Week 7: Demulcents Flashcards
Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Family and Energetics
Family: Malvaceae
Energetics: cool and moist
Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Constituents
mucilage 25-35%, polysaccharides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, altheacoumarin glycoside, lanosterol, β-sitosterol
Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Actions
soothing to mucous membranes, stimulates cell regeneration, anti-inflammatory
Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Indications
inflamed mucous membranes, particularly of the GI tract
Ulmus spp. – Slippery Elm
Family and Energetics
Family: Ulmaceae
Energetics: cool and moist
Ulmus spp. – Slippery Elm
Constituents
mucilage, soluble and insoluble fibers, phytosterols, tannins
Ulmus spp. – Slippery Elm
Actions
demulcent (soothing to mucous membranes), anti-inflammatory, mildly astringent
Ulmus spp. – Slippery Elm
Indications
inflamed mucous membranes, particularly of the GI tract
** Herbalists prefer to use althea due to its ability to regenerate quicker (herbs = faster than trees)
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root)
Family and Energetics
Family: Fabaceae
Energetics: moistening, soooooo sweet
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root)
Constituents
Triterpene saponins 2-15%: mainly glycyrrhizin 2-6% (glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizinic acid) and its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid (glycyrrhitic acid ), liquiritic acid, glycyrrhetol, glabrolide, isoglabrlide, licoric acid and phytosterols.Flavonoids and isoflavonoids (yellow color), biotin, beta-sitosterol, liquiritigenin, liquiritin; Coumarins: Liqcoumarin Polysaccharides: Arabinogalactans, Essential oil
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root)
Actions
adaptogen, harmonizer, synergist, antiviral, Expectorant, Demulcent/mucoprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-ulcer, Antispasmodic, Mild laxative, Adrenal tonic, Anticariogenic, Flavoring and Moderator
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root)
CIs
HTN, hypokalemia, pregnancy (due to phytoestrogen content), kidney failure, potentiates the action of cardiac glycosides
DGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Study
aphthous ulcers
used deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) mouth wash and were followed for two weeks
Fifteen patients experienced 50-75% improvement within one day followed by complete healing of the ulcers by third day.
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Family and Energetics
Family: Fabaceae
Energetics: moist
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Constituents
mucilage, alkaloids – trigonelline, volatile oil, saponins, flavonoids, diosgenin