By Jasmine Westerdahl
Know more about different functions of foods
Artichoke
Cynara scolymus
Common Names: Artichoke, Globe Artichoke, French Artichoke
Parts Used: the leaves
Uses: Choleretic (increases bile flow), Dyspepsia, Hyperlipidemia
Studies suggest that artichoke can aid in improved digestion and relieve symptoms of dyspepsia or IBS, increase production of bile, and reduce lipid levels.
The medicinal component of artichoke is thought to be due to its aromatic bitter qualities. Compounds within this plant include antioxidants (phenolic acid and flavonoids) and sesquiterpene lactones.
Possible Drug Interactions: Unknown
Note: Due to the plant’s potential for stimulation of bile-flow, it is recommended that individuals with gallstones or other bile-duct obstructions avoid high doses of artichoke (artichoke leaf extract).
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum (zeylanicum) or Cinnamomum cassia
Common Name: Cinnamon, Cinnamon Bark, Cassia (Chinese) Cinnamon, Ceylon (True) Cinnamon
Parts Used: the bark
Uses: Circulation, Diabetes, Dyspepsia, Inflammation
Studies suggest that cinnamon can help increase circulation, improve glycemic control, decrease gastrointestinal discomfort, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
The medicinal component of cinnamon may be due to its compounds: cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, and cinnamic acid. The distinctive flavor and odor of cinnamon comes from cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon is said to have insulin potentiating factor (IPF) properties; these properties is believed to be what attributes to cinnamon’s antidiabetic effect.
Possible Drug Interactions: Unknown
Hawthorne
Crataegus laevigata
Common Names: Hawthorne, English Hawthorne, One-Seed Hawthorne (C. monogyna), Haw, May Tree, Mayflower
Parts Used: the fruit (berries), flowers and leaves
Uses: Heart Disease, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension
Studies suggest that the hawthorn plant can protect against heart disease and help control both high cholesterol and blood pressure.
The medicinal component of hawthorn is thought to lie in its flavonoid constituents – anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These pigments may help in improving blood flow, increase dilation of blood vessels and protect these vessels from damage.
Possible Drug Interactions:
Beta Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers: These drugs are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions by dilating blood vessels for increased circulation. Since hawthorn is also considered to be a vasodilator, the use of the herb along with this medication can drastically enhance the effects of this drug, increasing risk of hypotension.
Digoxin: This drug is used to treat irregular heart rhythms and even heart failure. Hawthorn can increase the activity of this drug.
Nitrates: This compound is a vasodilator. Nitrate-rich foods include beets and leafy greens. One should also consider foods that increase nitric oxide production or preserve nitric oxide levels in the body (i.e. garlic, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and citrus fruits). If large amounts of these foods are consumed, along with hawthorn, vasodilation of blood vessels can increase risk of hypotension.
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