PROJECT MAESTRO- ANALYTICAL AND EMPIRICAL MEDICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH- BY MARISEN MWALE

A LOOK AT THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

BY

MARISEN MWALE

‘The

employs an

theory are not based on hypothesis but on

discovery leads to understanding the general characteristics of natural processes.

Mathematical models are then developed which separate the natural processes

into theoretical-mathematical descriptions. Therefore, by analytical means the

necessary conditions that have to be satisfied are deduced. Separate events

must satisfy these conditions. Experience should then match the conditions. The

theory of relativity belongs to the class of principle theories. As such itanalytic method. This means that the elements which comprise thisempirical discovery. The empirical

special theory of relativity

and general theory of relativity are connected.’

On Einstein’s theory of relativity- Wikipedia

ALOE VERA

Clinical applications



Psoriasis



Wounds



Shingles



First degree and second degree burns



Acne



Diabetes- improves blood glucose/stabilizes sugar levels



Hyperlipdemia- lowers blood lipids



Hepatitis



Ulcerative colitis



metastasis particularly in lung cancer

Immunostimulant- aiding in fighting cancer/limits tumor growth and



Improves circulation



Hypertension- lowers blood pressure



Reduction in joint inflammation, arthritis, rheumatism



Laxative- improves peristalsis thus fights constipation



Lessens the symptoms of heartburn, peptic ulcer and Crohn’s disease



considered a potential treatment for AIDS patients.

Because of its stimulation and boosting of the immune system Aloe Vera is



virus from replicating and spreading through its correlations with

increased interferon production [an antiviral protein with the ability to

interfere with viral replication by rendering cells refractory to protein

synthesis].

Acemannan one principle of Aloe Vera has been shown to slow the AIDS



Reduction in Chronic disease risk and helps in recuperation after illness.



Lowers triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.



may help in weight loss for the obese.

Because of high levels of collagen which help maintain lean body mass



Detoxifies the body.



Genital herpes

Should however be taken in moderation since high intake can result in lowered potassium levels.

GARLIC [

allium sativum]

Clinical applications



Hyperlipdemia- lowers lipid levels



vessels through the blood thinning’ cascade effect’ thus reducing chances

of stroke and heart attack.

Thrombosis- reduces formation of clots [platelet aggregation] in blood



Hypertension- lowers blood pressure



Reduces menstrual pain, muscle pain, nerve pain and arthritis.



problems.

Treats corns, warts, calluses ear infection and other dermatological



Vermifuge- treats intestinal worms.



Diabetes- reduces blood sugar levels



Atherosclerosis



metastasis-spread.

Immunostimulant- aids in combating cancer/ retards tumor formation and



remedy against the oxidative effects caused by free radicals.

Increases blood levels of antioxidant enzymes thus acts as an effective



Prevents LDL cholesterol oxidation.



Lowers triglycerides and cholesterol levels.



cells.

Inhibits lipid peroxidation in the liver retarding the aging process of liver



Maintains the health functioning of the liver.



Detoxification of the liver and entire body thus improving metabolism.



cryptosporidium, toxoplasmosis and other opportunistic infections.

Garlic has been used reasonably successfully in AIDS patients to treat



act as lipid solvents inactivating the infectivity of viruses including herpes

viridae, hepatitis B and HIV [in vitro findings].

The ethers in garlic though this has not been substantiated empirically



lymphocytes and macrophages- these cells which flow with the blood

protect us from micro-organisms, and furthermore they are able to

destroy cancerous cells, at least in the initial phases of tumor formation.

Garlic stimulates the activity of the defensive cells of the body, both



augmenting the defensive ability of our body, besides directly destroying

certain micro-organisms.

The consumption of garlic has a good effect on any infectious disease



the kidneys, the liver and the skin.

Depurative- purifies the body by enhancing elimination of waste through



Promotes METABOLISM.



Promotes CATABOLISM.



viruses, such as HERPES and HIV 1 and 2- the active principles of garlic

are supposed to interact with the nucleic acids of the virus, thus limiting

its proliferation.

Garlic principles act against various types of fungi, yeasts, and some



Coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, Candida- due to

sulfurated essence which diffuses easily throughout the body’s tissues.

Principles act in vitro and in vivo against the following micro-organisms: E



Balances the intestinal flora and stimulates natural immunity.



which acts as a coenzyme within the body facilitating the numerous

chemical reactions essential to carbohydrate and fat metabolism allowing

these nutrients to provide energy to the cells- lack of NIACIN manifests

itself by dry, cracked, red skin as well as muscular weakness and

dyspepsia.

Serious deficiency of NIACIN causes PELLAGRA characterized by the so

called three D’s--- DERMATITIS, DIARRHOEA, DEMENTIA.

Rich in Vitamin C- ASCOBIC ACID and Vitamin B 3 – NIACIN PPFactor

High intake may however reduce clotting effects in platelets prolonging bleeding in injury and child birth

thus not recommended in pregnancy.

GINGER [

zingiber officinale]

Clinical applications



Antispasmodic- it relaxes all types of muscles



digestive system.

Aromatic- ginger’s aroma, flavor and warmth help to stimulate the



Diuretic hence prevents fluid retention and oedema



stimulate peristalsis thereby supporting digestion and reducing gas

and flatulence/ helps cure and prevent- dyspepsia, slow motility

symptoms, constipation, gastroparesis.

Carminative- the volatile oils in ginger relax the stomach and



through the skin.

Diaphoretic- it induces perspiration and the elimination of toxins



blood capillaries thus increasing circulation.

Rubefacient- applied to the skin, ginger stimulates and dilates the



Sialogogue- ginger promotes the secretion of saliva.



body’s physiological systems.

Stimulant- as a circulatory aid, ginger supports and speeds up the



through the ‘cascade effect’- preventing obstructions that result in

stroke and heart attack.

Cardiovascular- prevents the formation of clots in blood vessels



Rhematism and joint pain prevention



Fatigue, headache, nausea and poor dietary habits remedy.



Energy levels, mood, emotion are improved promoting balance.



stimulates circulation therefore it is considered useful in colds,

influenza, mucus congestion and fluid blockages in the body.

Detoxification- ginger expels toxins opens the pores of the skin and



moods.

Detoxifies the liver with effects in lifting depressive, angry or sad



metabolic effects and support to body systems.

For the energy and mind ginger inspires confidence due to its



necrosis factor [TNF-

Ginger principles promote the production of the cytokine Tumor∞] in the alveolar macrophages which might

express an antiviral HIV, influenza, Hepatitis B effect.



Improves male health.

Must be avoided however during pregnancy for it may result in abortion although some practitioners

content it reduces motion and morning sickness.

MORINGA OLEIFERA

Clinical applications



Best known as excellent source of nutrition and a natural energy booster.



Leaves rich in iron therefore highly recommended for expectant mothers.



complete food for total nutrition –more Vitamin A than carrots, more

calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than the

orange, more potassium than the banana and the protein quality of

Moringa leaves rivals that of milk and eggs.

Since all essential amino acids are present Moringa may be rightly called a



Analgesic- alcoholic extracts of the leaf possess marked analgesic activity.



swelling.

Anti-inflammatory activity- poultice of leaves is beneficial in glandular



solvent ether [

with improved CD4+ counts] and ethyl acetate extracts of seeds was

screened using yeast induced hyperpyrexia method. Paracetamol was

used as a standard for comparison. The ethanolic and ethyl acetate

extracts of seeds showed significant antipyretic activity.

Antipyretic activity- the antipyretic activity of ethanolic, petroleum ether,ethers have antiviral activity- thus moringa’s correlation



symptoms of asthma and simultaneous improvements in respiratory

function.

Antiasthmatic activity- a study showed appreciable decrease in severity of



incision and dead space wounds the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts

of leaves showed significant wound healing activity that is comparable

with the standard vicco turmeric cream. PHYTOSTEROLS AND PHENOLIC

COMPOUNDS present in these extracts promote the wound healing

activity.

Wound healing properties- when assessed for healing activity in excision,



be effective in lowering blood sugar levels within 3 hrs ingestion.

Antidiabetic activity- an extract from the Moringa leaf has been shown to



[

enveloped viridae e.g., HIV 1/2, herpes, etc] of leaves of Moringa have

shown very significant hepatoprotection aganst CCL induced

hepatotoxicity.

Hepatoprotective activity- the methanolic and chloroform extractschloroform has antiviral properties due to its lipid solvent properties on



the seeds were tested for antitumor promotive activity using 7, 12 DMBA

as initiator and TPA as tumor promoter. From the results, niazimicin,

thiocarbamate from the leaves of Moringa oleifera was found to be potent

chemopreventive agent in chemical CARCINOGENESIS.

Antitumor and anticancer activity- few isolated bioactive compounds from



enzymes, antioxidant parameters and skin papillomagenesis.

The seed extracts also effective on hepatic carcinogen metabolizing



principle pterygospermin has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and

fungicidal effects.

Antimicrobial activity – rich in antimicrobial agents- the active antibiotic



juice is known to have a stabilizing effect on blood pressure.

Antihypertensive, diuretic and cholesterol lowering activities- Moringa leaf



Antispasmodic, antiulcer and anthelmentic activities.



blindness and delays outset of cataracts. Juice can be instilled in eyes in

cases of conjunctivitis.

Blindness and eye infection- due to high Vitamin A prevents night



nervous system and acts as a cardiac stimulant.

Cardiac and circulatory stimulant- Moringa acts on the sympathetic



[80%] and ethanol [70%] extracts of freeze dried leaves showed radical

scavenging and antioxidant activities- acts on

potential source of natural antioxidants.

Antioxidant activity- oils derived from the dried seeds –aqueous methanolfree radicals. Leaves



Detoxifier.



and antibiosis.

Considerable efficacy in water purification by flocculation, sedimentation



activity in women.

Sexual virility- treats erectile dysfunction in men and prolongs sexual



Venomous bites- treats by snakes, spiders, scorpions etc

MANDARIN ORANGE

Clinical application



Improves skin texture



Prevents water retention in tissues- oedema



Improves digestion- heals constipation, colitis, abdominal distension



Nervous functioning- thinking, perceiving, memory



Respiratory tract- bronchitis, reduces phlegm, flu, colds



Reproductive- prolapse of the uterus



the eyes

Eye- high in betacarotene the precursor to Vitamin A thus good for



deficiency

Richest in Vitamin C thus prevents disease associated with



Anti-septic



Anti-depressant



Tonic



viruses in cells- they increase the production of interferon an

antiviral protein produced within the body. Interferon interferes

with viral replication by rendering cells refractory to protein

synthesis.

AIDS- oranges slow but do not completely halt the development of



Richness in Vitamin C enhances iron absorption.



Vitamin C and facilitate the elimination of toxic residues such as

uric acid from the body.

Organic acids particularly citric acid potentiates the activity of



Vitamin A in the body act as powerful antioxidants [betacryptoxanthin,

lutein, and zeaxanthin].

Rich carotenoids similar to beta-carotene- which transform into



substances they contain- oranges increase the disease fighting

capabilities of LEUCOCYTES- they increase the number and

longevity of these white blood cells attributed to the combined

effect of folic acid and Vitamin C.

Thanks to the combination of Vitamin C and other natural chemical



the building of clot forming platelets in the blood thus oranges help

make the blood more fluid and improve circulation particularly in

the two organs requiring the most consistent blood supply- THE

BRAIN and THE HEART.

The flavonoids found in oranges potentiated by Vitamin C inhibit



mutually potentiate themselves- VITAMIN C, QUERATIN,

PROVITAMIN A and FOLIC ACID.

The result is a powerful antioxidant effect on all of the body’s cells

ORANGES also contain four highly effective ANTIOXIDANTS that



have their biochemical origin in oxidizing phenomena- high doses of

VITAMIN C is proven to reduce blood pressure significantly.

Regular orange consumption including the pulp and even the

mesocarp is associated with reduced blood cholesterol, lowered

blood pressure and lower rates of arteriosclerosis, arterial

thrombosis and heart disease.

Today it is known that arteriosclerosis and the aging process itself



mechanisms: they stimulate the empting of the gall bladder

[CHOLAGOGIC effect] with the subsequent laxative effect of bile in

the intestine and their soft vegetable fiber stimulates peristaltic

action in the intestine.

Oranges help cure constipation and intestinal atony through two



hemorrhoids that often accompany it. To achieve the best results in

both cases an orange treatment should be followed----four to six

oranges per day.

In addition to relieving constipation, oranges alleviate the

May however perpetrate hyperactivity in the baby in pregnancy, and in young children.

CINNAMON [

cinnamomum verum/ cinnamomum aromaticum- cassia]

Clinical applications



Rich source of iron, calcium and manganese.



Increases energy and elevates the mood.



Calms the stomach and prevents ulcers.



cancer treatment- researchers are investigating its role in leukemia and

lymphomas.

Contains benzaldehydes an active antitumor agent hence applicable in



Prevents urinary tract infection and candida.



Improves male health.



glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder and honey, can be

beneficially used in influenza, sore throat, and malaria.

Effective remedy for common cold- coarsely powdered and boiled in a



flatulence- a tablespoon of cinnamon water mixed with honey relieves

flatulence and indigestion.

Alleviates indigestion, stomach cramps, intestine spasms, nausea and



Serves as a good mouth freshener.



Cinnamon prevents nervous tension, improves complexion and memory.



finely powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples and forehead.

Alleviates headache produced by exposure to cold air- apply a paste of



Improves the appetite and treats diarrhea.



other inflammations as joint stiffness caused by arthritis in general

stimulating the healthy functioning of all the vital human organs.

Anti-inflammatory properties- thus useful in treating rheumatism and



asthma, excessive menstruation, paralysis, uterus disorders and

gonorrhea and good for female gynecological health.

Anti-spasmodic properties- thus useful in treating spasmodic afflictions,



Provides relief from morning sickness and nasal congestion.



Promotes healthy teeth and gums.



alleviating stroke, hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.

Anti-clotting properties- improves blood circulation thus useful in



Sometimes used as a prophylactic agent, to control German measles.



vaginal yeast infection.

Extracts active against candida albicans, the fungus responsible for



stomach ulcers.

Extracts active against helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for



Antimicrobial properties are due to eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.



Extracts in vitro inhibit the growth of cultured tumor cells.



food-bourne bacteria such as Salmonella and E coli.

Useful as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of common



Boosts the immune system against infection.



polymers derived from an antioxidant catechins a compound which

increases insulin sensitivity by enhancing insulin receptor function and

increase glucose uptake.

Diabetes- stabilizes sugar levels due to water-soluble polyphenolic

A study involving 60 men and women, average age 52 years, who had

type 2 diabetes, were given half teaspoon a day of cinnamon for 6 weeks

and they showed a 25% decrease in fasting blood glucose levels as well

as a 12% drop in blood cholesterol levels and a 30% drop in blood

triglyceride levels.

Can be toxic in larger doses due to cinnamaldehyde, the major oily constituent of the bark.

References

Aney JS et. al [2009] Pharmacological and Phamaceutical potential of

Moringa Oleifera : A review,

September.

Aloe vera research [1997] Research on clinical uses of Aloe vera,

Summary of Articles, Oxford University, htm

Davies JR [2010] Traditional western herbal products- Ginger zingiber

offffinale, Herbs Hands Healing, htm

Faley J [2005] Molinga Olefeira: A review of the Medical Evidence for its

Nutritional, Therapeutic and Prophylactic properties,

1(5).

Falsetto S [2008] Healing properties of the Orange tree, htm

Grzanna R [2010] Ginger: An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-

Inflammatory Actions, mhtml.

Hamman JH [2008] Composition and Applications of Aloe vera Leaf gel,

Journal of Pharmacy Research, vol. 2. Issue 9Trees for life Journal,

Molecules

Mhtml:file://C:/ Documents [2010]- Health Benefits of Garlic.

Mama S [2010] Cinnamon and its healing properties, htm

Mandarin Orange, Wikipedia, htm

Moringa, Wikipedia, htm

Ping- Hsien Chuang et. al [2005] Antifungal activity of crude extracts and

essential oil of Moringa Oleifera, ELSERVIER htm.

Vegetarianism and vegetarian nutrition [2010] Cinnamon- Health benefits,

htm.

, 13, 1599-1616.

MAESTRO- ENERGY/IMMUNE BOOSTER

[TM]

PRODUCT DESIGNER-

MARISEN MWALE

INGREDIENTS:

Moringa oleifera

Aloe vera

Garlic

Ginger

Cinnamon

Mandarine orange

Lemon

Damerera sugar

Missing due to unavailability in Malawi but pharmacologically pertinent

:

Morinda citrifolia [noni]

For security of product: -preparation technique still confidential to product trade mark!

Clinical applications- AIDS, Cancer, Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Gastric atony, Ulcer, Hyperlipdemia, Cholestrol, Obesity

[ETC]

MARISEN MWALE

FELLOW- [COM/CDC/PEPFAR]