Naturopathy

Rapunzel (Campanula rapunculus) is a plant belonging to the Campanulaceae family. Rich in vitamin C, it is useful for the immune system and excellent as an anti-inflammatory. Let’s find out better. Properties of the Rapunzel Rapunzel, scientific name Campanula rapunculus, is a bellflower with beautiful lilac flowers and spindle-shaped roots, useful both in the culinary and phytotherapeutic fields. The more correct common name would be … Read more

Glucomannan is a dietary fiber extracted from the root of the Amorphophallus konjak plant and used in diets because it reduces the absorption of fats, carbohydrates and cholesterol. Let’s find out better. What is Glucomannan Glucomannan is a plant- based polysaccharide composed of many units of glucose and mannose. It is a non-assimilable dietary fiber and therefore of practically no contribution. Glucomannan is extracted … Read more

Guggul is a natural substance that looks like a rubbery oleoresin and is used in phytotherapy in the form of a powder for its two cholesterol- lowering properties. Let’s find out better. Where is the guggul found The guggul is extracted by incision of the bark of Commiphora mukul, a small thorny tree, also known as the myrrh tree, which is found mainly in Rajastan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, very branched, with silver … Read more

The term henna indicates the extract of the Lawsonia inermis L. plant used for hair care and coloring, as well as for other therapeutic purposes. The most important active ingredient is lawsone, present in concentrations varying between 0.55% and 1%. Let’s find out better. Where is Henna found The henna plant is native to Africa and Asia. It is a defenseless shrub when young … Read more

Iridoids  are a heterogeneous group of molecules with different therapeutic activities: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, spasmolytic, antiallergic and hypotensive. The name derives from the Australian ant Iridomyrmex which seems to use them as a defense mechanism. Where are the iridoids found Iridoids are present in several plants, including Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn., Valeriana officinalis L., Olea europea L., Plantago lanceolata L. Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn., known as Devil’s Claw, … Read more

Isoflavones are a group of phenolic molecules belonging to flavonoids. The characteristic that distinguishes them, and marks their use in herbal medicine, is the chemical structure similar to the hormones estrogen. Isoflavones are therefore used instead of hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women. Let’s find out better. Where are isoflavones found Isoflavones are well localized in … Read more

Menthol, extracted from the essential oil of mint, is useful in the treatment of diseases affecting the respiratory and digestive systems. Let’s find out better. What is menthol Menthol is an alcohol extracted from Mentha sp. Isolate appears as a potentially irritating white solid. Within the phytocomplex of the plant (i.e. considering all the active ingredients contained in the extract and … Read more

The parietaria (Parietaria officinalis) is a plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. Rich in vitamins, it is excellent for soothing sore throats and coughs, thanks to its expectorant properties. Let’s find out better. Properties of the parietary Parietaria officinalis, commonly known as muraiola or vitriol, is a rather common plant in the countryside and, often unexpectedly, has various medicinal … Read more

Myrrh is an oleogommoresin isolated from various shrubs or small trees native to Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia. Myrrh exhibits several properties, notably astringent on mucous membranes and antimicrobial. Let’s find out better. Where is myrrh found The bark of trees of the genus Commiphora has cavities from which a pale yellow exudate emerges, which soon hardens to form red-yellowish or reddish-brown tears or masses. The drug … Read more

Monacolins are substances produced by the fermentation of red rice, useful in the control of cholesterol and in the  prevention of degenerative diseases. Let’s find out better. Where is monacolin found Monacolin was discovered in 1979. Endo studied the fermentation of the yeast Monascus purpureus and found that a metabolite produced in the fermentation process had strong inhibitory capabilities of the enzyme … Read more