid saponin, was found to have anticancer effects in several cancer cell lines - in hepatocellular carcinoma cells it caused apoptosis (cancer cell suicide) and suppressed cell adhesion (attachment), migration and invasion, showing promising characteristics such as a significant compound for the development of anticancer drugs [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Platycodin_D_induces_apoptosis_and_inhibits_adhesion_migration_and_invasion_in_HepG2_hepatocellular_carcinoma_cells_24641402" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 19</a>].

Agastache-rugosa-(Korean-mint)

Agastache rugosa  (Korean mint)

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<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Agastache%20rugosa&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Agastache rugosa</a> [ref. 20] has an anise flavor and leaves can be used as a spice to salads or to make tea. The plant is one of the 50 main herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

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Photo by cultivar413, Flickr

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The leaves and stems have antibacterial, antifungal <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Antifungal_activity_of_the_essential_oil_of_Agastache_rugosa_Kuntze_and_its_synergism_with_ketoconazole_12535132" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Antifungal_activity_of_the_essential_oil_of_Agastache_rugosa_Kuntze_and_its_synergism_with_ketoconazole_12535132" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 21</a>], aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic (sweating), low-temperature-lowering properties, and also used for stomach problems. They are used internally to improve appetite and strengthen the digestive system, relieve symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. Tea from the leaves is also used to relieve angina pain. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Microscopic_identification_and_in_vitro_activity_of_Agastache_rugosa_Fisch_et_Mey_from_Xinjiang_China_28173792" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 22</a>]

Cyrtomium-fortunei-J.-Sm.-(a-type-of-fern)

Cyrtomium fortunei J. Sm. (a type of fern)

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It is believed that the root of <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=Cyrtomium%20fortunei&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cyrtomium fortunei J. Sm</a>. [ref. 23] has analgesic, antihelmintic (anti-parasitic worms), antibacterial, anti-clotting, antiviral, cleansing, lowering high temperature and hemostatic action. Decoction is used in the treatment of ankylostoma, tania, ascariasis, filariasis, acute infectious hepatitis.

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Credit: Krzysztof Golik, Wikipedia

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In one study, aqueous extract of Cyrtomium fortunei J. Sm. has shown antiviral activity against eneroviruses Coxaki virus B3 and B5, Polio virus I, Echo virus 9 and 29, chroate by suppressing their inactivation, absorption and replication during infection [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_screening_of_traditionally_used_medicinal_plants_in_China_against_enteroviruses_16810764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 24</a>].

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Another study shows that most of the substances in the roots of the plant can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In addition, the substance pipinelin inhibits the growth of tumor cells by inducing programmed cell death - apoptosis, of tumor cells. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Discovery_and_antitumor_activities_of_constituents_from_Cyrtomium_fortumei_J_Smith_rhizomes_23379693" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 25</a>]

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It is important to keep in mind that a number of ferns contain carcinogens, as well as the enzyme thiaminase, which deprives the body of B vitamins.

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More about the treatment of coronavirus infection in China, read here:

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<a href="/p/mozhie_li_kitaiskata_traditsionna_mieditsina_da_podpomoghnie_liechieniieto_na_covid_19_66b2086f_3972_41b2_9eec_8869683711c1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Chinese experience in the treatment of COVID-19</a>

astragalus edulis

9 herbs China uses in the fight coronavirus (COVID-19)