Pistacia lentiscus (also lentisk; mastic; Greek: μαστίχα mastíkha ) is a dioecious evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Pistacia, growing up to 4 m (13 ft) tall which is cultivated for its aromatic resin, mainly on the Greek island of Chios.

The plant is evergreen, from 1 to 5 m high, with a strong smell of resin, growing in dry and rocky areas in Mediterranean Europe. It resists heavy frosts and grows on all types of soils, and can grow well in limestone areas and even in salty or saline environments, ...

pistacia lentiscus

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.

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature

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;

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils

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>

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma

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>

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma

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>

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma

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

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

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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

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Indigestion (dyspepsia) affects about 40% of people - for some it is sporadic episodes, for others is constant discomfort of the stomach, accompanied by a feeling of pain or burning in the upper part<a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> of the stomach.

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The reasons are different - infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the cause of the ulcer; genetic factors or unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, etc.).

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Here we will briefly look at 7 herbs that have been included in clinical trials <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4698144/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> for effectiveness and have shown good results [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4698144/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>] to alleviate symptoms of dyspepsia and indigestion.

Greater-celandine-(Chelidonium-majus)

1. Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)

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In one clinical study [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/096522999390029D?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>] the herb was given to patients in the form of tablets (Gallopas 100) for 6 weeks. Two groups of 30 people participated in the study, one taking the medicine and the other taking a placebo. An improvement in the condition was observed in 60% of the patients who received the active substance.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)-against-functional-dyspepsia

2. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) against functional dyspepsia

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In a 2012 clinical trial [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=An%20Extract%20of%20Glycyrrhiza%20glabra%20(GutGard)%20Alleviates%20Symptoms%20of%20Functional%20Dyspepsia%3A%20A%20Randomized%2C%20Double-Blind%2C%20Placebo-Controlled%20Study&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>] 50 people with functional dyspepsia received either a placebo or&nbsp;Glycyrrhiza glabra extract called GutGuard (75 mg daily for 30 days). On days 15 and 30, there was a significant improvement and relief of symptoms in patients taking licorice extract.

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There was no improvement only on the premature feeling of satiety, which is characteristic of those suffering from indigestion.

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<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/18be1f45-c366-42ad-b005-21a4436dda54_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may help alleviate symptoms of dyspepsia" title="Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may help alleviate symptoms of dyspepsia">
<figcaption>Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can help relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia. Photo: Wikipedia</figcaption>
</figure>

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-inhibits-Helicobacter-pylori

3. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) inhibits Helicobacter pylori

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Since one of the causes of dyspepsia or indigestion is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and black cumin seeds have shown in vitro activity against the bacterium, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Comparative_study_of_Nigella_Sativa_and_triple_therapy_in_eradication_of_Helicobacter_Pylori_in_patients_with_non_ulcer_dyspepsia_20616418" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> scientists from Saudi Arabia conducted a clinical trial [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Comparative_study_of_Nigella_Sativa_and_triple_therapy_in_eradication_of_Helicobacter_Pylori_in_patients_with_non_ulcer_dyspepsia_20616418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>] in patients with dyspepsia and positive samples for the presence of the bacterium.

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The study involved 88 people divided into 4 groups, with each group given a different combination of medications. The goal was to compare the effectiveness of triple therapy for removing the bacterium (clarithromycin + amoxicillin + omeprazole) with that of black cumin seeds (together with omeprazole).

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The results of the study are encouraging - the plant proved effective both for relieving the symptoms of dyspepsia, and almost as effective for removing infection as triple therapy.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-inhibits-Helicobacter-pylori_2_3

Scientists note that more research is needed to test the effectiveness of a combination of black cumin and an antibiotic for better results.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-inhibits-Helicobacter-pylori_2_4

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/86cdd520-9372-44da-8171-80891860948f_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="Seeds of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) May Alleviate Symptoms of Indigestion" title="Seeds of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) May Alleviate Symptoms of Indigestion">
<figcaption>Seeds of black cumin (Nigella sativa) may alleviate symptoms of indigestion</figcaption>
</figure>

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)

4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)_3_0

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is traditionally used by some people to relieve symptoms of indigestion. Therefore, scientists from Iran decided to study the effects of plant leaf extract on functional dyspepsia.

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)_3_1

In the clinical trial [<a href="https://www.sid.ir/en/journal/ViewPaper.aspx?id=35522" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>], conducted by them on this occasion, 200 people with dyspepsia took part, which were divided into two groups of 100 people. One received a placebo and the other received 30 drops before lunch and dinner of hydroalcoholic basil extract, which corresponds to 1.5 grams of powdered leaves.

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)_3_2

The study lasted 4 weeks, and scientists found that in patients who took basil extract, the symptoms of indigestion eased. This was particularly observed in younger patients and women.

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)_3_3

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/38a09bae-880d-4183-9a35-915f8a40f473_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="In addition to spice, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also an herb" title="In addition to spice, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also an herb">
<figcaption>In addition to spice, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also a herb</figcaption>
</figure>

Amla-(Phyllanthus-emblica)-might-alleviate-symptoms-of-indigestion

5. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) might alleviate symptoms of indigestion

Amla-(Phyllanthus-emblica)-might-alleviate-symptoms-of-indigestion_4_0

In 1982, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Treatment_of_dyspepsia_with_Amalaki_Emblica_officinalis_Linn_an_Ayurvedic_drug_7185759" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> a small study [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Treatment_of_dyspepsia_with_Amalaki_Emblica_officinalis_Linn_an_Ayurvedic_drug_7185759" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] was conducted on the effects of the plant Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) in combination with antacids in 38 people (10 with ulcer and 28 with non-ulcer dyspepsia). Therapy lasted 4 weeks and the results were a decrease in acidity and relief of symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Amla-(Phyllanthus-emblica)-might-alleviate-symptoms-of-indigestion_4_1

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/61f49a49-00c4-4034-b7ac-fc76ba86810a_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="The Alma plant (Phyllanthus emblica) can alleviate symptoms of indigestion" title="The Alma plant (Phyllanthus emblica) can alleviate symptoms of indigestion">
<figcaption>The Alma plant (Phyllanthus emblica) can alleviate symptoms of indigestion</figcaption>
</figure>

Mastic-tree-resin-(Pistacia-lentiscus)

6. Mastic tree resin (Pistacia lentiscus)

Mastic-tree-resin-(Pistacia-lentiscus)_5_0

The mastic resin (Pistacia lentiscus) is traditionally used in the countries of the eastern Mediterranean to relieve the symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Mastic-tree-resin-(Pistacia-lentiscus)_5_1

In 2010, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Is_Chios_mastic_gum_effective_in_the_treatment_of_functional_dyspepsia_A_prospective_randomised_double_blind_placebo_controlled_trial_19961914" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> a study [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Is_Chios_mastic_gum_effective_in_the_treatment_of_functional_dyspepsia_A_prospective_randomised_double_blind_placebo_controlled_trial_19961914" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>] of the effects of resin was conducted in 148 people divided into two groups - those in the control group received a placebo and the rest received 350 mg of mastic three times a day.

Mastic-tree-resin-(Pistacia-lentiscus)_5_2

After 3 weeks, 77% of those receiving mastic had improvements in symptomats.

Mastic-tree-resin-(Pistacia-lentiscus)_5_3

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/ce6551e5-7c66-4093-bbb3-c918ebf4e0ce_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="Pistacia lentiscus resin is called gum mastic and is used in indigestion" title="Pistacia lentiscus resin is called gum mastic and is used in indigestion">
<figcaption>Pistacia lentiscus resin is used in indigestion</figcaption>
</figure>

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-stimulates-stomach-emptying

7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) stimulates stomach emptying

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-stimulates-stomach-emptying_6_0

In a randomised double-blind <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Effect_of_ginger_on_gastric_motility_and_symptoms_of_functional_dyspepsia_21218090" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> clinical trial [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effect_of_ginger_on_gastric_motility_and_symptoms_of_functional_dyspepsia_21218090" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8]</a> of the effect of ginger on dyspepsia, eleven patients with functional dyspepsia were tested twice. After an 8-hour fast, patients took three capsules containing ginger (1.2 g in total) or placebo, followed after 1 hour by 500 ml of low-nutrient soup.

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-stimulates-stomach-emptying_6_1

Scientists found that stomach emptying was faster after ginger intake, but had no effect on gastrointestinal symptoms or intestinal peptides. Therefore, they conclude that ginger may alleviate the symptoms only of patients whose symptoms of dyspepsia are due to delayed emptying of the stomach.

Indigestion and dyspepsia: 7 herbs that relieve them

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/1c0755b5-76c3-4dd4-809d-91285ad9a51c_middle.jpg

 Indigestion and dyspepsia: 7 herbs that relieve them

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@1ncreased?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lidye</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/food?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsplash</a>

Indigestion or in medical language - <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=dyspepsia&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A6834368" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> dyspepsia [ref. 1], manifests itself <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Dyspepsia_24100727" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> as burning or gnawing pain in the upper half of the stomach that subsides and intesifies, but still most of the time it is felt.

Other symptoms are:

_-1_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Stomach acids</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Swelling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Quick saturation with a little food</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Burping</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Nausea</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Vomiting</li>
</ul>

_-1_6

Usually dyspepsia is not considered a dangerous condition, but it can be a sign of a serious disease, such as gastric ulcer. Therefore, people who experience these symptoms and are over the age of 50 have recently lost weight for unclear reasons, have difficulty swallowing, severe bouts of vomiting, a feeling of a lump in the stomach, and especially if they notice black stools (in a bleeding ulcer), they should necessarily seek medical attention.

What-causes-dyspepsia

What causes dyspepsia

What-causes-dyspepsia_0_0

As we said, <a href="/p/kak_da_razpoznaiem_iazvata_na_stomakha_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_aca42d14_75a4_49dc_900a_1ec74f04c479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> gastric ulcer [ref. 3] can be one of the serious causes of indigestion or dyspepsia. Another cause of the characteristic symptoms may be stomach acids or reflux, since some of the stomach acid is "returned" to the esophagus, and this causes burning chest pain.

What-causes-dyspepsia_0_1

Another serious cause may be a disease of the liver or pancreas [ref. <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=dyspepsia%20pancreas&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A21560629" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> 4].

What-causes-dyspepsia_0_2

What-causes-dyspepsia_0_3

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mparzuchowski?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michał Parzuchowski</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/pill?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsplash</a>

What-causes-dyspepsia_0_4

Some medications can also lead to dyspepsia, but in these cases it is reversible when the drug is discontinued. In these cases, the doctor may prescribe another, similar drug. An example of medications that can cause dyspepsia are some anti-inflammatory painkillers.

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