Eulalee Thompson"Phyto-oestrogens - oestrogenic substances produced by plants such as soy - have been proven to inhibit breast
cancer growth 'in vivo', retain bone mass, lower colon
cancer risk, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), raise HDL
(good cholesterol) and are antivirals."
- Dr. Errol Daley, obstetrician/gynaecologist and
president, Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ).
THE ROOTS of the black cohosh, a tall perennial herb that grows mainly in northeastern United States, is reportedly boiled by native Americans and used as treatment for just about everything from women's problems to snakebites. Jamaicans would more likely be familiar with the pill form (Remifemin) of this herb and some women swear by it as a natural treatment for menopausal symptoms.
A study, published last year in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that breast cancer survivors who took black cohosh pills received only as much relief from hot flashes as those in the placebo group but the researchers indicated that taking the pill will, at least, do no harm.
Black cohosh is said to have oestrogenic properties and like other herbs such as dong quai, evening primrose and nettle are becoming popular as natural treatments for menopausal
symptoms.
The herbal industry is valued at about US$3.2 billion and steadily growing at a rate of 25 per cent per annum and Dr. Errol Daley, obstetrician/gynaecologist, (who is also president of the Medical Association of Jamaica), says that the acceptance of herbal remedies is increasing here. He said that more patients are making enquiries about complementary and alternative therapies in obstetrics and gynaecology and in other areas of medicine.
There is little evidence, Dr. Daley said, to support the efficacy of dong quai; evening primrose is reported to lower LDL and nettle acts as a diuretic (a drug that increases the volume of urine passed).
He is not, however, turning his back on complementary and alternative therapies, instead he is encouraging his colleagues to learn more about the topic.
"The patient perception of complementary medicine, is that it is an adjunct to conventional medicine. This is the most dangerous part. There is not enough
information on the possible drug interactions (and) only about two per cent of the doctors are asking their patients if they are on other medications," Dr. Daley said.
Herbal medicine, like any other
medicine, he said, can produce
unwanted effects.
"Unfortunately, most patients feel herbs are safe so they can take more than one. Patients are misusing herbs because they regard them as natural, they think that one is good, so two must be better and they increase the recommended dose. Herbal medicine is like any other medicine. It must be used with discretion," Dr. Daley
cautioned.
He said, however, that there are several herbs becoming popular among patients in obstetrics and gynaecology. Some of them are available as tinctures, fluid extracts, solid powders, tablets, tea form and applied to the skin as compress, cream or salve. More research, Dr. Daley said, is required on some of them, to test their efficacy and to identify their active ingredients.
Some popular herbs
Dr. Errol Daley, obstetrician/gynaecologist, mentioned some herbs and their uses by patients for gynaecological problems.
Angelica contains Furocoumarin, Psolarens; used for menstrual regulation (toxicity: anticoagulation, photosensitivity)
Chasteberry contains antiprolactins; used for PMS, mastalgia (pain in the breast); (toxicity: rash, GI distress)
Chamomile contains phenols, Terpenes; used as an anxiolytic (Toxicity: none)
Dong quai contains coumarin derivatins, phytoestrogens, Psoralens (used for menstrual regulation, PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopause (toxicity: photosensitivity).
Evening primrose contains Gamma Linoleic Acid, Tannins; used for PMS, menopause, weight loss; (toxicity: none known)
Kava (Polynesian Shrub), psychoactive member of the pepper family contains Kava Pyrones; used for menopausal depression (toxicity: yellowing, thickening of skin (Kava dermopathy)
Garlic contains Allicin; used for infection, hyperlipidemia (high concentration of fats in the blood); (toxicity: inhibits platelet function, contact dermatitis)
St. Johns Wort contains Hyperlin; used as an antidepressant; (toxicity: photosensitivity)
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, flavenoids, saponins; used for menopausal symptoms; (toxicity: hypertension, oedema, pseudo aldosteronism).
Valerian contains valerenic acid; used as a sedative and hypnotic; (toxicity: dystonia, rare liver toxicity).
