Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin
D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Biotin
Folic Acid
Isoflavones: Flavonoid isomers found largely in the legume
bearing plants. Isoflavones are similar in structure to oestrogen but their
oestrogen activity is very low. Some isoflavones are reputed to have anti-tumour
properties but little clinical evidence of this property exists at the time of
writing. Isoflavones are also used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Coumarins: Coumarins are lactones of hydroxycinnamic
acids. Coumarins are lactones. There are many variations of coumarins: Furanocoumarins found in Angelica have a
spasmolitic effect but must be used with caution as they have a strong
phototoxic effect as has many of the Furanocoumarins (Warfarin a blood thinning
drug but also virulent rat poison, is a coumarin derivative). In general
coumarins have antifungal, hypotensive, anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties.
Many of the Coumarins are phototoxic and skin sensitising.
Lactones: A lactone is an Ester that's
functional group has become part of a ring structure with carbon atoms.
Lactones are widely present in the plant kingdom and many are expectorants and
febrifuges. |
Saponins: Wound healing, anti-scarring. Saponins occur as
glycosides with aglycone structures that are steroidal or terpenoid. Saponins can cause the
destruction of red blood cells if injected causing anaemia or worse. Ingested
saponins are poorly absorbed in the digestive system reducing the risk of
poisoning but care must be taken on dosage as Saponins are mucus membrane
irritants.
Many herbs containing saponins have been identified as
"adaptogens" also referred to as harmony remedies (see: The Root of
being: Ginseng and the Pharmacology of Harmony - Stephen Fulder 1980).
Instead of being purely remedial herbs these adaptogens improves and energizes
vitality and resistance thereby keeping ailments at bay. It is claimed that
these adaptogens can improve mental functions like learning speed, awareness and
alertness as well as help with emotional and intellectual stress. As a tonic
they will also reduce the risk of infections by stimulating the immune system. Saponins are also expectorant, anti-inflammatory,
hepaprotective, combats cholesterol build up and antifungal. Canavanine: A Non-protein Amino Acid. Canavanine is
antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiviral and antineoplastic. Canavanine
(more specifically L-canavanine) is a major constituent of alfalfa seeds.
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Amino Acids: Nitrogenous compounds needed in
the synthesis of proteins. Of the 22 known amino acids eight (essential amino
acids) cannot be manufactured in the body in sufficient quantities to ensure
good health. Protein is essential
for growth and maintaining the body. Proteins are also used in the process of
making antibodies and enzymes, necessary for many biochemical reactions in the
body.
Amino acids are widely used in the cosmetic and beauty
therapy industries as emollients and moisturizers because of their ability to
penetrate the skin. |
Sitosterol: Sitosterol, a sterol, is very important for the
maintenance of cell membranes.
Sterols: Most sterols play a big part in the makeup of cell
membranes. Sterols are used to make steroidal medication and drugs. Sterols may
interfere with the development of tumours and assist in the regulation of
cholesterol, but this has not been fully established yet. |
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