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Flavonoids
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Found
in many plants, flavonoids have a wide range of
actions. They are anti-inflammatory and are especially
useful in maintaining healthy circulation. Plants,
including buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and
lemon (Citrus limon), strengthens capillary walls. |
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Anthocyanins
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These
pigments, which give flowers and fruits a blue,
purple, or red hue, help to keep the blood vessels
healthy. Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and grapes
(Vitis vinifera) contain appreciable quantities
of anthocyanins. |
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Glucosilinates
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Found
exclusively in species of the mustard family,
glucosilinates have an irritant effect on the
skin, causing inflammation and blistering. Applied
as poultices to painful or aching joints, they
increase blood flow to the affected area, helping
to remove the build-up of waste products (a contributory
factor in joint problems). Glucosilinates also
help to reduce thyroid function. Both radish (Raphanus
sativus) and mustard (Sinapis alba) contain significant
quantities of glucosilinates.
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Volatile Oils
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Volatile
oils - which are extracted from plants to produce
essential oils - are some of the most important
plant constituents of all. Tea tree (Melaleuca
alternifolia), for example, is known to contain
over 60 different volatile compounds within its
volatile oil, many of them being strongly antiseptic.
Some volatile oils contain sesquiterpenes, such
as azulene, found in German chamomile (Chamomilla
recutita). These constituents have an anti-inflammatory
effect. |
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Saponins
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There
are two types of saponins - triterpenoid and steroidal
saponins. The latter get their name from their
similarity to the human body's own naturally occurring
steroid hormones. Many plants containing steroidal
saponins have a marked hormonal activity, licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra) being one of the best known.
Triterpenoid saponins, for example, those in cowslip
root (Primula veris), are often strong expectorants,
and may also aid in the absorption of nutrients.
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Cardiac Glycosides
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Found
in various medicinal plants, most famously in
common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), yellow foxglove
(D. lutea), and wooly foxglove (D. lanata), cardiac
glycosides such as digitoxin, digoxin, and gitoxin
have a strong, direct action on the heart, helping
to support its strength and rate of contraction
when it is failing. Cardiac glycosides are also
significantly diuretic. They help to transfer
fluids from the tissues and circulatory system
to the urinary tract, thereby lowering blood pressure. |
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