PROJECT MAESTRO: MEDICINAL PLANT CLINICAL APPLICATIONS- ON VIRAL, BACTERIAL & OTHER MICROBE INFECTIONS and NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

PROJECT MAESTRO

BY

 MARISEN MWALE

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: VIRAL [HIV, HEPATITIS, COVID 19], BACTERIAL [TUBERCULOSIS], PROTOZOA [MALARIA], OTHER MICROBE INFECTIONS & Non-Communicable DISEASE!

‘The theory of relativity belongs to the class of principle theories. As such it employs an analytical method. This means that the elements which comprise this theory are not based on hypothesis but on empirical discovery. The empirical 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 special theory of relativity and general theory of relativity are connected.’

On Einstein’s theory of relativity

ALOE VERA

Clinical Applications: Aloe Vera has efficacy in the following conditions

·        Psoriasis

·        Shingles

·        Genital herpes

·        First degree and second degree burns

·        Acne

·        Diabetes mellitus – Aloe regulates blood glucose by stabilizing sugar levels.

·        Hepatitis

·        Corona virus

·        Ulcerative colitis

·        Detoxification – Aloe helps in detoxifying the body

·        Immunostimulant – Aloe aids in fighting cancer by limiting tumor growth and metastasis particularly in lung cancer.

·        Improves circulation

·        Hypertension – Aloe lowers blood pressure

·        Rheumatism – Aloe reduces joint inflammation and arthritis

·        Constipation – Aloe improves peristalsis

·        Crohn’s disease – Aloe lessens symptoms of heartburn as well as the peptic ulcer.

·        AIDS  & Corona virus– Because of its stimulation and boosting of the immune system Aloe is considered a potential treatment for AIDS and Covid 19 patients. Acemannan one principle of Aloe Vera has been shown to slow the AIDS 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].

·        Chronic disease – Aloe reduces risk of chronic disease and in recuperation after illness.

·        Hyperlipdemia – Aloe lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels

·        Weight loss – Because of high levels of COLLAGEN which helps maintain lean body mass Aloe may help in weight loss for the obese.

·        Wound healing – Aloe is associated with wound healing because of the constituent Collagen. Collagen which is synthesized through Vitamin C action is highly concentrated in connective tissue, bone, teeth, tendons, and blood vessels. Collagen is very important for wound healing. Vitamin C increases the cross-connections between amino acids in Collagen, greatly strengthening the tissues it helps form.

Caution - Aloe should however be taken in moderation since high intake can result in lowered potassium levels and its associated cardiovascular complications.

GARLIC [allium sativum]

Clinical applications: Garlic has efficacy in the following conditions

·        Hyperlipdemia – Allium sativum lowers Cholesterol, Tryglcylides and LDL preventing LDL and cholesterol oxidation.

·        Thrombosis – Garlic reduces the formation of clots [platelet aggregation] in blood vessels through the blood thinning ‘cascade effect’ thus reducing chances of stroke and heart attack.

·        Hypertension – Garlic lowers blood pressure

·        Corona virus – Garlic has anti-viral properties

·        Analgesic activity – Allium sativum reduces menstrual pain, muscle pain, nerve pain and arthritis

·        Dermatology – Allium sativum treats corns, warts, calluses, ear infection and other dermatological complications.

·        Vermifuge – Allium sativum has efficacy in the expulsion of intestinal worms.

·        Diabetes mellitus – Allium sativum has efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels.

·        Atherosclerosis – Garlic through its action in reducing cholesterol aggregation and reduction in plaque formation in blood vessels has efficacy in reducing atherosclerosis.

·        Immunostimulant - Garlic aids in combating cancer by retarding tumor formation and metastasis [spread].

·        Garlic increases blood levels of antioxidant enzymes thus acts as an effective remedy against the oxidative effects caused by free radicals.

·        Detoxification – Allium sativum detoxifies the liver – it inhibits lipid peroxidation in the liver retarding the aging process of liver cells thus maintaining the health functioning of the liver. Garlic also detoxifies the entire body thus improving metabolism.

·        AIDS – Garlic has been used reasonably successfully in AIDS patients to treat cryptosporidium, toxoplasmosis and other opportunistic infections. The ethers in garlic though this has not been substantiated empirically act as  lipid solvents inactivating the infectivity of viruses including herpes viridae, hepatitis B and HIV [in vitro findings].

·        Cancer – Garlic stimulates the activity of the defensive cells of the body, both 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.

·        Infectious diseases – Garlic consumption has a good effect on any infectious disease augmenting the defensive ability of our body, besides directly destroying certain micro-organisms.

·        Depurative – Garlic purifies the body by enhancing elimination of waste through the kidneys, the liver and the skin.

·        Metabolism and Catabolism – Garlic promotes these physiological activities.

·        Microbe proliferation- HIV and The Corona virus – Garlic principles act against various types of fungi, yeasts, and some viruses including:  Corona viruses, HEPPES 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.

Principles act in vitro and in vivo against the following micro-organisms: E coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, Candida – due to its sulfurated essence which diffuses easily throughout the body’s tissues.

·        Gastro-intestinal activity – Garlic principles balance the intestinal flora and stimulate natural immunity.

·        Allium sativum is rich in Vitamin C [ASCOBIC ACID] and Vitamin B 3 –NIACIN PP factor 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 3 D’s – DERMATITIS, DIARRJOEA, and DEMENTIA.

Caution - 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: Ginger has efficacy in the following conditions.

·        Antispasmodic – Ginger relaxes all types of muscle.

·        Aromatic – Ginger’s aroma, flavor and warmth help to stimulate the digestive system.

·        Diuretic – Ginger inhibits and prevents fluid retention and oedema.

·        Carminative – The volatile oils in ginger relax the stomach and stimulate peristalsis thereby supporting digestion and reducing gas and flatulence. Ginger helps cure and prevent dyspepsia, slow motility symptoms, gastro atonia, constipation and gastroparesis.

·        Diaphoretic – Ginger principles induce perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin.

·        Rubefacient - Applied to the skin, ginger stimulates and dilates the blood capillaries thus increasing circulation.

·        Sialogogue – Ginger principles promote the secretion of saliva.

·        Stimulant – As a circulatory aid, ginger supports and speeds up the body’s physiological systems.

·        Cardiovascular activity –Ginger prevents the formation of clots in blood vessels through the ‘cascade effect’ – preventing obstructions that result in stroke and heart attack.

·        Rheumatism – Ginger principles act against joint pain and prevent arthritis.

·        Ginger principles have physiological action and remedy against fatigue, headache, nausea and poor dietary habits.

·        Ginger principles raise energy levels, mood, and emotion thus improving and promoting balance.

·        Detoxification – Ginger principles act in expelling toxins, open pores of the skin and stimulate circulation therefore ginger is useful in colds, influenza, mucus congestion and fluid blockages in the body.

Ginger detoxifies the liver with effects in lifting depressive, angry or sad moods.

·        Energy and mind – for the energy and mind, ginger inspires confidence due to its metabolic effects and support to body systems.

·        Antiviral and AIDS / Covid 19 activity – Ginger principles promote the production of the cytokine Tumor necrosis factor [TNF –α] in the alveolar macrophages which might express an antiviral HIV, Corona virus, Influenza and, Hepatitis B effect.

·        Male health - Ginger promotes male health by stimulating sperm production.

Caution - Ginger must however be avoided during pregnancy because it may induce spontaneous abortion although some practitioners contend it reduces motion and morning sickness.

MORINGA OLEIFERA

Clinical applications: Moringa has efficacy in the following conditions

·        Nutrition - Moringa is best known as an excellent source of nutrition and a natural energy booster.

Leaves are rich in iron therefore highly recommended for expectant mothers.

Since all essential amino acids are present Moringa may be rightly called a complete food for total nutrition – More Vitamin A than the carrot, 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 the egg.

·        Analgesic – Alcoholic extracts of the leaf possess marked analgesic activity.

·        Anti – inflammatory activity – poultice of leaves is beneficial in glandular swelling.

·        Anti – pyretic activity – in a study the antipyretic activity of ethanolic, petroleum ether, solvent ether 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. [Organic ethers have PROVEN antiviral activity –HIV and Corona viruses – thus there is need to investigate the plausible role Moringa principles play relative to improved CD4⁺ & CD8⁺counts in AIDS or COVID 19 -  patients].

·        Anti – asthmatic activity – a study conducted using Moringa principles showed appreciable decrease in severity of symptoms of asthma and simultaneous improvements in respiratory function.

·        Wound healing properties – in another study when assessed for healing activity in excision, 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 turmenic cream. PHYTOSTEROLS and PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS present in these extracts promote the wound healing activity.

·        Anti - diabetic activity – in a study an extract from the Moringa leaf has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels within 3 hrs ingestion.

·        Hepatoprotective activity - the methanolic and chloroform extracts and chloroform extracts of Moringa leaves have shown very significant hepatoprotection against CCL induced hepatotoxicity. [Organic chloroforms like organic ethers have antiviral properties due to their lipid solvent properties on enveloped viridae e.g., HIV 1 / 2, Corona viruses, herpes, etc – the efficacy of Moringa in AIDS treatment therefore needs further investigation].

·        Antitumor and anticancer activity – in a study conducted at Oxford University few isolated bioactive compounds from 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.

The seed extracts were also shown in another study to be effective on hepatic carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant parameters and skin papillomagenesis.

·        Antimicrobial activity – Moringa principles are rich in antimicrobial    agents – the active antibiotic principle pterygospermin which is one such principle has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal effects.

·        Antihypertensive activity – Moringa leaf juice is known to have a stabilizing effect on blood pressure.

·        Hyperlipdemia – Moringa principles have cholesterol, tryglecyride and LDL lowering activity.

·        Moringa principles also have antispasmodic, antiulcer and antihelmentic activity.

·        Blindness and eye infection – due to the high Vitamin A content Moringa prevents night blindness and delays the outset of cataracts. The juice can be instilled in eyes in case of conjunctivitis.

·        Cardiac and circulatory stimulant – Moringa acts on the sympathetic nervous system and acts as a cardiac stimulant.

·        Antioxidant activity – In a study conducted at Makerere University oils derived from the dried seeds – aqueous methanol [80%] and ethanol [70%] extracts of freeze dried leaves showed radical scavenging and antioxidant activities with proven action on free radicals.

Moringa leaves are therefore a potential source of natural antioxidants.

·        Detoxification – Moringa principles detoxify the liver and entire body inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the liver thus retarding the aging process of liver cells and their apoptosis.

·        Water purification – Because of the antimicrobial action, in a study conducted at Chancellor College [University of Malawi] extracts of Moringa were proven to have efficacy in water purification by flocculation, sedimentation and antibiosis.

·        Sexual virility – in terms of both male and female reproductive health Moringa principles have been proven efficacious in treating erectile dysfunction in men and prolonging sexual activity in women.

·        Venomous bites – Moringa leaf extracts have been proven efficacious in treating venomous snake bite, spider bites and scorpion bites.

MANDARIN ORANGE

Clinical applications: Mandarin oranges have efficacy in the following conditions

·        Skin texture – consumption of lots of mandarin oranges has proven dermatological efficacy in improving skin texture.

·        Oedema – Mandarin oranges have a diuretic effect inhibiting water retention in body tissues.

·        Digestion – Mandarin oranges improve digestion preventing constipation, colitis and abdominal distension.

·        Nervous functioning – Mandarin oranges improve thinking, perceiving and memory.

·        Respiratory tract infections – Consumption of Mandarin oranges prevent bronchitis; reduce phlegm, flu and colds.

·        Wound healing – The Mandarin orange plays a role in wound healing due   to its richness in Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesizing of the protein COLLAGEN which is highly concentrated in connective tissues, bone, teeth, tendons, blood vessels and is important for wound healing.

·        Reproductive tract –Mandarin orange consumption prevent prolapse of the uterus.

·        Eye infections and blindness – Mandarin oranges are high in beta-carotene the precursor to Vitamin A and are thus good for the eyes.

·        Cancer & Covid 19– The Mandarin orange is richest in Vitamin C – which is one of the water soluble antioxidants. Vitamin A and E which are fat soluble are also antioxidants. The antioxidant capabilities of Vitamin C can reduce the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the stomach and also keep the folate coenzymes intact, preventing their destruction. Vitamin C and Vitamin E work together as free radical scavengers. Vitamin C also aids in reactivating oxidized Vitamin E so that it can be reused. Epidemiological studies suggest that Vitamin C is effective in helping prevent certain cancers e.g. oesophagal, oral and stomach cancer. Therapeutic research on the current Covid 19 pandemic in China shows patients have recovered from intravenous infusions of very high doses of Vitamin C - >10 000 against the daily 75 requirement.

·        Antiseptic – The Mandarin orange is a body anti-septic.

·        Anti –depressant – The Mandarin orange is an anti-depressant and stimulant as well as tonic for the body.

·        AIDS – The Mandarin orange principles slow but do not completely halt the development of 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.

·        Anaemia – Richness in Vitamin C apart from being argent for inhibiting carcinogenesis also enhances iron absorption and thus helps in combating anaemia. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by keeping iron in its most absorbable form for use in the formation of hemoglobin which helps in oxygen transport. Other sources of Vitamin C apart from the Mandarin orange are green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, papayas, romaine lettuce, other citrus fruits, potatoes, and fortified breakfast cereals.

Organic acids particularly citric acid potentiates the activity of Vitamin C and facilitates the elimination of toxic residues such as uric acid from the body.

·        Anti-oxidant activity – effects on HIV and Covid 19- The Mandarin orange is rich in carotenoids similar to beta-carotene which transforms into Vitamin A in the body and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Mandarin oranges therefore contain four highly effective ANTIOXIDANTS that 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. [Also constituted are beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin].

·        Immunology – Thanks to the combination of Vitamin C and other natural chemical substances they contain – Mandarin oranges increase the disease fighting capabilities of LEUCOCYTES – they increase the number and longevity of these white blood cells attributable to the combined effect of folic acid and Vitamin C.

·        Thrombosis – The flavonoids found in the mandarin orange potentiated by Vitamin C inhibit the building of clot forming platelets in the blood thus the mandarin orange helps make the blood more fluid and improves circulation particularly in the two organs requiring the most consistent blood supply – THE BRAIN and THE HEART.

·        Arteriosclerosis – Today it is known that arteriosclerosis and the aging process itself have their biochemical origin in oxidizing phenomena – high doses of Vitamin C has been 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.

·        Constipation – Oranges help cure constipation and intestinal atony through two mechanisms: they stimulate the empting of the gall bladder [CHOLAGOGIC effect and CHOLOLECTIC effect – promote the production of bile] with the subsequent laxative effect of bile in the intestine. Their soft vegetable fiber stimulates peristaltic action in the intestine.

In addition to relieving constipation, oranges alleviate the 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.

Caution - Oranges may however perpetrate hyperactivity in children and even in the baby during pregnancy.

CINNAMON [cinnamomum verum/ cinnamomum aromaticum – cassia]

Clinical applications: cinnamon has efficacy in the following applications

·        Nutrition – Cinnamon is a rich source of iron, calcium and manganese.

·        Energy – Cinnamon increases energy and elevates the mood.

·        Gastro-intestinal – Cinnamon calms the stomach and prevents ulcers.

Cinnamon alleviates indigestion, stomach cramps, intestine spasms, nausea and flatulence – a tablespoon of cinnamon water mixed with honey relieves flatulence and indigestion.

Cinnamon treats diarrhoea and improves the appetite.

·        Cancer – Cinnamon contains benzaldehyde an active antitumor agent hence applicable in cancer treatment – researchers are investigating its role in leukemia and lymphomas.

Extracts in vitro inhibit the growth of cultured tumor cells.

·        Genital –urinary tract – Cinnamon prevents urinary tract infections and candida.

·        Reproduction – Cinnamon improves male health.

·        Respiratory tract infections – Cinnamon is an effective remedy for common colds and prevents nasal congestion– coarsely powdered and boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder and honey, cinnamon can be beneficially used in: Covid 19, influenza, sore throat, and malaria.

·        Oral health – Cinnamon serves as a good mouth freshener and promotes healthy teeth and gums.

·        Nervous system – Cinnamon prevents nervous tension, improves comprehension and memory.

·        Headache – Cinnamon alleviates headache produced by exposure to cold   air – apply a paste of finely powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples and forehead.

·        Anti – inflammatory properties – Cinnamon is useful in treating rheumatism and other inflammations as joint stiffness caused by arthritis in general stimulating the health functioning of all the vital human organs.

·        Anti – spasmodic properties – Cinnamon is useful in treating spasmodic afflictions, asthma, excessive menstruation, paralysis, uterus disorders and gonorrhea and is good for female gynecological health.

·        Gynecology – cinnamon provides relief from mourning sickness in pregnant women.

·        Thrombosis – Cinnamon has anti – clotting properties and improves blood circulation and is therefore useful in alleviating stroke, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

·        Prophylaxis – Cinnamon is sometimes used as a prophylactic agent, to control German measles.

·        Anti – microbial properties – Cinnamon is active against the following microbes – candida albicans the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infection; helicobacter pylori the bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers; Salmonella and E coli common food-borne bacteria hence useful as a food preservative by inhibiting the bacterial growth.

The antimicrobial properties are due to eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.

·        Immunology – Research has demonstrated that cinnamon boosts the immune system against infection and may therefore be useful in AIDS patients.

·        Diabetes mellitus – Research has demonstrated that cinnamon stabilizes sugar levels due to water-soluble polyphenolic polymers derived from an antioxidant catechins – a compound which increases insulin sensitivity by enhancing insulin receptor function and thus increases glucose uptake.

A study conducted in Australia involving 60 men and women, average age 52 years, who had type 2 diabetes, were given half a 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.

Caution – Cinnamon can be toxic if administered in large doses due to cinnamaldehyde the major oily constituent of the bark.

MAESTRO – IMMUNE BOOSTER product _[TM]

PRODUCT DESIGNER – MARISEN MWALE

INGREDIENTS:

·         Moringa oleifera

·         Aloe Vera

·         Allium sativum [Garlic]

·         Zingiber officinale [Ginger]

·         Cinnamomum aromaticum/verum [Cinnamon]

·         Mandarin orange

·         Lemon

·         Damerera sugar

·         Morinda citrifolia [noni]

Proposed Clinical applications – AIDS; Covid 19; Cancer; Cardiovascular conditions – Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Athelosclerosis, Arteriosclerosis; Diabetes mellitus/ Type 2 [ETC].

Product still undergoing Chemical analysis but for security of product preparation technique patent.

OTHER PROPOSED PRODUCTS

Herbal Soft Drink

Ingredients

·        Sobo or any other orange juice

·        Extracted juice from aloe vera

Clinical Applications – Viral infections, Bacterial & Other Microbial infections, Obesity, Hypertension, Rheumatism, Anti – carcinogenic, Constipation, Slow motility syndrome etc

Cinnamon Beverage

Ingredients

·        Cinnamon powder

·        Fresh milk 2% fat [hot]

·        Boiled water

·        Honey

Prepare in form of beverage

Clinical Applications – Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Colds, Influenza, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Secondary impotence etc

MORINGA GREEN TEA

Ingredients

·        Moringa powder

·        Fresh milk 2 % fat [hot]

·        Boiled water

Prepare in form of a beverage

Clinical applications – Detoxification, Liver peroxidation, Hypertension, Viral infections, Bacterial & Other Microbial infections, Anti-carcinogenic, Constipation etc

MORINGA YOURGHURT & ICE CREAM

·        Moringa powder

·        Milk or Vanilla

Clinical applications – Same as in Moringa green tea.

GINGER/CINNAMON/GARLIC BEVERAGE

Ingredients

·        Cinnamon/Ginger/Garlic powder

·        Fresh milk 2% fat [hot]

·        Boiled water

·        Honey

Prepare in form of a beverage

Clinical applications – Hypertension, Anti-carcinogenic, Diabetes Mellitus, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Viral infections, Bacterial & Other Microbial infections

PRODUCTS PROPOSAL DESIGNER

MARISEN MWALE

Fellow & PhD student – College of Medicine [Malawi]/CDC/PEPFA, M. Ed [UNIMA], B. Ed [UNIMA]