CHRYSANTHELLUM AMERICANUM - for the protection of the liver
This plant originates form Peru and Bolivia and is know also found in Africa. The first one in Europe to be interested in it is Dr Couderc who noticed that it contained flavonoids (including maritimeins) as well as saponosides. This is interesting as some flavonoids are hepatoprotective (they protect the liver) and also facilitate microcirculation (circulation of blood in the smallest capillary vessels) while saponosides are ‘veinotropes’ (i.e. they are vascular tonics) and tensioactive substances (which have positive effect on blood pressure). The combination of both is interesting because saponosides potentiate the action of flavonoids by facilitating their transit through the cellular membrane, i.e. they allow the flavonoids to act at the heart of the cell. The effect of both molecules makes them complementary because they will therefore act on the level of both digestion and the cardio-vascular system.
This plant has several effects as regards digestion. Its major effect being on the liver:
Þ It protects it from excessive eating (food too high in calories, excessive alcohol intake) but nevertheless people should keep an eye on their diet. Taking Chrysanthellum americanum does not mean that they can overindulge. Nevertheless it might help during the festive seasons (Christmas, Easter, etc.).
Þ It helps to regenerate the liver, and this is particularly advantageous for those suffering from hepatic conditions and icterus and also for those suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and pre-cirrhosis. It is often used in these specific cases following a Desmodium adscendens treatment.
Þ It is advantageous in various cases of lithiasis (formation of kidney stones and gallstones) because it dissolves them when they are less than 3 cm in diameter. Salivary stones also dissolve, but larger stones often do not disintegrate but rather diminish in size or become stable.
Its action at the cardio-vascular level is also beneficial:
Þ It reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
Þ It has a positive action in arteritis cases (arterial lesions resulting from inflammatory or degenerative sources) in the lower limbs.
Þ It has also a positive effect on both the permeability and the fragility of capillary vessels (oedemas)
Nevertheless, people should not attempt to treat serious illnesses by themselves or abandon a treatment recommended by a doctor.
|
Posted on2 September 2008 | | No comment |