Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as West Indian lemon grass or simply lemon grass, is a tropical plant native to Maritime Southeast Asia and introduced to many tropical regions.Cymbopogon citratus is often sold in stem form. While it can be grown in warmer temperate regions, such as the UK, it is not hardy to frost.

Cymbopogon citratus is native to Island Southeast Asia (Malesia). It has been introduced extensively to South Asia since precolonial times. After the World War I, lemongrass was introduced ...

cymbopogon citratus

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer

The most important thing about cancer

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_0

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_1

Cancer is a complex genetic disorder that catalyzes the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells throughout the body, leading to life-threatening consequences. Aging, differences in lifestyle, genetic factors, hormonal changes and environmental exposure to carcinogens constitute major factors leading to cancer activation in humans. 1

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_2

According to 2020 statistics, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Globally, about 17 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and this trend is forecast to intensify dramatically in the near future. About 36 types of cancer have already been identified in humans, and a significant association between sex and type of cancer has been observed. Men are usually more prone to colorectal cancer, liver, lung, prostate and stomach cancers, while women suffer more from breast, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung and thyroid cancer. 2&nbsp;

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_3

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_4

In general, the development of cancer can be divided into three stages:

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_5

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which exposure to a carcinogen induces DNA damage and mutations at the cellular level due to damage/error in DNA repair mechanisms;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which cell expansion leads to hyper proliferation, modification and inflammation of cells/tissues;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Progression in which tumor formation occurs from preneoplastic cells by clonal expansion. 3</li></ul>DNA damage causes genomic instability, which is a major cause of cancer 4. Although some of the conventional methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are effective in treating cancer, they can lead to major side effects and toxicity.

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_6

Given the lack of effective and safe approaches, as well as the complexity of cancers, the development of new and natural chemotherapeutic agents is strongly needed. In this respect, the pharmacological properties of certain essential oils may be available therapies to suppress cancer. 5

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects

Essential oils: general information and biological effects

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_0

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_1

The discovery of natural plant-based products is rightly recognized as a milestone in the history of healthcare, and their introduction to the market in combination with synthetic drugs helps to lead favorably in various health problems. As a result, the extraction of plant secondary metabolites, such as essential oils by steam or hydrodistillation processes, has made significant progress over the years. Stored in oil/resinous ducts, glands or trichomes of plants, these essential oils play an important role in protecting against extraneous agents and are involved in signal transduction pathways.&nbsp;

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_2

Essential oils are a complex mixture of various chemical compounds, mainly characterized by volatility, aroma, low molecular weight and density. The diverse biological properties of essential oils stem from differences in their chemical composition and structure. At present, three main classes of components in essential oils have been identified, namely terpenes and terpenoids (with major contributions), phenols and aliphatic compounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_3

The data from the study on which this article is based are focused on studies dealing only with in vitro (non-living test)/in vivo (live testing) anticancer activities of essential oils in general. The analysis in Scopus was carried out for the last 10 years (2011–2020) on September 14, 2021, so the information is up to date as of that date.

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature

Essential oils are cytotoxic in nature

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature_2_0

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature_2_1

Essential oils cause programmed cell death of cancer cells through apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and dysfunction of major cellular organelles. This is coordinated by an increase in membrane fluidity of the affected cell, decreased generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a change in the pH gradient and loss of mitochondrial potential, which are the main precursors of cell death. All three main types of chemical components in oils, i.e. phenols, aldehydes and alcohols, have been described to fulfil this function.

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents

Essential oils such as antimutagenic and antiproliferative agents

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents_3_0

Antioxidants are defined as compounds that can inhibit/slow the oxidation of free radicals when used in small amounts. Antioxidant action is one of the key biological properties of essential oils to cope with oxidative stress. For example, under in vivo conditions, increasing the activity of various antioxidant enzymes and oxidized glutathione from the components of the oil of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr.&nbsp; provides protection against lung cancer in mice. 6

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents_3_1

With regard to the antimutagenic activity of essential oils, cancer can be inhibited by preventing the direct penetration of mutagens into the cell membrane, inactivating mutagens by direct clearance, trapping free radicals produced by mutagens, inhibiting the conversion of promutagens to mutagens by cytochrome P450 enzyme, enzymatic detoxification of mutagens, and efficient error-free DNA repair.&nbsp;

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils

Antiproliferative activity of essential oils

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils_4_0

Essential oils can exert an antiproliferative effect through multiple mechanisms, including cell membrane disruption (depolarization, increase in membrane permeability, or decrease in the activity of membrane-bound enzymes) and induction of apoptosis. 7

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines

Essential oils and their constituents in different cancer cell lines 

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines_5_0

Over the past few years, the chemoprevention of cancer using essential oils or their components has attracted a lot of attention among the scientific community. Many in vitro/in vivo studies have highlighted the anticancer activity of oils and, more precisely, their main constituents in various tumour cell lines. Next, we will look at who they are and in which types of cancer they can have the necessary effect.

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer

Essential oils for breast cancer

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Abies koreana (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cyperus articulatus L. (Cyperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia atroviridis Griff. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia celebica L. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glandora rosmarinifolia (Boraginaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helichrysum gymnocephalum (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Altingiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans. (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus Apiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Solanum spirale Roxb.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-breast-cancer

Essential oils in human breast cancer

Essential-oils-in-human-breast-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrelopsis grevei (Rutaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Melaleuca armillaris(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monodora myristica (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Satureja montana L. subsp. pisidica (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma

Essential oils in human glioblastoma

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma

Essential oils in human colon carcinoma

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. (Huaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii Hochr. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils in human mammary adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nepeta ucranica L. spp. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus. (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer

Essential oils for prostate cancer

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bursera glabrifolia (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon giganteus. (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lavandula angustifolia (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer

Essential oils for colorectal cancer

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aquilaria crassna (Thymelaeaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus camaldulensis. (Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thymus fallax (Lamiaceae)</li></ul>&nbsp;

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia

Essential oils in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus excela (Cupressaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinus pinea L. (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrus libani (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer

Essential oils for lung cancer

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus globulus(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pluchea dioscoridis L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber striolatum (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer

Essential oils for liver cancer

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-melanoma

Essential oils in melanoma

Essential-oils-in-melanoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris&nbsp; (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria friesiana (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neolitsea variabillima (Lauraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils for ovarian adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mentha villosa Huds. (Lamiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria pogonopus Mart. (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils

Anticancer effect of the main ingredients of essential oils

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_0

D-limonene, monoterpene in the fruit peels of citrus essential oils (90–95%) exhibits cytotoxicity against stomach cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma. Similarly, carvacrol (phenolic monoterpenoid) can inhibit tumor growth in stomach cancer cells by increasing apoptotic proteins such as Bax (Bcl-2-linked X protein, apoptosis regulator) and caspases with concomitant reduction of Bcl-2 (B -cell lymphoma 2) expression. Citral showed antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231, Ishikawa, ECC-1, LNCaP, PC-3, SF-767, SF-763, LU134AM, LU135, LU165, MN1112, HCT116, HT-29, AGS, NB4, and A431.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_1

A combined formula of citral (80 μM) and curcumin (40 μM) also acts synergistically in suppressing the growth of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 by inducing apoptosis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the G0/ G1 phase. In vitro/in vivo cytotoxic potential of citronellol has been reported against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Citronellol induced cell cycle arrest in NCI-H1299 (NSCLC cell line) due to the increased expression of cyclins (cyclin D and E) and CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2). There was a decrease in tumour volume in mice treated with increasing doses of citronellol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg kg-1). An antiproliferative effect of geraniol (monoterpenoid) was observed in cells A549 (IC50 = 797.2 μM) and tumor growth was suppressed in mice (at 50 and 75 mmol geraniol kg-1 food) due to apoptosis and cell death.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_2

Globularifolin iridoid exhibits cytotoxicity against U87 glioma cells due to an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_3

In vitro cytotoxicity of quinocitiol (tropolone monoterpenoid) was observed (at 10 μM) in mouse melanoma cells (B16-F10); However, under in vivo conditions, mice treated with 10–20 μg michi-1 quinokitiol showed a decrease in tumor nodules. Increased expression of p53 (tumor suppressor), Bax, caspases, cytochrome c, and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphatase-3 and downregulation of survivin (apoptosis inhibitor), MMPs, and phosphorylation of ERK has been reported to induce apoptosis in quinocitiol A549 and B16-F10-treated cells.&nbsp;

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_4

Similarly, treatment with linalool (monoterpene alcohol) reduces proliferation and cell viability in colorectal cancer, colon carcinoma, hepatocarcinoma, epidermoid carcinoma and prostate cancer. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), one of the main components of garlic essential oil, stops the division of human esophageal squamous cell cancer cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Myristicin, an active component of nutmeg oil (Myristica fragrans), exhibits cytotoxic activity by inducing apoptosis of K562 human leukemia cells.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_5

Other constituents of essential oils, such as bacuiol (monoterpene), myrtenal (bicyclic monoterpene), oleuropein (secoiridoid), perylyl alcohol (menthane monoterpene), thymol (monocyclic phenolic monoterpene), α-bisabolol (monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol), α-thujone (ketone monoterpene), camphene (bicyclic monoterpene), iatammanwaltrate P (iridoid ester), eugenol (phenylpropanoid), germakren D (sesquiterpene), nymbolide (terpenoid lactone), patchouli alcohol (sesquiterpene alcohol), α-Santalol (sesquiterpene), carveol (monocyclic monoterpenoid alcohol), carvone (monoterpene), isopulegol (monoterpene alcohol),&nbsp;&nbsp; β-caryophyllene oxide (bicyclic sesquiterpene) and β-elemen (sesquiterpenoid oxide)&nbsp; have also been reported as cytotoxic and antiproliferative compounds with anticancer effects.

It has been found that various essential oils possess countless biological activities and beneficial components that can affect the development of various forms of cancer. These essential oil constituents contribute to the potential anticancer, antitumor, and antiproliferative properties of essential oils. They are specific to each type of plant and can be the basis of anticancer therapy, as well as used in the form of liposomes/nanoemulsions/nanoparticles against various types of cancer.

Anti-cancer properties of essential oils and their components

Бетина Цветкова

What-plant-is-dandelion

What plant is dandelion 

What-plant-is-dandelion_0_0

What-plant-is-dandelion_0_1

Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, which consists of species known as dandelions. Dandelion is native to Europe, but is found in temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The leaves, blossoms, and root of the plant are traditionally used in Mexican and other North American medicine. 1

What-plant-is-dandelion_0_2

To date, dandelion can be used as a diuretic and as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions, including infections and digestive symptoms. As a food, dandelion is used in salads and in soups, wine and teas. Roasted dandelion roots can be used as a substitute for coffee.

The-Unknown-Benefits-of-Dandelion-Root

The Unknown Benefits of Dandelion Root 

The-Unknown-Benefits-of-Dandelion-Root_1_0

Dandelion-in-support-of-bones

Dandelion in support of bones  

Dandelion-in-support-of-bones_1_0

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and dandelions contain 10 percent of the recommended daily intake. Calcium is stored in the structure of bones and teeth. It is important for normal nerve function, blood clotting, hormone secretion and muscle contraction. By consuming dandelion root, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay, muscle tension and high blood pressure, which can be caused by calcium deficiency.

High-content-of-vitamin-K

High content of vitamin K 

High-content-of-vitamin-K_1_0

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone and heart health. Can you believe that dandelions contain over 500 percent of your daily norm? This means that they are a great preventive means of preventing vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is the main vitamin involved in bone mineralization and blood clotting. It also helps maintain brain function and a healthy metabolism.

High-content-of-vitamin-K_1_1

There is growing evidence that vitamin K can improve bone health and reduce the risk of bone fractures, especially in postmenopausal women who are at risk for osteoporosis. Therefore, they may also focus on consuming dandelion root to provide vitamin K to support bone and joint health.

Dandelion-to-support-liver-health

Dandelion to support liver health 

Dandelion-to-support-liver-health_1_0

Our liver's role is to produce bile, which helps enzymes in the body break down fat into fatty acids and filter and detoxify our blood. The liver also has an amazing ability to break down and store amino acids, synthesize and metabolize fats and cholesterol, store glucose, and regulate our internal functions.

Dandelion-to-support-liver-health_1_1

The vitamins and nutrients present in dandelions help purify our liver and maintain its proper function. Dandelion root has long been considered a "liver tonic" in folk medicine. Some studies have shown that this is partly due to its ability to increase the flow of bile.

Dandelion-to-support-liver-health_1_2

According to various naturopaths, both tea and dandelion root can help detoxify the liver, skin and eye problems, and relieve symptoms of liver disease. A 2017 study suggested that the polysaccharides in dandelion may indeed be beneficial for liver function. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/9/1409/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Purification, Preliminary Characterization and Hepatoprotective Effects of Polysaccharides from Dandelion Root" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;1]&nbsp;

Dandelion-in-diabetes

Dandelion in diabetes 

Dandelion-in-diabetes_1_0

Dandelion-in-diabetes_1_1

Dandelion tea and juice help people with diabetes by stimulating the production of insulin by the pancreas and keeping blood sugar levels low. If our pancreas does not produce adequate amounts of insulin or our cells cannot properly process insulin, it leads to type 1 or 2 diabetes. Because glucose is not used properly, it builds up in the blood and leads to high blood sugar levels.

Dandelion-in-diabetes_1_2

To fight diabetes naturally, dandelion root prepared as a tea, infusion or tincture also helps the body remove excess sugar that is stored in it - because it is a diuretic. A study published in the Review of Diabetic Studies suggests the antidiabetic properties of dandelion have been attributed to bioactive chemical components, including cicoric acid and sesquiterpene lactones. 3

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties

High content of antioxidants and anti-cancer properties 

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_0

Another important advantage of dandelion is its high antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation.&nbsp;

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_1

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_2

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_3

The body uses antioxidants to fight free radical damage, which is very dangerous for body tissues and has been linked to the development of cancer and premature aging. Fortunately, drinking dandelion root tea can help the body avoid cell damage from free radicals.

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_4

In fact, a study conducted in 2011 by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor in Canada found that dandelion root extract was effective in killing various cancers as a result of its ability to fight free radicals. 4

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_5

In another study, it was noted that dandelion root extract influences colorectal cancer proliferation and survival by activating multiple signaling pathways for death. Phytochemical analyses of the extract showed a complex multicomponent composition of dandelion root extract, including some known bioactive phytochemicals such as α-amirin, β-amyrin, lupeol and taraxasterol. 5

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_6

Anticancer properties of dandelion root have been described in a number of studies, including potential anticancer effects in melanoma and prostate cancer:

High-content-of-antioxidants-and-anti-cancer-properties_1_7

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Effect of Methanolic Extract of Dandelion Roots on Cancer Cell Lines and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway 6</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in Drug-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells 7</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dandelion Root and Lemongrass Extracts Induce Apoptosis, Enhance Chemotherapeutic Efficacy, and Reduce Tumour Xenograft Growth In Vivo in Prostate Cancer 8</li></ul>There is also a special project called "The Dandelion Root Project", which is dedicated to presenting scientific evidence for the safe and effective use of dandelion root extract and other natural health products to treat cancer. 9

What-are-the-side-effects-of-dandelion-root?

What are the side effects of dandelion root? 

What-are-the-side-effects-of-dandelion-root?_2_0

There are not many documented side effects of drinking dandelion root tea (or dandelion consumption in general). The biggest effect you need to know about, however, is that dandelion is known for its diuretic properties. Therefore, it increases the frequency of urination, which can affect the kidneys.

What-are-the-side-effects-of-dandelion-root?_2_1

Medications that may interact with dandelion include:

What-are-the-side-effects-of-dandelion-root?_2_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antacids</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood-thinning drugs</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diuretics</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ciproflaxin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drugs for the treatment of diabetes</li></ul>

How-to-prepare-dandelion-root

How to prepare dandelion root 

Recipe-for-fresh-dandelion-root

Recipe for fresh dandelion root 

Recipe-for-fresh-dandelion-root_3_0

Dandelions have the sharpest taste before the appearance of the first colors, when the plants are tender and young. Dandelion roots taste like turnips and are best dug up in early spring when prepared as a vegetable. Here are instructions for making fresh dandelion root

Recipe-for-fresh-dandelion-root_3_1

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dig the dandelions in early spring with the help of a shovel. Keep the main root of each plant intact.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Remove the greenery from the plants. You can eat the leaves of plants, uncooked as a green salad or stewed separately from the roots, in boiling water.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rinse each dandelion root under cold water, removing all dirt. Check that there are no insects in each root.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Peel the outer shell from each main root with your fingers or knife. The skin has a bitter taste, so it is removed.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cover the roots with water in a pan and let them boil on the stove. Reduce the heat and stew the roots. Check readiness by pricking one or two roots with a fork. When the fork easily enters the roots, they are ready.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drain the water from the roots of the dandelion, rinse them with warm water and serve. Season the roots as you would carrots and you are ready to consume them.</li></ol>

Recipe-for-coffee-with-dandelion-root

Recipe for coffee with dandelion root 

Recipe-for-coffee-with-dandelion-root_3_0

Recipe-for-coffee-with-dandelion-root_3_1

From the very beginning, we told you that dandelion root can be a great substitute for coffee. We present you the necessary steps for its preparation, it is necessary to have a food dehydrator:

Recipe-for-coffee-with-dandelion-root_3_2

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dig up a large pack of dandelion roots.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wash the roots of dandelion as best as possible.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cut dandelion roots into chip-like pieces.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Then arrange the pieces of root on the trays of your dehydrator. Let it dry for 60 minutes.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cut the dried dandelion root into small pieces.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Arrange the pieces of root in a tray for and bake for 30 minutes at 90 degrees. The roots should turn brown and completely dried.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Let the dandelion root cool, then you need to finely grind the root and bake a second time in the oven for 5 minutes at 80 degrees. Then store in an airtight container.</li></ol>For the preparation of a cup of coffee with dandelion root, do the following:

Recipe-for-coffee-with-dandelion-root_3_3

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Put 6 tablespoons of ground dandelion coffee in 500 ml of boiling water and let it soak for 30 minutes.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Strain into a saucepan and heat again to the desired temperature. Serve with milk and honey as desired.&nbsp;</li></ol>

The benefits of dandelion include its ability to improve bone health, digestion, urinary tract, and skin. It helps fight liver disease and is rich in nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin K. Extremely interesting and important from a scientific point of view are its anti-cancer properties, which have been established in various studies. Do you want these beneficial effects of dandelion for your health? It's easy to make dandelion tea at home with our suggested recipes.

The unusual benefits of dandelion root and recipes for preparation

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/8ebc78d8-d4c3-487a-a467-0eb7f1754a0d_middle.jpg

What-is-Valerian?

What is Valerian? 

What-is-Valerian?_0_0

What-is-Valerian?_0_1

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), also known as medicinal dilyanka, is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/herb/15378" target="_blank" data-ref="Valeriana officinalis" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a> Since ancient times, the root of this plant has been used to treat insomnia, nervousness, trembling, headaches and palpitations, as well as other conditions. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2225411015000917" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; Valerian flowers have a delicate aroma, often used in perfumes. However, the root of valerian has a very strong earthy smell. This is due to volatile oils and other compounds responsible for its sedative effects.&nbsp;

What-is-Valerian?_0_2

There are over 250 species of valerian, but V. officinalis is the most used species in Western countries. Of the others, only two are commonly used for medicinal purposes (the Himalayan V. wallichii and the Mexican V. edulis) &nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-60367-9_15?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=474bd8be-0609-4d55-8d39-ba35c609be54" target="_blank" data-ref="Valeriana Species" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;. This article focuses on Valeriana officinalis. An interesting fact about this type of plant is that during the Second World War, the Plant Drug Committee of England listed valerian root as one of the most important plants to collect, as it is extremely useful in relieving the stress of air raids.

Useful-compounds-in-valerian-root

Useful compounds in valerian root 

Useful-compounds-in-valerian-root_1_0

Useful-compounds-in-valerian-root_1_1

Valerian consists of many biologically active components that provide its wide-ranging effects. The chemical composition of valerian varies greatly depending on the species, season, geographical source, growing conditions, method of processing and storage. Among the most important beneficial compounds in valerian root are:

As one of the most well-known herbal remedies for anxiety, people around the world use valerian to combat insomnia, anxiety, stress, and other health problems. Some of these effects are due to the beneficial components contained in valerian, which can be used in the form of powdered extracts, capsules, dried herb and others.&nbsp;

cymbopogon citratus

The unusual benefits of dandelion root and recipes for preparation

7 Health Benefits of Valerian Root + Recipes

The Power Of Antifungal Essential Oils - And How They Work

Aromatherapy - home-made applications

How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes And Ticks And Stop The Itching With Natural Remedies

Plants and foods that are toxic for your pets

Hair loss: causes, treatment and home remedies to prevent it