Papain for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the latex of the papaya fruit with a digestive and anti-inflammatory action. Let’s find out better. What is papain Papain  is a sulfhydryl  protease extracted from the papaya plant (Carica papaya  L.). Its main use is as  an adjuvant for digestion, having a specific protein degradation action similar to that exerted by digestive enzymes (trypsin … Read more

Tannins for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Tannins are polyphenolic substances synthesized in plants in particular at the level of the bark. The biological role of tannins is that of defense. Tannins are molecules synthesized by plants and endowed with astringent, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity.  What are tannins Tannins are polyphenolic substances synthesized in plants, which color the plant tissues with a reddish brown. These are non-nitrogenous compounds, … Read more

Elm for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Elm is a plant belonging to the Oleaceae family. Useful against  gastrointestinal problems, it is rich in tannins, minerals and bitter principles. Let’s find out better. Properties of the elm The characteristic properties attributed to elm since ancient times are purifying, astringent, sudoriferous, anti-inflammatory of the mucous membranes and, in particular, healing properties. The parts used in the elm are mainly the bark and leaves … Read more

Agave plant for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Agave is an ornamental plant, with purifying and digestive properties and used to produce syrups, drinks and textile fibers. Agave is a plant native to Central America, very important for the life of local populations. Today it is used in various fields for its beneficial properties: laxative, against osteoporosis and anti-diabetic, among others. Let’s get to know it better. Properties … Read more

Anthraquinones for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Anthraquinones are quinones derived from anthracene, a planar aromatic molecule; they are colored pigments present in different parts of the plant, where they give a yellow-brown color, sometimes masked by other pigments, as in the case of the leaves. The characteristic action of anthraquinones is a stimulus on peristalsis and therefore a laxative. Where are anthraquinones found There are many plants where anthraquinones … Read more

Capsaicin for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Capsaicin is an alkaloid contained in chilli pepper and in plants of the genus Cspsicum, with an analgesic and soothing action, useful for treating arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia. Let’s find out better. What is Capsaicin Capsaicin is an alkaloid present in plants of the genus Capsicum, the well-known chili pepper. Alkaloids are molecules with an amino group capable of giving a basic reaction. They are toxic … Read more

Chitosan for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Chitosan is a polysaccharide extracted from chitin present in the skeleton of marine crystals useful for reducing body weight and controlling cholesterol, as it has the ability to bind fats to itself, preventing their accumulation. Let’s find out better. Meaning of chitosan Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide, composed of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, which protects crustaceans and insects by giving hardness and resistance to shells, carapaces and … Read more

Aescin or escin for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Aescin is a mixture of saponins present in horse chestnut with an anti-inflammatory vasoprotective and  vasoconstrictive action, useful for the health of the circulatory system and against cellulite and hemorrhoids. Let’s find out better. Meaning of aescin Aescin is a mixture of crude saponins, which by high hydrolysis is reducible to escigenin, which can be chemically defined as a pentacyclic triterpene. In particular, β-escin is considered … Read more

Ginkgolides for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Ginkgolides are terpene lactones that are found in the extracts of  Ginkgo biloba L. The therapeutic properties of these substances are remarkable and mainly attributable to the protective activity of blood vessels and regulator of blood flow. Let’s find out better. Where are ginkgolides found Ginkgo biloba L. is a plant that has been known in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Considered a … Read more

Ribose: properties, benefits, use and contraindications

Ribose is an essential sugar for the human body, useful for the production of ATP molecules. Widely used in sports as an energy supplement, ribose is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids. Let’s find out better. What is ribose used for Ribose is a sugar, composed of five carbon atoms, essential for the human body as it is used by the … Read more