Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. It is named after French botanist Pierre Magnol.

Magnolia is an ancient genus. Appearing before bees did, the flowers are theorized to have evolved to encourage pollination by beetles. To avoid damage from pollinating beetles, the carpels of Magnolia flowers are extremely tough.  Fossilized specimens of M. acuminata have been found dating to 20 million years ago, and of plants ...

magnolia

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer

The most important thing about cancer

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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

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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;

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

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<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.

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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

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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;

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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;

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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.

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Essential oils are cytotoxic in nature

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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

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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

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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;

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Antiproliferative activity of essential oils

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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 

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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

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<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

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<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>

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Essential oils in human glioblastoma

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<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>

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Essential oils in human colon carcinoma

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<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>

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Essential oils in human mammary adenocarcinoma

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<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

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<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

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<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

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<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

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<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

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<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

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<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

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<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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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.

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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

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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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.

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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.

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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)

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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

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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).

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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)

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

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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.

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

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

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Common-ivy-(Hedera-helix)

Common ivy (Hedera helix)

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

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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.)

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

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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).

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Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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:

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<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>

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<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>

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Herbs to avoid when taking aspirin, nurofen and paracetamol

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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.

magnolia

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