Guinea Hen Herb 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Guinea Hen Herb – 100 g ($22.99), 50 g ($13.99), 25 g ($8.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients and Compounds
The main compounds from P. alliaceae include lipids, flavonoids, and triterpenes. Sulphur compounds known as azufre derivatives are unique to this species.(Luz 2016) Dibenzyl trisulphide, originally thought to be a synthetic compound, was revealed to be a natural product when isolated as a viscous and pungent-smelling oil from Petiveria.(Kim 2006) Several flavonoids (eg, engeletin, astilbin, myricitrin) have been isolated. P. alliaceae root extract contains a large amount of coumarins.(Luz 2016, Suarez 1992) Alkaloids (eg, trans-N-methyl-4-methoxyproline, allantoin) have been found in the stem and leaves of the plant.(De Sousa 1990) The triterpenes isoarborinol and isoarborinol acetate have been isolated from the leaves, and babinervic acid and 3-epiilexgenin A have been isolated from the aerial parts of the plant.(Luz 2016) The root essential oil contains benzaldehyde, dibenzyl disulphide, trans-stilbene, and cinnamaldehyde.(Kim 2006)

Anti-inflammatory  In folk medicine practices, anamu was traditionally used to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. More recently, animal and test-tube studies have demonstrated that anamu leaf extract reduces markers of inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (3, 7). In fact, animal studies have found that anamu extracts significantly alleviate pain (8, 9).

However, a small human study in 14 people with osteoarthritis observed that drinking an anamu-based tea was no more effective than a placebo at relieving pain (10). More human research is needed before recommending anamu for inflammation and pain.

In a study evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of P. alliaceae plant extracts in rats with pleurisy, oral administration of a root extract did not reduce the total number of leukocytes at the doses tested. However, the highest dose of extract tested (43.9 mg/kg body weight) reduced numbers of migrating neutrophils, mononuclear cells, and eosinophils; the dose of 31.4 mg/kg body weight also reduced mononuclear cell migration. (Lopes-Martins 2002) A semipurified ethanol extract of P. alliaceae reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in mice, with inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor-kappa beta both being lowered in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of the extract on nitric oxide inhibition was higher than that of the positive control (indomethacin). Reductions were also observed for prostaglandin E₂, leukotriene C₄, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma, and interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1 beta. (Gutierrez 2017)

Analgesic (Pain Relieving)  In a study evaluating the antinociceptive effects of P. alliaceae plant extracts in mice, intraperitoneal administration of all tested fractions of P. alliaceae at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg reduced neurogenic pain induced by chemical stimuli with acetic acid 0.6% (10 mL/kg).(Gomes 2005) Myricitrin, a flavonoid glycoside found in P. alliaceae, is reported to have antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties.(Luz 2016)

In analgesia experiments, 3 groups of rats (n=7 per group) were orally administered P. alliaceae extract (31.4 mg/kg body weight), acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg body weight), or agar 1% (control group). Rats were evaluated for ability to support pressure applied to the posterior paw using a Ugo Basile analgesiometer. The analgesia coefficient was calculated for 60, 120, and 180 minutes after treatment. Compared with the prototype drug acetylsalicylic acid, the pain relieving effect of the P. alliaceae extract was less potent but longer lasting.(Lopes-Martins 2002)

The analgesic (pain relieving) effects of P. alliaceae have been evaluated; in a study of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, the analgesic effects of tipi tea were not significant compared with a placebo tea.(Ferraz 1991)

Antiamoebic activity
A subfraction of P. alliaceae (isoarborinol) was shown to have dose-dependent antiamoebic activity against Entamoeba histolytica, with a 0.3 mg/mL dose producing 85.2% growth inhibition without toxic effects.(Zavala-Ocampo 2017)

Anticancer   Some evidence suggests that anamu has potential anticancer properties. Test-tube studies have demonstrated that anamu extracts may suppress cancer cell growth and induce cell death in lung, colon, prostate, breast, and pancreas cancer cells, among others (1, 12, 13, 14). These potential anticancer properties may be linked to various compounds in anamu, including flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids, and sulfur compounds (14). That said, human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

In a critical review, dibenzyl trisulphide, a mitogen-activated protein extracellular regulated kinase 1 and 2 signal transduction molecule, exhibited antiproliferative activity on a wide variety of cell lines. Cytotoxic activity of dibenzyl trisulphide was increased when bound to albumin.(Williams 2007) Cytotoxicity has been shown to be variable for P. alliaceae, depending on the type of extract and the cell line. For example, erythroleukemia, melanoma, and breast adenocarcinoma 4T1 cell lines exhibited IC₅₀ values ranging from 29 to 36 mcg/mL to a hydroalcoholic P. alliaceae extract, while hepatic adenocarcinoma displayed no cytotoxic response to a methanolic extract.(Navarro 2017)

Primary de novo cells from 26 patients with leukemia (acute myeloid leukemia [AML] and acute lymphoid leukemia [ALL]) were sensitive to treatment with anamu (P. alliaceae) extract; patients were classified as good responders, bad responders, or nonresponders to the cytotoxic activity of the extract. Leukemic cells from some patients with ALL or AML responded better to anamu extract than to methotrexate or idarubicin, respectively. When the extract was combined with chemotherapy, cell response was variable. For the 6 patients in relapse, all were sensitive to ex vivo treatment with anamu extract, and all but 1 response was lost when the extract was combined with chemotherapy.(Ballesteros-Ramirez 2020)

Anticonvulsant  The anticonvulsant activity of P. alliaceae was evaluated in male Swiss mice administered an aqueous crude extract of P. alliaceae roots (500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg, and 2,000 mg/kg orally), followed 30 minutes later by pentylenetetrazol (75 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or maximal transcorneal electroshock (rectangular pulses of 50 mA) to induce convulsive behavior. Animals pretreated with the high extract doses (1,000 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg) showed an increase in convulsive thresholds and decreased induration of convulsions compared with the control group.(de Lima 1991)

Antioxidant   In a study evaluating various activities of common plants used in Costa Rica for traditional medicinal purposes, P. alliaceae had weak antioxidant effects compared with other plants studied. (Navarro 2017) Anamu contains various plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties. These include flavonoids, triterpenes, coumarins, sulfur compounds, and many others (1, 5).

Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize potentially harmful molecules called free radicals, which can cause cellular damage when their levels become too high in your body. Damage caused by excess free radicals is linked to elevated risks of many chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, brain disorders, and diabetes (6).

Anxiety Reducing  Some animal studies have observed that anamu extract may reduce signs of anxiety. Still, other animal studies show mixed effects (11, 18, 19).

A study evaluated the anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) activity of a lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract of P. alliaceae (aerial parts) in male Wistar rats with acute, stress-induced gastric lesions. After administration of P. alliaceae extracts (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg orally), rats were evaluated using the elevated plus maze test. P. alliaceae extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg increased the percentage of open arm entries on the apparatus. However, it did not alter the percentage of time spent in the open arms or the number of entries to the enclosed arms of the elevated plus maze. Overall, these data indicate that P. alliaceae extract exerts a selective anxiolytic effect, with no effects observed on the spontaneous locomotor activity of the animals. (Audi 2001) In another study, short-term administration of an aqueous crude extract of P. alliaceae roots (500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg, and 2,000 mg/kg orally) reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity of male Swiss mice on an open field test. (de Lima 1991)

Asthma  A methanol leaf extract of P. alliaceae significantly reduced total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in a mouse asthma model. Increases in IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta observed in controls were reversed with the extract, and the magnitude of anti-inflammatory effects and mucus secretion were similar between P. alliaceae extract and the positive control dexamethasone. Additionally, the antioxidant effects of the extract were similar to the positive control alpha-tocopherol. These results were supported by lung histology. (Rosa 2018)

Central Nervous System (CNS) effects  In a study evaluating the antidepressant effect of P. alliaceae extract in female Swiss mice, single doses of P. alliaceae extracts (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg orally and intraperitoneally) produced depressant-like effects, as indicated by the increased time of immobility when the mice were subjected to a forced swimming test.(Gomes 2008)

Animal research suggests that anamu may enhance brain function. One study gave rats anamu leaf extract and found that they showed improvements in learning-based tasks and short- and long-term memory (4). Another animal study noted that anamu extract improved long-term memory and reduced signs of anxiety. However, anamu did not appear to enhance short-term memory (11). While these findings are promising, human studies are needed before recommending anamu for mental performance.

Other potential benefits
Anamu may offer other potential benefits, including:

• Antimicrobial. Anamu contains sulfur compounds, which test-tube studies have shown may have antibacterial and antifungal properties (15, 16).
• Immunity. Test-tube studies indicate that several anamu compounds may help stimulate the immune system, though research in this area is limited (17).

Botanical Name: Crataegus monogyna
English: Guinea Hen
Also, known as:  Tipi, Mucura, Apacin, Guine

Habitat: Caribbean Region
Origin:
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Leaves, Stems

General Information:

While it thrives in tropical climates and is native to the Amazon rainforest, it can grow in various areas, including Central America, the Caribbean, and Southern United States (1). Anamu’s leaves — and especially its roots — are known for their strong garlic-like odor, which comes from the shrub’s chemical components, mainly sulfur compounds (2). Traditionally, its leaves and roots have been used in folk medicine for various purposes, including boosting immunity, fighting cancers, and reducing inflammation and pain (1). Its potential benefits are believed to stem from its variety of plant compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenes, lipids, coumarin, and sulfur compounds (1).

P. alliaceae is a perennial herb or shrub native to tropical regions of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean islands. The plant grows 5 cm to 1.5 m in height. (Duarte 2005, Luz 2016, Raintree 2013) The roots are fusiform, the stem is straight and rigid, and the branches are slender with longitudinal stripes. The simple leaves have an alternating phyllotaxy of elliptic and acuminate shape and an acute apex and base with a slightly wavy margin 7 to 12 cm in length and 3 to 6 cm in width. (Duarte 2005) P. alliaceae flowers are white, sessile, and bisexual with spikes or inflorescences. The cylindrical, achene-type fruits have longitudinal stripes and similar seed dimensions. The roots and leaves have a strong, garlic-like odor that taints the milk and meat of animals that graze on it. (Luz 2016)

Anamu has a long history of use in herbal medicine. In Brazil, the plant has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. In Brazilian herbal medicine, P. alliaceae is considered an antispasmodic, diuretic, menstrual promoter, stimulant, and sweat promoter. Herbalists and natural health practitioners in Brazil use anamu to treat edema, arthritis, malaria, rheumatism, and poor memory, and as a topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory for skin conditions. Throughout Central America, anamu has been used to relieve birthing pains and facilitate easy childbirth, as well as to induce abortion. In Guatemalan herbal medicine, the plant is called apacin; a leaf decoction is taken internally for digestive conditions, flatulence, and fever and also used externally as an analgesic for muscular pain and skin diseases. Anamu is commonly used in South and Central America as a natural remedy to treat colds, cough, influenza, respiratory and pulmonary infections, and cancer, and to support the immune system. In Cuba, herbalists decoct the whole plant and use it to treat cancer and diabetes, and as an anti-inflammatory and abortifacient. (Luz 2016, Raintree 2013)

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.