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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ravenstorm on July 1, 2006, at 9:26:11
Does anyone know of any sites or books that deal with the mechanism of action of herbs? In other words what part of the brain are the herbs affecting.
All I see to find are what symptoms the herbs will help, which is not really helpful to me.
For instance, I do know that passionflower affects gaba. That is the kind of information I want.
Particularly, does anyone know how skullcap works and can you point me to documentation of that?
Thanks!
Posted by nolvas on July 1, 2006, at 17:04:41
In reply to Mechanism of action of herbs?, posted by ravenstorm on July 1, 2006, at 9:26:11
You would have to be more specific with regard to the condition you are thinking of treating.
With regard to anxiety treatment >
· Awad, R., et al. Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine. 10(8):640-649, 2003.
Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
The phytochemistry and biological activity of Scutellaria lateriflora L. (American skullcap) which has been traditionally used as a sedative and to treat various nervous disorders such as anxiety was studied. In vivo animal behaviour trials were performed to test anxiolytic effects in rats orally administered S. laterifolia extracts. Significant increases in the number of entries into the center of an "open-field arena"; number of unprotected head dips, number of entries and the length of time spent on the open arms of the Elevated Plus-
Maze were found. The identification and quantification of the flavonoid, baicalin in a 50% EtOH extract (40 mg/g) and its aglycone baicalein in a 95% EtOH extract (33 mg/g), as well as the amino acids GABA in H2O and EtOH extracts (approximately 1.6 mg/g) and glutamine in a H2O extract (31 mg/g), was performed using HPLC. These compounds may play a role in anxiolytic activity since baicalin and baicalein are known to bind to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter.· Wolfson, P., et al. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med. 9(2):74-78, 2003.
Phytos Inc., San Anselmo, Calif., USA.
Scutellaria lateriflora is an herbal medicine with long-standing traditional use as a relaxing nervine. There has been controversy in the literature with regards to its efficacy, and this study was designed to clarify its effectiveness in reducing anxiety, one of the phytotherapeutic indications. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of healthy subjects demonstrated noteworthy anxiolytic effects.
Udintsev, S. N., et al. [Correction by natural adaptogens of hormonal-metabolic status disorders in rats during the development of adaptation syndrome using functional tests with dexamethasone and ACTH]. Biull Eksper Biol I Medits. 112:599-601, 1991.
In stressed rats most hormonal parameters measured, including ACTH, insulin, urea, and glucose were normalized by administration of either whole skullcap or baicalin.
Skullcap in the treatment of Asthma works differently than it does to treat Anxiety for example. So really it depends on what condition you are using the herb for.
I recommend using www.pubmed.com for studies just use keywords relating to the herb and the health condition. Or buy the excellent Hyperhealth CD rom that I have.
Try the demo at the link below. I think it's a really good reference cd rom.
This is the end of the thread.
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