Ringworm Bush (Akapulko)

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Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) flower

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Akapulko bush

Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata

An erect, shrubby legume reaching 6 ft tall, Akapulko grows throughout the Philippines. It has dark green leaves and yellow-orange flowers, producing as much as 50 to 60 small, triangular seeds. For medicinal purposes, leaves, flowers and seeds are used.

The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema

Medicinal Uses:

Decoction of leaves and flowers is very effective in easing asthma, cough and bronchitis.
The seeds are effective in expelling intestinal parasites.
Juice from leaves aids in controlling fungal infections like; eczema, athlete’s foot, ringworm, scabies, and herpes.
Pounded leaves reduce injury-related swellings, treat insect bites, and ease rheumatism.
Leaves and flowers concoction used as mouthwash in treating stomatitis.
Juice from leaves ease fetid discharges.
The leaves stain is an effective purgative.

News about Ringworm Bush (Akapulko)

Candle Bush tree

Source:https://www.grow-trees.com/wordpress/social/facebook/candle-bush-tree/

(admin. Grow Trees)

Candle Bush tree can treat ringworm!

It is native to South America and can grow to 4 meters or around 13 feet high.

It is popular for its golden yellow and orange flowers that are borne in elongated clusters at the tips of the stems. These clusters are borne on hairy stalks and contain numerous densely crowded flowers. It flowers during late autumn, winter and spring.

Its leaves are commonly used to treat ringworm and other skin diseases. It’s anti-fungal properties make it a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos and lotions. Other common names include Christmas candle, ringworm bush and candelabra bush.

CASSIA ALATA

Source:http://www.trumpetflowers.com/plants/care-and-grow-cassia-alata-candlelabra-senna.htm

(trumpetflowers)

Cassia Alata is a very easy, fast growing plant that adds a beautiful pop of cheerful color to any garden. Actually reclassified of late as a senna, it is native to Mexico, but grows very well here in the States. Although the plant can not take a hard frost, zones 8 and 9 should see the plant return from the roots in spring.

Senna Alata is also very easy to start from seed. Spring is the best time of year to do this. If you want a head start you can plant them out in flats inside under grow lights.

After the plant has flowered, it will begin to form long, green seed pods. (notice above picture, look under flowers) Within a month to 6 weeks, these pods will then turn dark brown to almost black, and you should be able to hear the seeds rattling around in them. This is the best time to pick the pods. Take a pair of scissors with you, as they can be hard to remove from the bush. If you don't already have access to a plant, you can buy the seeds online.

Start out the seed pots with pure vermiculite. Vermiculite holds water better than soilless mixtures, and because it is anti-bacterial, it will also keep fungus and algae from growing on the pot surface, as well as deter fungus gnats. It also holds water much better than soilless mixes (which are basically peat) so you will do less watering.

Place seeds just under the surface, about 1/4 inch into the dampened vermiculite. Germination occurs within 7 days to 2 weeks with fresh seed. Allow the seedling to develop a set of true leaves before beginning a weak fertilizing schedule. Keep it in the seedling pot until you see roots appearing at the bottom of the pots. Then transfer each seedling into a one quart pot, with soilless mix. When roots fill that pot, transfer to a one gallon pot. When the roots fill that one, it can be placed in the ground if you so desire. Fertilize every two weeks for best growth, using a regular fert. The blue colored one made by Miracle-Gro works well.

Seed grown plants can flower the same year, even in colder climates. Although I live in South Florida, (so I get the benefit of no frost) I started mine from seed in October, and by June they were already blooming. Short season growers can either take the plant indoors, or re-seed from seed pods over the winter.

The Candelabra bush (as it is sometimes called) has lovely, soft leaves in an oval shape. They fold up in the evening. It can reach 10 feet in height, and the bush shape makes it ideal for hedging, row planting, or a few clumped together to create a dramatic stand-alone effect.

Senna Alata prefers moist soil, especially when it is young. The soil should contain sharp sand with some loamy material. Mulch the plant well to reserve water. Don't water the leaves if possible. After it is in-ground and established, you will not need to water it as often. Where I live, after one year, I don't have to water mine at all, the summer rains take care of that. In winter the plant slows down and the occassional rains we receive are enough to suffice.

Senna Alata also has the added benefit of preventing ringworm. In 2nd and 3rd world countries, the crushed leaves are still used to remove this pest from the skin of animals and humans alike. It can also be used as a strong laxative.

Candelabra bush is also a burtterfly attractor. The Giant Yellow Sulphur uses it not only for nectaring, but lays it's eggs on the plant. A few days later, lovely avocado and lemon striped caterpillars emerge. So if you like butterflies, this is another reason to try your hand at the lovely Senna Alata bush.

How to Make Herbal Soap Using Akapulko & Guava

Source:http://www.mixph.com/how-to-make-herbal-soap-using-akapulko-guava/

(Enrepinoys Atbp)

Herbal soap is a kind of soap mixed with natural ingredients, juice or extract and vitamins from medicinal plants.

Prepare the following utensils:

• Plastic pail

• Wooden ladle or bamboo stick

• Glass or cup

• Mortar and pestle

• Cheese cloth or strainer

• Knife

• Chopping board

• Cooking pot (preferably made of clay, enamel, stainless or glass)

• Stove

• Plastic molders

How to Prepare a Decoction:

• Wash the leaves thoroughly and chop or cut in small pieces.

• Measure 1 glass of chopped fresh leaves and 2 glasses of water.

• Let it boil for 15 minutes (start timing when the water starts to boil).

• After 15 minutes, remove from fire and strain in a cheesecloth. Set aside and let it cool.

Materials:

• 1 glass Caustic Soda (NaOH)

• 3 glasses Akapulko or Guava decoction, cooled

• 5 glasses cooking oil

• coloring powder (optional)

Procedure:

• Prepare the materials and the utensils needed.

• Measure 1 glass of caustic soda and 3 glasses of Akapulko or Guava decoction and pour into a plastic pail.

• Mix well by stirring continuously using a wooden ladle or bamboo stick. Use only one direction in mixing the mixture. Stir until the caustic soda is dissolved.

• Pour 5 glasses cooking oil into the mixture.

• Continue stirring until a consistency of a condensed milk is achieved.

• Pour the soap mixture into desired plastic molders. Set aside and let it cool to harden.

• After 4-5 hours, remove the soap from the molder.

• Allow 30 days of ageing before packing. Label the soaps.

Indications:

• Akapulko leaves – anti-fungal

• Guava leaves – antiseptic for wounds

Pakayungkong or Acapulko Tree

Source:http://plantfruitstreesmedicineherbal.blogspot.com/2012/09/pakayungkong-or-acapulko-tree-akapulko.html

(Plant Fruits Trees Medicine Herbal)

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, usedto treat intestinal problems including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a akapulko herbal medicine lotion.

Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time.

Acapulko Benefits:

• External Use:

Treatment of skin diseases:

Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.

• Mouthwash in stomatitis

• Internal use:

Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea

• Alleviation of asthma symptoms

• Used as diuretic and purgative

• For cough & fever

• As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems.

• For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on affected areas.

• As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for eczema.

• As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a manageable size then prepare a decoction Note: The decoction looses its potency if not used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one day.

• The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against ringworms.

Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women should not take decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.

Akapulko Is Both Ornamental & Medicinal Plant Source: http://affleap.com/akapulko-is-both-ornamental-medicinal-plant/

(Affleaf)

Akapulko, whose scientific name is Cassia alata L, is one shrub plant that is common in the Philippines.

To those who have not known the medicinal benefits of akapulko, they used it as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful flowers and its good looking leathery leaves.

It can be kept as a full sun or light shade ornamental. It is a fast growing plant and a drought tolerant plant. The oblong leaves bilaterally and symmetrically opposed, is wide open during the day but it folds up together at night time.

Akapulko is used by folks in the rural areas as treatment for various fungal infections by crushing the leaves and applied it to the infected area. Fungal infections like tinea versicolor, commonly known as ‘an-an’, ringworm, scabies, athlete’s foot and eczema.

The medicinal shrub contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, and it also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.

Decocting leaves are used as expectorant in bronchitis and dyspnea, as astringent, mouthwash and a wash for eczema.

Its root, flower and leaf decoction are used as laxative and weight loss. Its extract from the akapulko plant is now used by dermatological companies as chief ingredient for their lotions, soaps and shampoos.

5 tree species good for mine-spoiled areas

Source:http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:91aFMmDvnL4J:www.philstar.com/agriculture/2004/10/24/266476/5-tree-species-good-for-mine-spoiled-areas+&cd=21&hl=en&ct=clnk&client=firefox-b

(RAF)

Four tree species and a shrub with medicinal properties are good materials in revegetating mine-spoiled areas.

This was found in a study done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 7 (Central Visayas) and the Atlas Corp.

In the study, researchers Aguinaldo Bueno of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 7 and Bernabe de la Cruz of Atlas screened plants appropriate for revegetating mine rock waste dump areas in Toledo City (Cebu).

They selected plant species that were tolerant to acid, drought, and head and have high colonizing potential to microorganisms.

Bueno and De la Cruz assessed parameters such as percentage survifal, root collar diameter, total height growth, shoot-root ratio, biomass, mine spoil physical and mechanical properties, and sturdiness’ quotient.

Mine spoils are sandy, extremely acidic, with low water-holding capacity, low organic and nitrogen content, and negligible amount of phosphorus and potassium. Moreover, mine spoils are contaminated with heavy metals.

Results of the study showed that acacia, acapulco, ipil-ipil, manzanitas, and lagundi were appropriate species to revegetate mine-spoiled areas.

"These are fast-growing species associated with microorganisms responsible for nitrogen fixation, and thus can improve soil’s physical and chemical properties," pointed out Dr. Leila America of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), which monitored the research.

Bueno and De la Cruz also recommended that other tree species such as fire tree and narra and grass species such as rattan, vetiver, napier, and talahib be tried for planting in mine dump areas.

Senna Alata

Source:http://www.edermatologynews.com/views/cosmeceutical-critique-by-leslie-s-baumann/blog/senna-alata/68aa30f2ed6926e429f8fa63dad7d4d9.html

By Leslie S. Baumann

Senna alata, also known as Cassia alata (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2003;86:167-71), as well as Candle Bush and similar names such as Candelabra Bush, Empress Candle Plant, Candle Plant, and Candlewood Tree, among some others, is a tropical shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to Central America and the Caribbean, S. alata has been introduced to many tropical countries and islands throughout the world.

Traditionally, the leaves of some Cassia species have been used topically to treat various viral skin conditions (Pharmacology 1980;20 [Suppl. 1]:104-12; Bone, K., Mills S., Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Principles of Herbal Pharmacology. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2000, p. 49). However, S. alata and its constituent sennosides are better known globally for conferring laxative activity than other medically beneficial properties. When taken internally, extracts of the botanical act as a laxative and diuretic and, when used externally, it is said to reduce pus and relieve inflammation (J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999;68:103-8).

This column will briefly discuss some of the recent promising research, as well as the geographical breadth of traditional medical applications of S. alata.

Antimicrobial Actions

In 2009, Chomnawang and associates investigated 17 Thai medicinal plants to ascertain their activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and S. alata was found to be among those with the potential to inhibit the standard strain of S. aureus (Fitoterapia 2009;80:102-4).

Chomnawang et al. had previously examined the potential antimicrobial effects of other Thai medicinal plants against other bacterial species. In 2007, they focused on free radical-scavenging and cytokine-depleting properties of botanicals to determine their suitability as treatments for the inflammation provoked by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. Through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and the nitroblue tetrazolium assay to identify antioxidant activity, the investigators determined that Garcinia mangostana demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, while Houttuynia cordata, Eupatorium odoratum, and S. alata exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. Extracts of S. alata also demonstrated a dose-dependent capacity to inhibit the production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (Fitoterapia 2007;78:401-8).

Against Skin Pathogens

In 2005, Chomnawang et al. conducted a study to assess the antimicrobial properties of Thai medicinal plants against P. acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two strains of bacteria that have been linked to the etiologic pathway of acne. With disk diffusion, they found that, among 13 plant species demonstrating the capacity to inhibit P. acnes growth, S. alata was one of four that exhibited strong inhibitory activity. In this and their subsequent studies, though, G. mangostana was shown to be the species displaying the broadest inhibitory and antimicrobial effects among Thai medicinal plants. Notably, S. alata did manifest encouraging antibacterial properties against S. epidermidis as well as P. acnes (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005;101:330-3).

In 2003, ointments produced from ethanolic extracts of the leaves of S. alata, as well as Lantana camara and Mitracarpus scaber, were shown to be effective as topical treatments of bovine dermatophilosis (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2003;86:167-71).

In a more recent investigation of the phytochemistry and antimicrobial properties of S. alata, Idu et al. found that extracts of the flowers yielded in vitro antimicrobial action in assays using clinical isolates of various bacterial species, including Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aureginosa, and S. aureus. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive constituents, including anthraquinones, phenols, polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins), and saponins (Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2007;10:806-9).

Extracts of S. alata have also been found to exert antifungal activity (J. Ethnopharmacol. 1990;29:337-40). Subsequent supporting evidence emerged from a 10-year human study concluded in 1994 that indicated that the leaf extract of S. alata is an effective herbal treatment for pityriasis versicolor and provokes no side effects (J. Ethnopharmacol. 1994;42:19-23). Previous reports suggested that aqueous extracts of S. alata leaves are suitable for treating eczema, pruritus, and cutaneous infections in humans (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2003;86:167-71).

Traditional Medical Uses

Evidence of the widespread traditional use of S. alata for medicinal purposes other than as a laxative abounds. The results of an ethnobotanical survey conducted among the Carib population of Guatemala in 1988-1989 revealed that a macerate of S. alata was used topically to treat skin diseases and was one of the nine most cited plant species used there for medicinal purposes among 102 species identified (J. Ethnopharmacol. 1991;34:173-87). In an ethnobotanical survey conducted from September 1990 to December 1994 in Martinique, S. alata was one of the four most cited species of plants used in traditional medicine, with two primary indications (skin rashes in 75% of cases, treated topically with the crushed leaves of the plant, and constipation, treated with a decoction) (J. Ethnopharmacol. 1996;53:117-42).

More recently, in a 2008 ethnobotanical survey in the state of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, S. alata was one of the four most cited species used in traditional medical practice, among 114 plant species considered. It is used more often there for dermatologic indications, as a powder and orally, than as a laxative (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008;115:387-408).

A 2008 study in the Akwapim-North district of Ghana examining the antibacterial activity of several plant species, S. alata was cited as the most often used herbal ingredient in traditional medical practice among 25 plant species used for dermatologic or anti-infectious indications (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008;116:102-11).

Also in 2008, a survey of herbalist healers in a Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia, also revealed the use of S. alata, in the form of crushed leaves, for a cutaneous condition, specifically dermatitis (J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008;115:72-81).

In addition, S. alata is used in traditional Creole medicine and has recently been introduced in the French pharmacopoeia, particularly because it has been used successfully in French overseas departments such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion (Fitoterapia 2009;80:385-93). The analgesic activity of kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside was demonstrated about 2 decades ago (J. Ethnopharmacol. 1990;29:73-8). Kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside, a phenolic compound (specifically, a flavonol glycoside) with demonstrated antioxidant activity, is an active constituent in S. alata (Free Radic. Res. 1997;27:429-35).

On the Market

Numerous patent applications have been submitted for products containing S. alata in foundation creams for a wide array of cosmetic formulations touted for antiaging, photoprotective, and moisturizing activity, as well as a treatment for athlete's foot and beriberi (Fitoterapia 2009;80:385-93). The demonstrated antifungal properties of the plant have made it a common ingredient in over-the-counter lotions, shampoos, and soaps in some countries. In addition, extracts from S. alata are featured in La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 ultra light sunscreen fluid, a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 60 sunscreen. According to proprietary research conducted by the company, human keratinocyte cell cultures treated with S. alata extract exhibited a decrease in UVB-induced thymine dimer formation; in a different experiment, S. alata extract imparted protection against UVA- induced mitochondrial DNA damage; in a third experiment, the herb was said to have supported natural DNA repair, in vitro, by enhancing Gadd45alpha gene expression.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of S. alata as a laxative is well documented. Although the traditional use of this botanical appears to be common in less-developed countries in tropical regions throughout the world and the dermatologic evidence is compelling, much more research is necessary to ascertain if the potency of the plant can be harnessed for effective cutaneous applications in the more mechanized, modern pharmacologic practice of medicine. It will be interesting to see the results of the various patent applications for products that contain S. alata. The performance of the new La Roche-Posay sunscreen containing the extract will also be worth monitoring.

Home treatment for Tinea Cruris or Jock Itch

Source:http://www.astrogle.com/ayurveda/home-treatment-for-tinea-cruris-or-jock-itch.html

(Astrogle)

Tinea cruris, also known as crotch itch, crotch rot, Dhobie itch, eczema marginatum, gym itch, jock itch, and ringworm of the groin in American English is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the groin region in either sex, though more often seen in males.

Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and spreads in the groin area. It occurs mostly in adult men and adolescent boys. It can sometimes accompany athlete’s foot and ringworm. The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas.

Tinea cruris can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area, such as from sweating. It may be contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing.

Symptoms of Tinea Cruris

- Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus

- Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze — The patches often have sharply-defined edges and are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center

- Abnormally dark or light skin

Home Treatment using Ayurvedic method for Tinea Cruris

Jock itch usually responds to self-care within a couple of weeks:

- Keep the skin clean and dry.

- Don’t wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area.

- ONETIME application of Cassia alata leaf extract(paste) over the infected regions will be enough to get rid of pityriasis versicolor for a maximum period of nine months.This establishes the therapeutic supremacy of Cassia alata leaf extract over the existing medicines. (Cassia alata, Linn., is used in the Indian system of medicine namely Ayurveda, siddha and unani. belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae, R.Br. and is distributed mainly in tropics and subtropics.

- Sans. – Dadrughna. Eng. – Ringworm shrub. Hind. & Ben. – Dadmurdan; Dadmari. Mah. – Dadamardana. Tel. – Sima avisi; Mettatamara. Tam. – Vendukolli; sheemai-agatti. Mal. – Seemagati. Can. – Sheemigida; Agase-gida. Kon. – Daddupana. Duk. – Dad-ka-patta; Vilayati-agati. Burm. – Maizali-gi.) This leaf’s extract can be applied to cure Pityriasis versicolor, Tinea corporis,Tinea cruris,and Tinea pedis.

- If you cannot find above leaf in your area, you can pick up few neem leaves, make their paste with water and add some turmeric to it.

- Apply this paste+turmeric to the effected area and let it dry for atleast 2 hours.

- Do not wear any underwear and try to keep the infected area uncovered during this process of application and drying.

Jock itch usually responds promptly to treatment. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, but may last a long time. Infection usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis. Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort.

Do not scratch the infected area even if it is itchy. Apply the above prescribed paste and wear only loose cotton pants or shorts during nights and keep the area dry and clean.

Complications of Tinea Cruris can be

- Permanent change in the skin color of the area

- Secondary bacterial skin infections

In above complicated conditions, treatment may be required for more weeks.

Prevention of Tinea Cruris or Jock Itch

- Keep the groin area clean and dry.

- Don’t wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area. Avoid tight-fitting and rough-textured clothing.

- Wear loose-fitting underwear.

- Wash athletic supporters frequently.

- After bathing, apply antifungal or drying powders if you are susceptible to jock itch.

Senna Candlestick Care: How To Grow Candlestick Bushes

Source:http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/candlestick-bush/growing-candlestick-bushes.htm

By Becca Badgett (Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden)

A longtime favorite of Gulf Coast gardeners, growing candle bush (Senna alata) adds a showy, yet old-fashioned touch to the full sun landscape. Upright racemes of yellow flowers resemble a candlestick, hence the common name of candlestick plant.

Candlestick Plant Info

Candlestick senna, previously called candlestick cassia (Cassia alata), is described as a small tree or shrub, depending on which candlestick plant info one reads. When growing candle bush in the warmest of USDA plant hardiness zones, the plant may return for several years, allowing the trunk to develop to tree size. In more northern areas of the south, grow candle bush as an annual that may return following unusually mild winters.

Candlestick senna provides spiky, bold, late summer color, making it a somewhat useful specimen for many warm season landscapes. Candlestick plant info says the plant is native to Central and South America.

Candlestick plant info indicates the brightly flowering bush attracts pollinators, as larvae of sulphur butterflies feed on the plant. Candlestick senna is also said to have anti-fungal properties.

How to Grow Candlestick

Growing candle bush can rapidly add interest in the back of a bed, in a mixed shrub border or even as a focal point in the bare landscape. Growing candle bush provides form and color while you’re waiting on more permanent specimens to establish and grow.

While the tree is attractive and elegant in its native habitat, many who are familiar with growing this plant in the United States say it is actually a noxious, self-seeding weed. Plant cautiously when learning how to grow candlestick, perhaps in a container. Remove the green winged samaras before they produce seed, as well as any young seedlings that are sprouting if you don’t wish for its return to your beds and borders.

Growing candle bush can be started from seed. Soak seeds overnight and direct sow in the spring when chances of frost have passed. Keep in mind, candlestick senna may reach 15 feet in height, so make sure it has room to shoot up and out.

Senna Candlestick Care

Senna candlestick care is minimal. Water seeds until they sprout and watch the plant take off. In areas where candlestick senna may remain for a few years, pruning for shape is often necessary for the best appearance. Heavy pruning when blooms are finished results in a more compact and attractive bush. If you find the plant shabby, invasive or a nuisance, don’t be afraid to cut it to the ground or take it out by the roots.

Acapulco, an Anti-fungal herb

Source:http://practicalhealthtricks.blogspot.com/2014/05/acapulco-anti-fungal-herb.html

(Practical Health Tricks)

Are you bothered by itchy fungal infections like dandruff, ringworm, etc.? Are you looking for a natural treatment? Try Acapulco and learn to process it into ointment and balm.

Effectiveness of Acapulco

During my childhood days, I have a playmate who used to have a an itchy ringworm and lots of “An-an” scattered all over her body.

While we were playing, he used to scratched it every now and then. One day, I saw him with a bunch of leaves, then through a mortar and pestle, he pound it and extracted the juice of the leaves. Said juice was applied to the affected area. A week after, his scratching was gone and so with his skin problems.

I realized now that the leaves he used were from Acapulco plant, one that is rich with anti-fungal properties. Now, I always have Acapulco ointment or balm in our house. I tell you, it is effective in treating dandruff in your scalp, in your eyebrows as well as for treating other skin problems caused by fungi

Other health benefits

The Acapulco is widely used in the Philippines as one of the herbal medicines. Its leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections. It is also known to treat intestinal, lung and mouth problems.

Acapulco can be used as herbal medicine for the following lung and mouth problems:

• Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea

• Mouthwash in stomatitis

• Alleviation of asthma symptoms

It can also be used for the following skin diseases:

• Tinea infections

• Skin bites

• Eczema

• Scabies,

Acapulco is also good for the following stomach problems:

• Laxative to expel intestinal parasites

• Diuretic

• Purgative

Warning: Strong decoction of leaves can cause abortion among pregnant women. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

How to prepare an Acapulco Ointment or

Balm?

To make it readily available in your home, Acapulco can be processed into a Home-made Ointment or Balm.

How it is processed into ointment or balm?

• Get a handful of Acapulco leaves (fresh or dried), slice them thinly.

• In a saucepan or any clean stainless container, place 1 cup of virgin coco oil or olive oil or a vegetable oil. (Proportion: 1 cup oil: 1 cup sliced leaves)

• Submerge in the oil the sliced leaves, then heat in a slow fire for 10 minutes. Stir, once in a while. Fry until crispy.

• Strain, to separate the oil from the leaves.

• Put back the oil in the container.

• Add some wax (honey bee wax is preferred, if not, an ordinary candle will do).

• Test. Drop a small amount of liquid in a saucer or a fresh leaf. Wait until it coagulates.

• Optional: You may add some natural flower scent such as ilang-ilang , rose, sampaguita, etc. But, be sure to remove them before pouring the mixture in the container.

• Pour in the desired container while it is still hot. Let it cool.

Now, you just made a home-made anti-fungal ointment or balm.

Application

For dandruff treatment, apply the Acapulco Ointment at bedtime or one hour before taking your bath. Repeat theapplication, until all your dandruff is gone. For other skin problems, apply the ointment or balm 3x a day until the problem is gone.

The Acapulco Plant

Acapulco is a shrub that normally grows wild in a tropical climate like the Philippines. In the rural areas, said plants grows well in soil with high moisture content. It is commonly found in areas along the river side, streams, and the likes. It can, however, be propagated by cutting stem or seeds.

Akapulko found to have anti-asthmatic property

Source:http://news.mims.com/topic/akapulko-found-to-have-anti-asthmatic-property?country=philippines

(MIMS)

Akapulko (Cassia alata) extract and its formulated nebule have been found to exhibit anti-asthmatic property, according to a study conducted by researchers from Saint Louis University. The study showed that Akapulko extract and its formulated nebule possess anti-asthma property comparable to terbutaline.

The intention of the study was to experimentally prove that Akapulko leaf extract is an effective anti-asthma, involving the use of Akapulko leaves that were subjected to Soxhet Extraction procedure using ethanol as the extracting solvent and rotary evaporation to obtain the pure extract. The leaf extract was used for the anti-asthma test and for the formulation of the anti-asthma nebule.

To test for the broncho-relaxation effect of the extract and its formulated nebule, the researchers made use of tracheal spirals from guinea pigs in three trials. Prior to the application of the terbutaline and Akapulko extract and its formulated nebule, pilocarpine was applied first for its constricting effect. They then compared the effects of Akapulko extract and its formulated nebule to Terbutaline as a positive control and Tween 80 as negative control.

According to researchers, Akapulko extract and its formulated nebule both resulted to an increase in the length of the tracheal spiral by 0.2 cm, 0.4 cm and 0.2 cm for trials 1 to 3, respectively. As for terbutaline, it showed a uniform result of an increase by 0.6 cm. and for pilocarpine, with the length of the tracheal spiral decreasing by 0.3 cm consistently across the three trials, while Tween 80 did not show any increase in the length of the tracheal spirals, making it a non-factor since it was used as a suspending agent in the formulation of the nebule.

According to the results of the study, the average length of the tracheal spiral treated with Akapulko extract is 4.37 cm, 4.17cm treated with Terbutaline and 4.70 cm with Akapulko nebule. At 0.05 level of significance, analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference in the results of Akapulko extract, Terbutaline and Akapulko nebule since the computed t-value is 0.2790 as compared to the critical value of 2.21318.

This means that the relaxing effect of Akapulko extract and its formulated nebule, signified by the increase in the length of the tracheal spiral, is equivalent to a commercially available terbutaline.

Researchers discussed asthma as a common chronic disorder of the airways that involves a complex interaction of airflow obstruction, bronchial responsiveness and an underlying inflammation. As estimated by the WHO, out of the 90 million people living in the Philippines, 12 percent suffer from asthma. The use of Akapulko extract is common in the provinces; the extract is added with a little amount of oil and taken orally followed with a tablespoon of warm water.

How to make Akapulko ointment

Source:http://abucayarleenjay.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-make-akapulko-ointment.html

(Arleen Jay R. Abucay's blogspot)

Last June 27, during in our Related Learning Experience (RLE) 20 class, our teacher taught us how to make Akapulko Ointment. This ointment as what they have told us is good for skin itchiness, skin infection and even scabies.

Our group, Group 1, is so excited to make this ointment. Actually, it is our first time and we are like in an unstoppable ignition of feeling excited because we would like to know the process in making this ointment that really cures skin irritations.

First, we prepare all the things needed. They are:

240 ml. chopped in small pieces Akapulko leaves

240 ml. finely scraped Esperma candle

240 ml. palm oil

Cooking clay pot (kolon)

Denatured alcohol

Match

Wooden laddle

After preparing the equipment and ingredients needed, then we go to the main thing of making the ointment.

1. Wash your hands.

2. Wash the fresh young Akapulko leaves.

3. Chop the washed fresh young Akapulko leaves.

4. Prepare the Esperma candle and scrape thinly.

5. Prepare one glass of Esperma (240 ml.) candle, one glass of chopped, fresh young Akapulko leaves and one glass of palm oil.

6. Pour one galss or chopped young Akapulko leavs and one glass of palm oil into a clay pot and boil.

7. Mix and stir the leaves using a wooden spoon or ladle until the leaves become crispy and golden brown.

8. After cooking, strain and pour the boiling extracted juice in oil into the container with one glass of Esperma or thinly scraped pieces of candle.

9. Let it cool, and then pour it into a clean container.

As we were done making the ointment, we were glad that such an activity would give us an idea that we can indeed utilize to make ointment from Akapulko leaves that will serve to help us heal and even cure our minor skin problem.

Appreciate the availability of herbs in the surrounding would make us knowledgeable that in order to find alternatives in directly not resting yet for medication especially when the illness or disease is not deep, we can get the right option from nature's available and approved by the Department of Health (DOH) herbs.

Healing diseases with Cassia alata (ringworm shrub) which proudly stand out and flourish in your neighbourhood

Source:http://healthbubbles.com/gb/?p=2325

By Dr. Gilbert Ezengige

One of the medicinal plants I enjoyed pronouncing its scientific name in my early years of embracing the study of herbal medicine which is also referred to as herbology, Botanic Medicine or Phytotherapy is Ringworm Shrub known as Cassia alata.

Little did I know then that its therapeutic values are as captivating as the sound of its scientific name.

Itemized below are a few of the healing actions of this herb.

Botanical name: Cassia alata

Synonyms: Senna alata

Common names: Ringworm plant, ringworm shrub and craw-craw plant

Local names (Nigeria) : Ogaalu (Igbo), AsurunOyinbo ( Yoruba)

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, stems and roots

Medicinal properties : The flowers, leaves, stem and root all posses laxative properties and can effectively be used for the treatment of constipation and part treatment for hemorrhoids.

Ladies who experience scanty menstrual flows will benefit from the regular intake of Cassia alata tea

Note, it is contraindicated (to be avoided) in pregnancy due to its uterine stimulating action

Cassia alata is an antimicrobial plant that in Nigeria and most parts of Africa is employed in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Staphylococcus aureus etc.)

It is an anti-inflammatory herb administered to counteract inflammation in diseased body parts

The herb benefits patients who are challenged by various allergies ranging from skin to respiratory allergies

The analgesic action of Cassia alata is one of the reasons why practitioners of herbal medicine utilize it in the treatment and management of lumbago, arthritis and rheumatism.

Its common name, “Ringworm shrub” already suggests one of the applications of this plant. Fresh leaves are rubbed on ringworm sites on the skin to treat this condition.

As a matter of fact, most fungi infections including Athlete’s foot and Eczema respond to topical application of Cassia alata cream.

When next you identify it in your neighborhood, give thanks to God for His goodness mercy and provision.

Note that herbal supplements are best administered by trained health care providers.

Propagation of Senna Alata

Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/propagation-senna-alata-35639.html

By Bonnie Singleton (Demand Media)

Senna alata is known as Christmas candle because it has yellow flower spikes on its evergreen shrubbery that look like thick, waxy candlesticks. The plant is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. It also grows as an annual in zones 8 and 9. Simple propagation techniques will produce healthy specimens that provide a lovely floral display for your home garden and will also attract butterflies.

Senna alata

Senna alata is from the bean family and originally found in tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and America. It can reach a height of up to 30 feet in its native habitat, although 5 to 8 feet is more typical in a backyard garden, with a spread approximately half that width. An aggressive grower, especially in areas with a high water table, Senna alata often forms thickets through natural propagation. For this reason, the shrub is a good choice for borders. As a specimen plant, it could also be grown in outdoor containers or tubs.

Propagation Source

You may propagate the plant by growing seeds, which may be sold under the plant's various alternate names including candle bush, candlestick tree, candelabra bush, Christmas candle, Empress candle, golden candlestick, popcorn senna and ringworm tree. If you have access to Senna alata plants, collect seeds from the six-inch long seed pods, which can contain as many as 60 seeds each. On their own, senna alata pods and seeds can be distributed by water or animals, or the plant will sucker from roots.

Timing

If you're collecting your own seeds, harvest pods in the fall and store them in a dry location over the winter. Pop open the pods in the spring and start cultivating seeds indoors from February through March, or several weeks before the last average frost date, to give the seedlings a head start. For best results, first soak seeds in warm water overnight before planting. Because they're fast growers, seedlings usually bloom the first year from seed.

Cultivation

Plant seeds about three quarters of an inch deep in a well-drained soil and humus mixture with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Find an area with full sun for the seedlings' permanent home and feed with a balanced fertilizer after planting and then once a month during the growing season. Senna alata plants are drought-tolerant, but they will still benefit from being watered regularly and given a layer of mulch during the hottest summer months. As young plants develop, pinch new growth to increase the number of future flower spikes, and prune mature plants back in spring to improve flowering.

Considerations

All parts of the Senna alata plant are poisonous if swallowed and should be kept away from children or pets. Because this shrub can become invasive under certain conditions, some areas have banned the introduction of the plant or seeds into the region. This is less of a problem in the U.S. than in other places, such as some areas of Australia. Use caution when adding Senna alata to your garden and keep any eye on where it goes to prevent its invasion into natural habitats.

Akapulko as anti-fungal medication

Source:http://www.iohsad.org/blog/10/09/akapulko-anti-fungal-medication

By Noel Colina

The floods caused by both nature – typhoon Ketsana and Parma - and the dam managers, exposed many of the already suffering victims to various diseases. With many areas remaining submerged, people had to wade through thigh-high mud and water, making them vulnerable to various ailments, among them skin disease.

This was very evident when IOHSAD, through the Task Force Obrero, conducted a relief and medical mission last October 1, 2009 at Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal. More than 30% of the patients had varying foot problems because of the constant exposure to dirty water. We needed to bring more anti-fungal medicines for the next mission but this become very difficult.

Those pharmacies who usually provides us solicited medicines were already running out of stock. To buy them would be too expensive. We decided, with a strong push from our resident herbalist Emma, to make them instead.

We've been able to produce anti-fungal medication for more than 300 people, although our little workshop can produce more but sourcing the ingredients have proven difficult. Before we were able to easily source Akapulko (Senna Alata L.), the main ingredient, from Marikina, but it was one of the areas devastated by the typhoon.

Here are the instructions on how to make anti-fungal medication from Akapulko leaves:

Materials:

• Akapulko

• Wooden spatula

• Sterilized containers with wide mouth (for ointment)

• Coconut oil

• Wax #5

• Clay pot

• Cheese cloth

• measuring cups

Preparation:

Clean the Akapulko leaves
Mix 1 part of coconut oil and 1 part of Akapulko leaves in the clay pot
Stir the mixture with wooden spatula until oil is green and the leaves have become brittle
Pour the oil inside the cheesecloth to filter the leaves.
Pour the oil in another clay pot and mix with wax. Stir until wax is melted.
While it remains hot, pour the mixture into the sterilized containers.
Let the mixture cool before covering and sealing the containers.

Application:

Clean the area affected. Apply the ointment on affected areas 3-4 times a day.

Nigeria finds cure for piles/haemorrhoids

Source:http://www.africanvoiceonline.co.uk/nigeria-finds-cure-for-pileshaemorrhoids/

By Peter Olorunnisomo

Researchers in Nigeria are reported to have identified about 143 local plants and vegetables useful for a curative treatment of haemorrhoids. These edible vegetation, some of which are readily identifiable for local soups, are recommended for consumption in a special diet slightly cooked for treatment.

Reports have it that the researchers are from the Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

The research results recently published in the Nigeria Scholars Research Library Annals of Biological Research show that the herbal recipes include green spinach, Amaranthus viridis (Amaranth, Tete in Yoruba, akwukwo nri in Ibo), Celosia spp (Lagos spinach, Soko in Yoruba), and waterleaf (Talinum triangulare). The use of Occimum gratissimum (scent leaf, Nchuanwu in Ibo, Effirin in Yoruba) as species in some soup is also very effective in the treatment of piles.

Others include Senna alata (Asunrun oyinbo in Yoruba, Ogalu in Ibo), Gongronena latifolium (Utazi in Ibo and Arokeke in Yoruba), Axonopus compressus (carpet grass), Anogeiessus leiocarpus (chew-stick, atara in Ibo, ayin in Yoruba and farin gamji in Hausa), Pteleopsis suberosa (wuyan giíwaá in Hausa), Tetrapleura tetraptera (Osakirisa or Oshosho in Ibo, Aidan in Yoruba), Khaya senegalensis (mahogany) and Allium spp (garlic, onion, shallots).

The study titled, “Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used in the Treatment of Haemorrhoids in South-Western Nigeria” was published by Mike O. Soladoye, Michael O. Adetayo, Emmanuel C. Chukwuma and Amusa N Adetunji.

Haemorrhoids, also called pile, are vascular structures in the anal canal which help with stool control. They become pathological or piles when swollen or inflamed.

They are caused by increased pressure in the veins of the rectum or anus resulting from straining when trying to have a bowel movement or any activity causing straining, such as heavy lifting. As pressure increases, blood pools in the veins, increases and this causes them to swell thus stretching the surrounding tissue.

Haemorrhoids can be inside and/or outside the anus and they are not dangerous. Internal haemorrhoids may be located near the beginning of the anal canal or close to the anal opening. When it protrudes outside the anal opening, they are referred to as prolapsed haemorrhoids.

It is estimated that about one quarter of all Africans have had haemorrhoids at age 50 and that 50 to 85 per cent of the world population, could be affected at some time in their life.

Pile affect both sexes but the impact on males appear to be more of concern because of its effect on their sexual performance. This disease appears to be genetically inherited as some children suffer this ailment. Humans are prone to haemorrhoids because the erect posture of man puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the anal region.

According to recent studies, overeating and presence of unassimilated bulk foods are also known to cause haemorrhoids as well as intoxicating liquors, artificial flavoring or spices, white bread, cakes, all other white flour products, fried foods, sugar and all mineral drinks.

Results from the study as released on the researchers from the Olabisi Onabanjo university state:

“In all, the commonest species in the recipes are Senna alata, Gongronena latifolium, Axonopus compressus, Anogeiessus leiocarpus, Pteleiopsis suberosa, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Khaya spp and Allium spp. All the plants identified in this work have been used severally by the herbalists and adjudged to be efficacious.”

The researchers noted during the interviews that if internal haemorrhoids is not treated, it could lead to external haemorrhoids. This disease can be treated with both fresh and dry herbs.

They wrote: “Scientific studies on these plants too would yield interesting results and help us in understanding the pharmacological actions of the active compounds found in these plants as suggested by Ramana.

“As clearly stated by Pei traditional medical knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses by indigenous cultures are not only useful for conservation of cultural traditions and biodiversity but also for community healthcare and drug development in the present and future.

“From the opinions of the 25 respondents that were interviewed, 52 per cent suggested that herbal tea is the most effective option in treating haemorrhoids, 16 per cent said herb powder (Yoruba -Agunmu), eight per cent confirmed rubbing concoction while 12 per cent confirmed that herbal paste/lotion are more effective. Only eight per cent suggested herbal juice and the remaining eight per cent herbal gins.

New herbal tea to treat malaria in Africa

Source:http://www.news-medical.net/news/20150415/New-herbal-tea-to-treat-malaria-in-Africa.aspx

(News Medical)

Malaria is a critical health problem in West Africa, where traditional medicine is commonly used alongside modern healthcare practices. An herbal remedy derived from the roots of a weed, which was traditionally used to alleviate malarial symptoms, was combined with leaves and aerial portions from two other plants with antimalarial activity, formulated as a tea, and eventually licensed and sold as an antimalarial phytomedicine. The fascinating story and challenges behind the development of this plant-based treatment are presented in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine website until May 14, 2015.

Dr. Merlin Willcox (University of Oxford, U.K.), Dr. Zéphirin Dakuyo (Phytofla, Banfora, Burkina Faso), and coauthors discuss the antimalarial and pharmacological properties of the herbal medication derived from Cochlospermum planchonii (a shrubby weed known as N'Dribala), Phyllanthus amarus, and Cassia alata. The authors provide a unique historical perspective in describing the early evaluation, development, and production of this phytomedicine. They present the ongoing research and challenges in scaling up cultivation and harvesting of the plants and in production of the final product. The article also describes other traditional uses of the medication, such as to treat hepatitis.

It’s not too early for gardeners to dream of autumn blooms

Source:http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/features/13220683-171/its-not-too-early-for

By R. Stephanie Bruno

It hasn’t escaped my notice that with the rains this week came lower temperatures, and lower temperatures mean fall is just around the corner, right? Ha! If only that were true.

Nonetheless, the cooler weather turned my thoughts to fall. I have begun daydreaming about (instead of dreading) my garden again.

I imagine my roses will burst into bloom and put on a dandy show. I expect my hydrangeas will no longer wilt piteously every day, and instead will look healthy again. What else, I wondered, might I look forward to in the garden?

The answer is cassias.

According to horticulturist Allen Owings, of the LSU AgCenter, these are some of the most prolific fall bloomers in our region and come in several varieties that can be worked into almost any garden design as long as you like their golden yellow blossoms.

Owings reported that cassias were recently reclassified as sennas, though he expects the common name for them won’t change.

The most stunning of the group may be Cassia splendida, which can be easily trained into a small 10- to 13-foot-tall tree in our region. Every fall, beginning in September and continuing well into November, the trees are covered with clusters of golden pea-like blossoms borne on arching.

The plants require little in the way of care, as long as they are in full to partial sun. Only the coldest of winter temperatures will harm them and, once established, they can tolerate drought conditions well.

The blossoms of Cassia corymbosa looks very much like those of C. splendida, but it develops as a low-growing shrub rather than a specimen that can be trained into a tree. Blossoms attract bees and cassias are host plants for butterflies, including cloudless sulphur and orange-barred sulphur butterflies.

Cassia alata, or candlestick plant, is another Gulf Coast favorite. On these shrubs, stiff spikes of golden flowers are held high above the foliage, and reach straight up toward the sky. This cassia can grow 6 to 10 feet tall and is therefore most often used in the back of a border.

The candlestick cassia (or candelabra plant) is also the least cold-hardy of the group. In some places across the globe, C. alata is cultivated for medicinal uses because of the fungicidal property of its ground-up leaves. A less flattering name for the plant is ringworm shrub.

When considering what plants to mix in with cassias, consider those with blooms in the blue, purple and white ranges. The purple blooms of Tibouchina (also known as Glory Flower) and the plant’s fuzzy leaves contrast handsomely with the blooms and leaves of cassias.

Another plant, Duranta or Golden Dewdrops, puts out clusters of blue, purple or white blossoms on the end of arching stems. Its flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Durantas are especially interesting because their blooms are followed by small yellow fruit that is adored by deer and songbirds.

A third plant that will bloom summer through fall and complements cassias well is plumbago. Like Duranta, its blooms come in shades of blue or even white, making a great companion for whichever cassia appears in the garden.

How to Care for a Candle Bush Plant

Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-candle-bush-plant-22246.html

By Amma Marfo (Demand Media)

The Candle Bush plant, also called the Candlestick plant or Senna alata, is a tropical perennial capable of reaching twelve feet high. The plants feature lush growth and yellow flowers resembling candles that bloom from late summer to fall. The Candle Bush plant is drought-tolerant and weather-tough, making it a suitable plant for inexperienced and expert gardeners alike. With origins in the tropical Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia, the Candle Bush is an annual in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 7 to 9, but grows as a perennial in Zones 10 and higher.

1 Select a full-sun location for the Candle Bush plant where the soil is well-draining. Partial shade is tolerable, but not ideal. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost for annual growth and transplant once the plant reaches ten to twelve inches tall. Alternatively, purchase potted seedlings from a local nursery.

2 Water the plant weekly when rainfall isn’t sufficient, to supply at least a half-inch of water and keep the soil moist. If grown as a perennial, the mature Candle Bush plant will become more drought resistant as it becomes established.

3 Weed the area around your Candle Bush plant regularly to decrease water competition. Apply one to two inches of mulch to the area, if desired, to cut down on weeds and retain water.

4 Feed your plant once a month with a half-strength solution of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to encourage it to reach its full height and produce lush blooms. As you apply fertilizer, remember to feed based on the current height of the plant, not the expected height.

5 Propagate by collecting seeds from the plant after flowering, once the pods have turned brown and dried. Let some seeds fall to the ground for annual growing if you want the plant to attempt to self-sow.

6 Allow Candle Bush plants grown as annuals to die back shortly after the first frost and clear away dead growth. Prune perennial plants after blooming or seed collection, trimming each branch back to half its length. Make each cut just after a bud or branch at a 45 degree angle.

Things You Will Need

• Mulch

• Fertilizer

• Hand pruners

Tip

• Candle Bush plants grow well with banana plants and hibiscus for a tropical display.

• Remove any volunteer “suckers” or self-sown seeds from around the base of your perennial plant each spring to prevent overcrowding.

Warning

Pesticides are not recommended for Candle Bush plants because they are known to attract butterflies and bees. A flush of hungry caterpillars around the plants will soon be decreased by birds.

Atis, Akapulko and Kapal-kapal, plants with potential anti-cancer compounds

Source:http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/r-d-updates/3127-atis-akapulko-and-kapal-kapal-plants-with-potential-anti-cancer-compounds

(Philippines Council For Health Reasearch and Development)

“In the management of cancer, there is chemotherapy which uses natural products or drugs that kill cancer cells. And in our study, we are trying to discover possible chemotherapeutic properties derived from plant sources,” said Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto, Anticancer Natural Products Professor of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD).

The research conducted by the group of Dr. Jacinto entitled “Philippine Plants Showing Cytotoxic Activity to Selected Human Cancer Cell Lines” aims to isolate the compounds that are responsible for the cancer-killing action of the plant extracts to enable development of anti-cancer drugs.

“We grow a lot of cancer cells and place the plant extracts in it to observe if the cancer cells can grow. If they grow, then the study is unsuccessful. If it dies, it is a good sign that we can proceed to the next stage,” explained Dr. Jacinto.

Among the interesting findings obtained from their study was from the plant Annona Squamosa, more commonly known as “Atis.” According to Dr. Jacinto, Annona Squamosa is a close relative of Annona Muricata or “Guyabano” which is rich in Murihexocin C, compound active as anti-cancer agent.

Another plant which showed potential was Akapulko (Cassia Alata). Akapulko is a herbal medicine that is known to have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Dr. Jacinto’s group discovered that Akapulko also has cytotoxic activity against some cancer cell lines.

“We have isolated a mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acid esters. The isolate may have potential for development as cancer chemotherapeutic agents,” said Dr. Jacinto.

Dr. Jacinto’s group also discovered cytotoxicity or cell-killing properties from Calotropis Gigantea or “Kapal-kapal.” Results showed that the compounds were extremely toxic to the human cancer cell lines such as colon carcinoma, lung non-small cell adenocarcinoma and liver hepatocarcinoma.

Kapal-kapal is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant in the Philippines. Based on Dr. Jacinto’s research, the leaves of the plant can be applied as a dry fomentation for abdominal pains. Ethanolic extract of Kapal-kapal roots has also shown significant inhibitory effects against chronic myelogenous leukemia and human gastric cancer cell lines.

According to Dr. Jacinto, there are still other plant species that can be studied further for their cancer-killing properties. Dr. Jacinto encouraged young researchers to conduct researches on medicinal plants to contribute in the treatment of cancer.

“This is the line of work that we do. You can perhaps do something like this. You can use this as a jump start of your researches,” said. Dr. Jacinto.

Now, herbal tea that fights malaria

Source:http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/healthy-eating/now-herbal-tea-that-fights-malaria_1578986.html

(ANI)

Washington: A new study has revealed about the journey of the antimalarial tea from herbal remedy to licensed phytomedicine.

The herbal remedy derived from the roots of a weed, which was traditionally used to alleviate malarial symptoms, was combined with leaves and aerial portions from two other plants with antimalarial activity, formulated as a tea, and eventually licensed and sold as an antimalarial phytomedicine.

The authors have presented the fascinating story and challenges behind the development of this plant-based treatment.

Merlin Willcox (University of Oxford, U.K.), Zephirin Dakuyo (Phytofla, Banfora, Burkina Faso) and coauthors discuss the antimalarial and pharmacological properties of the herbal medication derived from Cochlospermum planchonii (a shrubby weed known as N'Dribala), Phyllanthus amarus, and Cassia alata.

The authors provide a unique historical perspective in describing the early evaluation, development, and production of this phytomedicine.

They present the ongoing research and challenges in scaling up cultivation and harvesting of the plants and in production of the final product.

The article also describes other traditional uses of the medication, such as to treat hepatitis.

The study appears in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Drugs for diabetes: Scientists test the power of plants

Source:http://www2.gre.ac.uk/about/news/articles/2013/a2410-drugs-for-diabetes-scientists-test-the-power-of-plants

(Public Relations, University of Greenwich)

New drugs to treat diabetes are being developed by scientists at the University of Greenwich.

A group of researchers from the university’s School of Science, led by Dr Solomon Habtemariam, believe they have identified potential sources of medicines derived from plants which may have fewer adverse side-effects for diabetes sufferers.

The scientists are investigating the properties of two plants found in south-east Asia which they think could have properties that are not only anti-diabetic, but also lipid- or fat-lowering, and so can help tackle obesity.

Dr Habtemariam, a leading expert on drug discovery research from natural sources, says the work could prove a crucial breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes, which he describes a “growing global epidemic”.

“Diabetes is a huge burden to society in general. The search for treatments is making the NHS bankrupt, and this problem is likely to get worse in the next decade. There is no known drug of cure and so, all in all, it’s a huge incentive for us to carry out research in this field,” he says.

The disease, a result of chronically high levels of glucose in the blood, affects more than 300 million people in the world. It is split into two main classes: type I and type 2. The former normally affects children, while type 2, the most common type, is often diagnosed later in life and in some cases can be managed by diet, exercise and weight loss.

The researchers at Greenwich aim to isolate and identify certain extracts from the plants Cassia auriculata and Cassia alata, which could have ‘active ingredients’ for treating diabetes. They discovered that one of the compounds isolated from the plant, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, has proved to be more than eight times more potent than the standard anti-diabetic drug, acarbose.

The team also found the plants have anti-oxidant properties, which is beneficial when treating diabetes.

“Our other most interesting finding is that many of the active ingredients from the Cassia auriculata plant work through a process called ‘synergism’ – in other words, they work together to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects,” Dr Habtemariam says. “Overall, this suggests that the crude plant extract has lots of potential to be used clinically for treating diabetes and associated diseases.”

The research is ongoing and requires further study and validation, but Dr Habtemariam says the university’s School of Science is an ideal place to be conducting his work. “We have both the facilities and the expertise to carry out this research: to isolate chemicals of biological interest, and then to identify what they are. We are only at the drug discovery stage but moving to the clinical trial stage is a very definite goal.” Cassia auriculata and Cassia alata grow in a tropical climate. They are popular both as ornamental plants and for their medicinal uses.

Last year Dr Habtemariam led an international research project which revealed the potential of tansy, a flowering plant found in Europe and Asia, as a treatment for the sexually transmitted disease herpes.

The School of Science runs a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, offering world-class professors, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and excellent links to industry.

To find out more: www.gre.ac.uk/about/schools/science, email courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or call 020 8331 9000.

Plant extract could treat diabetes and obesity!

Source:http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/plant-extract-could-treat-diabetes-and-obesity/

(The Health Site Admin)

British researchers believe that two plants from South East Asia may have anti-diabetic properties and could help tackle obesity as well.

A team of researchers at the University of Greenwich plans to investigate Cassia auriculata and Cassia alata whose extracts could yield active ingredients for a remedy to diabetes which exists in two forms – Type 1 and Type 2. The former normally affects children, while type 2, which is most common in adults, (often diagnosed later in life) can be managed by diet, exercise and weight loss to some extent.

Local herbs for fungal infections identified

Source:http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/09/local-herbs-for-fungal-infections-identified/

By CHUKWUMA MUANYA

Nigerian researchers have identified local herbs that could be effectively used to treat fungal infections including thrush (Candida albicans), dermatitis, eczema and scabies. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes. Nigerian researchers have demonstrated how extracts of local plants could be effectively used to treat fungal and skin infections including thrush (Candida albicans), dermatitis, eczema and scabies.

Nigerian doctors have also identified local herb, which clears oral thrush faster and better than conventional drug.

Thrush is becoming one of the commonest infant diseases in the country, not sparing adults with compromised immunity due to certain diseases. It comes with white patches on the tongue and general skin diseases in infants (called nla in Yoruba and obu in Ibo) and in adults with white patches in genital areas. Thrush or candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is on the prowl.

But a local herb has been demonstrated by medical doctors to be more efficacious than a conventional antifungal drug, Nystatin, in the treatment of thrush. It has been shown that pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans cause both superficial and serious systemic infections and are now widely recognized as important agents of hospital-acquired infection.

A very recent study has identified herbal combination of extracts of Mitracarpus scaber, Ocimum gratissimum, Senna alata and Jatropha multifida as novel treatment for fungal diseases including thrush. Mitracarpus scaber belongs to the plant family Rubiaceae.

Mitracarpus scaber is a perennial annual herb of about 30 centimetres tall or much smaller and possess rough leaves. In Nigeria, it is known as Ogwungwo or Obuobwa in Igbo language, Gududal in Hausa language and Irawo lle in Yoruba language. The leaf extracts of Mitracarpus scaber is widely used in traditional medicine practices in West Africa for the treatment of headaches, toothaches, amenorrhoea, dyspepsia, hepatic diseases, venereal diseases as well as leprosy.

It is claimed that the plant has both antibacterial and antifungal activities. In Senegal, the plant is used for the treatment of sore throat and also for leprosy in the same way as Cola cordifolia and in Nigeria, the juice from the crushed plant is known to be applied topically for the treatment of skin diseases such as ringworm, lice, itching, craw – craw and other fungi diseases or applied to dressings for fresh cuts, wounds and ulcers. It is also used as an ingredient in fish poison by some pagan tribes. Ocimum gratissimum is a shrub belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is commonly known as Scent leaf or Clove basil and is found in many tropical countries. Africa and Asia are however, the two continents where most variants of the plant exist. O. gratissimum is found in the tropical and warm temperature regions such as India and Nigeria. It is called Nchu-anwu in Igbo, Efinrin in Yoruba, Aramogbo in Edo and Daidoya in Hausa. O. gratissimum has been described to have other species in the flora of tropical West Africa.

These include: Ocimum viride, Ocimum suave, Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum canum. Commonly called French physic nut; Spanish physic nut; coral plant, Jatropha multifida belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is called ebosa in Edo; olulu idu in Ibo; botuje, botuje-pupa, lapalapa, or lobotuje in Yoruba.

Commonly called bush candle, Cassia alata/Senna alata, which belongs to the plant family Fabaceae is an ornamental shrub. Senna alata also known as Cassia alata is a shrub from the leguminosae family.

It is called Asunrun Oyinbo in Yoruba and Ogalu in Ibo. It is locally used in Nigeria in the treatment of several infections, which include ringworm, parasitic skin disease. Senna alata is also credited for treatment of haemorrhoids, constipation, inguinal hernia, intestinal parasite, blennorrhagia, syphilis and diabetics.

The leaf of this plant was reported to be useful in treating convulsion, onolthoea, heart failure, abnormal pain, oedema as and as purgative but it was especially useful in treating dermatophytosis. Meanwhile, one of the studies titled “Efficacy of Two Commonly Used Antifungal Herbs in Nigeria Against Clinical Isolates of Fungi’ was published in Microbiology Journal and Science Alert.

The researchers include: Anejionu Miriam Goodness, Nweze Emeka Innocent, Dibua Esther Uju and Esimone Charles Okechukwu. The researchers concluded: “This present study has therefore demonstrated that the ethanolic extracts of Mitracarpus scaber and Ocimum gratissimum oil have antifungal activity against moulds and Candida albicans.

These findings justify their local use in Nigeria and other countries. Generally, the activity of O. gratissimum oil was better than M. scaber extract and the tested antifungal drugs as shown by the in vitro susceptibility test data of the fungal isolates to the antifungal herbal extracts. “The killing rate study indicated also that the oil has very good activity against the isolates.

The killing kinetics showed that the extracts started killing the tested isolates completely from two hour and upwards. However, further studies involving animal studies are warranted to confirm, among other things, the safety profile of these extracts.” The researchers wrote: “Mitracarpus scaber and Ocimum gratissimum are used extensively in Nigerian herbal medicinal practice to treat many ailments especially those caused by fungi.

In the current study, the antifungal activities of these two herbs against fungal isolates (moulds and yeast) recovered from subjects in the community were evaluated. Twenty species of moulds tested were isolated from three clinical samples including skin scrapping (n = 13), scalp (n = 4) and skin/scalp (n = 3) while 18 clinical isolates of Candida albicans were isolated from seven clinical samples including high vaginal swab (n = 8), sputum (n = 4), urine (n = 1), endo-cervical swab (n = 2), groin (n = 1), mouth thrush (n = 1) and palm (n = 1).

Studies on the in vitro antifungal activity of the ethanol extract of Mitracarpus scaber (50 μg mL-1) and Ocimum gratissimum oil (50 μg mL-1) showed that the clinical isolates were sensitive to the herbal extracts but more sensitive to O. gratissimum oil extract with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 0.8-1.25 μg mL-1 than to ketoconazole- an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus- (MIC range of 0.31 to 5.00 μg mL-1).

The MIC ranges for sodium salicylate and aspirin were 0.75 to 1.60 and 7.81 to 31.25 μg mL-1, respectively. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) results revealed that the O. gratissimum oil had greater biocidal effect against most of the tested organisms (MFC range of 0.156 to 2.5 μg mL-1), whereas the effect of ketoconazole against the tested organisms was biostatic (MFC range of 1.25 to 5.00 μg mL-1).“Biocidal studies showed that the oil started to eliminate the organisms earlier than the ketoconazole.

The study has confirmed the in vitro activity of these two extracts on the fungal isolates tested.” Earlier studies by Nigerian doctors had confirmed the efficacy of the juice extracts of a local plant, Jatropha multifada, in the management of oral candidiasis.

The paediatricians in a preliminary study published in The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine concluded: “Compared to oral Nystatin suspension, it has the advantages of acting faster and being efficacious as a single dose. Its use in the management of oral candidiasis is recommended in third world countries where it is easily cultivated and accessible.”

The researchers include: Dr. Aladekomo Theophilus Adesola, lecturer/ consultant paediatrician at the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State; and Dr. Oyedeji Olusola Adetunji, lecturer/ consultant paediatrician at the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTTH), Osun State.

The study is titled “The Efficacy of Jatropha multifida in the Management of Oral Candidiasis: A Preliminary Study. ” Previous studies conducted in Tanzania had shown that Jatropha multifida has significant anti-fugal activity, against many species of Candida, but very little against Candida albicans.

However, the Nigerian study showed that the specie of Jatropha multifida cultivated in Nigeria, possess antibiotic activity against Candida albicans, and faster and more efficacious than Nysatin (a conventional drug) in the management of thrush. According to the Nigerian study, all the clinically detected cases of children with oral candidiasis at the children ’s outpatient department of the Osun State Hospital, Osogbo and children ’s welfare clinic of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa were randomized into either Jatropha multifida Juice extract therapy or the Nystatin group.

The juice extracts from the Jatropha multifida leaves were applied to the tongue and the oral mucosal areas affected by candida lesions as a single application in the patients randomized to this group. Oral Nystatin was administered four times a day, for seven consecutive days to the children randomized to the Nystatin group.

The researchers studied a total of five patients (three boys and two girls) were studied with their ages ranging from two to 10 months. Clearance of the white lesions on the tongue was defined as cure and this was recorded within 24 hours in the patients on Jatropha multifida juice extracts, while those on oral Nystatin showed features of cure at 48 hours.

The researchers wrote: “…The present study has shown that Jatropha multifida leaf juice extract is effective in the management of thrush and works faster compared to Nystatin. Its mechanism of action is however unknown, as well as the active ingredient responsible for the antifungal action.

The drug however appears relatively safe because of the absence of complications in the present study. No side effects were also reported to Nystatin therapy in the present study. However, vomiting and diarrhea are some of the known side effects that might arise from Nystatin therapy. The small sample size in the present study might have hindered us from encountering these complications.“The Jatropha multifida fruit has been documented to contain toxins such astoxabulmin ricin.

Ingestion of large quantities of this fruit has been documented to cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, shock and hepatic impairment in children. Ricin also has cardiotoxic and hemolytic effects and several deaths have been reported from it. On the converse the roots, stems and leaves of the Jatrophamultifida plant possess useful ingredients and activities.

The fruits are widely used in traditional folk medicine in many parts of West Africa.

Other chemotherapeutic properties of this plant are used in the treatment of ascites, gout and constipation. “In conclusion, Jatropha multifida is a plant whose juice provides a cure for oral candidiasis.

It acts faster compared to Nystatin and compliance on the part of patients is likely to be better since it is a single dose application.

It is recommended for use in communities where it is easily accessible. However, further studies need to be carried out on this plant in order determine the ingredient in it, having the anti-fungal activities. This can be selectively extracted and made into oral preparations for general and commercial use.”

Another study published in the Journal of Microbiology Research concluded: “The study showed that the extracts from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum had pronounced antifungal activities on all the fungi tested.

The preliminary screenings of O. gratissimum results are quite promising and have strongly indicated the antifungal activity spectra of leaves extract of the plant.

As the findings of study compared favourably with previous studies on the antimicrobial activity of Ocimum gratissimum against fungal infections, the plant holds great promise for use as both an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Further studies should be carried out to unravel the identity of the active ingredients as well as its medicinal properties. Other methods of extraction should be tried to determine the best method for optimal yield of the medicinal ingredients. In-vivo testing using laboratory animals should also be carried out.”

The study is titled “Effects of Ocimum Gratissimum Leaves on Common Dermatophytes and Causative Agent of Pityriasis Versicolor in Rivers State, Nigeria.” The researchers include: Mbakwem – Aniebo C., Onianwa O., and Okonko I.O. of the Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The antifungal activity of Ocimum gratissimum used by traditional medicine practitioners against the three major Dermatophytes – Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton together with Malassezia furfur (the cause of Pityriasis versicolor (Eczema)), were studied by well-in-agar diffusion technique using different concentrations of ethanolic extracts.

Isolates from the scalp, skin, toes and feet of forty individuals (mainly children) were obtained in four locations namely Aluu, Choba, Rumuosi and Emohua areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. The results of the study revealed the significant inhibitory effect of Ocimum gratissimum at five different concentrations of 250mg/ml, 200mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml used.

The diameter zones of inhibition exhibited by the extracts against the test fungal species ranged between 12.50 and 20mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the ethanol extract of O. gratissimum was 50.01, 52.40, 63.06 and 63.09 mg/ml for Malassezia furfur, Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton, respectively.

Assessment of the various MICs showed that Ocimum gratissimum has great potential for use as an anti-dermatophytic agent. The study showed that the extracts from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum had pronounced antifungal activities on all the fungi tested. The study has shown that the leaves extracts of O. gratissimum are quite promising and have strongly indicated the antifungal activity spectra of leaves extract of the plant.

In conclusion, the results from this study indicated potentials of leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum as a source of antifungal compounds. Another study published in the Research Journal of Biological Sciences concluded: “In this study, the extracts of Senna alata leaf crude extract have high potential as antimicrobial agent.

It showed varying degrees of activities against all the tested dermatophytes with better antifungal activity against Microsporum canis, Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton jloccosum.

The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of important secondary metabolite (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroid and anthraquinones), thus indicating the therapeutic potentials of Senna alata L. leaf.” “It showed the presence of bioactive compounds as well as the antifungal properties of ethanolic crude extract. However, this finding provides an insight into the usage of this plant in traditional treatment of foot infections, subcutaneous parasitic infection, intestinal parasitism, venereal diseases and other diseases associated with bacterial and fungal infections.”

The study titled “In vitro Antifungal Activity of Senna alata Linn. Crude Leaf Extract” was conducted by: W.F. Sule, I.O. Okonko, T.A. Joseph, M.O. Ojezele, J.C. Nwanze, J.A. Alli, O.G. Adewale and O.J. Ojezele. This study reports on the in vitro antifungal activity of Senna alata crude leaf extract on clinical test dermatophytes. The studies on the in vitro investigation of antifungal activities of ethanolic extracts of Senna alata leaf were carried out.

The test was conducted on dermatophytes, which included dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. These fungi are the causative agents of various types of dermatophytosis, which attack various parts of the body and tend to the following conditions, Tinea capitis, Tinea cruris, Tinea coporis and Tinea pedis.

The results obtained showed that the leaf exudates and the ethanol extract of the leaf of Senna alata: had marked antifungal effects on Microsporum canis, Trichophyton jirrucosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton jlorrcosum. The ethanolic extract showed the highest inhibition on Trinchophyton verrucosuf and Epidermophyton jloccosum with 20.50 and 20.00 mm zone of inhibition, respectively. The MIC was also performed and the result showed that the MIC of Senna alata on all the tested dermatophytes was 5.0 mg mL-1, which is the standard.

The results obtain from the biochemical analysis of the plant Senna alata revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthracionones and carbohydrates.

A similar study in Malaysia by Ibrahim and Osman (1995) reported that ethanolic extracts of Senna alata plant show high antifungal activity against dermatophytic fungal such as Trichophyton mentagrophyte var. interaligitale and var. Metagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum.

Several studies have documented the basis of the leaf of Senna alata in herbal medicine. Adebayo et al. (1999) documented that MIC of the plant extract was low on all fungal agents except Aspergillus niger.

Health Benefits of Acapulco (Ringworm Bush)

Source:http://www.cocohub.net/health-benefits-of-acapulco-ringworm-bush/

(Health Digezt)

The acapulco is said to be native to Mexico, but these days it can be easily found in so many tropical regions of the planet. Also known as ringworm bush, it is primarily employed for the treatment of ringworm and other sorts of skin diseases caused by fungi. In some parts of the planet, it is referred to as the candlestick bush because the flowers closely resemble yellow candlesticks when they’re already mature. Various parts of the plant can be utilized for treatment and healing.

Because of its chrysophanic acid or chrysophanol content, the acapulco is very good are dealing with an assortment of skin conditions. Due to the presence of the said chemical, the acapulco is commonly added to products such as soaps, lotions and even shampoos that are formulated for killing off fungi and other microorganisms that wreak havoc on the skin.

The well-known herbal plant contains saponins which make it effective in eliminating intestinal parasites. Tannins present in the various parts of the acapulco make it posses superb antimicrobial properties. In many parts of the planet, traditional healers rely on the acapulco in treating fever, stomach problems, asthma, bronchitis, cough and even veneral diseases.

Let us take a look at some of the many health benefits that the acapulco is known to offer:

It Treats Ringworm and Other Skin Diseases

Just like what’s mentioned earlier, the acapulco is highly popular as a treatment for ringworm. Its antifungal properties may be harnessed by pounding on the leaves and applying the juice directly on problem areas. Because of its amazing antimicrobial properties, the acapulco may also be used in treating other skin diseases such as scabies and eczema.

The Herb May be Used for Wound Disinfection

Boiling the flowers and leaves of the acapulco in water for about 10 to 15 minutes results in something that may be used for disinfecting wounds to keep infections at bay. In some parts of the planet, the resulting decoction is used for treating snake bites. Some traditional healers also use it for dealing with an assortment of venereal diseases.

Drinking It Helps Deal with Respiratory Problems

For many years now, the intake of tea out of the flowers and leaves of the acapulco is being recommended to individuals with upper respiratory tract problems such as bronchitis and asthma. The intake of the said tea is also ideal for those with cough as it is an expectorant, which means it promotes the elimination of excess mucus in the airway.

Gargling with It Promotes Good Oral Health

Tea out of the acapulco plant that is allowed to cool may be used as mouth rinse for treating stomatitis, which is the inflammation of the mouth’s inner lining. It is also something good for eliminating bad breath and sore throat. Chewing on some acapulco leaves is said to be very good at dealing with oral sores and toothache.

The Acapulco May be Used to Treat Constipation

Consuming tea out of the acapulco plant may be done if you are having a bout of constipation. That’s because the herb is actually a form of laxative, an agent that stimulates the movement of the bowels. Of course you should include more fiber-rich foods in the diet, drink plenty of water and be physically active to keep constipation at bay.

It is Very Good at Driving Away Intestinal Parasites

Worms can nest in the gut and this can cause a variety of health problems. There are many herbal remedies for getting rid of intestinal parasites, and one of them is the intake of a decoction out of the flowers and leaves of the acapulco plant. The same decoction is usually recommended by traditional healers for a variety of issues concerning the digestive tract.

Cassia alata Linn : A magical psoriasis healer

Source:http://www.wlorganics.com/cassia-alata-linn-a-magical-psoriasis-healer/

(wlorganics admin)

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease, quite often leads to mental depression and make the patients to stay away from socializing and other normal activities. Psoriasis begins as a small scaling papule. When multiple papules coalesce, they form scaling plaques. These plaques tend to occur in the scalp, elbows, and knees. It is also mentioned as a non-curable disease in the medical dictionary. However, the great news here is, it can be controlled with proper treatment. Modern technologies involve various treatment protocols including narrow band UVB treatment, synthetic drugs, biologics and other topical applications. Eventually, this will also lead to some side effects like skin cancer and it is expensive as well, based on the intensity and treatment of choice. Percentage differs, but it is. Traditional medical practice with medicinal herbs is booming as one of the best possible solution for the aforesaid complications. Recently, medicinal plants are gaining significant attention among the affected population across the globe.

Cassia alata, known as ringworm shrub, winged Senna, candle tree or ringworm Cassia, owing to its traditional use of the juice from fresh leaves or as leaf decoction against ringworm, psoriasis, pruritis, itching, scabies, ulcers and others skin diseases. Cassia alata leaf has immense activity in controlling psoriasis. Indeed, this medicinal herb restores the happiness and peace of mind in the affected individual. When, remedy is the only thing of need, Cassia alata helps you out to jump off from the depression created by psoriasis. Try it and nurture it to create a peaceful life for psoriasis patients.

Asian plants may offer remedy for diabetes

Source:http://zeenews.india.com/ayurveda/asian-plants-may-offer-remedy-for-diabetes_1325.html

(IANS)

London: Two plants from South East Asia may have anti-diabetic properties and could help tackle obesity as well, believe British researchers.

A team of researchers at the University of Greenwich plans to investigate Cassia auriculata and Cassia alata whose extracts could yield active ingredients for a remedy to diabetes which exists in two forms - Type 1 and Type 2.

The former normally affects children, while type 2, which is most common in adults, (often diagnosed later in life) can be managed by diet, exercise and weight loss to some extent.

The group had previously hit upon a constituent called kaempferol 3-O-rutinosidehe from the extracts of one of the plants which was proven to be eight times more potent than the standard anti-diabetic drug acarbose.

The researchers have also identified anti-oxidant properties of the plants which aids in diabetes treatment.

"Our other most interesting finding is that many of the active ingredients from the Cassia auriculata plant work through a process called `synergism` -- in other words, they work together to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects," says Dr Solomon Habtemariam of the research team.

Herbal tea treats malaria in Africa

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/herbal-tea-treats-malaria-in-africa/articleshow/46933654.cms

(IANS)

EW YORK: Researchers have formulated an anti-malarial tea out of an herbal remedy traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of the disease in Africa.

Derived from the roots of a weed, the herbal remedy was combined with leaves and aerial portions from two other plants with antimalarial activity, and eventually licensed and sold as an antimalarial phytomedicine.

Zephirin Dakuyo, first posted as a pharmacist in Banfora Hospital in Burkina Faso, realised that malaria-infected people in the country preferred to treat themselves with herbal medicines, in particular the roots of N'Dribala (Cochlospermum planchonii) .

However, they did not have time to collect this medicinal plant themselves, so Dakuyo, with support from the hospital staff, started to harvest and package it for the patients.

Eventually, the medicine was sold at the hospital to patients with malaria and was also provided to community health workers to supply to patients.

The medication has other uses too such as in treating hepatitis, the study said.

In the new study, detailed in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the authors have discussed the antimalarial and pharmacological properties of the herbal medication derived from Cochlospermum planchonii, Phyllanthus amarus, and Cassia alata.

Diabetes Drugs From These 2 Tropical Plants Could Be Breakthrough

Source: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/diabetes-drugs-tropical-plants-could-be-breakthrough

By Deborah Mitchell G

In the search for new effective drugs to treat diabetes, scientists have been turning to the plant world. Recently, investigators from the University of Greenwich have discovered two plants with properties that could be a breakthrough in the area of new diabetes drugs. Help for diabetes could come from tropical plants

Tropical and subtropical climates are home to two plants from the same genus that appears to possess anti-diabetes benefits, such as an ability to lower fat and lipids and help with weight reduction. Those two plants are Cassia auriculata and Cassia alata.

One of the special ingredients in these plants is kaempferol, a known flavonoid that has been associated with anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiallergic benefits, among others. Kaempferol is found in many different foods, including but not limited to broccoli, tea, tomatoes, strawberries, grapefruit, cabbage, apples, and beans.

The tropical plants also contain compounds with antioxidant abilities. Antioxidants are important when treating and managing diabetes to help prevent cell damage and complications associated with the disease.

According to the authors of the new study, the kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside they extracted from the tropical plants was eight times more potent than acarbose, a standard antidiabetes drug. Acarbose is an oral medication available in the United States under the trade name Precose.

Dr. Habtemariam, one of the study's co-authors and an expert on researching new drugs from plants, also noted that many of the substances in the Cassia auriculata plant “work together to produce an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects.” This is an important discovery, according to Habtemariam, because it indicates that the crude plant extract could be used to treat diabetes and other associated disorders.

More about the tropical plants

Cassia auriculata (or Senna auriculata) is a shrub that grows mainly in India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as avaram and tanner’s cassia, and it has bright yellow flowers that are used as a medicinal tea for diabetes. Traditional herbalists also use the roots, bark, leaves, and seeds for fever, diabetes, constipation, conjunctivitis, gout, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Cassia alata (or Senna alata), also known as the candle bush or the candelabra bush, is native to Mexico and the tropics. It is valued both for its antifungal properties and as an ornamental plant because of its striking flowers, which look like candles.

Habtemariam and his team are continuing their research of Cassia auriculata and Cassia alata and moving toward the clinical trial phase. He notes that their efforts with these tropical plants could be part of an important breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes.

Revisiting the Ashitaba and other anticancer herbs

Source: http://business.inquirer.net/200549/revisiting-the-ashitaba-and-other-anticancer-herbs

By Rafael Castillo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A patient whom I’ve not seen for a good number of years came back looking great, with no recurrence of shortness of breath and easy fatigability that she came to our clinic for.

She was also previously diagnosed to have early (stage 1) breast cancer, for which she underwent surgery, but refused any anticancer chemotherapy after the surgery.

Laboratory examinations and referral to her previous oncologist (cancer specialist) were done and she passed all tests and consultations with flying colors.

She said she just continued all the medications we prescribed her, but she also attributed her wellbeing to an herb she regularly took—the Ashitaba plant.

We reminded her that it’s not a good practice to just continue taking one’s medicines without periodic checkup, because frequently, the doses may have to be adjusted, or some medicines may have to be discontinued or replaced.

As for the Ashitaba, I admitted to her my knowledge gap on the subject and that I could not really make an expert recommendation whether it’s good, has no effect, or might even be harmful.

My research assistant at the office quickly browsed the scientific literatures on this plant. She came back to me with no clinical data, but she brought back experimental or laboratory researches showing that it might address various common ailments including infections, ulcers and cancers.

Potent antioxidant

It has a scientific name—Angelica keiskei—and the herb grows primarily in Japan, but it can also be grown here. Its root, leaf and stem are used to extract potent antioxidants and other medicinal chemicals.

The fresh leaves can be eaten, and be mixed with other vegetables or fruit salads.

Among the available published researches on Ashitabla is a study by Ogawa H., Nakashima S. and Baba K. showing the effects of Ashitaba on cholesterol metabolism in a stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive group of subjects. However, the research group subjected to the herb was not humans, but rats. Another Japanese group validated the study, also in rats.

Another Japanese group—researchers Tabata K., Motani K., Takayanagi N., et al.—also showed beneficial effects of an active ingredient of Ashitaba, xanthoangelol, in certain types of tumors (neuroblastoma) and also in leukemia cells.

Inamori Y. et al. showed beneficial effects of the herb as an antibacterial agent. Two ingredients called chalcones—xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin—were attributed as the source of this beneficial effect in infections.

A study by a Korean group (Kang M.H. et al.) in smokers showed a protective effect against the harmful effects of nicotine on peripheral lymphocytes and other cellular structures which can damage the cell’s DNA. When the DNA is damaged, it can create havoc in the tissues which may lead to cancer.

Evidence

So, by what we can gather, there seems to be basic or experimental evidence showing that the herb have some beneficial effects, but again we can’t say for sure if these would translate to actual clinical benefits in humans.

Locally, our scientists are also evaluating the anticancer effect of several indigenous plants, fruits and herbs.

Dr. Sonia Jacinto, an anticancer natural products professor from the University of the Philippines Diliman, has conducted several researches, and one of these is the study titled “Philippine Plants Showing Cytotoxic Activity to Selected Human Cancer Cell lines,” which aimed to identify and isolate compounds responsible for the cancer-killing action of the plant extracts.

Dr. Jacinto and her team of researchers cultured cancer cells in the laboratory and treated them with the plant extracts to find out the latter’s impact on cancer cell growth. The rationale was that if the cancer cells grew, then the study is unsuccessful. If the cancer cells died, it is a good indication to proceed to the next stage.

Promising findings

According to Dr. Jacinto’s researches, there are already promising findings from the plant Annona squamosa, commonly known as the atis. The doctor added that Annona squamosa is a close relative of Annona muricata, or the guyabano, which is known to be rich in Murihexocin C, an anticancer agent.

Aside from atis and guyabano, akapulko, or the Cassia alata, a herbal medicine with antimicrobial properties, also showed anticancer potential. Dr. Jacinto’s research group tested akapulko’s cancer-killing properties against several cancer cell lines, and found it favorable and promising.

In identifying the active compound responsible for the anticancer effects, the research team has isolated a mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acid esters—which may be the key substrate which pharmaceutical companies can try to develop into cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Researches on these herbs with anticancer properties should proceed to the clinical phase, with them being tried on actual cancer patients, in addition to (not as a replacement of) standard anticancer treatments. If they could be shown to have additional benefits to the patient, then this should be a most welcome development.

Ringworm Bush (Akapulko)

Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata

News about Ringworm Bush (Akapulko)

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