Medicinal
Herbs Used For Gynecological Problems: An Overview
Shikha Srivastava*
and Nidhi Mishra
Department of Pharmacy, Sagar
Institute of Technology and Management. Barabanki
(U.P.)
ABSTRACT
Use of plant based drugs and chemicals for
curing the various ailments specific to women is as old as human civilization.
Plants and plant-based medicaments are the basis of many of the modern
pharmaceuticals we used today for our various ailments. Nearly 80% of the world
populations rely on the traditional medicines for primary health care, most of
which involve the use of plant extracts. Many traditional herbal remedies have
also been utilized as aids in various gynecological problems arise in females.
The present paper gave an overview on the uses of medicinal plants for the
treatment of gynecological problems and it was concluded that they are
effective alternative to allopath medicine.
KEYWORDS: Medicinal
plants for women, gynecological problems, Natural products in gynecology, Ayurveda in gynecological problems
INTRODUCTION:
MEDICINAL
HERBS FOR WOMEN:
There are many kinds of imbalances and
metabolic disruptions arises from daily routine fast life, emotional stress,
malnutrition, fatigue from hardworking schedule in today’s life these factors
can affect the natural biological functions in the body of the women which
finally affect the menstruation cycle, the fertility of a woman, their ability
for conception and their ability to give birth to a child. When these factors
affect a woman health than they can throw the hormone balances of the body in
to complete and total disarray that can result in a reduced immunity and lower
resistance to pathogens and infective germs which leads to influences the
functioning of normal circulation supporting the reproductive system, Such
imbalances can additionally lead to an increase in the level of tension and
physical congestion felt by the woman and as a result different gynecological dis-orders arises in women.
Because of increase in communication
technology and lots of awareness in these days its become quite easy good as
many women today have greater knowledge or have become much more informed about
the way the female body functions.
There has been the traditional usage of many
plants and herbs throughout much of history, in treating the illness specific
to women-thus herbs and plants products have been utilized in the regulation of
hormone balance in sick women, such herbal remedies have also been utilized in
the enhancement of female reproductive system functioning. Herbal remedies have
thus been used to promote the functioning of the reproductive system. Herbs
have been used to bring relief from internal congestion in the digestive system
and herbal remedies have also been used to increase the rate of circulation to
and from an affected area of the female body.
Many traditional herbal remedies have also been used in
the resolution of dis-orders that produce heat and
inflammation in an affected part of the female body, herbs have been used to
help relax the tension and pain felt by a woman suffering from the internal dis-orders.Herbal tonics have been used to increase the
muscle tone and strength in the uterine tissues which line the female
reproductive tract. These tonics thus help in maintaining the health and
functioning of the uterus.
Many steroidal compounds known as saponins
are extremely beneficial in the treatment of many known gynecological problems
related to hormonal imbalances in the body of the women.
The Greek goddess Artemis was the goddess who protected
the chasity and modesty of women. She was seen as the
deity responsible for protecting young maidens.Artemis
was responsible for punishing individuals who offended women and maidens or
outraged their modesty; she thus represented the mortality modesty of all Greek
women.
Many herbs utilized to help women
during child-birth and which are named after Artemis, have been used for many
centuries. These herbs are still use today to aid women facing childbirth. Some
of these herbs named after Artemis include the Artemisia abritanum
herb or southernwood as it is commonly known the common mughort-scientific
name-Artemisia vulgaris and the Artemisia absinthium herb- the well known wormwood. These herbs are
mainly used to help facilitates child-birth in women who tend to have
difficulties during labour. The herbal remedies help
in the regulation of the muscular contractions and even strength the force of
convulsions during labour.1-9
MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR
GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:10-22
Black cohosh
One of the most interesting herbals is black cohosh, which is extracted from a plant growing in northeastern
A total of at least nine clinical studies have been
done on the effect of black cohosh [12]
and more are ongoing. A normalized formula containing 1mg of triterpines (27-deoxyacetin).The recommended dose is 20 mg
twice a day. It may take between two and four weeks before any effect is
experienced.
The main reported side-effect of blackcohosh
bare hypertension and gastro-intestinal problems. It seems to help relieve
menstrual stress and anxiety related to menstrual periods [13]
Shepherd’s Purse:
This Plant grows in Eastern European countries. The
active ingredient is 18% soluble extract in water of Capsella
boursa pastoris
(principally containing flavonoids and minerals)
[14] It has been reported that plant is used for an improvement of light menorrhagia and metorrhagia.
The recommended dose as a tea like infusion is 2g to 4g
in 150 ml of water after boiling for 15 minutes. It is contraindicated in
pregnancy.
Turmeric Root:
The turmeric (Curcuma
longa) is member of the ginger family. The active
ingredient is 3% dicinna-moylmthene derivatives (95% curcuminoides). Studies showed that it could increases the
menstrual flow [14] it seems to have a cyclo-oxygeanse
(COX) like effect which is responsible for treating dysmenorrheal [15].
Recommended dose of 20 mg once or twice a day and it should not be recommended
during pregnancy.
Chase Tree fruit:
This plant grows in
The usual dose is 30 mg to 40mg per day of fruit
extract in water/alcohol or an extract of 50%to 70% in alcohol between 0.03ml
and 0.04 ml.
It is contraindicated in pregnancy and is usually sold
in combination with other products in the same pill.
Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng):
This plant is found in
Ginseng Root:
This plant can be found in china. The active
ingredients are the ginsenosides (Korean = 2%,
Canadian = 5% Chinese red = 1.5%).Studies have shown an improvement in memory,
fatigue, depressive symptoms and concentrations with ginseng root. It is
contraindicated in the presence of arterial hypertension [19, 20].
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract:
Ginkgo is a tree. The active
ingredient is flavonal glycosides 24% and it is
extracted from the leaves. The usual dose is a divided dose of 120mg to 240 mg
two to three times a day.
Yarrow:
This plant grows in both
St.John’s Wort:
This Plant grows in
Table: 1 List of medicinal
plants used in Gynecological dis-orders
|
Name of the plant |
Family |
Vernacular name |
Part used |
Gynecological Uses |
|
Abrus precatorius Achyranthus aspera Annona squamosa Annona reticulata Argemone mexicana Asparagus racemosus Boerhavia diffusa Borassus flabellifer Borreria articularis Bombax ceiba Butea monosperma Calotropis gigantean Crateva nurvala Dillenia aurea Dillenia pentagyna Diplocyclos palmatus Euphorbia hirta Ficus
hispida |
Fabaceae Amaranthaceae Annonaceae Annonaceae Papaveraceae Asparagaceae Nyctaginaceae Arecaceae Rubiaceae Bombacaceae. Fabaceae Asclepiadaceae Capparaceae Dilleniaceae Dilleniaceae Cucurbitaceae Euphorbiaceae Moraceae |
Kaicho,Kaincho,Lalgunj,Runjo Chir-chira Maghua,Ata ,Newa,Mondal Rajamaghua,Ramphala,Barhial Agara, Agora, Kantakusum,
Deng bejari, Sarpuni, Bakula Janum Karghi, Satavar Punarnava, Puruni saga Tala, Tal, Talo Solaganthi, Sanaghar podia,
Jibkata, Pitu arak Semulo, Simili ,Simal Palas Arakha, Patladhudha Barun,Varuna, Pitmaiel Rai, Rai-daru Rai, Aghai, Sahar, Korkota Shivlingi Dudhi Panidimiri,Demburu,Kharsen |
White seeds Root Dried root powder Seed powder Leaf Tuber and stem Whole plant Male infloresence Whole plant and Root Fleshy roots Root and Bark Root Stem bark Stem bark Stem bark Seed Leaf Fruit |
For antifertility Easy Delivery For abortion of pregnancy For spoiling of pregnancy For Leucoderma Excess Bleeding during menstrual discharge
and burning sensation in urine For the treatement
of Leucorrhoea For contraceptive For menstrual disorder For menstrual disorders Leucorrhoea For Leucorrhoea For contraceptive Gaining of vitality after child birth For easy delivery: Contraception Milk secretion For Milk secretion |
|
Name of the plant |
Family |
Vernacular name |
Part used |
Gynecological Uses |
|
Heliotropium indicum Hemidesmus indicus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Litsea sebifera Nelumbo nucifera Oroxylum indicum Phyla nodiflora Saraca asoca Salmalia malabaricum Smilex zeylanica Strychnos
nux-vomica Terminalia
bellirica Tephrosia purpurea Woodfordia fruticosa Zizyphus
mauritiana |
Boraginaceae Asclepiadace Malvaceae Lauraceae Nymphaeceae Bignoniaceae Verbenaceae Fabaceae Bombacaceae Liliaceae Loganiaceae Combretaceae Fabaceae Lythraceae Rhamnaceae |
Hati-sura, Hatisundha Anantamul, Gargeri, Analsing, Tarjamala Parijat, Mondaro, Mandar, Jaba-gacha Maida Padam, Ranga padam, Dhala padam, Kani Phonphana,Phampan, Rengebanam, SamahaukGosingi, Jalapipla Ashoka Semhar Ramdatoon Kuchila,Gorumar, Behra , Lupung -daru Bano-kuthi,Gileri, Kulathio, Ban-nilo, Mohisia-Kotathiya, Pokha Dhai, Dhatuki, Dhatki, Dhatuk, Jaliko, Harwari, Dhia Borokoli, Bodokoli, Bodori,Boyer, Barakuli, Janumjan |
Root Root Stem bark Bark Rhizome. Stem bark Root Bark Root Root Stem Stem-bark Leaf Dried flowers Stem bark |
For anemia For leucoderma For Contraceptive Leucorrhoea For white
discharge For Menorrhagia ForpromotingSexual desire Leucorrhoea Irregularity in Menstruation White Discharge For Leucoderma For Leucoderma For post natal
complications For leucorrhoea For relieve of
abdominal pain |
Valerian:
This plant is from
Specific Herbs for Women:
Some of these herbs are very powerful, while
others are just sufficient to treat minor ailments. There is a need to get
familiarized with these herbs before trying them out to cure diseases and
symptoms. Herbs designed to treat women diseases work best when they are
ingested under qualified medical supervision. Growing herbs
for women fall in to four main categories which include:
·
Uterine
Tonics: Several herbs like Dandelion, Ginger, Nettle, Raspberry leaf and Amrutha Veins act as catalysts to promote uterine functions
and reproductive activities. These herbs also help them to tone and strengthen
their reproductive system,
·
Uterine
Relaxants and Contractors: Some natural herbs can make the uterus contract and
help in hassle free child birth. Some of these herbs work by irritating the
inner lining of the uterine wall. However, you may need to exercise enough
caution, as some of them may be too strong and toxic to your body. Herbs like
Parsley leaf, Pennyroyal Flowers, Rue leaf and Tansy leaves are quite useful in
making your uterus quite stronger and tough,
·
Menstruation
assisting agents or Emmenagogues: These herbs are not
to be taken in pregnancy. These herbs promote regular menstruation and blood
flow. Some of the useful emmenagogues are Dong Quai,
Ginger, Motherwort, Cohosh and Mug Wort,
·
Hormonal
Balancers and Regulators: Female reproductive system is controlled by endocrine
glands and their secretions. To help a normal endocrine system, we use several
herbs like Cohosh, Licorice, Milk Thistle, Lemon Balm
and Wild Yam. Proper liver functioning is also vital for a normal reproductive
system. Herbs like Chaste Tree
Other famous herbs that are helpful in streamlining the
functions of reproductive system are:
The roots and leaves of European angelica are warming,
recuperative, energizing and complimenting to the reproductive organs, as well
as other organ systems like the digestive, circulatory, and endocrine systems,
·
Ginseng
root is an excellent natural herb for woman. This herb has plant hormones and
other additives that are necessary for a woman’s glandular systems, and
assist her body to produce sufficient amounts of estrogen and progesterone,
·
Lady’s
mantle is another useful uterine herb, and it has a complimentary effect on the
female reproductive system, helps regulate menstrual cycle and controls
menstrual flooding.
As women face unique health problems, right
from their childhood to puberty years to menopausal age, they need special care
to guard their reproductive system free from serious illnesses and diseases.
There are always dangers of breast cancers and ovarine
degeneration occurring in the late middle ages. To ally such fears and to
prevent these likely diseases, women may start using natural herbs to make
their glandular and reproductive system tough and enduring.
Ayurvedic herbs are effective for male and
female Reproductive System disorders. Ayurvedic herbs are beneficial for
strengthening the uterus, as contraceptives, Ecbolics,
Emmenagogues, Anti-Emmenagogues
and Galactagogues[25-26].
The uterus is prepared for the period from
conception to delivery. These are astringent-sweet in taste, unctuous, cold
with tissue-tonic properties. The uterus is strengthened and the chances of
premature labor and habitual abortion are minimized. The fetus is also helped
to get proper nutrition. E.g. Brahmi, Lakshamana.
Ecbolic herbs contract the uterus. This action is
mediated in two ways.
Direct Ecbolics:
Direct ecbolics
contract the uterus directly. Quinine and Lead directly contract the uterine
muscles. Annamaya
contract the uterus by affecting the nerves supplying the smooth muscles of
uterus. Nux vomica
contracts the uterus via central Nervous system.
Indirect Ecbolics:
Indirect Ecbolics
causes the congestion or hyperemia in pelvic tissues and then contract the
uterus. These possess the sharp and hot properties. e.g. Arka, Alua.
Uterine sedatives calm down the contractions
in the uterus. These are helpful in premature abortion or habitual abortion.
e.g. Suchi.
Emmenagogues also cause hyperemia in pelvic tissues and
they promote the quantity of menstrual secretion. Ecbolics
when used in low dosage also act as Emmenagogues.
These are also rich in Fire element and possess hot and sharp properties. e.g. Sarshap, alcohol. These are used in Oligomenorrhea and Dysmenorrhea.
Anti-Emmenogogues
are cold and astringent and they reduce the secretion of menstrual fluid. These
are used in Menorrhagic conditions. e.g. Nagakeshar, Lodhra.
Galactagogues promote the secretion of milk. These are
dominant in Water element. e.g. Shatavari, Ikshumula.
Anti-Galactagogues reduce the secretion of milk. e.g. Mallika.
Like blood purifying herbs, these herbs
purify the vitiated milk. They reduce the chances of infection in breast milk.
The quality of milk is also rendered better. e.g. Devadaru for Vata vitiation, Sariva for Pitta vitiation and Shunthi
for Kapha vitiation[27].
CONCLUSIONS:
It has been concluded that use of herbs facilitates the
conscious journey of many women who attempt to get in touch with long lost femine side of their personality such women find that the
use of herbs will actually enhance the speed with which they reconnect to the femine nature. The mysteries of nature of women and plants
can be regained by the use of different kinds of herbs, some of these can be
great benefit to health, some herbs can bring healing to sick, some herbs can
help in the regulations of menstrual cycles, some can help in enhancing the
fertility of women, and some herbs prepare the women or support the women
during the term of pregnancy and through of childbirth.
Women who suffer recurring or repeated female sexual
problems do not get the full cure from the use of allopathic medicine, though
such treatment do offer excellent solution to exceptional crisis or severe
diseases they tend to be emergency oriented and medications for acute
disorders, herbs on the other hand deal much better with the recurring feminine
health problems which occur over a long period of time-especially with those
which produce vague or unclear symptoms in the affected woman. The actual
causes for these vague imbalances in the bodies of many women are also not
clearly addressed by western medicine. Recurrences are common when disorders in
a woman are treated using only allopathic chemical medications, the cure or
effects of the drug dissipate once the medication is discontinued. so we can
say that herbs provide an effective alternative to allopathy.
They are moreover also utilized as a compliment to the allopathic medication.
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Received on
21.10.2009
Accepted on
20.11.2009
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