Delve into the world of phytotherapy and its role in alleviating symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Learn about the potent botanicals that support digestive health and promote overall well-being.
3. W h a t i s P h y t o t e r a p y ?
Phytotherapy is a branch of traditional medicine that involves the use of plants
and plant extracts to promote health and treat various medical conditions.
It's also known as herbalism, botanical medicine, or herbal medicine.
Origin
The roots of phytotherapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations where plants
were used for medicinal purposes.
Indigenous cultures worldwide have a rich history of relying on plant remedies
for healing.
4. Historical Context
Ancient Civilizations:
Ayurveda in India: The ancient Indian system of Ayurveda extensively
utilizes herbs for healing and maintaining well-being.
Egyptian Civilization: Ancient Egyptians documented the use of plants like
aloe vera and garlic for medicinal purposes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced
for thousands of years, emphasizing the balance of vital energy (Qi) using
various plant-based remedies.
5. Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Defination:
A group of digestive system disorders characterized by chronic symptoms
without apparent structural or biochemical abnormalities.
Common Features:
No Structural Abnormalities: Unlike organic disorders, FGIDs do not have
identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities.
Chronic or Recurrent Symptoms: Symptoms persist over time, often with
periodic intensify.
Altered Gut Function: Abnormalities in gut motility, sensitivity, or brain-gut
interactions contribute to symptoms.
6. Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered
bowel habits.
Functional Dyspepsia: Chronic discomfort or pain centered in the upper abdomen without a
clear cause.
Functional Constipation: Persistent constipation without an identifiable structural or
biochemical cause.
Functional Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea in the absence of identifiable abnormalities.
7. Phytotherapeutic Approaches in Functional
G a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l D i s o r d e r s
Herbal Remedies
Amara:
Cnicus benedictus (Blessed Thistle)
Gentiana lutea (Yellow Gentian)
Aromatica:
Carum carvi (Caraway)
Matricaria chamomilla ( Chamomile)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Amara-Aromatica:
Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
Acorus calamus (Calamus)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Artemisia absinthium (Absinthe)
Plants with Spasmolytic Alkaloids:
Atropa belladonna (Belladonna)
Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine)
Plants with Other Constituents:
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice)
Potentilla anserina (Common Silverweed)
Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)
8. Mode of Action and Therapeutic Use
Cnicus benedictus
- Asteraceae
- Blessed Thistle
Mode of Action:
Due to its content of bitter sesquiterpene
lactones (cnicin), very small amounts of
essential oil, supporting its use in stimulating
gastric secretion.
9. C o n t i n u e d
Gentiana lutea
- Gentianaceae
- Yellow Gentian
MODE OF ACTION-
Gentian (as well as Common Centaury) is a prototypical
amarum that contains bitter secoiridoid glycosides, such
as amarogentin and gentiopicroside.
It stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric acid,
increases blood flow in the gastric and intestinal
mucosa, improves the motility of the stomach, and is
also used as a roborant and tonic.
10. C o n t i n u e d
Matricaria chamomilla
- Asteraceae
- Blessed Thistle
Mode of Action:
The lead constituents are chamazulene and (–)-α-bisabolol were
involved in the antiphlogistic activity of the oil.
Chamomile has both carminative and spasmolytic effects, making it one
of the most useful medicinal herbs in acute gastric diseases.
Besides essential oil, the flower heads also contain flavonoids, such as
apigenin-7-glycoside, which contribute to the spasmolytic activity and
may inhibit peristalsis. Therefore used in painful gastrointestinal spasms
as well as acute gastritis, ulcers, and dyspepsia.
11. C o n t i n u e d
Mentha piperita
- Lamiaceae.
- Peppermint
Mode of Action:
Peppermint leaves contain essential oil (menthol and
menthone) and caffeic acid derivatives, such as rosmarinic
acid.
Other than chamomile, the spasmolytic activity is much
more predominant, while an antiphlogistic effect is lacking.
12. C o n t i n u e d
Acorus calamus
- Acoraceae
- "Sweet flag" and "calamus"
Mode of Action:
Calamus root contains 2–6% (sometimes up to 9%) of essential oil with
bitter and hot taste.
The roots, besides many other substances, also contain asarone, acorin, and
tannins.
They are used in chronic dyspepsia, hypoacidic stomach diseases, and in
meteorism.
13. C o n t i n u e d
Artemisia absinthium
- Asteraceae
- Worm-wood or Absinthe
Mode of Action:
Absinthe contains about 1% essential oil and different bitter
compounds, sesquiterpene lactones, for example, absinthin
and artabsin.
Its actions include tonicizing effects and a stimulating effect
on bile and acid secretions. Its main action on acute and
chronic dyspepsia, but also constipation caused by
hypomotility of the intestine.
14. C o n t i n u e d
Atropa belladonna
- Fabaceae
- Belladona or Deadly nightshade
Mode of Action:
Among the alkaloids of this member hyoscyamine is the most
important, next to scopolamine, apoatropine, and belladonine. These
compounds are ester alkaloids and pharmacologically very active.
In the digestive organs, It reduces the tone, lowers excitation, and
diminishes the gastric and intestinal motilities. Indications in
gastrointestinal diseases are spastic constipation, gastralgias,
pylorospasm, Ulcus ventriculi, intestinal spasms; in case of
hyperacidic ulcers, the inhibition of gastric secretion is helpful.
15. C o n t i n u e d
Glycyrrhiza glabra
- Solanaceae
- Sweet wood or Athimauthuram
Mode of Action:
Its most characteristic constituent is the fraction of
glycyrrhizin derivatives, which are known for their
sweet taste, as well as for their anti-inflammatory
and mucosa-protective properties.
16. C o n t i n u e d
Potentilla anserina
- Rosaceae
- Common Silverweed
Mode of Action:
The plant is a member of the rose family and contains up to
10% tannins, flavonoids, and an as yet unknown compound
with spasmolytic action.
It has been successfully used in meteorism, intestinal spasms,
and pylorospasms.
Potentilla anserina is less potent than belladonna and
celandine, but may be beneficial in combinations.
17. Conclusions
Phytotherapy and Gastrointestinal Diseases:
Phytotherapy means using plants for medicinal purposes.
It's important for treating gastrointestinal diseases, especially Functional Gastrointestinal
Disorders (FGID).
Herbs Classification and Action:
Herbs can be sorted based on what they're made of and how they work in the body.
This helps use herbs alone or combine them for better results.
Combining Herbs for Better Treatment:
Mixing herbs can target the specific medical issue more effectively.
It improves the overall treatment.
It showed positive effects in both lab tests and real-life patient treatments.
It's good for patients and follows the latest standards in evidence-based medicine.
18. Ref erences
Olaf Kelber, Rudolf Bauer, Wolfgang Kubelka; Phytotherapy in Functional Gastrointestinal
Disorders. Dig Dis 12 March 2018; 35 (Suppl. 1): 36–42. https://doi.org/10.1159/000485489
Niandi, Tan., Kok, Ann, Gwee., Jan, Tack., Mengyu, Zhang., Yuwen, Li., Minhu, Chen., Yinglian,
Xiao. (2020). Herbal medicine in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A
systematic review with meta-analysis.. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, doi:
10.1111/JGH.14905
Tatjana, Kundaković. (2017). Herbal medicinal products for functional disorders of the digestive
tract organs. doi: 10.5937/ARHFARM1702150K
https://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/
