25274 81379 7

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ON THE COVER Pine Pinus spp. Family: Pinaceae

OVERVIEW ity.? A study examining the effects of an extract of P densifolia ine trees are evergreen conifers (cone-bearing trees) that bark suggests that it may be useful in the treatment of 8 Poriginate almost exclusively in the temperate regions of the diabetes. In one study fermented pine seed shell extract Northern Hemisphere.' Pines are the source of many commer­ protected mice from death associated with E. coli infection and 9 cial products. Pine medicinal preparations are made from the also demonstrated anti-tumor and antioxidant activity. The essential oil of distilled leaves, from the resin and its derivatives essential oil distilled from the needles of P ponderosa strongly 10 produced from the bark, and from the short (3-5 em) sprouts inhibited fungal growth in one study. The essential oil obtained from P mugo has been shown to possess antioxidant collected in the spring. activity.11 An extract from the cones of P parviflora inhibit When the trunk of a pine tree is wounded, pine resin, a thick, HIV replication in laboratory studies.'2 A study in mice sticky material, flows to the surface to form a protective coat that showed that the extract from pinecones of P parviflora also had seals the wound to pathogenic microorganisms and prevents the antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties.l3 An ointment loss of sap. 2 To obtain resin commercially, a tapping cut is made containing pine resin has shown promise in the treatment of in the pine bark and the resin drops are collected into buckets or wounds, burns, and other skin diseases involving infection and 2 14 1 bags. For many years the production of pine resin was almost inflammation. • 5 A exclusively a French industry, but later spread to other European - Gayle Engels and Laura Deschler 4 countries, Russia, Brazil, India, and North America.3· In recent References years, production has decreased in the former source nations and I. VanWyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World. Portland, OR: Timber has shifted to Southeast Asia and China.4 Press; 2004. 2. Moussouris Y, Regato P. Forest Harvest: An Overview of Non Timber Forest Products in the Mediterranean Region. WWF Mediteranean Programme. HISTORICAL AND TRADITIONAL USES 1999. Available at: http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?url_file= Pine needle oil, pine resin-derived turpentine oil, and pine /DOCREP/X5593E/X5593EOO.htm. sprouts are approved by the German Commission E for treat­ 3. Grieve M. A Motkm Herbal Vol2. New York: Dover Publications Inc; 1971. 4. Coppen JJW, Hone GA. Non-Wood Forest Products 2: Gum naval stores: ing coughs, chronic bronchitis, and other irritations or infec­ Turpentine and rosin from pine resin. Natural Resources institute: Food and tions of the respiratory tract.5 They are also approved for exter­ Agriculture O rganization of the United Nations. Rome; 1995. Available at: nal use to relieve muscle soreness and stiffness, arthritis, and http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?url_fue=/docrepN6460EN64 60EOO.htm. Accessed November 22, 2004. neuralgia. The Commission E also recognizes that these pine 5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, products have antiseptic properties and can help to break up Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS , translators. The Compute German mucus secretions in the upper and lower respiratory tract and Commission E Monographs--Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, increase local blood flow.6 TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: In tegrative Medicine Communi­ cation; 1998. The main products of pine resin are turpentine oil and rosin.2 6. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded The viscous resin from various pine species is distilled to Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000. produce oil of turpentine. A by-product of this distillation 7. Jung M, Chung H, Choi J, et al. Antioxidant principles from the needles of process is rosin, a brittle, translucent substance. Rosin has been red pine, Pinus densifWra. Phytotherapy &search. 2003; 17(9): I 064-1068. used in the manufacture of soaps, while turpentine vapors have 8. Kim Y, Wang M, Rhee H. A novel alpha-glucosidase inhibitor from pine bark. Carbohydrate &search. 2004;339(3):715-717. been used to treat congestion of the upper and lower respiratory 9. Mihara S, Unten S, Kakuta H, et al. Diverse biological activities of fermented tract associated with chronic bronchitis. 1•2 When rubbed on the pine seed shell extract. Anticancer Research. 2002;22(3):1569-1574. skin, turpentine oil acts as a counter-irritant to relieve mild 10. Krauze-Baranowska M, Mardarowicz M, Wiwart M, et al. Antifungal activ­ muscle, joint, or nerve pain. ' Turpentine oil also has antiseptic ity of the essential oils from some species of the genus Pinus. Zeitschrift for Natuforschung- Section C- Biosciences. 2002;57(5-6):478-482. 1 properties and stimulates peripheral circulation. ·5 Pine resin I I. Grassmann J, Hippeli S, Vo ll mann R, et al . Anitoxidative properties of the extracts, such as turpentine oil, have traditionally been used essential oil from Pinus mugo. journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry. internally as a treatment for chronic cough, bladder and kidney 2003;5 1(26):7576-7582. 12. Takayama H, Bradley G, Lai P, et al. Inhibition of human immunodeficiency complaints, and rheumatism.3 They are also used externally as virus forwa rd and reverse transcription by PC6, a natural product from cones plasters and ointments for antiseptic actions in eczema and to of pine trees. AIDS Research & Human &troviruses. 199 1;7(3):349-357. stimulate topical circulation. The crude resin has been used 13. Harada H, Sakagami H, Ko nno K, et al . Induction of antimicrobial activity by antitumor substances from pine cone extract of Pinus parvifWra Sieb. Et topically for various skin conditions.3 Zucc. Anticancer Research. 1988;8(4):581 -587. 14. Khmel'nitskii 0 , Simbirtsev V, Konusova V, et al. Pine resin and biopin oint­ MODERN RESEARCH ment: effects on cell composition and histochemical changes in wounds. Pharmacological research on pine-derived materials is being Bulktin ofExperimental Biology and Medicine. 2002;133(6):583-585. 15. Simbirtsev A, Konusova G, Mchelidze G, et al. Pine resin and biopin oint­ conducted in many countries. The extract of the needles of ment: effects on repair processes in tissues. Bulktin of Experimental Biology Pinus densifolia was shown to possess strong antioxidant activ- and Medicine. 2002; 133(5):457-460. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 1

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Cindy K. Angerhofer, PhD Hardy Eshbaugh, PhD Samuel W. Page, PhD Director of Botanical Research, Aveda Institute, Professor of Botany & Assistant Curator, Willard ShermanTurrell Scientist, International Programme on Chemical Safety, Minneapolis, Minnesota Herbarium, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio World Hea lth Organization, Geneva, Switzerland John Thor Arnason, PhD Adriane Fugh-Berrnan, MD Joseph E. Piuorno, Jr., ND Professor of Biology, Department of Biology, Author, Assistant Clinical Professor, George Washington University President Emeritus, Bastyr University, Seattle, Washington, and University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. Editor, Integrative Medicine: AClinician's Journal Dennis V. C. Awang, PhD, FCIC Joe Graedon, MS Mark J. Plotkin, PhD MediPiant Natural ProductsConsulting Services, Author, syndicated columnist, radio host, Durham, North Carolina Author, Executive Director, Amazon Conservation Team, White Rock, B.C., Canada Arlington, Virginia Mary Hardy, MD Manuel F. Balandrin, RPh, PhD Director, Cedars-Sinai Integrative Medicine Medical Group, John M. Riddle, PhD Research Scientist, NPS Pharmaceuticals, Salt Lake City, Utah Los Angeles, California Professor of History, Department of History, North Carolina State University, Raleigh Bruce Barrett, MD, PhD Christopher Hobbs, LAc, AHG Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, University of Herbalist, botanist, licen sed acupuncturist, Davis, California Eloy Rodriguez, PhD Wisconsin-Madison Medical School James Perkins Professor of Environmental Studies, School of David Hoffimann BSc, FNIMH Agriculture &Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York Marilyn Barrett, PhD Medical Herbalist, Author, and Research Associate Pharmacognosy Consulting Service, San Carlos, California Traditional Medicinals, Sebastopol, California Victor Sierpina, MD Associate Professor of Family Practice Medicine, Bradley C. Bennett, PhD Maurice M.lwu, PhD University ofTexas Medical Branch, Galveston Associate Professor of Biology, Florida International University, Bioresources Development and Conservation Program, Senior Miami Research Associate at the Division of Experimental Therapeutics, James E. Simon, PhD Walter Reed Army Institute of Research,Washington, D.C. Professor of New Use Agriculture, Director of the Center for New Use Joseph M. Betz, PhD Agricultureand Natural Plant Products, Rutgers University, Director of the Dietary Supplements Methods and Reference Timothy Johns, PhD New Brunswick, New Jersey Materials Program, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Professo r, School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition; Centre for Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Indigenous People's Nutrition and the Environment, McGill Beryl Simpson, PhD Universi ty, Montreal, Canada C. L. Lundell Professor of Botany, Department of Botany, Francis Brinker, ND University ofTexas at Austin Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicines, Steven King, PhD Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson Vice President, PS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., S. H. Sohmer, PhD South San Francisco, California President and Director, Botanical Research Institute ofTexas, Donald J. Brown, ND Fort Worth Director, Natural Products Research Consultants, Seattle, Washington Thomas L. Kurt, MD, MPH Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD Thomas J.S. Carlson, MS, MD Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Associate Adjunct Professor, University of Arizona, Tucson Department of Integrative Biology; Director, Center for Health, Tieraona Low Dog, MD Ecology, Biodiversity, & Ethnobiology; Curator of Ethnobotany, Clinical Asst. Professor, Director of Botanical Studies, Program in Arthur 0. Tucker, PhD University and Jepson Herbaria; University of California, Berkeley Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Research Professor of Agricultureand Natural Resources, Delaware Tucson, Arizona State University, Dover Jean Carper Author and syndicated columnist, Washington, D.C. Tom Mabry, PhD Nancy Turner, PhD Professor of Plant Biochemistry, Department of Botany, Professor and Ethnobotanist, Environmental Studies Program, Jerry Cott, PhD University ofTexas at Austin University ofVictoria, British Columbia, Canada Pharmacologist, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Rockville, Maryland Gail B. Mahady, PhD Daniel T. Wagner, RPh, MBA, PharmD Research Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Chemistry & Owner, Nutri-Farmacy, Wildwood, Pennsylvania Paul Alan Cox, PhD Pharmacognosy, Co llege of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago Director, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai, Hawaii Andrew T. Weil, MD Robin J. Maries, PhD Author, Director of the Program in Integrative Medicine and Lyle E. Craker, PhD Director of the Bureau of Research and Science, Natural Health Associate Director of the Division of Social Perspectives in Medicine, Professor, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Products Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson University of Massachusetts, Amherst Health Canada, Ottawa Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD Edward M. Croom, Jr., PhD Dennis J. McKenna, PhD Family practice physician; Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager, lndena USA East, Inc., Executive Director, Institute for Natural Products Research; and Family Practice, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Florida Oxford, Mississippi Se nior Lecturer, Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Wade Davis, PhD Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic Society, Daniel E. Moerman, PhD ad hoc advisor: Washington, D.C. William E.Stirton Professor of Anthropology, David M. Eisenberg, MD University of Michigan/Dearborn Steven Dentali, PhD Director, Osher Institute, Vice President of Scientific and Technical Affairs, American Herbal William Obermeyer, PhD Division for Research and Education in Complementary Products Association, Silver Spring, Maryland Vice President of Research and Technology, ConsumerLab.com, and Integrative Medical Therapies, Annapolis, Maryland Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

4 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org dear reader

he ink had barely dried on our last issue Tommy Thompson as Secretary of Health and Human (#64) when one of our unfortunate predic­ Services. Understandably, the herb and dietary supple­ tions apparently came true. We received calls ment manufacturers in Utah are almost dancing in the from several long-established suppliers of saw streets. Leavitt comes from a state with a strong concen­ palmetto (S P) concerned that the market was tration of dietary supplement manufac turers, and he being inundated with cheap "SP" oil from reportedl y likes supplements and understands many of the Asia. One analysis from a leading supplier suggests that industry's issues. Having already been through the confir- whatever is being offered is palm oil, or some mation process for EPA Director, predictably, type of fatty oil mixed with palm oil. he'll sail through Senate confirmation hearings, In this column we discussed that recent particularly with a strong ally in Senator Orrin hurricanes had adversely affected the SP crop in Hatch, and will probably be instrumental in Florida and prices had already tripled. Such choosing a new Commissioner for FDA. conditions are ripe grounds for cheap imita­ In December JAMA published an article tions and that seems to be what's happening. showing that 14 (20 percent) of the 70 What's really weird is that SP does not grow in Ayurvedic herb products purchased from Asia, so there's no way for Asian extractors to ethnic Indian stores in the Boston area make SP extract unless they had previously contained excessively high levels of heavy purchased large quantities of SP berries from metals (arsenic, lead, mercury). Although this is Florida last year or previously, an unlikely not defensible, we pointed out in interviews scenario. The only place in the world where SP with media, including a short segment on can be harvested is the Southeastern United States. Notice CNN and in the Los Angeles Times, that the offending to manufacturers of herbs and dietary supplements: products were not typical of Ayurvedic herbal preparations Beware of cheap SP oil being offered from Asia. It's prob­ sold in natural food stores; they were imported directly ably not what it claims to be, and if yo u try to pass it off from India and circumvented the normal distribution on the market, the increased vigilance in many sectors of sys tems for most herbal products. These products were not today's market suggests that you're very likely to get dietary supplements; they were ad ulterated and caught! misbranded drugs and are illegal under current federal The big news during the past quarter is that in Novem­ regulations. Interestingly, another analysis published in ber FDA issued some new guidance documents for the November in another journal found no excessive levels of further regulation of dietary supplements-ten years after metals in eight different herbs from seven U.S. manufac­ the passage of OSHEA in October 1994. Such increased turers. regulation is a welcome sign, long overdue, and further There was some good news in the media these past few evidence that FDA has not fully enforced OSHEA. We months. On November 5, ABC News primetime news have previously stated, as have many others, that what's magazine 20/20 focused on herbs that can improve sexual needed to remedy the ills and abuses in the dietary supple­ performance. The segment was part of a larger theme of ment industry is foil enforcement of existing laws. FDA's the show, exposing myths about sex. ABC's resident phys i­ recent publication of new regulatory guidance supports cian Dr. Timothy Johnson interviewed herbal author this posi tion. If there are further problems that need to be Chris Kilham about his new book Hot Plants and the remedied, then new legislation can be considered. In December President Bush nominated former Utah governor and EPA Director Mike Leavitt to succeed Continues on page 77

board of trustees

Michael J. Balick, PhD, Director and Philecology Curator, New Steven Foster, President. Steven Foster Group, Inc .. Brixey. York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York Missouri

Peggy Brevoort, President, Brevoort, LLC, Kapa'au, Hawaii Fredi Kronenberg, PhD, Director, Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, James A. D uke, PhD, Botanical Consultant, Economic Botanist Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. (USDA, ret), Herbal Vineyard Inc. I Green Famnacy Garden, New York Fulton, Maryland Educating the Morris Shriftman, CEO. Mozart. Inc.. San Rafael, California Public on the Norman R. Farnsworth, PhD, Research Professor of Use of Herbs & Pharmacognosy. Senior University Scholar, University of Mark Blumenthal, Founder and Executive Director Phytomedidnes Illinois at Chicago (ex officio member) www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 5 AVEDA the art and science of pure flower and plant essences The journal of the American Botanical Council

from soil to bottle:M Pick up a bottle of Aveda shampoo. Or skin care, or diffuser oil. All are infused with high-integrity essential oils. Now, thanks to Aveda's new Soil to Bottle'M traceability system; we're able to track many of these oils back, step-by-step, to their origins on the farm -for living proof of the On the cover: Pine Pinus spp. Photo Q2005 stevenfoster.com purity that comes from certified organic sourcing. Share the benefits: • in spa treatments like Mark Blumenthal American Botanical Council Caribbean Therapy'M Editor I Publisher Wayne Silverman, PhD • in hair care and styling like Color Chief Administrative Officer Conserve'M and Light Elem ents'M Michael Finney • in skin and body care like Managing Editor Belinda Canw Tourmaline Charged Radiance Fluid Receptionist/Adm inistrative Assistant Sean Barnes and Rosemary Mint body care Kathleen Coyne • in pure-fume'M like Aveda Love'M Art Director Sales Coordinator Find Aveda toll-free at 866.823.1412 Cheryl Dipper Steven Foster Executive Assistant or aveda.com. Associate Editor Gayle Engels •For the full story on Soil to Bottle!" see opposite page. Education Coordinator RakeshAmin Lori Glenn Legal & Regulatory Editor HerbCiip Managing Editor Tara Hall Maureen Jablinske Special Projects Coordinator Proofreader George Solis HerbCiip Production Assistant Katherine Purcell Rhonda Sparre Editorial lntem Development Administrative Assistant Nathanael Sponseller Lance Lawhon Gardener Cecelia Thompson Advertising Sales Finance Coordinator 877-832-188 I Aileen Truax [email protected] Development/Marketing Coordinator Margaret Wright Accounting Coordinator

Subscriptions are a benefit of ABC membership at every level. One year memberships: Individual $50: Academic $100: Professional $150: Organization $250: Corporate; Sponsor: Add $20 for memberships outside of the U.S. Student. Senior. and Business Memberships also available, see ad in this issue. © 2005 American Botanical Council. ISSN #0899-5648. Printed in the U.SA The information in HerbaiGrom® is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitution for soil to the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Although we attempt to ensure that advertising in Herba~ Grom is truthful and not misleading. the publication of an ad for a product or company in HerbaiGrom does bottlesM not constitute an endorsement by ABC of the product or the company being advertised. Publication of an ad that makes a health claim or structure-function claim does not necessarily constitute an approval of that claim by ABC. Further. ABC has not reviewed any manufacturer's Good Manufacturing Practices. ('j Herba1Gram8 is printed on recycled paper at Branch-Smith Printing. Ft. Worth. Texas A VEDA the art and science of pure flower and plant essences

we've drawn a line in the soil.

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Above, certified organic rose geranium: on the farm, and in our Color Conserve"• hair care .

Our new Soil to Bottte•M traceability system allows us to follow and doc ument, the lifeli ne of ou r esse ntial oils-begin ning with farms like the on e in Vaa lwater, South Africa that works with Aveda to grow certified organic rose geranium for Co lor Conserve 'M and other products. Economically and culturally, the collaboration has fostered hope: giving local families a chance to come together again as a community­ having been driven apart in former trou bled times-and farm the land they have always lived on . It has helped create more jobs and build new hom es for the fam ilies working there, as well as a daycare, a school and a badly needed HIV clinic.

By working directly with this farm and others like it-organic and biodynamic* growers-we are able to ensure the integrity of the soil and help protect the health of those who work on it. We can be sure that the land is not planted with GMOs** or treated with petrochemicals, and that each farm is given a fair market price for its crops. It is a com plete, renewable system, created with agricultural research organizations and S&D Biosys Ltd.-a so lution that we believe is a working model for sustainability.

The integrity of the process-and its resulting ingredients- ensures that the best possible product reaches you: oils of the highest therapeutic value. Products that enrich the life of their source, and the soil, as much as they enrich yours-an uninterrupted chain of care from soil to bottle ~M Share in a powerful journey-find Aveda toll-free at 866.823.1412 or aveda.com.

*holistic farming that goes beyond certified organic, treating all entities on the farm - mineral, plant, animal and human - as part of a self-contained ecosystem, and considering the impacts of the larger universe on plant growth.

**genetically modified organisms ci. 0 u "0"' "> g"' Number 65

2005

The Journal of the American Botanical Council contributors Dennis V.C. A wang Amy Floerke Marcello Pennacchio LanTruong Georges Betti Steven Foster Karen Peterson Larry A. Walker Mary Bove Kenneth Jones Katherine Purcell Denise Webb Josef Brinckmann Bill Mitchell Gwynne Rogers Eric Yarnell Donald J. Brown Laura Oeschler Mathias Schmidt Robin DiPasquale Heather S. Oliff Michael Thomsen

10 ABC News 18 Organization News ABC Annual Report-Executive Summary ACEER to Develop Electronic Learning Program on Amazon BRIT Hosts Pacific and Neotropical Ethnobotany Lecture Series Dr. Low Dog Appointed Director of Botanical Medicine at University of Arizona Garlic in the Gardens

Pharmacists and Physicians Visit Peruvian 19 Grants & Awards Amazon and Andes on ABC and ACEER Ethnobotany Tour Rutgers University Receives Grant from USAID for Natural Products Development in Africa My Internship at the American Botanical Council: A Pharmacy Student's Reflections ABC Starts 2005 with Newly Expanded Benefits 20 Research & World News for Members Seacology Helps Conserve Medicinal Plants in ABC Employee Profile: Wayne Silverman Madagascar WHO Releases "Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices" of Herbs Sudan War Impacts Availability of Gum Arabic, A Key 64 Conference Report Ingredient for Many Commercial Products Hepatotoxicity Assessment for Botanical Dietary Supple­ 28 Clinical Update ments ASNAPP 4th International Roundtable on Natural African Pomegranate Juice Improves Carotid Artery Health and Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients with Carotid Artery Plant Products Held in Senegal Stenosis Opening Address by His Excellency Maitre Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal Calendula Ointment Reduces Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients 69 Book Reviews 32 Research Reviews E/ S/ C/0/ P Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Low Doses of Valerian Do Not Reduce Chronic Insomnia Herbal Medicinal Products, 2nd ed. Symptoms in Short Clinical Trial Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Prickly Pear Fruit Pulp Improves Platelet Function in Bastyr Small Human Trial New Book Profiles Japanese White Sweet Potato Controls Type 2 Diabetes in Small Trial The Lost Amazon: The Photographic Journey of Richard Evans Schultes Special Red Clover Extract Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Men, Not Women in Clinical Trial Botanical Latin, 4th ed. Combination of Feverfew, Magnesium, and Riboflavin for The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Migraine Prevention Holistic Choices Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition: An Ethnobotany of 58 Legal & Regulatory Britain and Ireland President Signs New Law Banning Designer Steroids Dietary Supplements: DHEA Exempted from Ban 76 In Memoriam George Hugh Neil Towers, PhD, FRSC 60 Market Report Leo Weinstein Herb Consumers' Attitudes, Preferences Profiled in New Market Study 78 Calendar Anheuser-Busch Introduces New Beer with Caffeine, Guarana, and "Ginseng" 79 Access

80 Classified abc news ABC Annual Report-Executive Summary

On a quarterly basis, the staff and American Botanical Council degree of stability. Stability is further management of the American Botanical Executive Summary strengthened by longevity among some key Council report to the ABC Board of staff members. Seven of the current ABC Fiscal Yea r 2004 staff who have worked for ABC the longest Trustees. Part of this formal reporting is November 1, 2003 through October have contributed a combined total of more to an Executive Summary the annual or 31,2004 than 95 years of service. This continues to quarterly State of the Organization he American Botanical Council experi­ provide ABC a depth of organizational Report. The executive summary and Tenced growth in all of its core activities history and continuity. The success of ABC other detailed materials are submitted and created new initiatives that made 2004 and demand for its services continues to in advance of each quarterly board the most successful year since the boom of place a major stress on the staff who have meeting. At the first meeting following the herb market of the late 90s. In some more tasks to accomplish th an time permits. Interns are now more of an integral the end of the fiscal year (October 31), ways, it may be considered the best year in our history. Programs and services part of the operation than ever before. the Executive Summary provides a expanded, new programs were initiated, Significant contributions in our educational snapshot of the activities and condition volunteer and governance support became activities were made from 21 interns who of ABC during the entire deeper, finances are srable and worked at ABC in 2004; these interns are previous year. In an effort healthy, and a skilled, experienced, university students in the fields of phar­ to better serve the public, and dedicated staff continues to run macy, nutrition and dietetics, and journal­ ism. Volunteers have also played a role in ABC members, and other ABC to achieve its mission. Trustees: An expanded Board of enabling ABC to keep the gardens beautiful constituents, and to further Trustees is playing a strong gover­ and in some of our research endeavors. the mission of ABC, we nance role under the able leadership Membership: ABC continues to serve its have decided to reprint the of President, Peggy Brevoort. The members in new and expanded ways. The Executive Summary in Trustees met quarterly during membership program, created in 2001, is HerbalGram so that all 2004, including a 3-day, on-site now solid with renewal rates for 2004 of concerned can have an meeting in Austin last September. 70% compared to 59% in 2002, and the 1\tv\ERICAN total number of members is more than inside view into the func­ Trustees are taking a more active BOTfoNICAL role in guiding the organization and 3,000, a 6% increase over 2003. Member­ tioning of ABC, including COUNCIL empowering the staff. This level of ship at the Sponsor Level has grown steadily its many educational Trustee participation is higher than due to the expansion of an increasing programs, projects, and at any other time in ABC history. number of benefits that bring significant publications. ABC welcomes any ques­ Human Resources: The staff of ABC is value to the Sponsor Members. The tions, comments, and/or requests for the glue that holds the organization number of Sponsor Members has grown from 152 in 2002 to 2 19 in 2004. additional information as a part of this together. The 1990s saw tremendous growth in ABC's revenues and staffing, Financial Status: ABC is in the strongest process. We plan to continue publish­ followed by a general downturn in revenue financial position it has been in its history. ing these kinds of reports in the future. and increased staff turnover. In 2003 and Although the total revenue and expenses are 2004 there were a total of only three staff not as high as they were in the late 1990s, -Wayne Silverman, PhD, Chief changes out of our 18 employees and ABC is far more stable due to conservative Administrative Officer contractors. This contributed to a high budgeting, elimination of most long- and

ABC Garden Tou r ABC was honored to host a garden tour on July 20, 2004 for approximately 30 attendees of the Ameri­ can Society of Horticultural Science 2004 Annual Conference that was held in Austin, Texas July 17- 20.This was the first time ABC hosted a group of people who knew so much about the cultivation, taxonomy, and research on the plants in ABC's demonstration gardens, and it was a great learning experience for ABC staff to learn from them while sharing information about the medicinal uses of the plants. A big thank you goes to Corinne Rutzke, Senior Research Associate, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell Univer­ Garden balsam Impatiens balsamina in the Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria in the Pulmonary sity for allowing us to use her photographs. Musculoskeletal System Garden. System Garden.

10 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.o rg abc news short-term debt (except for the mortgage on increased from 62% in 2003 to 83% in lar basis. The sire features five databases and the Case Mill Homestead property), and 2004, exceeding the goal of 75% set at the three sets of consumer information, along through the success of new programs and beginning of fiscal year 2004. with latest news, links, two books produced initiatives. In fiscal year 2004, ABC Safety Assessment Program (SAP) . by ABC, educational resources catalog, and budgeted total revenues of approximately Formerly known as the Safety Labeling other features. The complexity of the sire $1.3 7 million and expenses of $1.41 Program, the name was changed to refl ect continues to grow as new educational mate­ million. The fiscal year ended with an unau­ ri al is added and new methods of access are dited total of $1.53 million in revenue and implemented. Parr of the site is open to the $1.38 million in expenses for a net operat­ general public, while much of the online ing income of about $150,000. Conserva­ educational content is available only to tive budgeting and spending, sound finan­ members of ABC (via password). Access to cial management at the staff level, and different databases and levels of information governing oversight at the Board ofTrustee depends on the level of membership. level provided this positive result. This has Because of this complexity and expanded enabled an expanded budget for 2005 to use, we are now faced with the challenge to provide better services to the public and re-engineer and redesign the system. This more staff resources. will be a long-term project scheduled to begin in 2005. Educational Programs, Publications, Herb-Ed-Web™ Content Licensing: and Initiatives The ABC Board ofTrustees and employees, October 2004. Photo © 2004 ABC ABC's electronic educational content Herba/Gram: A new managing editor li censing program has now expanded to of Herba!Gram initiated his duties in the more comprehensive nature of the scope include more than 20 licensees ranging March. ABC met its goal of publishing of this viral new program. In 2004, SAP was from small to large companies as well as four iss ues during the fiscal year and expanded to offer companies marketing organizations, including the U.S. Food and efforts are underway to ensure that future herbal dietary supplements the use of Drug Administration, MD Anderson issues will ship on schedule. Advertising ABC's peer-reviewed Safety Assessment Cancer Center, and some major universi­ revenue increased by 29% due, in part, to Reports as a basis for determining what ties. Herb-Ed-Web is now a solid and far­ a commission-based sales representative safety information would be included in the reaching education program and financial who is also assisti ng in the promotion and companies' marketing materials, advertis­ revenue center for ABC. More importantly, sales of other ABC services. ing, and/or their website. Depending on the it has enabled us to expand our ability to Herb Clip™: ABC's literature review extent of the licensing agreement, SAP provide hi gh quality, science-based infor­ service was published on time twice a provides comprehensive safety information mation on herbs and phytomedicines to month for the entire year. Two hundred for companies to use in the development of hundreds of thousands of people. The aver­ eighty-eight HerbClip reviews were added expanded information for herbal supple­ age number of visitors per month at to the online database, which now contains ment product labels to help guide www.herbalgram.org through direct access more than 2,400 HerbClip reviews. Spon­ consumers and health professionals on the and our licensees exceeded 85,000 in 2004, so r level members and others receive Herb­ responsible use of popular herbs. an increase of 59% over 2003. Clip in hard copy form with the original ABC Web site (herbalgram.org): The Herbal Information Course: In January articles included when permission is ABC Web site has continued to expand, 2004 ABC, in conjunction with the granted from the publisher. Academic and and access to it directly through ABC's site National Training Institute of Virgo higher members have access to HerbClip or via its licensees' sites continues to break Publishing, launched irs new online train- Online. The percent of HerbClip reviews records. The educational content on the being mailed with the origi nal article Web site continues to be updated on a regu- Continues on page 15

Rose hips on Rosa rugosa in the Rose Garden. Mentha suaveolans, one of the many mints in the Visitors to ABC from the American Society of Horti­ Children's Garden. cultural Science Annual Conference in July 2004.

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 11 abc news

BRIT Hosts Pacific and Neotropical Ethnobotany Lecture Series by lan Truong

he Botanical Research Institute ofTexas historical developments, Dr. McClatchey knowledge, and screening plant extracts for T(BRIT) is hosting a Distinguished described the Polynesian cultural frame­ potential treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, Lecturer Series on "Medicinal Plant Use by work built by the traditional healers who cancer, and other medical uses. The ulti­ Pacific and Neotropical Peoples." The series used local plant remedies to treat illnesses. mate goal Matainaho hopes for is national features expert speakers with McClatchey pointed out the loss of economic development with a conserva­ diverse backgrounds lecturing on traditional knowledge and the need tion-based industry policy. numerous aspects of ethnobotany. for integrating modern and tradi­ Slated for 2005 in Fort Worth are four The first three lectures of the series tional medicine. Using an image of additional lectures: (1) Paul Alan Cox, were held in autumn of 2004 at the sun halfway at the horizon, PhD, Executive Director, National Tropical the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower McClatchey asked the audience to Botanical Garden, Kauai, Hawaii, speaking Center in Austin, Texas, and at the ponder on whether the sun was on Ethnobotanical Insights into Neurological Fort Worth Botanical Garden in rising or setting, and whether each Disease; (2) Glenn Wightman, PhD, Parks Fort Worth, Texas. The four representation signifies the end of and Wildlife Commission of the Northern lectures scheduled for spring 2005 the traditional healing era or the Territory, Australia, speaking on The Use of will be held at the Fort Worth beginning. Plants for Medicine in the Dreamtime: Botanical Garden. The third 2004 lecture concerned "The Australian Aboriginal Traditional Medicinal The first 2004 lecture was titled, Status of our Knowledge of Traditional Plant Use; {3) Michael Balick, PhD, Head "Nature's Pharmacy: Exploration of the Plant Use in the Forest Paradise of Papua of the Institute of Economic Botany, The World's Rain Forests, Coral Reefs, and New Guinea, the Land of the Unexpected." New York Botanical Garden, speaking on Extreme Environments for New Medicines Teatulohi Matainaho, PhD, head of the Exploring Ancient Wisdom and Traditional Highlights the Urgent Need to Prese rve School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Healing in Micronesia; and {4) Brent Berlin, Our Global Genetic Patrimony." The the University of Papua New Guinea, PhD, Department of Anthropology, The speaker, Gordon M . Cragg, PhD, Natural presented an overview of the island's culture University of Georgia, speaking on Use of Products Branch Chief at the National and biodiversity, including its economic, Medicinal Plants Among the Maya in the Cancer Institute {NCI), focused on the ecological, and political struggles, as well as Chiapas Highlands. importance of preserving global biodiver­ possi ble solutions. Dr. Matainaho discussed For more information on the lecture sity. Dr. Cragg expressed a fondness for several threats to the ecosystems, including series, see the BRIT Web si te at microorganisms and their roles in sustain­ natural gas and mineral extraction, which is http://www. brit.org/Education/D istLect­ ing ecosystems and their potential use as partly a result of subsidized economic devel­ Series.htm. The American Botanical Coun­ sources of novel medicines. NCI has opment by the government. He also cil and the Academy of Oriental Medicine explored the world in search of medicines in stressed the need for additional conserva­ in Austin, Texas, also provided support for virtually every ecosystem, including over­ tion strategies, an inventory of biodiversity, the series. --"' looked areas with potential for biodiversity documentation of traditional medicinal and medicine discovery. Touching upon the issue of cultural compensation, Dr. Cragg emphasized the need for collaboration and Festival de las Plantas 2004 equitable benefit-sharing between the Conchero Ind ians from Mexico and companies that develop the pharmaceuti­ the United States gathered to participate in the Second Annual cals and the indigenous communities whose Festival de las Plantas at the Roy G. natural environments constitute the source Guerrero Colorado River Park in of the raw materials. One possible benefit Austin, Texas. Celebrating and would be the provision of developed phar­ preserving Hispanic and American maceuticals to indigenous people at no cost. Indian heritage is the main theme Will McClatchey, PhD, ethnobotanist of the festival. Displays included plants commonly used in those and professor at the University of Hawaii at cultures such as nopales (prickly Manoa, gave the second 2004 lecture, pear cactus pads, from Opuntia spp., "Roles of Healers, Plants, and Ethnophar­ Cactaceae).The American Botanical macology in Old Hawaii." With a distinc­ Council hosted a ca lendula planting tive anthropological approach, Dr. session for children and provided McClatchey spoke about the defining tradi­ parents with informational sheets on the ca re of ca lendula and its tions of indigenous people in the western medicinal uses. In the accompany­ Pacific oceanic region and their (mostly) ing photo, Lan Truong demon­ plant-based materia medica. He also strates how to construct newspaper discussed issues that affect these Pacific pots for calendula seedlings. cultures and the threat to indigenous Photo © 200S ABC ethnobotanical knowledge. Beginning with

12 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram .org abc news

Garlic in the Gardens by Amy Floerke

ince garlic was the International Herb of planted include the antioxidant, circulatory, apart and soak them in the mixture for at Sthe Year for 2004, it seemed appropriate excretory, respiratory and first aid, as well as least two hours; this helps inhibit fungal to plant as much of it as possible this fall, the Chinese, French, Indian, Mediter­ growth. Remove the garlic from the mixture not just for its culinary uses, but also for its ranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and and peel the papery skin off the cloves; then diverse medicinal uses. The American Southeast Asian gardens. soak them in rubbing alcohol for 3 to 5 Botanical Council (ABC) is grateful minutes. This destroys any remaining to Gourmet Garlic Gardens for the pathogens to eliminate possible problems generous donation of 22 varieties of before they begin. Once removed from the garlic for planting in ABC's medici­ alcohol, immediately plant the cloves. They nal demonstration gardens. Gourmet should be planted with the pointed end up, Garlic Gardens, located in Bangs, six inches apart and two inches deep in the Texas, and owned by the "garlicmeis­ very southern states of the U.S., four inches ter" Bob Anderson, is a supplier of deep in the very northern states, and three unusual garlics. Irs website inches deep in the rest of the U.S. The garlic (www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com) is will sprout within 1-2 weeks in the South. packed full of helpful and detailed In the North, it will lie dormant through­ garlic information for both the out the winter and sprout when the weather sophisticated and inexperienced warms in the spring. garlic enthusiast. Once planted, the garlic should be watered From a medicinal perspective, the PharmD intern Amy Floerke (leh) and RD intern Melissa weekly or just enough to keep the soil moist German Commission E acknowl­ Castano plant garlic in ABC's antioxidant garde n. Photo © at root depth. Dig to bulb depth occasionally edges garlic as a support to dietary 2005 ABC to see how the garlic bulbs are developing. measures for elevated blood lipid Garlic does not need much fertilizer, but (cholesterol) levels (hyperlipidemia) and as When planting varietal garlic, the issue of some compost should be added in early a preventative for age-dependent vascular which type is better for a specific gardening spring or if the bulbs are not developing well. changes, such as atherosclerosis. 1 Other climate arises. There are two subspecies of Harvesting should be performed in the spring potential medicinal uses include treatment garlic. Hard-necked garlics (Allium or summer when most of the leaves have died of decreased platelet function, mild hyper­ ophioscorodon [Link] Doell, Alliaceae), the down and only the top five or six leaves tension, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, original strain, generally have a deeper remain green. To harvest, dig up the bulbs and prevention of stomach and colon flavor and store for a shorter amount of carefully and place them in a shady, dry loca­ cancer. 2 time. Soft-necked garlics (A. sativum) were tion for about a month. Allow the necks of Part of the internship program at ABC hybridized from the hard-necked type and the garlic to completely dry out; when the includes working in the many theme generally have a milder taste but store for tops are cut off there should be no lingering gardens on the property, including the longer periods. garlicky smell. Trim the rootlets and leaves human systems gardens and regional cuisine Plant garlic in the fall (October or from the bulbs and store the bulbs at room gardens that classifY herbs by their medici­ November) to produce the highest yield in temperature away from direct sunlight. For nal and culinary uses. The 22 different vari­ sp ring or early summer. Prepare the top six more information on growing and harvesting eties of garlic were planted in late October inches of the soi l by loosening and mixing garlic, visit the Gourmet Garlic Gardens Web 2004 and will be harvested in late spring or with compost or manure. Mix one gallon of site at www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com . ....- early summer 2005. The ABC gardens in water and one heaping tablespoon of which the many varieties of garlic were baking soda. Break the cloves of the garlic Amy Floerke is a PharmD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin who interned at ABC in September and October of2004. ABC Headquarters References: Sharon Timmons talks with Mark Blumenthal about the I. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann history of the Case Mill Home­ J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded stead, which is now the loca­ Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: tion of ABC headquarters. American Botanical Council; Newton Timmons is the great-great­ (MA): Integrative Medicine Communica­ granddaughter of Sherman tions; 2000. Case, original owner of the 2. Blumenthal M, Hall T, Goldberg A, Kunz homestead which was estab­ T, Dinda K, Brinckmann J, era!, editors. lished in the 1840s. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin, Photo () 2005 ABC TX: American Botanical Council; 2003.

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 13 abc news

Pharmacists and Physicians Visit Peruvian Amazon and Andes on ABC and ACEER Ethnobotany Tour by Kathleen Coyne

n October 21 , 2004, twenty travelers enclosure of a large curve of the river), to a 0 from the United States and Australia small farm on which visitors were treated to journeyed to Peru for a ten-day workshop ripe bananas picked directly from the tree, on Botanical Medicines from the Amazon and to a one-room school in a local village. and Machu Picchu. The trip was sponsored After flying from Puerto to Maldonado to by the American Botanical Council, the ancient lncan capital of Cusco (located Amazon Center for Environmental Educa­ in the Andes at an altitude of 11 ,000 feet), tion and Research (ACEER) Foundation, the group spent the second half of the trip and West Chester University of Pennsylva­ visiting the Peruvian highlands. Highlights nia. Workshop instructors were James A. included a day-and-a-half at the "lost" Duke, PhD, noted ethnobotanist and lncan mountaintop citadel of Machu author of Sixty Medicinal Plants from the Heliconia spp. Photo © 2004 Mark Blumenthal Peruvian Amazon (among numerous other books); Mark Blumenthal, founder and formed the structure for the lncan agricul­ executive director of ABC and editor of tural system. The group also visited the Herba!Gram; Sue Mustalish, RN, Coordi­ market in Machu Picchu village, also nator of the University Outreach Program known as Aguas Calientes, and hiked the for the ACEER Foundation; and Don Orchid Trail on the grounds of the Pueblo Antonio Montero-Pisco, Peruvian shaman Hotel, home to the world's largest native and herbalist. orchid species garden, which also contains During the first half of the trip the group many species of birds (including humming­ stayed in Southern Peru at the Reserva birds), butterflies, plants, and trees. Arnazonica Ecological Reserve, a 45-minute Physicians and pharmacists were able to boat ride on the Madre de Dios river, down­ earn CME or CEU credits, respectively, river from the small town of Puerto while learning first-hand about the ecology Maldonado. The Madre de Dios is a major ABC's Kathleen Coyne and local ch il dren at Sacsay· of the flora and fauna of Peru as well as the tributary of the Amazon. Don Antonio and huaman. Photo © 2004 Ma rk Blumenthal history of botanical medicine, the legal and Duke led herb walks in the rainforest where regulatory status of medicinal plants in the students were introduced to native plants, United States, biological forms and activi­ their traditional uses, and the conditions Picchu and the architectural remains of ties of botanical medicines, clinical research they treat. The group was also the first to plazas, palaces, temples, homes, cemeteries, on the efficacy and safety of botanical medi­ use the new Canopy Walkway, which takes and irrigated mountainside terraces that cines, herb-drug interactions, and more. visitors to a height of The College of Health 3 5 meters (115 feet) Sciences at West Chester into the rainforest University of Pennsylvania canopy and allows provided accreditation for them to view plants continuing education for and animals, includ­ physicians. The course was ing monkeys and accredited for pharmacists by many exotic tropical the Texas Pharmacy Associa­ birds. A morning was tion. spent touring the The 2005 trip to the gardens and nature Amazon and Machu Picchu is interpretation center already being planned for at ACEER- October 17-26, 2005. Infor­ Tambopata at mation will be published in lnkaterra, ACEER's future issues of Herba!Gram, new international on ABC's Web site education and (www.herbalgram.org), and research center. Other will be available from the activities included an ACEER Foundation excursion to Sandoval (www.aceer.org). Lake (an ox-bow lake A formed by the natural Machu Picchu,"The Lost City of the Incas." Photo© 2004 Mark Blumenthal

14 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org abc news

My Internship at the American Botanical Council: A Pharmacy Student's Reflections

[Editor's note: Each year ABC is fortunate to sion E, The American Herbal Products Asso­ I gai ned a tremendous amount of knowl­ have numerous candidates for doctorates in ciation's Herbs of Commerce, 2 nd edition, edge about herbs as well as refreshing my pharmacy (PharmD) complete a six-week regulations on New Dietary Ingredients "green thumb." My rotation at ABC rotation or internship at ABC. One of our (NDis), and The ABC Clinical Guide to allowed me to open my eyes to rhe large most recent interns, Amy Floerke, has written Herbs. I also learned about the use of herbs amount of references available that touch a reminiscence ofher experience at ABC.} as medications in other countries and about on all aspects of herbs and to realize the hen I showed up at the American the public's desire for more research and ambiguity of the public and professional W Botanical Council on the first day of information pertaining to herbal products knowledge of herbs. From a future pharma­ my Herbs and Phytomedicines Pharmacy (for example, information about herbs and cist's perspective, I wi ll be able to appl y the Rotation, I did not know what to expect. I their interactions with prescription medica­ knowledge I received from ABC to inform had chosen rhis rotation (i nternship) in tions, foods, and other herbs). It was also my patients of rhe avail able, va lid in forma­ hopes of learning more about herbal uses, brought to my attentio n that the general tion about herbs. I will be able to refer them safety, efficacy, and interactions with public does not view herbs as medications, to re li able sources and provide them with prescription medications. Working in a and therefore rhey often do nor report their helpful in formation so that they will be retail pharmacy setting as a pharmacist use to doctors or pharmacists, who might better able to make their own we ll -educated intern for rhe prior two years had brought be able to warn their patients of potentially and informed decisions about herbs. I will to my attention that there seemed to be a harmful interactions. also be able to educate them on the need to "hole" in my knowledge concerning herbs. I Garden work (one day per week) is inform their doctors/hospitals and pharma­ was approached many times while working another aspect of rhe experience at ABC. cists of the herbs they are raking to further ar rhe retail pharmacy by patients in search Working in ABC's medicinal and culinary prevent potentially adverse drug interac­ of advice and information about herbal gardens not only provided a hands-on tions. products. I felt frustrated by not bei ng able approach to herbal medicine but also put I really enjoyed my short six weeks at to completely answer their ques tions or me in touch with the versatili ty of herbs, ABC. Members of the staff are knowledge­ refer them to an appropriate reference in including their culinary and medicinal uses. able and work effectively as a team to serve order to find the information they needed I was able to harvest herbal seeds for the rhe publi c as a reputable source of herbal to safely and effectively make a decision gardens and plant seeds in trays to be grown information. During my rotation, I not about an herbal product. in the greenhouse. During my six weeks at only learned a wealth of useful information, During my six weeks at ABC, I learned ABC, the rotation also included researching bur also was provided with a supportive exactly what I was in search of and more. I herbs for medicinal, cosmetic, and food work envi ronment due to rhe respectful was al lowed to utilize ABC's vas t vari ety of purposes as well as their safety and effec­ people who work at ABC. _..- herbal references that I did not know even tiveness. My role also included replying to -Amy Floerke existed, references that include documented ABC members' inquiries and entering PharmDi ntern clinical studies in humans, herbs with useful articles into ABC's literature data­ College of Pharmacy, approved uses from the German Commis- base. University ofTexas at Au stin

ABC ANNuAL REPORT requmng the resources of staff, interns, have been received. In some cases, ABC has Continued .from page 11 volunteers, and contractors. Some are not been able to accept proposed new proj­ complete and some ongoing. These projects ects due to a lack of personnel and fin ancial ing program targeted for retail natural food included two herbal overview projects for resources. store employees and network marketing print and electronic use which will become Summary: T he American Botanical distributors. The program provides basic the Herbal Mind and Body Care database; Council experienced stabili ty and growth information about dietary supplements, two new herb profiles, the "ABC Clinical during rhe 2004 fiscal year. Most core guidance about how retail employees Guide to Elder Berry" (Sambucus nigra L., activities, goals, and projects were accom­ should communicate with customers, and Caprifoli aceae) and another on Yerba Mate plished. The net operating income for the basic information on many of the most (flex paraguariensis A. St.-Hi!., Aquifoli­ year was far more positive rhan previously popular herbs. The course has succeeded aceae), still in progress; and a pharmacy budgeted. Clearly, many factors have beyond expectations with more than 1,100 continuing education module on improv­ contributed to the success of rh e organiza­ H erbal Information Specialist Certificates ing immune function and DNA repair in tion in 2004. T hese factors include so und, awarded in 2004. The year two renewal older adults. All of these projects were coor­ conservati ve fi nancial management, effec­ curriculum will be made avail ab le early in dinated by staff. This presents chall enges tive govern ance by the Board ofTrusrees, a 2005 and additional educational modules considering rhe staff's primary priorities in dedicated and hard working staff, strong are currently being contemplated. maintaining ABC's ongoing core educa­ membership support, and rhe support and New Projects and Initiatives: In addi­ tional activities. Expansion of human confidence of all segments of the tion to rhe core activities listed above, ABC resources is planned for 2005 to address the constituents served by ABC. _...- added 5 new projects during rhe year, numerous requests for new projects that www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 15 abc news

ABC Starts 2005 with Newly Expanded Benefits for Members

lthough the New Year has just begun, Benefits for Corporate and Sponsor ble use of herbs and phytomedicines. A. ABC Members are already deriving Members Together, ABC and irs members are work­ great value from the expanded educa­ 2005 The benefits of Corporate and Sponsor ing to improve the public's knowledge and tional benefits and services. Each year ABC Membersh ip also continue to expand with understanding of herbal medicine. provides new incentives for prospective and companies' needs for reliable herbal infor­ For more information on ABC member­ renewing members to support ABC's mation for staff and customers. The new mission to provide education using science­ Herbal Body Care database is one example ship levels and a derailed list of benefits, see based and traditional information to of how ABC is constantly working with its page 3 of this issue, access our Web site at promote the responsible use of herbal supporters to find new ways to enhance the http://www. herbalgram.org/ default.asp?c= medicine. In addition, ABC continues to quality of herbal medicine resources for membership, or call us at 800-373-71 05 .---' offer long-standing educational resources consumers, healthcare professionals, the - Aileen Trua x like HerbalGram, HerbClip™ , herbal media, government, and industry. research, and irs unique suite of online With membership support, ABC contin­ [Editor's Note: Truax assumed the position herbal databases. ues to be a reliable source of current infor­ of Development/Marketing Coordinator for mation on the safe, effective, and responsi- ABC in December 2004.] New Benefits for All ABC Members This year all ABC Members are receiving access to new online educational content on ABC Employee Profile: Wayne Silverman ABC's Web site (www.herbalgram.org). he business books say there are two kinds of entrepreneurs: visionaries This new content includes herbal profiles ,-·"'·"'·' . \ Tand managers. The start of a business or nonprofit organization often available through ABC's new Herbal Body i ;. . " begins with the visionary, but its eventual growth and success depends on a Care database. These profiles provide infor­ good manager, and the visionary founder must know when to share the reins mation on plants used in phytocosmetics, . . • • .s f of management to ensure the organization's success. aromatherapy, and herbal body care. ·.·fi :.· ' ~" - e Such is the case with the American Botanical Council. ABC is ably Another new benefit available to all managed by Wayne Silverman, PhD, its Chief Administrative Officer. Since members is access to archives of ABC's e­ he first arrived at ABC, more than nine years ago, Wayne has implemented mail newsletter, HerbalEGram, which keeps Silverman administrative and development programs that have helped ABC become members abreast of the latest herbal news increasingly professional and transparent in its management and accounting. between issues of HerbalGram. I first met Wayne Silverman when he was the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Austin. I was impressed with his professionalism and high sense of ethics. Wayne holds a doctor­ New Benefits for Academic, Profes­ ate in college administration, a master's in science education, and has extensive experience in sional, and Organizational Members nonprofit management-all perfect skills for a science-based, nonprofit, educational organization Members at these levels now receive a like ABC. {He's also an avid organic gardener and a gourmet natural foods chefl) copy of "The ABC Clinical Guide to Elder When Wayne started at ABC, I was spread very thin, trying to cover too many critical areas: Berry." This new publication includes a editorial, education and public relations, management and personnel, development and fund-rais­ clinical monograph on the growing body of ing, etc. ABC needed someone who could focus on management and development. When Wayne research supporting the immune-enhancing started at ABC, he immediately began professionalizing the organization. During his almost ten­ actions of European elder berry. The format year tenure, he has grown from being an able, loyal, and trusted lieutenant to an indispensable and for the elder berry profile follows the same cooperative partner. format as the 29 monographs in The ABC Wayne handles all areas of management and development here at ABC, thereby allowing me to Clinical Guide to Herbs, including use, focus my time and energies towards the areas I prefer most: research and education, editing and safety data, dosage, and clinical trial writing, media interviews and public speaking, etc. But I cannot do my work without a well-func­ summaries. The profile also contains a Clin­ tioning support platform. This is where Wayne and the rest of the able ABC staff come in. ical Overview for quick reference and a Wayne covers all the "create the systems and get the work done" stuff. Some of his key areas of Patient Information Sheer that healrhcare contribution include: helping to establish the ABC Web site and the highly successful Herb-Ed­ providers can photocopy for patients. Web program in which ABC licenses its electronic educational content to other organizations and Professional and Organizational commercial entities; the initiation of the editorial and publication process for our third book, The Members will also receive a packet of 29 ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs in which he implemented the now common practice at ABC of Herbal Information Sheets, ready for dupli­ obtaining continuing professional education credit from multiple disciplines fo r ABC materials; cation and distribution. These information the move toward a more participatory governing board; the new ABC Herbal Information Course sheets provide an excellent tool for educat­ in which ABC produced a Web-based instruction and certification program for retail clerks in ing patients, customers, or clients about natural food stores and for distributors of multi-level marketing companies; and other projects and programs too numerous to list in this limited space. Without Wayne's able and dedicated manage­ commonly used herbs. The Herbal Infor­ ment, as well as his continuing friendship and partnership, ABC would not be the top-flight organ­ mation Sheers are concise versions of herb ization it is today. ---' monographs and are written 1n -Mark Blumenthal consumer/patient-friendly language.

16 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www. herbalgram.o rg ECHINAMIDE" Clinically proven effective

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' Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 29:75-83, 2004 I \ I ' 2 International Imm unopharmacology 2002; 2:381-387 3 ECHINAMIDE' Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 2002; 13 : 487-492 CUNIUUY rROVlN Actin· f)e(en\l' UflctlVl' llo11n lt'ti/IJN\\TII(I ECHINAMIDE' "ECHlNAMIDE" exerts an immunostimulatory effect via its patent­ ( /illlt td \11111\,'lh" . , .... u-__. ed and standardized formulation of Echinacea purpurea's three key active compounds--alkylamide, polysaccharide and cichoric acid.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Omg Administration This product is not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. organization news-----~ ACEER to Develop Electronic Learning Program on Amazon

he Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research The mission of ACEER, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, is T(ACEER) Foundation is joining with several partners to to promote rainforest conservation by being a catalyst for aware­ produce an integrated, inquiry-based learning program-Living on ness, understanding, action, and transformation. This is achieved the Edge! Program components will include the following: a multi­ through environmental education and research within Amazonian part television series produced at the ACEER-Tambopata research communities in partnership with industrialized nations. The station on the Madre de Dios river, a tributary of the Amazon in project's progress can be monitored at http:/ /www.aceer.org/. For Southern Peru; a companion Web-based study program of on­ more information, contact Dr. Roger W Mustalish, President, demand video, audio, data, and other learning resources; and local ACEER Foundation, [email protected]. --- museum exhibits to anchor the learning experiences within local communities. An initial target audience of 14 million households is expected to Dr. Low Dog Appointed Director of participate, and there are plans to eventually distribute nationally. Living on the Edge will explore nature's great interfaces: Botanical Medicine at University of air/water/land/biota. A significant component will be how phyto­ chemistry holds promise for the discovery of new medicines. The Arizona ACEER's extensive medicinal plant gardens and trails in the rain­ he Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of forest will be featured, along with depictions of local plant use and TArizona School of Medicine is proud to announce that ceremonies. Production will begin in 2005 and the program's Tieraona Low Dog, MD, joined the faculty as release is set for 2006-2007. Director of Botanical Medicine in August Key organizations parmering with ACEER include WHYY-TV 2004, the first position of its kind at a conven­ (PBS Channel 12), Philadelphia, PA; West Chester University of tional medical school in the United States. Dr. PA; Camden County College, NJ; WebStudy, Inc. of PA; the Low Dog will spearhead the development and Delaware Nature Society; the Delaware Museum of Natural instruction of the botanical medicine curricu­ History; and Syncreta Associates in Gainesville, FL. lum for the fe ll owship program at the Univer­ sity of Arizona. Dr. Low Dog, who serves on the advisory board for the American Botanical Council, has spent the past 25 years working in the field of Low Dog TJ{E 'BRIT1SJ{J:NST1T11TE herbal medicine. Prior to attending medical o:r school, she had a successful herbal practice in New Mexico and J{O:M'E01':A'TJ{!f has served as President of the American Herbalists Guild. Her many honors of distinction include Time magazine's award of Innovator in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2001) t}ualitl' in l.du, at ion ,;,c,· / 1JS - 1,, r, ·da. ·d. 11/on/ah/,·. It, ,·"ih/,· and a Presidential appointment by Bill Clinton to serve on the White House Commission of Complementary and Alternative HOMES TUDY COURSES: Medicine. She is chair of the United States Pharmacopeia Dietary Homeopathy, Clinical Nutrition, Supplements and Botanicals Expert Committee and was Women's Health, Herbology, appointed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Bach Flower, Flower Essences Thompson in July 2003 to serve on the Advisory Board for the Homeopathic Pharmacy, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Aromatherapy, Human Sciences, and Veterinary Homeopathy. National Institutes of Health, until 2006. ---

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18 I Herba iGram 65 2005 www. herbalgram.org grants & awards-----=-:;~

Rutgers University Receives Grant from USAID for Natural Products Development in Africa

utgers University received a new products (which include teas, spices and international activities, Prof. Simon is also a Rcontract award to support natural prod­ flavorings, aromatic oils, medicinal plants, member of the American Botanical Coun­ ucts research and development in Africa. and plant-based cosmetic ingredients) rhat cil 's Advisory Board. This new program was awarded in October have scientifically verifiable functional According to Prof. Simon, "The unique­ 2004 by the United States Agency for Inter­ properties and are in marker demand. ness of rhis new program relative to the national Development (USAID), Office of The Rutgers and ASNAPP program uses herbal products industry is that it provides Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade a scientifically-based and market-driven a contractual mechanism for rhe USAID to (EGAT/AG), in support of its global model that seeks to develop and strengthen support new programs in natural products economic development programs, specifi­ successful private and public partnerships in in any of the client countries in which cally, the Partnership for Food and Industry sustainable economic growth of sub-Saha­ USAID operates, rhus providing for rhe Development. The programs at Rutgers ran African natural plant products. first time an efficient vehicle to establish receiving the grant are New Use Agriculture The objectives within the five-year proj­ sustainable development programs in natu­ and Natural Plant Products Program and ect period include many significant initia­ ral plant products from the bush to the final the Food Policy Institute. tives to improve the economic health and product with a focus on quality, science, viability of the natural products sectors in community development and trade" (writ­ each country: ten communication to M . Blumenthal, 1. Increase rhe number of natural plant December 6, 2004). product producers/farmers. The new project builds directly on the 2. Develop botanical products for domes­ ASNAPP model and has led to rhe success­ ric and international markers. ful introduction of several new African 3. Increase the number of people products into regional trade in Africa as well employed in the natural product sector. as into the European and American 4. Diversify rhe economy through markers. Two of the ASNAPP products, new/improved natural plant products. Rooibos rea (Aspalathus linearis [Burm. f. ] 5. Increase economic growth within rhe R. Dahlgren, Fabaceae) and the Haarlem natural product sector. Honeybush iced rea (from Cyclopia interme­ Jim Simon and Dan Acq uaye 6. Increase and diversify family/farmers/ dia E. Meyer, Fabaceae) produced by production income. Honest Tea®, have been recognized for their 7. Increase the number of sustainable excellence, quality, and/or uniqueness by USAID has three such global programs, natural plant products Gourmet Retailer magazine at the 2004 one in fruits and vegetables, a second in producers/ companies. Fancy Food Show in New York City and by dairy, livestock and fish, and now a third to 8. Increase the number of science-based, Men's Health magazine as one of the best focus on natural products. The $2.5 natural plant products traded region­ new beverages. The project intends to million, 5-year project is designed to all y and exported from Africa. strengthen and expand the project manage­ support partnerships that contribute to the 9. Increase the use of science-guided ment ream's initial work in the natural economic growth of client countries by marketing of natural plant products as products sector and extend the team's mobilizing expertise in the private and a vehicle to increase sustainable trade. models of commercialization into West and public sectors to add value, as well as meet 1O.Establish and improve the necessary Southern Africa. It also wi ll create expanded safety and quality standards, to the produc­ domestic quality control and quality partnerships among American and African tion of food products for the respective assurance measures, facilities safety and universities, African government agencies client countries' domestic and international sanitation, Good Agricultural Prac­ and, in particular, the private sector and markets. T he new Rutgers program, "Part­ tices, and Good Manufacturing Prac­ nongovernmental organizations (NGOs, nership For Sustainable Economic Growth tices by producers and manufacturers aka nonprofit organizations) in a unique in Africa Through Natural Products Devel­ of value-added products that are and synergistic manner. These partnerships opment (PFID/NP)," builds upon the Agri­ exported and traded in the natural include Rutgers University (USA) vi a the Business in Sustainable African Plant Prod­ products sector. New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant ucts Program (ASNAPP) and will focus its The program is being lead by Professor Products Program, Food Policy Institute, initial core activities in both Western Africa James E. Simon, PhD, Professor and Direc­ Food Innovation Center, and rhe Center for (Ghana and Senegal) and Southern Africa tor of the New Use Agriculture and Natural Advanced Food Technology-all at (South Africa and Zambia), with a satellite Plant Products Program at Rutgers. Prof. Rutgers; Alcorn State University in Missis­ program in Rwanda. These agribusiness Simon was formerly a Professor of Horti­ sippi; and Southern University in Baron partnerships will be based on the develop­ culture and co-founder of Center for New Rouge, Louisiana. Afri can partners include ment of local, regional, and international Crops and Plant Products in the Depart­ ASNAPP programs in West Africa (Accra, trade in natural products, based upon the ment of Horticulture at Purdue University. regions' unique ethnic/traditional natural In addition to many of his academic and Continues on page 66 www. herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 19 research & world news

Seacology Helps Conserve Medicinal Plants in Madagascar by Karen Peterson

adagascar, the world's fourth largest the work of a Malagasy conservationist and Misland, is sometimes referred to as the professor at the University of Antananarivo, "Seventh Continent" because 80 percent of Elisabeth Rabakonandrianina, PhD. its plant and animal life is found nowhere Dr. Rabakonandrianina ("Bako") has else on earth. Geographically isolated in the worked passionately to protect Mt. Anga­ Indian Ocean 250 miles east of the Mozam­ vokely, a 1,71 7-acre oasis of intact high alti­ bique coast, the country is home to over 60 tude rainforest just 15 miles outside the lemur species, two thirds of the world's capital city of Antananarivo. Home to over chameleon species, and over 1,000 known 120 species of rare and endangered orchids, species of orchids. the forest is an important watershed for With this biological richness, however, three local communities totaling over comes vulnerability. Madagascar is one of 20,000 inhabitants. Under Bako's supervi­ the world's poorest nations, and until sion, Seacology is working with the Mala­ recently, destruction of Madagascar's natu­ gasy environmental organization ARVERT, ral resources went unchecked. Widespread faculty from the University of Antananarivo slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and and Uppsala University, and the Service des cutting of trees for charcoal production Stations Forestieres to create a new national have led to the disappearance of over three­ park at Mr. Angavokely. Singular in its fourths of the country's forest cover. Soil proximity to the capital city of Antana­ erosion, groundwater contamination, and narivo, this park will provide recreational desertification have followed in many areas opportunities for local residents as well as of the country. Fortunately, this devastating research opportunities for scientists and habitat loss has not gone unnoticed. Within Orchids in bloom on the flank of Mt. Angavokely. students. Madagascar, extraordinary steps are being Photo © 2005 Thomas Elmqvist Several medicinal herbs have been found taken to preserve the country's remaining at Mr. Angavokely, including three intact forests. An environmentally aware endangered biodiversity of islands through­ members of the family Asteraceae: new national president and increasing out the world. In the last 400 years, the Helichrysum gymnocephalum (DC.) H . involvement on the part of the Malagasy majority of the world's plant and animal Humb (uses include aphrodisiac, antisep­ extinctions have taken place on islands. tic, stimulating, treatment for bronchitis); Indigenous people are all too often faced the endemic Secneicia faujasiodides Bak with the dilemma of choosing between (used for wound healing); and the endemic protecting their precious natural resources Psiadia altissima (DC.) Benth and Hook and economic development. Seacology (used for toothpaste and to treat eczema, searches for win-win situations where both also a good soil indicator). Other endemics the local environment is protected and include Bryophyllum proliferum (Bowie) ex islanders receive some tangible benefit for Hook, Crassulaceae, which is used to treat doing so. In Falealupo, Samoa, Seacology coughing, and Brachylaena ramiflora (DC.) built a critically needed school in exchange Humbert, Asteraceae, used to lower malar­ for the establishment of a 30,000-acre forest ial fever. Non-endemics include Sieges­ reserve. In Navolau, Fiji, Seacology is beckia orienta/is L. , Asteraceae, which is constructing a community center in used to stop bleeding and heal wounds. exchange for the establishment of a According to Bako, the Malagasy name for 370,000-acre marine reserve. Because the this plant, Satrikoazamaratra, is translated organization works closely with islanders as, "I am happy to have wounds because it Aloe capita to on Mt. Angavokely. Photo © 2005 Karen Peterson right from the beginning, Seacology proj­ heals real fast. " ects enjoy strong local support and, conse­ Work to make Mt. Angavokely safe and quently, lead to long-term benefits. accessible for researchers and recreational­ people are helping to stem the tide of When Seacology wanted to find an ists alike has progressed despite obstacles destruction. Additionally, Madagascar has indigenous-led conservation project on the such as an arson-caused fire in 2001 , which become the focus of numerous efforts by Great Red Island of Madagascar, the organi­ destroyed the only populations of some of international conservation organizations, zation's management sought the advice of the mountain's orchids. Orchid "poaching" including the Berkeley, California-based Seacology Scientific Advisory Board activity has been significant in the area until Seacology. Member Thomas Elmqvist of the Swedish recently. The Seacology-funded project Seacology is the world's premier Biodiversity Centre in Uppsala, Sweden. includes orchid cultivation as an economic nonprofit environmental organization with Dr. Elmqvist, who has extensively studied alternative. As well, Bako has introduced an the sole purpose of preserving the highly the country's flora, introduced Seacology to alternative charcoal, which uses forest litter

20 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org research & world news and rice hulls instead of hardwood. Fo r her guardians, extension agents, and researchers outstanding dedication in protecting Mt. had to spend up to six hours getting to and Angavokely, and her efforts to involve the from the forest each day, and they did nor local communities in the establishment of have a base from which they could coordi­ the new park, Bako was awarded the 2003 nate their activities. Four forest stations, Seacology Prize. The Prize, funded by which are currently being co nstructed, will Seacology President Ken Murdock allow forest guardians to have a more (fo rmerly owner of Nature's Way [o ne of continuous presence in rhe area. In situ the leading U.S. herb companies] and one nurseries will allow for more viable replant­ of the founders of Seacology), is awarded ing, and volunteers and extension agents annuall y to an indigenous islander for will be able to more effectively survey and exceptional achievement in preserving the monitor the forest's flora and fauna. environment and culture of any of the More information regarding Seacology's world's 100,000 plus islands. projects to protect the environments and Seacology is also working with the Aloe capirara and other succulent plants atop Mt. cultures of islands throughout the wo rld is United Kingdom-based co nse rvation Agavokely. Photo © 2005 Karen Peterson avai labl e at www.seacology.org or by organization Azafady to protect the Manafi­ contacting Seacology at islands@seacol­ afy Forest in southeas tern Madagascar. 1,730-acre area comprises one of the last ogy.org (telephone: 510-559-3505). ~ Since 1997, the Malagasy government has remaining stands of littoral forest in Mada­ been implementing a policy of Community gascar, and it has been described as being in Karen Peterson is program officer for Forest Management, which consists of "pristine" condition. It is home to cri tically Seacology, where she has helped to implement devolving control over forest resources to endangered palms, birds, and rh e rare almost 100 projects to protect island envi­ local communities with the help of a medi­ brown co ll ared lemur. ronments and cultures throughout the world. ating non-governmental organization. Members of the community have been She previously worked as program associate Azafady has been asked by vi ll agers in the trained as part-time forest guardians to for the Goldman Environmental Prize, Sainte Luce area to facilitate the transfer of patrol the area and act as guides. However, dubbed the "Nobel Prize for the Environ­ control over the Manafiafy Forest. This prior to Seacology's involvement, forest ment" by international news media.

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www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 21 research & world news

WHO Releases "Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices" of Herbs by Mathias Schmidt, PhD, Michael Thomsen, and Georges Betti

uality, efficacy, and safety are parame­ Selection of appropriate plant/seed reproducibility of effects in pharmacologi­ Qters that are required for all medicines. material cal and clinical studies. These are particularly important to herbal Though seemingly trivial, the selection of Finally, commercial orders for raw mare­ preparations as they gain popularity. The the correct species for cultivation is still of rial of a given plant are often conducted past decade has wimessed significant world­ major concern. The replacement of species using the local plant name or the English wide growth in the use of medicinal herbs as with seeds from species that are closely or common names. These names are teas and dietary supplements. Due to rhe less closely related is a common feature in frequently nor unique and in some cases are increasing knowledge of both the tradi­ modern plant trading, even though rhe confusing or misleading. For example, the tional and scientifically documented bene­ required species is frequently defined in Siberian/Chinese adaptogenic plant firs of herbs, consumers are now more likely pharmacopeias, monographs, or other eleurhero (Eleutherococcus senticosus [Rupr. to consider herbal remedies as a viable alter­ scientific literature. For example, large & Maxim.] Maxim., Araliaceae) is native to conventional medicines. The tracts of the world market of licorice frequently collected us ing the Chinese plant World Health Organization (WHO) esti­ ( Glycyrrhiza glabra L. , Fabaceae) root do name, referring to phys ical attributes of rhe mates the total world market for medicinal nor consist of batches of the species as plant (five-fingered leaves, fleshy root), ci 1 botanicals to be about $60 billion. Accord­ defined in European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. wu jia. This description nor only may refer ing to data cited in a report of rhe Secretari­ Eur.) and United States Pharmacopeia to completely unrelated plants, as was ats of the Conve ntion on Biological Diver­ (USP). Instead they come from G. uralensis, observed in a case report of a misplacement sity (COB), sales of herbs in the United which is permitted by the Japanese pharma­ or substitution of eleurhero with the poten­ States increased from $ 1.6 billion in 1994 copeia. The mixture of species of various tially roxie roots of Chinese silk vine 2 to $5.4 billion in 2000. In recent decades, origins, partly from uncontrolled and (Periploca sepium Bunge, Asclepiadaceae),3 the tremendous growth of the herbal sector destructive wild harvesting, is frequently bur it also obscures the fact that the genus has revealed the need for improved quality sold as G. glabra. Eleutherococcus (also referred to by its control in cultivation and collection of formerly accepted genus name Acan­ herbal raw material. Consistent and repro­ thopanax) contains dozens of botanical ducible quality of herbal raw materials used The tremendous growth of species, e.g., A. koreanus. While in the case for medicinal purposes is paramount for the herbal sector has of Eleutherococcus this does nor appear to clinical efficacy and for the reproducibility have a significant impact on the safety of of beneficial effects as observed in clinical revealed the need for the herb, there is nonetheless a question of studies. Furthermore, numerous safety reproducibility and reliability of clinical issues depend on consistent composition of improved quality control in effects. botanical ingredients. cultivation and collection The WHO guidelines address this prob­ Ideally, raw material for the production of lem by stating the need for a proper botan­ herbal medicines will come from a traceable of herbal raw material. ical identification nor only of the plant and reproducible source. In reality, the trad­ material, bur also of the seeds used for cul ti­ ing habits co-evolving with the growth of vation. In GACP conform cultivation, the the market frequently obscure the origin of Another example is devil's claw (Harpago­ Larin binominal name and the definition of the plant material and facilitate adulter­ phytum procumbens [Burch.] DC. ex the subspecies/culrivar/chemotype (where ati ons, which, especially in the case of Meisn., Pedaliaceae) secondary tuber from applicable) must be laid down in the adverse events, have already damaged the Namibia, where replacements of the root farmer's documentation. The same docu­ reputation of otherwise relatively safe plants. with material collected from H. zeyhoi mentation applies to plants issued from In February 2004, the WHO released from Angola is increas ingly observed. wild-harvesting, where the botanical identi­ "WHO guidelines on good agricultural and In addition to the replacement of entire fication should be even stricter than for collection practices (GACP) for medicinal species, the question of chemotypes and plants grown under the controlled condi­ pl ants," 1 which addresses quality issues in culrivars must also be addressed. For tions associated with commercial cultiva­ the production of herbal raw material. It instance, common rh yme (Thymus vulgaris tion, which would rake the local phyto­ covers recommendations that range from L., Lamiaceae) herb can be obtained rhar is chemical variability into account. the selection of appropriate seed material rich in the phytochemicals thymol, geran­ and cultivation si tes to the avoidance of iol, linalool, a-terpineol, trans-thujanol, Selection of a suitable cultivation contaminations in post-harvesti ng and 1,8 -cineol or carvacrol. Current trad­ site and appropriate cultivation handling, training and working conditions ing practices often do nor allow for a methods of personnel, and general rules for handling distinction between rhe rhyme raw materi­ As trivial as it may so und, the ecological and construction of tools and facilities. als of various different origins, which very and climatic conditions found on the culti­ Some of the major issues and their practi cal likely will have varying chemical profiles, vation sire must meet the needs of the culti­ implications are briefly discussed below. and therefore, produce variations in the vated plant. Factors such as local rainfall ,

22 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram .org research & world news irrigation, water and soil quality, and local s1on of sites with possible industrial mented with the use of SJW, 5·8 techniques climate have an important impact on plant contaminations with heavy metals, pesti­ that limit the hyperforin content in the quality. Too often, a decision to cultivate cides or herbicides, and radioactive contam­ SJW raw materials and preparations are medicinal plants on a given site is made, not inations. In practice this means that soil currently being discussed. The simplest and based on the specific requirements of the samples must be collected and analyzed. most logical approach to achieve this goal is plant, but on the availability of the agricul­ Wherever possible, suggests WHO, organic to choose an appropriate harvesting time. tural surface. In recent years, cultivations of growing techniques should be employed, Another practical example is artichoke St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., thus avoiding the use of herbicides or pesti­ (Cynara scofymus L., Asteraceae) where the Clusiaceae) in Poland were affected with cides. In addition, the impact that growing leaves are collected in the preparation of phytosanitary problems (red ring-root), herbs has on local biodiversity must be choleretic (bi le stimulating) and choles­ because the genus Hypericum naturally taken into consideration. terol-lowering herbal preparations. The thrives in dryer climates. Similarly, the harvesting time greatly affects the phyto­ inappropriate plantation of kava (Piper Harvesting and processing chemical composition and quality of arti­ methysticum G. Forst., Piperaceae) on conditions choke leaves. The harvest of leaves as a by­ former sugar cane fields on Fiji might have Harvesting time and methods are in close product of vegetable production (i.e., the contributed to the spreading of the "kava relation to phytochemical parameters. For pre-flowering heads) leads to herbal prod­ dieback disease." Kava dieback disease is example, St. John's wort (SJW) was tradi­ ucts of lesser quality (albeit cheaper) than most likely caused by mosaic virus, 4 for tionally collected in the flowering season the production of dedicated artichoke culti­ which sugar cane is a host. The infection with full y developed flowers-a season vations for medicinal purposes only. destroyed large parts of some local kava when the content of hyperforin is relatively Conditions associated with processing cultivars. Consequently, a poor choice of low. SJW harvested towards the end of the raw materials, especially drying, frequently cultivation site may affect not only the local flowering season, with fruit formation more have a major impact on drug quality. Inad­ harvest, but, in extreme cases, can also have or less pronounced, leads to batches with equate drying and storage leads to microbi­ a global impact on biodiversity. considerably higher hyperforin content. ological contaminations and changes in the The WHO guideline provides recom­ Because this compound is now suspected to phytochemical composition. Again, arti­ mendations for the choice of an appropriate be a major contributing factor in the much choke leaves are a practical example: the cultivation site. It also points to the exclu- publicized herb-drug interactions docu- higher the dryi ng temperature, the lower

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Order now for $69.95 (plus shipping and handling) To order, please call 800-373-7105, ext.118 or visit www.herbalgram.org www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 23 research & world news the content of caffeoyl quinic acids in the Michael Thomsen is an herbalist, Natur­ dried leaves; these acids (e.g., cynarine and TRAFFIC estimates opath Research Associate, and course coordi­ derivatives) are associated with the leaves' nator (herbal medicine) at the Graduate therapeutic effects. that almost 75 percent of School of Integrative Medicine, Swinburne A major part of the WHO guidelines all botanical species in University, Melbourne, Australia. He is also cover the various aspects of harvesting, stor­ Technical Director of HerbResearch Interna­ age, and shipping. This section of the guide­ trade continue to be tional, based in Australia. E-mail: lines is essentially identical for cultivation Michael. Thomsen@Herbresearch. com. au. and collection (wild harvesting or wildcraft­ sourced from the wild. Georges Betti is an ethnobotanist, specializ­ ing) of medicinal plants. In regard to ing in the identification of chemotypeslculti­ harvesting times and post-harvesting vars and GACP-conforming sustainable culti­ Intellectual property rights processing, the guidelines refer to the speci­ vation and collection of herbal raw material. fications laid down in pharmacopeias, Almost hidden within the GACP guide­ He works at Medicinal & Aromatic Plants and/or experience published in the scientific lines is the issue of intellectual property R&D in Sophia Antipolis, France. E-mail: literature. Cross-contamination during stor­ rights for plants endemic to a certain plantech@cote-dazur. com. age must be avoided, and organically grown region. The brevity of the statement that material must be stored separately from "All intellectual property rights with regard References conventionally grown herbs (i.e., herbs not to source materials must be respected" may l. World Health Organization. WHO guide­ grown organically and not certified as seem to understate the importance of this lines on good agricultural and collection practices (GACP) for medicinal plants. organic by an appropriate third party organ­ topic for which the practical implications are still under discussion. The guidelines Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Orga­ ization, regardless of whether the conven­ nization; 2003. Available at: call for a scientific botanical survey to tionally grown herbs have been sprayed with h rrp:/ /www.who.int/ medicines/library/ trm pesticides or not, or grown in artificially outline the distribution and assess the abun­ I medicinal plants/ agricul rural. pdf. fertilized soil or not). The documentation of dance of the species to be cultivated. 2. World Health Organization. WHO Tradi­ the harvest must contain essential indica­ A practical solution for the question of tional Medicines Strategy: 2002-2005. tions that allow the identification and assess­ intellectual property rights would be to Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Orga­ ment of the key steps. With the measures organize GACP projects in the regions nization; 2002. Available at: http://www.who.int / medicinesllibrary/trm outlined in the GACP guidelines, the best where the plant naturally occurs. With this access, several problems are solved simulta­ /trm_strat_eng.pdf. possible harvest-to-harvest reproducibility 3. Awang DVC. Siberian ginseng toxicity neously: and a full traceability of the herbal raw may be case of mistaken identity. Can material should be guaranteed. • The plant grows in its natural habitat Med Assc]. 1996; 155(9): 1237. under conditions in which it is well 4. Davis Rl. Dieback disease of kava, the Sustainability adapted. greatest threat to large-scale production: Many medicinal plants are as yet unavail­ • There is no problem with intellectual What do we know? International Kava able from controlled cultivation. TRAFFIC property rights because the region the Conference, Suva, Fiji, December 2, 2002. 5. Moore LB, Goodwin B, Jones SA. St. (a division of the World Wildlife Fund) esti­ plant originates from immediately profits from the activities. John's wort induces hepatic drug metabo­ mates that almost 75 percent of all botani­ lism through activation of the pregnane X • GACP projects have a stabilizing cal species in trade continue to be sourced receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci. U.S.A. from the wild.9 One of the major goals of impact on a regional economy, which 2000;97(13) :7500-7502. the WHO GACP guidelines is to outline is an important factor for the long­ 6. Wentworth JM, Agostini M, Love J, efficient, non-destructive, environmentally term sustainabili ty of the cultivation. Schwabe JW, Chatterjee VK. St. John's sound, and sustainable procedures not only Projects that ensure sustainability and wort, a herbal antidepressant, activates the for cultivation, but also for controlled quality in wildcrafting are not necessarily steroid X receptor. j Endocrinol. 2000;166(3):Rll-Rl6. collection. In the case of wildcrafting, the difficult to organize if addressed in a systematic manner. The authors are 7. Mai I, BauerS, Johne A, Uehlecke B, guidelines aim for the avoidance of negative Roots I. Effect of hypericum extracts with currently organizing projects that conform impacts on plant population density and different hyperforin content on the phar­ the maintenance of biodiversity. A major to GACP with a number of medici~] macokinetics of cyclosporin A. Herba obstacle for sustainable collection projects is plants, and with some success thus far. ~ Polonica. 2003;49(3/4):79. the over-harvesting of medicinal plants in 8. Mueller S, Uehlecke B, Woehling H . uncontrolled wildcrafting, as can be Mathias Schmidt, PhD, is a pharmacist Effect of St. John' wort dose and prepara­ observed with many plants such as devil's with experience in GACP projects, specializ­ tions on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. Clin Pharmacol Ther. June claw in Southern Africa. However, methods ing in quality issues related to herbal medi­ cine: analysis, pharmacovigilance, toxicology, 2004;75(6):546-557. for sustainable cultivation of devil's claw 9. Laird SA, Pierce AR. Promoting sustain­ and clinical studies. He is affiliated with were developed by Mathias Schmidt and able and ethical botanicals: Strategies to Georges Betti (coauthors of this article) , HerbResearch Germany, an herbal medicine improve commercial raw material sourc­ with the results being incorporated into research and consultancy company with exten­ ing. New York: Rainforest Alliance, May large-scale cultivation projects conducted sive experience in the selection, validation, 2002. Available at: http://www.rainforest­ by firms such as the global botanical giant and supply of herbal medicines. E-mail: alliance.org/ news/ archives/ news/ news44. Marrin Bauer. schmidt@herbresearch. de. html.

24 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org research & world news

Sudan War Impacts Availability of Gum Arabic, A Key Ingredient for Many Commercial Products by Katherine Purcell

he civil war and United Kingdom in 1956. {It Tprotracted violence in the 1e ro.mi mu. was formerly known as rhe Darfur region of Sudan, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan and Africa, have adversely was administered by both impacted rhe collection and countries.) Since then, Sudan exportation of a lucrative has had a history of military natural product, gum arabic, regime changes and Islamic­ a tree resin used as an emulsi­ influenced governments. The fying agent in many country has been engaged in a commercial products. Both civil war since 1985, whi ch the subsistence farmers who has had a serious impact on collect rhe raw material and rhe region.3 the trees that produce the The current si tuati on in valuable resin are fighting for the Darfur region is dire. The their survival. 1 African farmers who harvest the gum arabic have either Gum Arabic Business been displaced, murdered, or Materials sold as gum are unable to continue their arabic are derived from the work because of the recent resin of several species of violence. Similarly, the gum acacia trees: the true, arabic trees have had ro fight preferred gum arabic is for surviva l with droughts derived from Acacia senegal and plagues of locusts. Thus, (L.) Willd., Fabaceae. Other rh e people and their business gums of commerce are suffer. The violence, however, derived from A. nilotica (L. ) compounds some of these Willd. ex Delile, Fabaceae hazards because the Sudanese (often called gum arabic, bur refugees, who are more is actually Indian gum worried about their own arabic) and A. seyal Delile, survival than the gum busi­ Fabaceae (also called gum ness, have begun cutting arabic, but is actually calha). down the valuable trees for Gum arabic is also known t firewood. 1 commercially by the epony­ In short, the most recent mous acacia, acacia gum, or !_cui l SlUll tl Willi. violence in the Sudan civi l Senegal gum due to irs war has adversely impacted generic name. 2 the people, their abi li ty to Gum arabic is one of coll ect and export gum Sudan's chief export Illustration of Acacia senegal (gum arabic) from Kohler's Medizinai-Pflanzen in arabic, and rhe business commodities and agriculture naturgetreuen Abbildungen mit ku rz erlauterndem Texte: Atlas zur Pharmacopoea interests of several companies germanica, by Kohler, F. E. (Franz Eugen) Volume 2 of 3 © 1995-2004 Missouri products. 3 The Sudanese that depend upon rhe gum gum arabic is considered one Botanical Garden (http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/mobot!rarebooks!) arabic to help produce their of the world's largest and products. most prized crops because of (Peter Landes [[email protected]], e-mail, Normally, the government irs quality and consisrency.4 The Darfur November 24, 2004). and people of Sudan benefit significantly region where most of the civil strife is from the gum arabic business. Agriculture is occurring produces over two-thirds of the Sudan crucial to the Sudanese economy; ir world's supply of gum arabic. 1 Sudan is a vast and diverse country provides jobs for 80 percent of rhe county's Due to the protracted violence and located in northern Africa between Egypt eligible work force. In 1996, rhe U.S. disruption of supply in the area, "Prices have and Eritrea, next to the Red Sea. Geograph­ Central Intelligence Agency estimated that tripled and quadrupled lately in response to ically, it is roughly the size of France or a there were II million people in rhe coral events in rhe unfortunate Darfur region of quarter of rhe United States. work force, with agriculture providing jobs the Sudan," according to Peter Landes, Pres­ Sudan has had a tumultuous history since for 8.8 million people.3 ident ofKHL Flavors, Inc. , of Maspeth, NY it gained independence from Egypt and the

www. herba lgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 25 research & world news

Gum arabic arabic's early trade routes inspired its early Sudan Civil War Gum arabic is one of the most common names, including the current moniker Gum arabic is not the only v1ct1m of of all gums. A gum is defined as "an adhe­ "arabic," which it earned from the Arabian recent violence in Sudan. Civil unrest and sive substance of vegetable origin, mostly ports. In the Middle Ages, the gum was uncertainty plague the Darfur region of obtained as exudate from the bark of trees call ed "Turkey Gum" because it was Sudan. In 2003, the Sudanese Liberation or shrubs belonging to the pea family"S shipped through the Turkish Empire, and Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality (Fabaceae, formerly Leguminosae). later it became "Indian Gum" or "East Movement (JEM),12 two African rebel However, gums are also derived from trees Indian Gum" from its shipments through groups, revolted against the Sudanese Bombay, India.8 In some forms of folk in other fami li es, e.g., myrrh gum from government. 13 In response, the government various species of Commiphora, which is in medicine the gum "tears" are also consid­ hired the Janjaweed, a group of Arab mili­ the Burseraceae family. ered highly nutritious and may be va luable tias, to help restore order and crush the Gum arabic is a colorless, tasteless, cold for nourishing sick patients/ rebellion of black farmers. The Janjaweed water-soluble, polysaccharide. It is a have been accused of killing and raping multi-functional hydrocolloid (a substance thousands of villagers after various rebel that forms a gel with water) with a Prices have tripled and groups started fighting the Sudanese "highly branched arabino-galactan-protein quadrupled lately in government last year. 12 Reports from the complex."6 United Nations estimate that at least 1.5 Acacia senegal trees, which flourish in the response to events In million have been affected by the insecurity semi-arid areas of sub-Saharan Afri ca and violence in all three states of Darfur. between 10 and 15 degrees north latitude, the unfortunate Darfur Specifically, there are estimates that at least produce what may be the best quality gum region of the Sudan. 1.45 million res idents have been displaced arabic. 1This region, known as the gum belt, from their homes in the Sudan, and at least includes the African countries Chad, 200,000 of these refugees have fled to Eritrea, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad.14 Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.3 The gum In modern times, gum arabic is used in a According to Naka Nathanial, New York arabic trees are small trees or spiny shrubs,? variety of products and industries, includ­ Times online producer (oral communica­ and they produce gum arabic only if they ing the pharmaceutical, chemical, and the tion, November 2004), the UN has called are in an unhealthy condition. The plant's food and beverage industries, as well as in the Darfur situation "the greatest humani­ abili ty to produce the gum is improved by fine arts, restoration, hobbies, and leather tarian disaster. The U.S. has been the largest 8 inclement conditions such as hot weather, processing. provider of humanitarian aid, and there has lack of water, poor soil, etc. As a result, Gum arabic functions as an emulsifier in been almost no participation from France damaged trees can produce more gum.8 certain products. Emulsifiers and stabilizers and Germany. It wouldn't take much effort. There are two stages to the col lection of are products that help improve the consis­ The people are suffering." Nathania! gum arabic. First, harvesters cut and strip tency of food products. Emulsifiers prevent accompanied Pulitzer-Prize winning jour­ pieces of bark from the trunks and branches separation of ingredients and extend storage nalist, Nicholas Kristof who reported on the 10 of unhealthy trees. The trees weep the resin life. Emulsifiers are useful because they situation in Darfur. Nathanial produced from the scars in the branches and trunk, encourage the suspension of one liquid in Kristof's multimedia package on Darfur forming "tears" of hardened amber-colored another, like the mixture of oil and water in called A Promise Unkept. IS gum drops when the resin is exposed to the products like margarine, shortening, ice Emmanuel Akwei Addo, the Indepen­ 10 atmosphere. Next, harvesters return to cream, and salad dressing. Stabilizers help dent Expert on the human rights situation collect the gum arabic drops or "rears" once maintain the emulsified state in prepared in Sudan, told the UN General Assembly, products. they've dried.8•9 The tears are small (. 75 to 3 "there were strong indications of such inches in diameter), irregular-shaped, Each manufacturer creates a variety of cri mes, including murders, rapes, acts of white- and/or yellow-tinged/ gum arabic products for use in different torture and forcible displacement of citi­ A young gum arabic tree can produce consumer goods. For example, Tragacanth ze ns."1 6 Some organizations are calling it 400 to 7,000 grams of gum arabic annually. Importing Company or TIC Gums, of ge nocide and others are calling it ethnic The gum arabic season lasts from October Belcamp, Maryland, manufactures differ­ cleansing. It is the latest chapter in Africa's through June, during which time the gum ent kinds of gum arabic for use in food and longest war, in Africa's largest country. drops may be collected every 10 days. The flavor emulsions, in meal replacement gum cannot be harvested during the rainy products, to coat cereal, snack foods, and Current Status and Possible Terror­ season, when the trees are in full bloom.8 confections, and for use in making baked ism Connection Gum arabic has a long history and has goods li ke cakes and muffins, as well as in Problems with gum arabic exportation 6 been used for a variety of purposes. The icings and frostings. G ums are used in pill and business interests began in November Egyptians used gum arabic in cosmetics, in manufacturing for coating and binding, as 1997 when the United States passed inks for hieroglyphics,8 and to help with the an emulsifier in processed foods, as a thick­ economic sanctions against Sudan because mummification process. They also exported ener in sauces, in creating various cosmet­ of suspected links between its government gum arabic, calling it kami, and they sold, ics, in the lithographic printing processes,s and terrorism. A market research report traded, and used the product as a pigment in marbling colors, and to make adhesives from P. L. Thomas & Co., Inc., an Ameri­ 11 binder and adhesive in painting. Gum and ink. ca n importer of gum arabic, describes how

26 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www. herbalgra m.org research & world news

this influences the gum arabic business: 9. Fronrier Natural Brands. Gum Arabic service. Ava ilab le at: http://www.un.org/ "Industry leaders have worked tirelessly and Powder (Acacia senegal) 1 lb: K. Avai lable news/ dh/ sudan/humanassist.h tm. Accessed successfully to convince the U.S. State at: http:/ /www.kalyx.com/store/ November 1, 2004. proddetail.cfm1ltemiD=22789.0&SubCat 15. KristofN. A Promise Unkept [m ultime­ Department and Treasury Department that ID= 145.0&CategoryiD= 1000.0. Accessed dia]. New York Times. Ava ilable at: the embargo unfai rly punishes a significant November 17, 2004. http:/ /www.nytimes.com/ pages/ number of U .S. companies who process and 10. Emulsifier. Encycloptedia Britannica. Avail­ multimedia/ index. html?adxnnl= 1&adxnn l use gum arabic w ithout having any effect able at: http:/ /www.britannica.com/ x= 1103131026-PvJpJLKHPs2pl8eblup­ on total Sudan gum arabic exports."4 eb/article1rocld=903257 1. Accessed myw. Accessed December 15 , 2004. Due to pressure from interested busi­ November 14, 2004. 16. United Nations. War crimes likely have nesses, the United Stares House of Repre­ 11. Roberts M, Etherington D . Gum Arabic. occurred in Darfur, Sudan, UN Rights sentatives passed legislation exempting gum Bookbinding and the Conservation of books expert says. United Nations News service. A Dictionary ofDescriptive Terminology. Avai lable at: http://www.un.org/apps/ arabic from the embargo. 1•4•17 Some compa­ Washington, DC: U.S. Government Print­ news/storyAr.asp1NewsiD= 12390&Cr=su nies like Coca-Cola and Pfizer, Inc., report­ ing Office; 1929. Avai lab le at: dan&Cr 1=& Kw I =Sudan&Kw2=war+crim edly rely heavily on supplies from the http:/ /palimpsest.stanford. edu/ don/ dt/ dt 1 es&Kw3 =. Accessed November 1, 2004. Darfur region for the gum arabic used in 671.html. Accessed November 17, 2004. 17. Wolf F. Statement about Sudan and Gum their products. 1 12. United Nations. Annan hails new accords Arabic [press release]. Washington, DC: On November 9, 2004, U nited Nations between Sudanese Government and United States House of Representatives; Secretary-General Kofi Annan oversaw the Darfur rebels. United Nations News serv­ September 7, 2000. Avai lable at: signing of protocols in Abuja, N igeria. The ice. Avai lable at: http://www. un.org/apps/ http:! /www.house.gov/wolf/ news/ news/story.asp?NewsiD= 12501 &Cr=suda 2000/09-07 -SudanGumArabic. html. government of Sudan, the Sudan Liberation n&Cr 1=#. Accessed November 13, 2004. Accessed November 17, 2004. Movement/Army, and the Justice and 13. Associated Press. U.S. pushes African 18. Secretary-General welcomes signing of Equali ty Movement signed the protocols in Union to oversee Sudan war zone. The protocols on improvement of humanitar­ an effort to improve the humanitarian and Worldlink.com. Ava ilable at: ian, security situations in Darfur, Sudan security situation in Darfur.18--"' http:/ /www.thewo rldli nk. com/arti­ [p ress release]. New York, NY: Un ited cles/2004/08/26/ news/ news20. prr. Nations; October II, 2004. Available at: Accessed September 1, 2004. http://www. un .org/News/Press/ docs/2004/ References 14. United Nations. Humanitarian Fact-Sheet sgsm9583.doc.htm. Accessed November 1. Lacey M. A tree that supported Sudan September 2004. United Nations News 14, 2004. becomes a war's latest victim. New York ------· ----·--· ------·-----·-·---·------·- - - Times. May 15, 2004:Al. 2. McGuffin M, managing ed; Karresz JT, Leung AY, Tucker AO, taxo nomic and technical eds. Herbs of Commerce. 2nd ed. Silver Spring, Maryland: American Herbal Plan yourfuture Products Association; 2000:4. 3. Central Intelligence Agency. Sudan. The World Factbook. Avai lable at: as well as your garden http:/ /www.cia.gov/ cia/ publications/ factbooklgeos/su.html. Accessed Novem­ ber 14, 2004. this year. CALL TODAY to learn 4. P.L. Thomas & Co., Inc. Bright Prospects more about our for the Sudan Gum Arabic Crop Bode well for Intern ational Trade. Sudan Gum graduate program in Arabic Market Report. Avai lable at: http:/ /www.plthomas.com/News/ 10.19.00 Botanical Healing gumarabicupdate.htm. Accessed Novem­ ber 14, 2004. 800-735-2968 5. Gum. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. or email [email protected] Available at: http:/ /www.britannica.com/ ebc/article?tocld=9366322. Accessed www.tai.edu November 14 , 2004. 6. TIC Gum. Pioneers of New Sources of Gum Arabic. Available at: http:! /www. ticgums.com/ store/ Tal Sophia Institute GumArabic.asp. Accessed November 14, 2004. for itle. Healing Arts 7. Grieve M. Acacia (G um). A Modern Herbal. Available at: http:/ /botanical.com/ 7750 Montpelier Rd., Laurel, MD 20723 botanical/mgmh/a/acaci006.html. Accessed November 17, 2004. 8. GASID. Kordofan Gum Arabic. Available Tai Sophia Institute, the premier academic institution for the nation's emerging wellness system, at: http:/ /www.gasid.it/ prodotti/inglese/ offers graduate degree programs in Acupuncture, Botanical Healing, and Applied Healing Arts. gommaarabica.html. Accessed November The 12-acre campus houses a bookstore/cafe, library, clinic, meditation garden and labyrinth. 17, 2004. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGra m 65 I 27 Clinical Update by Donald J. Brown, N.D. Pomegranate Juice Improves Carotid Artery Health and Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis D eviewed: Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Gaitini D, et al. Pome­ 0.2 mm at baseline to 1.1 ± 0.1 mm (p < 0.01) and remained at .1 ~ranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with that approximate mean thickness for the duration of the study. In carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media contrast, from baseline to 12 months, the mean IMT in the thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr. placebo group significantly increased from 1.52 ± 0.03 to 1.65 ± 2004;23:423-433. 0.04 mm, (p < 0.01). Significant decreases after 1 year of treat­ Summary: In an open label, parallel group clinical trial, 19 ment were noted for mean PSV (cm/s), which decreased from patients (5 women and 14 men, aged 65-75 years) with severe 135 ± 6 to 103 ± 10 (p < 0.01), and for mean EDV, which carotid artery stenosis (CAS) were selected to receive 50 ml decreased from 38 ±1 to 30 ± 12 (p < 0.01), with no additional concentrated pomegranate juice (PJ) containing 1.5 mmoles of significant reductions for the remainder of the trial. polyphenols per day, the equivalent of 8.3 oz (250 ml) of 1OOo/o Systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure (mmHg) was signifi­ juice (treatment group; n = 10) or no PJ (control group; n = 9). cantly reduced after 1 month of treatment from 174 ± 8 to 162 ± The CAS was measured at 70-90% occlusion of the internal 9 (p < 0.05); compared to baseline, blood pressure was signifi­ carotid arteries as confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. The PJ was cantly reduced even further after 12 months to 153 ± 7 (p < prepared from the crushed fruit of hand-picked pomegranates 0.01). Blood pressure was not significantly changed in the and was filtered, pasteurized, concentrated, and stored at -18°C. placebo group at any time period compared to baseline. The concentrated PJ was diluted with water to obtain a single Compared to baseline, anti-Ox-LDL antibodies (EU/ml) signifi­ strength juice. cantly decreased by 24o/o after 1 month of treatment and by 19o/o The antioxidant composition of the juice was measured as after 3 months (p < 0.01). Mean TAS (nmol/L) increased after 12 follows: 1978 mg/1 tannins (1561 mg/1 punicalagins and 417 months of PJ consumption. However, one month after stopping mg/1 hydrolysable tannins), 384 mg/1 anthocyanins (delphinidin PJ, mean TAS was found to decrease. Mean serum lipid oxidation 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin-3-gluco­ (nmollipid peroxides/ml) significantly decreased in the PJ group side, cyanidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidine 3-glucoside), and 121 after 12 months of treatment (p < 0.0 1) and was found to further mg/1 ellagic acid derivatives. The juice also contained 3 mg vita­ decrease after 28 months and 36 months compared to baseline (p min C per 100 ml juice. The study period lasted for 1 year, and < 0.01). PON 1 (U/ml) significantly increased in the treatment 5 patients consuming PJ continued for another 2 years . group after 1 year (p < 0.01) and continued to significantly The primary outcome was the change in intima-media thick­ increase at 3 years in those patients taking PJ for an additional 2 ness (IMT) over time measured at rhe distal common carotid years (p < 0.01); however, one month after stopping PJ, PON 1 artery by Doppler ultrasound. IMT refers to the intima plus activity was found to decrease. LDL cholesterol isolated from media layers of the carotid artery. IMT measures the distance patients showed that LDL-associated lipid peroxides were between the lumen intima boundary (the space in which blood reduced by 90o/o after 6 months, and the susceptibility ofLDL to flows) and the media adventitia boundary (the outermost region copper ion induced oxidation was gradually and significantly of the artery). Additional outcomes included a range of cardio­ decreased over the course of 1 year. vascular parameters: Carotid endarterectomy (surgery that removes harmful plaque • peak systolic velociry (PSV); from major arteries that carry blood to the head) was performed • end diastolic velociry (EDV); in two patients, one after 3 months and one after 12 months of • total cholesterol; consuming PJ, due to clinical deterioration during the trial. • high densiry lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; Compared to 7 controls, their carotid lesions had significantly • triglycerides; lower mean concentrations of cholesterol (58o/o and 20o/o lower, • apolipoproteins A-1 and B-1 00; respectively; p < 0.01), lipid peroxides (61 o/o and 44%, respec­ • serum paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) arylesterase activity, an HDL­ tively; p < 0.01), and lesion-induced LDL oxidation (43o/o and associated enzyme that can reduce lipid peroxides, thereby 32o/o, respectively; p < 0.0 1), and significantly higher reduced decreasing oxidative stress; glutathione (2.5 times higher in both samples; p < 0.01). No • total antioxidant status; adverse events were reported. • serum anti Oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) anti- Comments/Opinions: The results of this very small study bodies; suggest that regular consumption of PJ is beneficial to persons • LDL oxidation; with CAS. In addition to anti-atherosclerotic properties (as seen • total antioxidant status (TAS); and with the reduced common carotid IMT), the juice also appears to • chemical analyses of atherosclerotic plaques obtained by have significant antioxidant activity as noted by the decrease in endartherectomy for cholesterol, lipid peroxides, and LDL-oxidation and the significant increase in PON 1 activity. reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations. The increase in PON 1 activity was nor only seen in the 10 Compared to pretreatment values, mean IMT decreased signif­ patients consuming PJ at 1 year but was also found to continually icantly in the treatment group after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months increase over an additional 2 years in 5 patients. PON 1 is an (-13o/o, -22o/o, -26o/o, and -35o/o, respectively; p < 0.01). After interesting measure of lipid oxidation activity and has been found 12 months of treatment the mean IMT had decreased from 1.5 ± to decrease in persons with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and

28 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org cardiovascular disease. 1•2 PON 1 is inac­ les ion size in apolipoprorein E-deficienr tivated by oxidized lipids, and PJ mice. 11 An ex vivo study wirh healthy male appears ro act like red wine flavonoids volunteers found that consumption of 50 and licorice-derived glabridin to ml of concentrated pomegranate juice per preserve PON 1 activiry during lipid day (equal to 8 oz./day of 100% juice) peroxidarion.3 Another remarkable reduced LDL susceptibiliry ro oxidation finding in this trial is rhe significant and increased acriviry of se rum paraox­ reduction in sysrolic blood pressure onase (PON1). 12 Finally, a clinical trial after 1 year of juice consumption. found that consumption of 50 ml of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., concentrated pomegranate juice per day Punicaceae) likely originated in Iran and (equal to 8 oz./d of 100% juice) for 2 Afghanistan and is currently grown weeks resulted in a 36% decrease in serum mainly in Iran, India, and the United angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) Stares, bur also in most Near and Far activiry and a 5o/a reduction in sysrolic East Counrries.4 Primarily used as a blood pressure in 10 patients (age 62-77 table fruit, it is also commonly used in years) wirh hypertension.13 The reviewed rhe beverage and liquor industries. The study with PJ is a continuation of thei r pericarp, which is high in tannins, is work and hopefully the beginning of new, also used for tanning leather. exciting findings into the cardiovascular Hisrorically, the fruit is mentioned by Pomegranate Punica granatum. health benefits of pomegranate. various cultures and religions. The Photo ©2005 stevenfoster.com Practice Implications: Although the pomegranate tree is said ro have flour- patient population is small in this new clin­ ished in rhe Garden of Eden (apparently sans a particular snake) ical trial, the results are impressive when considering the length of and is very likely rhe "apple" of rhe Adam and Eve srory in Gene­ the study. Focusing on patients with CAS, the study supports sis . Greek and Persian mythology mention rhe fruit as represent­ previous findings that PJ possesses ami-atherosclerotic properties ing li fe, regeneration, and marriage.5 T he ancient Chinese and also decreases sysrolic blood press ure. Hopefully, this study believed the seeds symbolized longeviry and immortaliry. In will result in larger trials focusing on the long-term cardiovascu­ Judaism, pomegranate seeds are said ro number 613-one for lar benefits of PJ and will do a more thorough comparison statis­ each of the Torah's 613 commandments. The fruit is also a tically with a placebo group. The availabiliry of encapsulated symbol of resurrection and life in Christianiry, and it is one of the extracts of pomegranate also offers health care professionals alter­ three "blessed fruits" in Buddhism. natives ro the juice for diabeti c patients and those wishing ro use Most of the chemical analysis of pomegranate has focused on a more conce ntrated form of pomegranate for prevention of rhe juice, peel!pericarp, and seed oil. The juice/fruit contains high cardiovascular disease. Hopefully, companies wi ll develop stan­ amounts of hydrolyzable tannins, in particular ellagitannins dardized extrac ts that reflect the tannin and rota! l'olyphenol (gallic acid and ellagic acid), anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, content critical ro rhe cardiovascular benefits of PJ. A pelargonidin), as well as the phenolic acids: ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. G.? The pericarp is also high in References: hydrolyzable rannins. 8 (Note: The pericarp is the ski n surround­ I. Aviram M . Does serum paraoxonase play a ro le in susceptibili ty to ing the seed, really the "aril. " T he seed is only rhe hard, white cardiovascular disease? Mol Med Today. 1999;5:381-386. 2. Maclrness MJ, Harty 0, Bhantnagar 0 , et al. Serum paroxonase internal seed; the red juicy edible sacs, including the seed, are activity in familial hypercholesterolemia and insulin dependent called arils.) Pressing the whole fruit results in juice that is much diabetes mellitus. Atherosclerosis. 1991 ;86: 193-199. higher in the pericarp polyphenols. Luteolin, quercetin, 3. Aviram M , Rosenblar M, Billecke S, er al . Human serum paraox­ kaempferol, and narigenin are also found in the peels. The seed onase (PON I) is inacrivared by oxidized low density lipoprotein oil co nsists of about 63.5% punicic acid-a rare trans 18-carbon and preserved by antioxidants. Free Radical Bioi. fatry acid (s tructurally related ro conjugated linolenic acid). 4 1999;26:892-904. According ro one source, the seed also contains the hi ghest 4. Schubert SY, Lansky EP, Neeman I. Antiox idant and eicosanoid concentration of estrone in the plant kingdom-approximately enzyme inhibition properties of pomegranate seed oil and fermented juice flavonoids. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;66: 11 - 17. 17 mg/kg of dried seed.9 Interest has been growing in the past few 5. Langley P. Why a pomegranate? BMJ. 2000;32 1: 11 53-1 154. years about the potential of pomegranate oil as a potent phyroe­ 6. Artik N, Ceremroglu B, Murakami H , Mori T. Determination of strogen and its potential cancer preventive properties, especiall y phenolic compounds in pomegranate juice by HPLC. Fruit with regard ro breast cancer. 10 Process. 1998;8:492-499. For the past several years, Israeli researchers, lead by Dr. 7. Gil MI, Tomas-Barberan FA, Hess-Pierce B, Holcroft OM, Kader Michael Aviram (Lipid Research Laborarory, Rappaport Family AA. Antioxidant activi ty of pomegranate juice and its relationship Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Rambam Medical with phenolic composition and processing. J Agri Food Chern. Center, Haifa, Israel) have been focusi ng on the antioxidant prop­ 2000;48:4581 -4589. 8. Ben asar N, Ayed M. Quantitative determination of polypheno­ erties of PJ as well as the potential cardiovascular benefits. In one lic content of pomegranate peel. Z Lebensm Unters Frosch. study, pomegranate juice was found to reduce atherosclerotic 1996;203:374-378. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 29 Clinical Update by Donald J. Brown, N.D. 9. Heftmann E, Ko ST, Bennett RD. Identification of estrone in scales) , or decrease in sweating. Grade 2 skin toxicity is tender pomegranate seeds. Phytochem. 1966;5:1337-1340. with bright erythema; patchy, moist desquamation or moderate 10. Kim ND, Metha R, Yu W, et al. Chemopreventive and adjuvant erythema. Grade 3 skin toxicity is defined as having confluent, therapeutic potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) for moist desquamation, other than skin folds, and pitting edema. human breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treatment. 2002;7 1:203-217. Grade 4 skin toxicity exhibits ulceration, hemorrhage, and necro­ II. Kaplan M, Hayek T, Raz A, et al. Pomegranate juice supplementa­ sis. Secondary measures included weekly assessments of pain tion to atherosclerotic mice reduces macrophage lipid peroxida­ using a visual analog scale (VAS), interruptions to treatment due tion, cellular cholesterol accumulation and development of athero­ to skin reactions from the ointments, patient satisfaction, and the sclerosis. j Nutr 2001 ;131:2082-2089. quality of the study medication. 12. Aviram M, Dronfeld L, Rosenblat M, et al. Pomegranate juice Grade 2 or 3 skin toxicity was experienced in 41 o/o of the consumption reduces oxidative stress, atherogenic modifications to women in the calendula treatment group compared to 63% of LDL, and platelet aggregation : studies in humans and in athero­ women in the trolamine group (p < 0.001). Women in the calen­ sclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;7 1: 1062-1076. dula group also experienced significantly less grade 3 toxicity (7% 13. Aviram M, Dronfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits using calendula vs. 20% using trolamine; p = 0.034). Less grade serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic 2 or 3 skin toxicity was observed in women using calendula blood pressure. Atherosclerosis 2001 ;158:195- 198. compared to women using trolamine in the submammary fold (34% vs. 50%, respectively; p = 0.02) , armpit and tangential area (28% vs. 48%, respectively; p = 0.004), and the supraclavicular Calendula Ointment Reduces nodes (28% vs. 63%, respectively; p < 0.001). None of the women in either group experienceq grade 4 toxicity. The VAS for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in pain was significantly less in the calendula group compared to the trolamine group (1.54 vs. 2.10, respectively; p = 0.03). Breast Cancer Patients Volunteers using the calendula ointment did not experience D eviewed: Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, eta!. Phase III any allergic reactions, while 4 patients using trolamine experi­ ~a ndomi ze d trial of Calendula officina/is compared with enced itching and hives. Twelve treatment interruptions (9%), for trolamine for prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation a mean duration of 10 days each, occurred in the trolamine group for breast cancer. j Clin Oncol. 2004;22:1447-1453. due to skin toxicity. No interruptions for skin toxicity occurred in Summary: In a randomized, single-blind clinical trial, 254 the calendula group. Thirty percent of volunteers rated applica­ women (ages 18-75 yea rs ; mean 55 .8 years) with breast cancer tion of the calendula ointment as "difficult" compared to 5% of receiving posroperative radiation therapy were randomized ro volunteers using trolamine. (There was no explanation in the receive either ropical calendula (Calendula officina/is L., Aster­ paper regarding the meaning of the term "difficult" so it is not aceae); ointment in 100 gram tubes or trolamine (Beirsdrof, Inc., poss ible to determine the significance of this finding. ) Two Wilton, CT). (The calendula extract ointment is sold as patients discontinued using the calendula ointment due to this Pommade au Calendula par Digestion, made by Boiron Ltd, difficulty. Eighty-four percent of physicians rated adherence to Levallois-Perret, France.*) Women applied the study medication application of the medications as "good" for calendula compared at least twice a day, but could apply more if their dermatitis and to 92% for adherence to trolamine (p = 0.047). Women in the pain warranted additional applications. Participants applied topi­ calendula group used 1.62 times less ointment during the study cal treatment at the onset of radiation therapy and until its period compared to women using trolamine (2.7 tubes vs. 4.4 completion. For inclusion in the trial, women were required ro rubes, respectively). have nonmetastatic adenocarcinoma treated with either lumpec­ Comments/Opinions: This large clinical trial suggests that tomy or mastectomy with and without adjuvant postoperative calendula ointment is a safe and cost effective treatment for chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, and referred to the Depart­ preve ntion of mild ro severe radiation-induced dermatitis in ment of Radiotherapy (Centre Leon Berard, Lyon, France) for women being treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. postoperative radiation therapy. The clinical trial lasted 8 months. Although the trial lacks a placebo group (based on ethical The primary outcome measure was the efficacy of calendula concerns), the comparison to the control substance, trolamine, and trolamine for the prevention of grade 2 or higher dermatitis points ro calendula as an interesting alternative for women nor caused by radiotherapy for breast cancer. Skin toxicity grading has wishing to use steroid-based creams or other more aggress ive previously been defined by the Radiation Therapy Oncology treatment such as sucralfate or hyaluronic acid. Group (RTOG). Grade 0 corresponds to no physical signs of skin The reference drug, trolamine (a soap substitute used for burn toxicity. Grade I skin toxicity displays follicular, faint, or dull patients), is widely recommended in France for radiation-induced erythema (redness of the skin caused by dilation and congestion dermatitis due to a small risk of side effects. The researchers note of the capillaries); epilation (the act or result of removing hair), that it has been used for several yea rs in their clinic. This trial dry desquamation (the shedding or peeling of the epidermis in suggests that not only is calendula superior for preventing acute dermatitis but it is also less likely ro lead to side effects such as The calendula product used in the study is obtained by incubation itching or hives. However, it is important to note that some stud­ of ca lendula flowers (marigold) at 75°C in petroleum jelly to ies have found that trolamine was no more effective in preventing extract the liposoluble components.

30 I HerbalGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org radiation-induced dermatitis than supportive care or no treat­ 3. Williams MS, Burk M, Loprinzi CL, et al. Phase III double-blind ment at all, although one study did suggest that trolamine might evaluation of an aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation­ have curative properties. 1.2 Other nonsteroidal topical agents induced skin toxicity. lnt J Radiat Oncol Bioi Phys. (e.g., aloe vera, soy oil) have also failed to prevent dermatitis in 1996;36:345-349. 4. Fenig E, Brenner B, Katz, A, et al. Topical Biafine and Lipiderm smaller clinical trials.3.4 In a randomized, open-label, parallel for the prevention of radiation dermatitis: A randomized prospec­ group study with 156 patients with second and third degree tive trial. Oncol Rep. 200 1;8:305-309. burns, the effectiveness of topical calendula ointment was 5. Lievre M, Marichy J, Baux S, et al. Controlled study of three oint­ compared with Elase (a "proteolytic" ointment; Pfizer, New York, ments for the local management of 2"d and 3'd degree burns. Clin NY) and petroleum jelly.5 The calendula ointment was found to Trials Metaanalysis. 1992;28:9- 12. be better tolerated but only marginally better than petroleum jelly 6. Bostrom A, Lindman H , Swartling C, et al. Potent corticosteroid alone for healing. Randomized trials with more aggressive treat­ cream (mometasone furoate) significantly reduces acute radiation dermatitis: Results from a double-blind, randomized study. Radio­ ments such as corticosteroid creams and sucralfate have accrued ther Oncol. 2001;59:257-265. few patients and the radiation sites were more numerous and not 7. Maiche A, lsokagnas OP, Grohn P. Skin protection by sucralfate 6 7 as uniform as those in the reviewed study with calendula. • The cream during electron beam therapy. Acta Oncol. results using calendula certainly point to a follow-up trial using 1994;33:20 1-203. corticosteroid cream or ointment as a comparison to calendula 8. Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson ]D. Herbal Medicines: A Guide ointment. for Healthcare Proftssionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; In addition ro its potential use for radiation-induced dermati­ 2002:103-106. tis, healthcare practitioners should also be aware that topical 9. Casley-Smith JR. The effect of "Unguentum lymphaticum" on calendula has been reported to reduce pain associated with post­ acute experimental lymphedema and other high protein edemas. Lymphology. 1983; 16:150- 156. mastectomy lymphedema.8 However, one study was unable to 10. Ellingwood F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Phar­ support this claim.9 macognosy. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1983. Traditionally, calendula (pot marigold) has been used both II. Blumenthal M , Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, H all T, externally for treating superficial wounds and burns, and inter­ Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS , translators. nally for stomach ulcers and liver complaints. 10 The German The Complete German Commission E Monographs-Therapeutic Commission E approves the topical use of flower preparations for Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin (TX): American Botanical the treatment of poorly healing wounds. 11 While the wound-heal­ Counci l; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication; ing and anti-inflammatory actions have been demonstrated, the 1998:100-10 I. 12. Schulz V, Hansel R, Blumenthal, M, Tyler VE. Rational Phytother­ active principles that promote wound healing have yet to be apy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. 5'h ed. Berlin: 12 clearly identified. The renowned German phytotherapy expert, Springer-Verlag; 2004:310. Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD, warned that the potent stimulation of 13. Weiss RF, Fintelmann V. Herbal Medicine. Stuttgart, Germany: granulation tissue by calendula may result in a later risk of keloid Thieme; 2000:312. formation when using it for more severe wounds. 13 Warnings for 14. Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson ]D. Herbal Medicines: A Guide the topical use of the herb also extend to allergic reactions, partic­ for Healthcare Proftssionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; ularly in those individuals with known hypersensitivity to plants 2002: I 03-106. of the family Asteraceae.14 Dr. Brown would like to acknowledge john Neustadt, ND4, for his The research was completed at the Department of Radiation assistance in preparing the clinical summaries in this column. Oncology at the Centre Leon Berard in Lyon, France, and funded by a research grant from Boiron, Ltd., France. Practice Implications: This trial suggests that calendula oint­ ment is an effective option in the prevention of acute dermatitis in women receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. While ropical treatments such as corticosteroid cream are often used for the treatment of acute radiation-induced dermatitis, there are no standard treatments for prevention of the condition-one that affects approximately 80% of women receiving radiation therapy. Hopefully, manufacturers of calendula ointments will take a close look at the issue of application difficulties and work on topical forms that are easier to apply. _.

References 1. Fenig E, Brenner B, Katz A, et al. Topical Biafine and Lipiderm for the prevention of radiation dermatitis: A randomized prospec­ tive trial. Oncol Rep. 2001;8:305-309. 2. Fisher J, Scott C, Stevens R, et al. Randomized phase III study comparing best supportive care to Biafine as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity for women undergoing breast irradiation: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 97-13. lnt j Radiat Oncol Bioi Phys. 2000;48: 1307-1310. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 31 research reviews

Low Doses of Valerian Do Not Reduce Chronic Insomnia Symptoms in Short Clinical Trial

eviewed: Coxeter PO, Schluter PJ, Eastwood HL, Nikles CJ, tablets for 1 week. Each valerian tablet contained 225 mg of root RGlasziou PP. Valerian does not appear to reduce symptoms for and rhizome extract standardized to contain 2.94 mg total valerenic patients with chronic insomnia in general practice using a series of acids, 0.46 mg valerenal, and 1.23 mg valtrates (MediHerb, randomized n-of-1 trials. Complement Ther Med. 2003; 11:215-222. Warwick, Australia). Individuals completed 3 of these treatment Estimates suggest that one-third of adults in the industrialized cycles for a total of 6 weeks. The subjects filled out a sleep ques­ world experience sleep problems, and insomnia is the most tionnaire before starting the study and completed daily sleep diaries common sleep-related problem. Prescription drugs, primarily during the study. The sleep diaries measured 6 sleep outcomes: benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, aka Valium® from Roche Phar­ latency to sleep onset, number of night awakenings, total sleep maceuticals), are frequently used to treat insomnia. Their adverse time, quality of sleep, level of perceived refreshment after sleep, and side effects lead many people with sleep problems to seek our other energy level in the previous day. The researchers were advised by treatments. Valerian ( Valeriana officina/is L., Valerianaceae) root Mediherb that valerian works best when taken for 3 to 4 weeks and rhizome have a long history of use as a traditional sleep aid. A consecutively, rather than 1 week. However, despite the suggestions recent review on 29 clinical trials conducted with various valerian by the manufacturer of the product used in this trial, the researchers preparations on over 5,200 subjects concluded that valerian has a chose to use a 1 week time period because in their view it better positive effect on anxiety, sleep disorders, and mood. 1 Thus, under suited the n= 1 design. A 3-to-5 day wash-our period (no valerian or the right conditions there is evidence that some valerian prepara­ placebo given) was included to help ensure that there was no carry­ tions are safe and effective alternatives to prescription drugs. The over of the effect of the valerian in patients who were going into the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of valerian placebo phase of the srudy. in people seeking treatment for insomnia. Nearly all of the participants (96%) reported a "fair" response in their energy level during the previous day and a "modest" or "poor" response in total sleep time, number of night awakenings, and morning refreshment while raking the valerian tablets. Half the participants reported a "fair" response to sleep quality and latency to sleep onset while taking the valerian tablets. The number and severity of side effects reported during the valerian and placebo treatment periods was not significantly different. The authors conclude that valerian was not shown to be appre­ ciably better than placebo in promoting sleep for any individual patient or for all the patients as a group. Possible explanations for the lack of effect could include the relatively low dosage of valerian extract given (450 mg per day) , the relatively short treatment period (1 week), and the limitations of the n-of-1 study design. In fact, the relatively low dose and short duration of use, given results of previ­ ous controlled clinical studies, almost predict a negative outcome of results in this present study, particularly since the patient group represented subjects who had not responded positively to previous conventional treatments. According to Kerry Bone, herbalist, noted author, and the founder of MediHerb, the dosage of 450 mg of the extract per day was on the low side, although some trials have been successful with 500-600 mg of valerian extract per day. However, Valerian Valeriano officina/is. Photo © 2005 stevenfoster.com Bone writes that, "had we known that they would be using the most difficult cases possible in the trial, we would certainly have recom­ Randomized controlled trials are viewed as the gold standard for mended a higher dose of that order" (K. Bone, written communi­ evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a treatment. Single patient cation toM. Blumenthal, November 23, 2004). Larger randomized trials, also known as "n-of-1" trials, are sometimes used to evaluate controlled trials that address and correct these limitations are safety and effectiveness in the absence of controlled clinical trials. required to fully explore the effects of valerian on insomnia in diffi­ Single patient trials involve a randomized, double-blind, placebo­ cult-to-treat patients. __.. controlled, crossover design in a general practice setting. -HeatherS. Oliff, PhD Forty-two Australian adults (mean age, 54 years) were enrolled in the study, and 24 (57%) completed enough of the study to be Reference included in the data analysis. Subjects were not selected randomly 1. Blumenthal M, Hall T, Goldberg A, Kunz T, Dinda K, Brinckmann from the general population, bur were habitually poor sleepers who J, et al, editors. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 2003. often were not satisfactorily treated by conventional drugs-a population group that presents more treatment challenges. Each individual took 2 placebo tablets or 2 valerian tablets daily, 30 minutes before bed, for 1 week, and then crossed over to the other

32 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org research reviews

Prickly Pear Fruit Pulp Improves Platelet Function in Small Human Trial

eviewed: Wolfram R, Budinsky A, Efthimiou Y, Stomatopoulos significantly reduced platelet aggregability in both groups. HDL, R], Oguogho A, Sinzinger H . Daily prickly pear consumption in contrast, revealed no differences. T he findings were similar for improves platelet function. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. men and women. 2003;69:61-66. This study showed that the ingestion of PP fruit pulp both by Recent research suggests that the Pima Indians of Arizona show healthy individuals and by patients with mild FH, results in a the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the world. The pads significant improvement in platelet function, a benefit which may (leaves) of the prickly pear cactus ( Opuntia ficus-indica Mill., partly explain the clinical successes previously reported for PP Cactaceae) and the purple fruits are historically used by this popu­ consumption. PP fruit seems to possess significant antiplatelet lation as traditional foods. The pads are a well-known natural treat­ activity, which may be of particular significance in patients with ment for diabetes. Prickly pear (PP) pad is well-known for its prothrombotic conditions such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, the antidiabetic and lipid lowering properties. Research indicates that conditions for which PP pad has traditionally been used. both the PP pad and fruits were widely consumed about 6,000 C uriously, throughout this paper the authors do not state years ago by Native American populations and have been used in whether the pads or fruit were used in the study since both plant the traditional medicine practices of Native Americans, particularly parts are available commercially and in local markets as foods. In a in Northern Mexico and Arizona areas. PP pad is known to lower personal communication by the author of this review with Dr. LDL-cholesterol, most likely as a consequence of its pectin content. Sinzinger (e-mail, July 5, 2004), he states that the pulp of the Disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism are also linked to cactus' fruit was used. However, references relative to consumption impaired platelet function, which is thought to contribute to the of both the fruits and vegetative plant parts (pads) are cited in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, no research article, creating confusion as to the relevance of the outcomes of has been available on this small trial. Nevertheless, as this study suggests, with the grow­ the influence of PP ing public health concern related to obesity and non-insulin­ edible parts on platelet dependent diabetes (NIDDM or type-2 diabetes), the use of tradi­ function. tional foods like prickly pear pads and fruits can offer a safe, nutri­ Despite the folkloric tional, and low-cost way of helping to control various glucose and use of the pads for blood parameters associated with this mounting problem.---' diabetes, there has been -Denise Webb, PhD a lack of published papers on the fruits of PP tn controlled human clinical trials. The current study You are corJially inviteJ to examined the effect of daily consumption of FOLLOW YOUR HEART 250 g of PP fruit pulp in 8 healthy volunteers WHE N: and 8 patients with mild familial heterozy­ Now. gous hypercholes­ WHERE: terolemia (FH) (n = 4 Ba.~tyr Univer.~ity Prickly pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica male and 4 female in 7 Seattle. Photo © 2005 stevenfoster.com each group) on various WHY :

parameters of platelet 7 function. All subjects received dietary counseling but no one Don t .tettle. Be true. received conventional medication. Live green_, work green. Food records were collected and intake was controlled so that Malee your pa.tttion your life'.! work. macronutrient, energy, and dietary fiber intake did not change With a iJegree in Herhal Science.~. throughout the course of the study. All subjects were nonsmokers and none had any established risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. All were given extensive dietary counseling. Before &\SIYR starting PP fruit pulp consumption, a basic investigation consisting UNIVERSITY of lipids and lipoproteins (LDL, HDL) as well as platelet function parameters was performed in the morning after a 12-hour fast. Four weeks of dietary intervention exhibited no significant effects on lipids and lipoproteins or ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in either the healthy volunteers or the patients education in the world, please visit with FH. However, the regular consumption of PP fruit pulp Herbs.Bastyr.edu. Call 425-602-3330. Or email [email protected]. resulted in significant decreases in total- and LDL-cholesterol and www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 33 research reviews

Em~ ChromaDex Japanese White Sweet Potato Controls Type 2 setting THE standard Diabetes in Small Trial

NEW ChromaDex eviewed: Ludvik B, Neuffer B, Pacini group. Blood pressure did not change. At 2005/2006 Catalog RG. Efficacy of Ipomoea batatas (Caiapo) the end of treatment, cholesterol levels in on diabetes control in type 2 diabetic the caiapo group where significantly lower subjects treated with diet. Diabetes Care. than those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Available January 2005 2004;27(2):436-440. There was no significant effect on triglyc­ • Hundreds of NEW standards Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resist­ eride levels. Caiapo was well tolerated . • Many new KITs ance and impaired insulin secretion from Adverse events were minimal but were the pancreas. Insulin resistance occurs when mainly gastrointestinal: 16 reported in the the normal amount of insulin secreted by ca1apo group and 14 reported in the With over 3500 standards available, the pancreas is not sufficient to allow the placebo group. we are the most comprehensive body to utilize blood glucose. Treatments This study confirmed the beneficial supplier of phytochemical reference for type 2 diabetes include modifications of effects of caiapo on glucose and serum standards. diet, increased exercise, medications, and cholesterol levels in type 2 diabetic patients. our product line includes: supplemented insulin. A Japanese white The study also showed for the first time an • Primary Standards sweet potato, called caiapo (Ipomoea batatas improvement in long-term glucose control. • Secondary Standards [L.] Lam., Convolvulaceae), cultivated in However, the exact contribution of weight • Reagent Grade Standards the mountains of Kagawa Prefecture in loss on the effects observed was not quanti­ • AHP-Verified~ Standards Japan, has been eaten as a traditional food fied. The authors hypothesize that since • Snap-n-Shoot'" Sta dards- NEW and used as a traditional remedy for treating glucose levels continued to decline when anemia, hypertension, and diabetes. This the weight loss had stabilized, caiapo had an ials - XRMs'" white potato is consumed and sold as a effect on glucose beyond that caused by dietary supplement in Japan for the preven­ weight loss. Caiapo may have increased the tion and care of type 2 diabetes. body's sensitivity to insulin. Although the A previous preliminary study with 18 caiapo-induced improvement in insulin men who had type 2 diabetes found that sensitivity would not explain the decrease in Contact ChromaDex to get your caiapo (4g/day for 6 weeks) lowered the cholesterol levels, the weight loss might bear 2005/2006 copy now. total and LDL cholesterol levels and some responsibility. Alternatively, an inde­ tel. 949.419.0288 lowered blood gl ucose by increasing insulin pendent effect of an unidentified fax. 949.419.0294 sensitivity without affecting insulin secre­ compound could be responsible for the email. [email protected] tion.1The objective of the present study was cholesterol-lowering effect. to verify the findings of the preliminary The authors conclude that caiapo aids in study by increasing the number of partici­ the management of type 2 diabetes. pants and the study's duration. Considering that this study confirms the Sixty-one patients with type 2 diabetes findings of the previous study, has a larger treated by diet only participated in this set of subjects, and was well conducted, the randomized, placebo-controlled, double­ authors' concl usions warrant attention. But blind trial. Patients consumed 4g/day of to evaluate the true value of caiapo in the caiapo or placebo once a day for 12 weeks. management of type 2 diabetes, future Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, investigations will need to disentangle and HbA1c (a measure of long-term glucose whether its antidiabetic effects are primary control) were monitored. or secondary to weight loss.--"" HbA1c significantly decreased after 2 and -HeatherS. Oliff, PhD 3 months of treatment with caiapo compared to placebo (P < 0.001). Both Reference: groups had significant weight loss. The I . Ludvik BH, Mahdjoobian K, Waldhaeusl group receiving caiapo lost almost 5kg after W, et al. T he effect of Ipomoea batatas (Caiapo) on glucose metabolism and 3 months. Consequently, statistical analysis serum cholesterol in patients with rype 2 could not rule out the possibility that diabetes: a randomized study (Letter). weight loss contributed to the improvement Diabetes Care. 2002;25:239-240. in HbA1c Fasting blood glucose decreased in both groups, but to a greater degree in the caiapo group (P = 0.03). After 3 months of treatment, 48.3% of the patients consuming caiapo had mean fasting blood glucose levels below the upper normal limit compared to 7.7% of those in the placebo

34 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org research reviews

Special Red Clover Extract Lowers LDL Em~ ChromaDex Cholesterol in Men, Not Women in Clinical Trial setting THE standard

eviewed: Neste! P, Cehun M, extract compared to placebo (P < 0.05). has updated its Chronopoulos A, DaSilva L, Teede H, Men in the F group had slightly lower LDL­ ChromaDex R website to include more search­ McGrath B. A biochanin-enriched C levels when taking the F extract compared related features: isoflavone from red clover lowers LDL to placebo, but the difference was not statis­ cholesterol in men. Eur J Clin Nutr. tically significant. There were no significant • Comprehensive phytochemical and 2004;58:403-408. changes in LDL-C levels for women taking plant search engine Isoflavones are believed to be partially the B or F extracts. There were no changes • Matching of plants to phytochemicals responsible for the cholesterol-lowering in blood levels of high-density lipoprotein effects of soy protein, derived from soy cholesterol (HDL-C) or triacylglycerols and phytochemicals to plants (Glycine max [L.] Merr., Fabaceae). among men or women in the study. Urinary • Complete access to and searching of Consumption of soy protein has been analysis showed that most of the biochanin our ChromaDex product catalog online shown to reduce blood levels of low-density was converted to genistein, most of the • Tracking your ChromaDex orders lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). LDL-C formononetin was converted to daidzein, on-line contributes to the buildup of plaque in the and there was large variability among indi­ arteries, and reducing blood levels of LDL­ viduals in terms of excretion of isoflavones. C decreases the risk of heart disease. These urinary results are consistent with Please visit our website at However, clinical trials using purified those of previous trials. www .chromadex.com and isoflavones have shown inconsistent results. register to get access to our online The purpose of this study was to evaluate phytochemical search engine the impact of two isoflavone-rich extracts of red clover (Trifolium pratense L., Fabaceae) We Know Natural Products leaf and stem. ChromaDex offers a complete range This study was a randomized, double­ of contract services to the natural blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial products industry: among 80 men and women living in Australia. The average age of the partici­ • Contract Analysis pants was 58 years and all the women were • Contract Research postmenopausal. The participants were • Contract Isolation randomly assigned to one of two isoflavone • Method Development groups. One group took 40 mg per day of a • Method Validation red clover extract of which the isoflavone • Process Development fraction contained mainly biochanin (B) • Raw Material Selection (biochanin to formononetin ratio = 3.5:1 • Regulatory & Legal Consultancy with 4% genistein and <1 o/o daidzein). The second group took 40 mg per day of a red clover extract, the primary isoflavone being Red clover Trifolium pro tense. mainly formononetin (F) (formononetin to Photo © 2005 stevenfoster.com biochanin ratio = 4.9:1 with < 1o/o genistein and daidzein). Both extracts were provided by Novogen Ltd, North Ryde, NSW, In this study, only the biochanin-rich red Australia. In this crossover design, half of clover extract lowered LDL-C and that the participants in each group took the red effect was observed only in men. These clover isoflavone extract for 6 weeks and results support the theory that individual then switched to the placebo for 6 weeks, isoflavon es affect LDL-C differently. The and the other half took the placebo for 6 mechanism of LDL-C lowering by weeks and then switched to the isoflavone biochanin may involve stimulation ofLDL­ for 6 weeks. There was a one-week washout C receptors and increased clearance of period (no isoflavones or placebo given to LDL-C from the blood in a manner similar help ensure that there was no carryover to estrogen. This study is the first to report effect from the isoflavone period to the that red clover extract could lower LDL-C placebo period). Blood lipids (cholesterol and that there appears to be a gender differ­ and triacylglycerols), urinary excretion of ence in lipid responses to isoflavone supple­ isoflavones, and dietary intake were evalu­ mentation. These findings require confir­ ated at the end of each 6-week period. mation and duplication in additional clini­ Men in the B group had significantly cal trials. _..- lower LDL-C levels when taking the B -HeatherS. Oliff, PhD www.herba lgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 35 research reviews

Combination of Feverfew, Magnesium, and Riboflavin for Migraine Prevention

eviewed: Maizels M, Blumenfeld A, Burchette R. A combina­ Rtion of riboflavin, magnesium and feverfew for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized trial. Headache. 2004;44(9):885-890. An advertisement in a Canadian trade publication proclaims: "Doctors discover new hope for MIGRAINE sufferers!" The prod­ uct being promoted, MigraHealth T M (Health Assure, Sunrise, Florida), is a combination of"magnesium, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and a proprietary feverfew extract, formulated by leading headache experts and neurologists." In the ad it is touted as "Triple Therapy" and the ad suggests that deficiencies in magnesium and riboflavin can trigger migraine attacks.1 Both magnesium and riboflavin, with excellent safety profiles, have shown promise as migraine prophylactics in controlled trials (see below). Further, an uncontrolled trial found that an intra­ venous infusion of magnesium sulfate caused prompt and sustained relief in roughly 50% of patients experiencing acute migraine: a significant correlation was noted between response and serum ionized magnesium levels .2 While the mechanism of action of magnesium in migraine is not clearly understood, the metal ion is known to have strong vasodilating effects which may interrupt a vasoconstrictive phase of the migraine process; magnesium also inhibits platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. 3 Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium. Photo © 2005 stevenfoster.com This study reported the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) of a combination formulation, the outcome measure, a 50% or greater reduction in migraines was daily dose of which provided 400 mg riboflavin, 300 mg magne­ achieved by 10 (42%) and 11 (44%) subjects, respectively. There sium, and 100 mg of a proprietary feverfew extract; the "placebo" was also no significant difference between the 2 groups respecting contained 25 mg riboflavin. This product has the same combina­ the secondary outcome measures of 50% or greater reduction in tion of ingredients as the advertised MigraHealth™ and gives no migraine days or change in mean number of migraines, migraine indication as to the manner of preparation of the feverfew extract. index, or triptan doses, being 33% and 40%, respectively. There is (It is interesting to note that of the three trials of extracts of fever­ a clear indication from these observations that 400 mg riboflavin 4 5 few leaf, two employed supercritical C02 extracts · and were daily is no better than 25 mg, and that magnesium and this fever­ successful, whereas an extract produced from protracted extrac­ few extract made no perceptible contribution to the anti-migraine tion [19 days] with 90% ethanol was unsuccessful in migraine effect of the tested formulation. The single positive RCT so far prophylaxis. 6) conducted with riboflavin involved a daily dose of 400 mgJ This The results of this recent RCT are intriguing since the "placebo" further suggests that the feverfew extract may not have been prop­ response exceeded that reported for any other placebo in trials of erly prepared, since there was no enhancement of prophylactic migraine prophylaxis, suggesting that 25 mg riboflavin was an effect by addition of the extract. active comparator. Of the 49 patients who completed the 3-month Regarding magnesium, oral supplementation has been found trial, there was no significant difference noted between verum (the effective in 2 of 3 RCTs. In a trial of 24 women with menstrual feverfew combination) and "placebo" groups. For the primary migraine,8 subjects received magnesium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid 3 times daily (equivalent to 360 mg magnesium ion daily) or placebo from the 15th day of their cycle until menses. The women taking the magnesium supplement experienced significantly less pain and reduced number of days with headache than the placebo group. In the second positive study, 81 patients, aged 18 to 65 years, received either magnesium (600 mg trimagnesium dicitrate daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. 9 The frequency of migraine attacks was reduced by 42% and 16%, respectively, while the number of days with migraine was significantly reduced only in the treated group. The third trial of 69 subjects showed no benefit from a daily dose of 500 mg magnesium over placebo for 12 weeks. 10 Based on the trials summarized above, it seems possible that the amount of magnesium in the feverfew combination product (360 mg/day) was not sufficiently large to exert a prophylactic effect. The reason for the failure of the third magnesium trial 10 (500 mg/day) is not apparent.

36 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org research reviews

A fundamental problem in the trial of combination products is blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. In press. that trials of such products are often conducted without the activ­ 6. de Weerdt CJ, Bootsma HPR, Hendriks H. Randomized double­ ity of all constituents having been established individually. It blind placebo-controlled trial of a feverfew preparation. Phytomedi­ appears that the specific feverfew extract employed in this recent cine. 1996;3(3):225-230. 7. Schoenen J, Jacquy J, Lenaerts M. Effectiveness of high-dose trial had not been clinically tested to determine its efficacy. So far riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. Neurology. 1998;50:466-470. there have been three positive trials recorded that use encapsulated 8. Facchinetti F, Sances G, Norella P, Gennazzani AR, Nappi G. dried feverfew leaf of a parthenolide-dominant sesquiterpene Magnesium prophylaxis of menstrual migraine. Effects on intracellu­ lactone chemorype; however, it is quite evident that parthenolide is lar magnesium. Headache. 1991 ;3 1:298-301. not a direct appreciable anti-migraine principle, 11 though conspic­ 9. Peikerr A, Wilimzig C, Kohne-Volland R. Prophylaxis of migraine uously still re!lrded in some quarters as the main feverfew active in with oral magnesium. Results from a prospective, multi-center, that respect. A placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia. - Dennis V.C. Awang, PhD, FCIC 1996; 16:257-263. 10. Pfaffenrath V, Wesseley P, Meyer C, Isler HR, Evers S, Grotemeyer MediPiant Consulting Inc., White Rock, Canada KH, et al. Magnesium in the prophylaxis of migraine - a double­ blind, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 1996;6:436-440. References 11. Awang DVC. Prescribing therapeutic feverfew [( Tanacetum parthe­ 1. Advertisement Supplement, The Vancouver Sun, November 6, 2004. nium (L.) Schultz Bip., syn. Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) 2. Mauskop A, Altura BT, Cracco RQ, Anura BM. Intravenous Bernh.)]. fntegrativeMedicine. 1998;1(1):11-13. magnesium soleplate relieves migraine attacks in patients with low serum ionized magnesium levels: a pilot study. Clin Sci (Lond). 1995; 89(6):663-666. 3. Fugh-Berman A. Dietary supplements for migraine: magnesium and HerbClip™ riboflavin. Alternative Therapies in WOmens Health. 1999;1(3):17-19. The preceding Research Reviews are drawn from more than 2,500 4. Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, Friede M, Henneicke-von HerbClip critical reviews available online to members of ABC at the Zepelin HH. The efficacy and safety of Tanacetum parthenium Academic level and above. The full HerbClip Educational Mailing (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis- a double-blind, multicentre, Service is distributed bimonthly and includes 12 critical reviews along randomized placebo-controlled dose-response study. Cephalalgia. with many of the original articles drawn from a variety of professional 2002;22:523-532. and mainstream sources. To receive the full service, contact Wayne 5. Diener HC, Pfaffenrath J, Schnitker J, Friede M, Henneicke-von Silverman, PhD, at 512/926-4900 ext. 120, or via email at Zepelin H-H. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg tid feverfew-COr . extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention -A randomized, double-

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eatured in HerbaiGram for over a decade, the photographs of Steven Foster are available for licensing for editorial or commercial projects. Specializing in medicinal and aromatic plants, our stock photo files include more than 70, 000 images, including most major herbs sold as dietary supplements.

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www.herbalgram .org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 37 Traditional Australian Ahor(!linal Bush Medicines h.!J Marcello Pennacchio, PhD Institute for Plant Conservation Chica!Jo Botanic Garden

ost travelers to Australia who have visited any beautiful, modern city with its lovely landscaped gardens would get the impression The vast M that Australia has fertile soils and an abundance of water. One need only travel north to Queensland or to the southwest corner of Western mf!jorify of Australia to be somewhat convinced of this. Yet, the reality is that most of Australia is either arid or semi-arid with nutrient deficient soils and low rain­ Abor(!Jinal herbal fall (see Figure 1). It is a harsh environment, the kind some people would treatments were consider totally uninhabitable. In fact, the first European explorers were so appalled with what they saw that they could scarcely believe anybody could for external use. exist in such a land. Colonel Peter Egerton-Warburton, for example, after exploring the northwestern area of Central Australia claimed that, "The land is terrible. I do not believe that man ever traversed so vast an extent of contin­ uous desert." Yet there are those who did so periodically and have been quite at home in this environment for at least 40,000 years. Traditional Bush Medicines Indigenous Australians have managed to survive very well in the deserts of Australia. These very competent and astute aboriginal botanists1 were so diligent at "living out bush" that not only were they able to find food and water out there, but also a variety of medicinal plants and animals as well. The extent of this incredible knowledge is only in recent years being recognized; sadly, it began to disappear with the arrival of European colo- nizers. In fact, the eroding influence of western medicine has had such an adverse impact on traditional healing practices that many fear much of the information on cures to a variety of illnesses and diseases has already been irretrievably lost. Fortunately, some traditional information has been salvaged. For some time now there has been a growing interest in preserving tradi­ tional knowledge, culture, and practices by non-Indigenous Australians, coinciding with a renaissance in these ways by the tradi­ tional owners of this land. Working in collaboration with Indige-

Figure 1. This breakaway country is typical of the semi~ and arid zones of Australia. The soils are deficient in nuuientJ- there is little annual rainfall. Photo @2005 Marcello ~. PhD.

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Figure 2. Eremophila longifolia was of sacred methanol extract yielded the cardioactive agen

.~ I ' -~ :i· "• ;• oous Australians, numerous ethno-scientists At least 3(f sp"ecies of Acacia.3 vert- u started documenting in earnest the indige us medicinal purposes by 'Natiye._AU$Q'alians;J '!:_ · s. use of plants and other organisms. Seve al figure almost triples if one were t,.o 'lnclude other 1 ethnobotanical texts have thus recently emerge uses, e.g., wgod for weapons ' oilier tools, and ,' cataloguing the plants that were beneficial to food. Acacia species, such 7i's. 'it ''ancistrf?carpa, Native Austtaliaos.2·8 Information on the uses of Maiden & Blakely; A. p_ruinocarpa T4Id# plants, as well as methods for preparing herbal (" idgee wattle"), and A. holbseric~a (G.DopJ . treatments, is also provided in these texts. C , were much.sougbt after for their .al)' · to In going over these seminal works, it becomes treat a 'ety of sores and illnesses. 0 ticular immediately apparent that the vast majority of note are of A carpa, which Aboriginal herbal treatments were for external reportedly were useful in treating skin sores and use.9 Treatments for cuts, scabies, and skin sores, headaches. 11 These were also ideal for reducing for example, were common and often treated swelling and general pain.6 Interestingly, inhaling with plant parts obtained from a variety of the smoke of burning A. ancistrocarpa plants was species. Internal complaints, in contrast, were useful in treating diarrhea in babies. 8 considered spiritual in nature and may have Smoke treatments of this type also had a vari­ required the services of powerful medicine men. ety of other uses. These include strengthening The literature also reveals that among the most babies and their mothers following parturition. popular plants were those that the Native The binh of children was considered of such Australians would have encountered on a regular imponance to the Aboriginal people that every basis. These are primarily those plants that thrive effort was made to improve their chances of in semi-arid and arid wnes. Two genera that survival. Species such as A. anmra F. Muell feature prominently in Aboriginal pharmacopeias ("mulga wattle''),3 A. dictyophkba F. Muell,I2 A. are Acacia Miller (Mimosaceae) and Eremophila kemp~ana F. Muell ("witchetty wattle"), A. /igu­ RBr (Myoporaceae). lata (Benth.) A. Cunn, A. lysiphloia F. Muell

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 39 (12) ( 11) R =3, 4-dihydroxy OGiu phenylethyl OH

.bited cardioactivity. . d have all ex h I www.herbalgram.org . 3 These iridoid glycos• es 2005 F1gure ·

40 \ Herba\Gram 65 ("turpentine wattle"), and A. The team detected similar pruinocarpd> were regularly burned activities for iridoids from three in the presence of newborn babies related species of Eremophila. As and their mothers. This was also shown in Figure 3, these include thought to induce lactation and to verminoside (number 2) from E stem the flow of post-partum ionantha Diels.; melampyroside bleeding in some cases. (number 1) and ferruloylajugol A variety of other plant species (number 3) from E pantonii F. were similarly ideal for smoke Muell; and catalpol (number 4) treatments. One example is from E maculata subsp brevifolia Eremophila longifolia F. Muell (Ker-Gawler) F. Muell20 (see (berrigan bush) (see Figure 2). This Figure 4). Each of these has exhib­ species was of sacred and mystical ited the type of cardioactivity significance to many Native previously seen with other inter­ Australians.13·14 It is widely distrib­ esting iridoids (see Numbers 6-12 uted over Australia but occurs in Figure 3).21 .22 mosdy in the semi-arid and arid Another potential source of wnes where most of the 218 recog­ cardioactive agents are the leaves nized species of occur. of the native honeysuckle, Eremophila Figure 4. The leaves of E This species was also commonly alternifolia R. Br (see Figure 5). Eremophila maculata produce the used as a skin and body wash,t5 This species was highly prized by cardioactive agent, catalpol, and counter-irritant, 16 and as an eye vanous tribes of Native a cyanogenic glucoside called washY Spencer and Gillen18 Australians.2·3 In fact, its impor­ reported that an infusion of the prunasin. Photo ©2005 Marcello tance to these people can be leaves was taken internally for Pennacchio, PhD. inferred from the fact that it was colds and headaches. However, one of few species that they actu­ Barr3 warns against taking prepara- ally harvested and carried with tions of this species for internal purposes. them in case of need. Native Australians recognized early the benefits of a nomadic lifestyle in a nutrient­ Biological AdiYI"f:J deficient and dry land. They were therefore continu­ Armed with ethnobotanical knowledge of this ally on the move, taking with them only those items type, a team made up of several colleagues and this that were considered extremely valuable. author screened extracts from the leaves of E longifolia for biologically active compounds. Following a number of pilot studies, the team tested the methanol extract for cardioactivity and soon discovered that it produces a biologically active substance called geniposidic acid19 (see Number 5 in Figure 3). This iridoid glycoside had previously been described by others, but had never been associated with any activity until this study. Geniposidic acid significandy decreased heart rate (negative chronotropism) in rat hearts.19 In addi­ tion, it decreased both coronary perfu­ sion rate (CPR) and the strength of the contractility of the hean muscle (nega­ tive inottopism). Its mechanism of Figure 5. Eremophila altnnifolia was considered the "Number action has yet to be determined, One" medicinal plant by certain Indigenous Australian tribes. however. Photo ©2005 Marcello Pennacchio, PhD.

www.herbalgram .org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 41 The leaves of E. alternifolia tion may be through an entirely were useful in treating a broad different mechanism involving spectrum of illnesses. Their hormone-like substances called uses reportedly range from prostaglandins.31 Those familiar treating colds and flu to reduc­ with these substances will know ing fever and headaches.23 In that "wonder drugs," such as addition to these, they aspirin (acetyl-salicyclic acid) , promoted sleep,24 pleasant mediate their effects through the dreams, and well-being. z.s.s A inhibition of prostaglandins.32 preliminary study revealed Verbascoside's ability to inhibit that this species was also a prostaglandins may therefore potential source of cardioac­ explain why the leaves of E. tive agents.25 By a process of alternifolia were useful in treat­ elimination, the team detected ing headaches. a potent cardioactive agent During this time, the team called verbascoside (syn. acteo­ also discovered another side and kusaginin).I9 phenylethanoid glycoside from Compounds of this type an unrelated species. The leaves appear to be common in the of the highly invasive plant, family Myoporaceae.26·27 Figure 6. Acacia pruinocarpa produces Lantana camara L. (Verbe­ Unlike geniposidic acid, compounds that are allelopathic (eliminate naceae), yielded di-methyl verbascoside significantly the growth of competing plants in the direct verbascoside. 33 This compound increased chronotropism area) and cytogenic in nature. Note that mediated the same effects on rat (positive chronotropic effect), there are no other plant species growing hearts as did verbascoside. This inotropism (positive below this one. Tannins are not thought to suggests that minor changes to inotropic effect), and coro­ play any role in the activities seen. Photo the chemical structure of verbas­ nary perfusion rate in ©2005 Marcello Pennacchio, PhD. coside do not appear to signifi­ Langendorff rat hearts. These cantly alter its cardioactive were the first reported activi- effects. Whether or not L. ties of this type, but not the first . involving the camara has potential as an herbal treatment is doubtful cardiopulmonary system. In 1980 verbascoside was because its leaves are usually considered toxic. shown to decrease blood pressureZZ.Z8 and potentiate the Equally as toxic is E. maculata. In addition to yield­ anti-tremor effects of L-dopa.28 Interestingly, it also ing the cardioactive compound, catalpol,20 it also appears to have potential as a pain killer and reduces produces a cyanogenic glycoside called prunasin.34 peristaltic muscle activity. 29 Prior to the discovery of Damage to the leaves results in the release of cyanide. verbascoside in E. alternifolia leaves, graduate students Interest in this species by "white Australians" dates working in the team's laboratory screened the methanol back more than 100 years, when it was fust realized extract of E. alternifolia leaves for both these types of that it was toxic to livestock.27 As far as the team can activities and detected decreases determine, the leaves of E. macu­ in activity in toad sciatic nerves lata had no internal uses. Native and blood pressure in sponta­ Australians used only a poultice of neously hypertensive rats {Wistar To be successfUl, the leaves to cure headaches.35 strain). Despite this one use, a number of Having identified the cardioac­ lnd(!Jenous Australians extracts recently tested positive for tive agent in the leaves of E. antibiosis in the team's laboratory. altemifolia, the team set about should be involved The team has finished screen­ the difficult task of identifying its ing a variety of Acacia species that prohable mechanism of action. in eve'!J aspect of were also prized by Indigenous W\th.out going into too much the plannin.g and Australians. A preliminary study detail, the team eventually deter­ revealed that A. pruinocarpa, A. mined that it acts through a simi­ implementation atisurgms Maiden & Blakely, and lar system to epinephrine (adren­ A. bivenosa DC were themselves aline).30 It does not, however, act of such pnjects. potential sources of cytogenic and reoept~llrs. Its activa- antibiotic compounds. 10 Acacia

42 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org pruinocarpa also exhibits strong remarkable people. This could allelopathic effects, i.e., it It is important that the lead to novel foods and natural produces compounds that inhibit products that may be of benefit the growth of nearby plants that principal invest(!Jators to the entire world. But there is a would compete with its roots for realize that their prima"!/ great deal more that can be scarce moisture in the soil 10 (see learned from these people. It is Figure 6). The active aims should be, first and now abundantly clear that they constituents in these species have have found ways to exist in some not yet been identified, but foremost, to conserve of the very harsh and often certain classes of compounds, treacherous Australian areas including tannins, have been tradibonalknowkq9~ where so many experienced excluded from consideration. as well as an!! time­ explorers perished without a This was determined with the use trace. Their ability to find food of high through-put bioassays, honored ind(!Jenous and water in these environments such as the brine shrimp lethality is a testimony to their brilliance test, the crown gall bioassay, and practices, Abor(!Jinal and without a doubt worthy of standard assays for antibiosis. learning. culture, andfinal(!!, the Also worth learning, if they are Conclusions and willing to part with this knowl­ Recommendations plants and other edge, are Aboriginal "stories of Studies of this type, despite organisms that the.!f use. the dream time." Indigenous being conducted by various Australians kept no written researchers throughout Australia, account of their erudition. They are few in number and often therefore passed on knowledge poorly funded. Most of the researchers working in this about their way of life and spirituality to succeeding field have realized that what is needed are larger, more generations in what to us appear as mythical and coordinated endeavors that document useful plants, legendary stories. Surprisingly, these stories may help their collection, screening, commercialization, and unlock the hidden secrets about plant and animal finally, restoration. This requires considerable funding ecology in Australia. They may also provide some and large groups of specialized researchers working insight into Australian geography and geology. After together with the same goals. Forrunately, large-scale all, Native Australians have inhabited Australia for studies of this type are currently in the advanced plan­ thousands of years, during which time they would ning stage, with some ready for funding. These studies have astutely observed the unique features of that involve universities, governments, industry, and most great land. appropriately, Indigenous Australians. In fact, to be successful, Indigenous Australians Acknowled!Jments should be involved in every aspect of the planning and The Indigenous people of Australia are thanked for implementation of such projects. They are, after all, the knowledge that they have already provided the the holders of the traditional knowledge. Also, it is author and his colleagues and for allowing them to be important that the principal investigators realize that on their land. The Western Australian Department of their primary aims should be, first and foremost, to Conservation and Land Management is thanked for conserve traditional knowledge, as well as any time­ allowing the author and his team to collect native honored indigenous practices, Aboriginal culture, and plants and to test them for biologically active finally, the plants and other organisms that they use. compounds. The following people have contributed The commercialization of any foods or pharmaceuti­ significantly to various projects and studies over the cals also should be realized where possible. Where this years: Andy Barr, Assoc. Prof. Emilio L. Ghisalberti, is indeed the case, Indigenous Australians should have Dr Elizabeth Alexander, Dr Molynar Syah, Dr Guy the right to a significant share of any royalties arising Richmond, Kristen Wickens, Annabeth Kemp, Rory from these srudies. This is in accordance with those Patrick Taylor, Charles La Coste, Edwin G. Cockett, who routinely deal with such .issues.36 Lydia Kupsky, and various other staff and students at In condusiob. there is no doubt that some Indige­ the Department of Environmental Biology at Curtin nous Australians still have a deep and intimate knowl­ University of Technology in Penh, Western edge of the plants and animals of their land. It there­ Australia. A fore makes perfectly good sense to learn from these

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 43 References: 20. Pennacchio M, Syah YM, Ghisalberti EL, Alexan­ 1. Stack E. Aboriginal pharmacopoeia. Occasional der E. Cardioactive iridoid glycosides from Papers No.10. Northern Territory Library Service, Eremophila species. Phytomedicine. 1997;4:325- Darwin; 1988. 330. 2. Barr A. Traditional bush medicines: An Aboriginal 21. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological studies on pharmacopoeia. Aboriginal communities of the substances of plant origin with coronary dilating Northern Territory of Australia. Greenhouse Publi­ and antoarrhythrnic action. Comparative Medicine cations, Richmond, Victoria;1988. EastandWest. 1978;6:123-130. 3. Barr A. Traditional Aboriginal medicines in the 22. Ahmad M. The chemical constituents oJBuddleja Northern Territory ofAustralia. Conservation davidii and Syringa vulgais. PhD Thesis No. 7903, Commission of the Northern Territory of Australia. ETH-Zurich, Switzerland; 1985. Darwin;1993. 23. Smith NM. Ethnobotanical notes from the North­ 4. Lassack EV, McCarthy T. Australian medicinal ern Territory, Australia. Journal ofthe Adelaide plants. Methuen Australia; 1993. Botanic Gardens. 1991;14:1-65. 5. Latz PK. Bushfires and bushtucker. Aboriginal plant 24. Tindale NB. Vocabulary ofPitjandjarra, the use in Central Australia. lAD Press, Alice Springs, language ofthe native ofthe Great Western Desert NT; 1995. (Adelaide). 1937;Typescript: 1931-1937. 6. Bindon P. Usefol bush plants. WA Museum Press, 25. Pennacchio M, Alexander E, Ghisalberti EL, Rich­ Perth;1996. mond GS. Cardioactive effects of Eremophila 7. Goddard RE and Kalotas A, eds. Punu. Yankunyt­ alternifolia extracts. journal ofEthnopharmacology. jatjara plant use: Traditional methods for preparing 1995;47:91-95. food, medicines, utensils and weapons .from native 26. Della EW, Jefferies PR. The chemistry of the plants. Institute for Aboriginal Development. Eremophila species Ill. The essential oil of Angus & Robertson Publishers; 1988. Eremophila longifolia F. Muell. Australian journal of 8. Low T. Bush medicine: A pharmacopoeia ofnatural Chemistry. 1961;14:663-664. remedies. Collins/Angus & Robertson Publications, 27. Ghisalberti EL. The phytochemistry of the Myopo­ Australia; 1990. raceae. Phytochemistry. 1994;35(1):7-33. 9. Pennacchio M, Ghisalberti E. Indigenous Botanical 28. Andary C. Privat G, Chevallet P, Orzalesi H, Knowledge in the Discovery of Pharmaceuticals. Serrano JJ, Bouchard M. Chemical and pharmaco­ journal ofAustralian Studies. logical study heterodisic esters of caffeic acid 1999;64: 173-175;283-284. isolated from Orobanche rapum-genisate. II 10. Wickens KS , Pennacchio M. A search for novel Farmaco, Edizione Scientifica. 1980;35:3-30. biologically active compounds in the phyllodes of 29. Melek FR, El-Shabrawy OA, El-Gindy M. Miyase Acacia species. Conservation Science WA T, Hila! SH. Pharmacological activity and composi­ 2002;4: 139-144. tion of the ethyl acetate extract of Cistanche phel­ 11. Reid EJ, Bens TJ. Records of Western Australian paea. Fitoterapia. 1993;64:11-14. plants used by Aboriginals as medicinal agents. 30. Pennacchio M, Alexander E, Syah YM, Ghisalberti Planta Medica. 1979;36: 164-173. EL. The effect ofverbascoside on cyclic 3',5'­ 12. Meggitt MJ. Desert people: A study ofthe Walbirir adenosine monophosphate levels in isolated rat Aborigines ofCentral Australia. Angus & Robertson, heart. European journal ofPharmacology. Sydney: 1962. 1996;305:169-171. 13. Richmond GS. A review of the uses of Eremophila 31. Pennacchio M, Syah YM, Alexander E, Ghisalberti (Myoporaceae) by Australian Aborigines. Journal of EL. Mechanism of action of verbascoside on the Atklaide Botanic Gardens. 1993;15:101-107. isolated rat heart: Increases in level of prostacyclin. 14. Richmond GS, Ghisalberti EL. The Australian Phytotherapy Research. 1999;13:254-255. desert shrub Eremophila (Myoporaceae): Medicinal, 32. Angg.ird E. and Flower R. Essential fatty acids and culrural, horticultural and phytochemical uses. prostaglandins - an introductory overview. In Vane Economic Botany.1994;48:35-59. J, O'Grady J, eds. Therapeutic applications of · 15. Silberbauer GB. Ecology of the Ernabella Aboriginal prostaglandins. Edward Arnold, London; 1993. Community. Anthropological Forum. 1971;3:21-36. 33. Syah YM, Pennacchio M, Ghisalberti EL. 16. Tynan BJ. Medical systems in conflict. A study of Cardioactive phenylethanoid glycosides &om power. Diploma thesis, The University of Sydney; Lantana camara. Fitoterapill. 1998;69:285-286. 1979. 34. Finnemore H, Cox CB. Cyanogenic glucosides in 17. O'Connell JF, Latz PK, Barnett P. Traditional and Austtalian plants. Part IIA. Eremophila maculata. modem plant usc among the Alywara of Ccnttal journal ofthe Proceedings ofthe Royal Society ofNew Austtalia. Economic Botany. 1983;31:80-109. South Wales. 1929;66:172-178. 18. Spencer WB, Gillen FJ. The native tribes ofCentral 35. Cunningham GM, Mueller WE, Milthorpe PI, AustraliA. Dover, New York; 1969. Leigh JH. Plants ofWestern New South Wales. NSW 19. Pennacchio M, Syah YM, Ghisalberti EL, Alexan­ Government Printing Office, Austtalia;1981. der E. Cardioactive compounds from Eremophila 36. Posey DA. Intellectual property rights: What is the species. journal ofEthnopharmacology. position of ethnobiology? journal ofEthnobiology. 1996;53:21-27. 1990; 10:93-98.

44 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org NATURAL PRODUCTS 46 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org RIC H IN A N THOCYANINS tes ts for antioxidant acti vity. T he strength of C3G was 3.5 times that ~f Trolox® (a syntheti c and potent antioxidant analogue of The source of this natural alternative to syntheti c food dyes is v1tamm E) .13 To date, the radical scavenging/antioxidant capacity the largest group of natural, water-soluble pigments in the plant of C3G has been demonstrated in at least a doze n di fferent world, known as "anthocyanins."1 (The word anthocyanin is assays .8·14·10 In one in vitro study, C3G was tes ted for the potential derived from the Greek terms, anthos, to preve nt damage caused by ul traviolet meaning flower, and kyanos, meaning (UV) light. Its ability to inhibit the oxida­ blue.3) Anthocyanins are responsible ti on of fat cells induced by UVB (280-3 15 for the purple, violet, and red colors nm) light was at least 40 times that of vita­ attending many plants. Anthocyanins min E; however, vitamin E is a weak belong to an even larger class of plant Research has shown inhibitor of UVB-induced lipid oxidation chemicals known as fl avonoids and are found in di verse plants, including because it rapidly breaks down under UV that purple corn contains li ght. 19 O xidative stress and immune many food plants.4 suppression ca used by UV li ght are well­ Researchers at the Horticultural cell-protecting antioxi­ known for their role in the induction of Sciences Department of Texas A&M skin cancers.2o Unive rsity in College Station, Texas, dants with the ability to O xi dative stress is described as a state in recently determined that the mean inhibit carcinogen­ which there is an excess of oxygen-based anthocyanin content of whole, fres h free radicals. To avo id the damage they can purple corn from Peru was !6.4 mg/g, induced tumors in rats. cause to ce lls, the body produces antioxi- which was much higher than fres h dants to inacti va te these free radicals. If blueberries (1. 3-3.8 mg/g). On a dry they prove insufficient, howeve r, the body weight basis, the mean content of suffers fro m oxidation of lipids, pro teins, purple corn was comparable to blue- and nucleotide bases. In models of oxida­ berries (17 .7 and 9. 2-24.0 mg/g, tive stress using oxidative injury to the respectively) . The kernel pericarp held live r, male ra ts fed a diet containing 0.2% C3G (2 g/kg of feed) for by fa r the greates t concentration of anthocyanins, contributing 2 weeks beforehand showed significantly less liver injury compared 45% of the total content. More intriguing, the in vitro antiradical to the control group.21 A sim ilar study in rats fed C3G in liquid c~ p ac i ty of purple corn ex tract against the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- form (0.9 mmol/kg) also found significant hepatoprotective picrylhydrazyl) radical was greater than that of blueberri es effects.22 ( Vaccinium corym bosum L. , Ericaceae), which have shown hi gher antioxidant values than many other commercial food plants. s ANTI - INFLAMMATORY CAPABILITIES P OWERFUL A NTIOXIDANT In a study on the anti-i nflammatory potential of C3G, male rats administered the anthocyanin orally in liquid fo rm (0.9 mmol/kg) Digging deeper, the most abundant anthocyanin found in pnor to chem1 cally- mduced acute inflammation showed signifi­ purple corn, called "C3G" (3- 0- ~-D - glu c osid e 6.7 ), also known as cantly less inflammati on and significantly attenuated levels of pro­ cyanidin-3- O-~ -glu c op y ran os id e , 8 has been keeping researchers inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, int e rl e ukin -~ , and tumor v_ery busy lately. In a number of tests designed to assess the poten­ necrosis factor-a, and inducible nitric oxide [iNOS] expression) ti al health benefits of this anthocyanin, one study after another and ni tri c oxide (a free radical). 23 Based on has prove n its antioxidant strength. Like other anthocyanins, these results, it is possible that this plant C3G is found in a wide vari ety of pigment may also suppress food plants and is actuall y the the inflammatory res ponse most common anthocyanin 111 diseases marked fo und in nature. C3G is the with inflammation. most abundant anthocyanin in some foods, such as the juice of P REVENTING ruby oranges (Citrus sinensis C ANCER [L.] O sbeck "Blood orange, " Could the antho­ Rutaceae) 8 and blackberry cyanin pigment also (Rubus a!Legheniensis [L. ] help prevent some Bail ey, Rosaceae) extract. 9 types of cance r? T hat Red wine also contains ques tion was put to the appreciable amounts, 10, 11 but test 111 ra ts fi rst treated with a other anthocyanins carcinogen (I ,2-dimethylhy­ predominate.12 drazine) and then fe d a diet C3G displays signifi­ contai ning a known enviro n­ cant in vitro antiox idant mental carcinogen (PhiP or activity. In one study 2 - a min o- 1 - m e th y l -6- C3G came out on top when compared to 13 other anthocyanins in Purple corn cobs Phoro ©2005 the ORAC (oxygen radical www.essenriallivingfoods.com absorbance capac ity) assay, whi ch www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 47 phenylimidazo [ 4,5- b] pyri­ of male mice fed a high-fat dine) that also targets the (HF) diet with another group mammary gland, prostate, fed the same HF diet but and large intes tine in rats and with the addition of purple causes colorectal cancer. Inci­ co rn color (PCC) which dentally, the carcinogen used provided C3G (0.2% or 2 in the study, known as a hete­ g/kg of feed). Results were rocyclic amine, is the most also compared to 2 control abundant of around 20 other groups: one fed a normal diet types found in cooked meats and one fed a normal diet and fish . Both rhe early signs with C3G. After 12 weeks, of colorectal cancers and the the results were obvious: mice numbers of malignant and m the PCC-HF group benign tumors that formed showed significantly less signs in the colons of rats rhar had of developing obesity, yet the purple pigment in their exhibited no significant diet (5 % of feed for 32 difference in food consump­ weeks; a nontoxic dose based Purple corn Photo ©2005 wwwessentiall ivingfoods.com tion compared to the control on previous carcinogenicity groups with or without the studies of PCC) were signifi- PCC in their feed. When cantly reduced, and there were no adverse effects. The authors of related to the primary control group (no HF diet or PCC), the the study note that extract or juices of plants rhar contain high adipose tissue weights of the PCC-HF group were not signifi­ amounts of anthocyan ins have previously been reported to inhibit cantly different. In addition, fatty tissue in HF-diet group was mutagenesis induced by heterocyclic amines. 24 found to be growing in size but showed no increase in the PCC­ The oxidation of fats or lipids in blood serum contributes to the HF group. The HF-diet group also developed a state of hyper­ condition known as atherosclerosis. When male rats were fed a diet glycemia along with an over-production of insulin. Interestingly, containing a high amount of C3G (0 .2% of feed for 2 weeks) in this was not observed in the PCC-HF group in which both place of sucrose co ntent in rhe control diet, their blood serum pathologies were completely normalized. In conclusion, the showed a significantly lower level of oxidation along with a signi f­ researchers stated that their rests ofPCC provide a nutritional and icant decrease in rhe susceptibili ty of their serum lipids to undergo biochemical bas is for the use of the pigment or anrhocyanins as a oxidation, yet their body's natural antioxidants (serum levels of "functional food factor"-one that may be beneficial for helping vitamins C and E, gl utathione, and uric acid) remained unaffected. to prevent diabetes and obesity.26 It now remains for future stud­ Another intriguing discovery in this study was that the rats with ies to determine the possible contributing effects of other C3G in their feed also showed significant decreases in levels of substances from purple corn which are extracted along with PCC. total cholesterol-about 16% less.25 More recent efforts to determine the potential anti-obesity mechanisms of purple corn pigment have focused on the effect of C3G on fat cell dysfunction, fat cell-specific gene expres­ sion, and the regulation of chemical messengers (adipocytokines) secreted by far cells, such as the fat­ derived hormone adiponectin. After feeding male mice a diet containing PCC to provide C3G (2 g/kg of feed for 12 weeks), ge ne expression levels of adiponectin in white fatty tissue was up regulated 1. 7 -fold compared to the control group not fed the food colorantY Plasma and gene expression levels of adiponectin are decreased in obese humans and mice and in insulin resistant states.27· 28 When adiponectin was administered intravenously to mice fed high-fat/sucrose diets, weight gain was signifi­ cantly inhibited. Adiponectin (i.v. ) also lowered plasma glucose levels in lean mice fed a high-fat meal. 2B Rich in C3G (approximately 70 mg/g), about 50,000 kg ofPCC is used in Japan as a food color for confections and soft drinks annually.26 So far, PCC remains to be officially approved for use as a food colorant by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, approval seems likely because "grape skin color" and "grape skin extract" ("enocianini" or "enocyanin")2 made from Concord grapes29 ( Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae) are also rich Purple corn pieces Photo ©2005 wwwessential livingfoods.com in anthocyanins2 and both are FDA-a12proved for use in beverages and non-beverage foods. 29 A ANTI-OBESITY P OTENTIAL What would happen if rats were fed C3G as part of a high-far Kenneth Jones is a medical writer specializing in rhe fiel d of diet? To find our, researchers in Japan compared the body weights medicinal plants. He is the co-author of BotanicaL Medicines: The

48 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org Desk References for Major Herbal Supplements by McKenna, Jones, 20. Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E. Vaccinium myrtillus L. Fitoterapia. and Hughes (Haworth Herbal Press, 2002). H e has no affili ation 1996;67:3-29. with any commercial producers of purple corn or any of the other 21. Tsuda T, Horio F, Kitoh J, Osawa T. Protective effects of dietary cyanidin 3-0-~-D-glucoside on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. products mentioned in this article. Arch Biochem Biophys. 1999;368(2):361-366. R EFERENCES: 22. Tsuda T, Horio F, Kato Y, Osawa T. Cyanidin 3-0-~-D-glucoside attenuates the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury through a 1. Brack-Egg A. Diccionario Enciclopedico de Plantas Utiles del Pero. decrease in the neutrophil chemoattractant production in rats. j Cuzco, Peru: lmprenta del Centro Bartolome de Las Casas; Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2002;48(2): 134-141. 1999:537-538. 23. Tsuda T, Horio F, Osawa T. Cyanidin 3-0-~-D-glucoside 2. Bridle P, Timberlake CF. Anthocyanins as natural food colours - suppresses nitric oxide production during zymosan treatment in selected aspects. Food Chem. 1997;58(1-2): 103-109. rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2002;48(4):305-310. 3. Kong J, Chi a L, Goh N, Chi a T, Brouillard R. Analysis and biolog­ ical activities of anthocyanins. Phyto­ chemistry. 2003;64:923-933. 4. Mazza G, Miniati E. Anthocyanins in Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1993. 5. Cevallos-Casals BA, Cisneros-Zevallos L. Stoichiometric and kinetic studies of phenolic antioxidants from Andean purple corn and red-fleshed sweet potato. j Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(11):3313-3319. 6. de Pascual-Teresa S, Santos-Buelga C, Rivas-Gonzalo J C. LC-MS analysis of anthocyanins from purple corn cob. j Sci Food Agric. 2002;82(9): 1003-1006. 7. Nakatani N, Fukuda H, Fuwa H. Major anthocyanin of Bolivian purple corn Zea mays. Agric Bioi Chem. 1979;43(2):389-392. 8. Arnorini AM, Fazzina G, Lazzarino G, eta!. Activity and mechanism of the antioxidant properties of cyani­ din-3- 0-~-glucopyranoside. Free Radic Res. 2001 ;35:953-966. 9. Rossi A, Serraino I, Dugo P, et a!. Protective effects of anthocyanins from blackberry in a rat model of acute lung inflammation. Free Radic Res. 2003;37(8):891-900. Purple corn Photo ©2005 www.essentiallivingfoods.com 10. Waterhouse AL. Wine phenolics. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2002;957:21-36. 24. Hagiwara A, Miyashita K, Nakanishi T, Sano M, Tamano S, 11. Burns J, Gardner PT, O 'Neil J, eta!. Relationship among antioxi­ Kadota T, Koda T, Nakamura M, lmaida K, Ito N, Shirai T. dant activity, vasodilation capacity, and phenolic content of red Pronounced inhibition by a natural anthocyanin, purple corn color, wines. J Agric Food Chem. 2000;48(2):220-230. of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazol [4,5-b] pyridine (PhiP)-asso­ 12. Garda-Beneytez E, Cabello F, Revilla E. Analysis of grape and wine ciated colorectal carcinogenesis in male F344 rats pretreated with amhocyanins by HPLC-MS. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51 :5622- 1,2- dimethylhydrazine. Cancer Lett. 200 1;171: 17-25. 5629. 25. Tsuda T, Horio F, Osawa T. Dietary cyanidin 3-0-~-D-glucoside 13. Acquaviva R, Russo A, Galvano F, eta!. Cyanidin and cyanidin 3- increases ex vivo oxidation resistance of serum in rats. Lipids. 0-~-D-glucoside as DNA cleavage protectors and antioxidants. 1998;33(6):583-588. Cell Bioi Toxicol. 2003;19(4):243-252. 26. Tsuda T, Horio F, Uchida K, Aoki H, Osawa T. Dietary cyanidin 3- 14. Wang H, Cao GH, Prior RL. Oxygen radical absorbing capacity of 0-j3-D-glucoside-rich purple corn color prevents obesity and anthocyanins. J Agric Food Chem. 1997;45(2):304-309. ameliorates hyperglycemia in mice. j Nutr. 2003;133(7):2125- 15. Espin JC, Soler-Rivas C, Wichers HJ, Garcia-Viguera C. Antho­ 2130. cyanin-based natural colorants: A new source of antiradical activity 27. Tsuda T, Ueno Y, Aoki H, et al. Anthocyanin enhances adipocy­ for foodstuff. J Agric Food Chem. 2000;48(5): 1588-1592. tokine secretion and adipocyte-specific gene expression in isolated 16. Kahkonen MP, Heinonen M. Antioxidant activity of anthocyanins rat adipocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;316:149-157. and their aglycons. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51 (3):628-633. 28. Fruebis J, Tsao TS, Javorschi S, Ebbets-Reed D, Erickson MR, Yen 17. Stinrzing FC, Stinrzing AS, Carle R, Frei B, Wrolstad RE. Color FT, Bihain BE, Lodish HF. Proteolytic cleavage product of 30-kDa and antioxidant properties of cyanidin-based anthocyanin adipocyte complement-related protein increases fatty acid oxidation pigments. j Agric Food Chem. 2002;50(21):6172-6181. in muscle and causes weight loss in mice. Proc Nat! Acad Sci USA. 18. Tsuda T, Watanabe M, Ohshima K, eta!. Antioxidative activity of 2001 ;98:2005-20 10. the anthocyanin pigments cyanidin 3-0-~-D-glucoside and cyani­ 29. FDA, Dept. of Health and Human Services. Code of Federal Regu­ din. j Agric Food Chem. 1994;42(11):2407-2410. lations. Part 73. Listing of Color Additives Exempt from Certifica­ 19. Tsuda T, Shiga K, Ohshima K, Kawakishi S, Osawa T. Inhibition of tion. Sec. 73. 169. Sec. 73.170. April!, 2003. Available at: peroxidation and the active oxygen radical scavenging effect of http:/ /www.access.gpo.gov/ cgi-bin/ cfrassemble.cgi?tide=200321. anthocyanin pigments isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris L. Biochem Pharmacal. 1996;52(7):1033-1039. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 49 The Ahoca Museum Displa!ftff.!J the HistoY!f o(Herhal Medicine in ltaf!J and Europe h.!J Robin DtPasquale, ND, RH

n prehistoric times, knowledge of the healing powers of introduced by the Hippocratic corpus (i.e., the body of work herbs was passed down orally, often within a family line­ generally ascribed to what may be the mythical physician age. Sacred clay tablets, hieroglyphics, then later, books Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine"). Galen created and manuscripts all marked the beginning of written a system of medicine whose ideas dominated herbal medicine in I knowledge. One of the earliest documentations of the Europe for 1500 years. Some of the principles of this humoral medicinal uses of plants is the Ebers Papyrus, believed to have system are still applied in many strains of traditional herbalism been written around 1550 BCE.* This Egyptian text describes today-the idea that herbs have energetic properties (e.g., cold, 500 natural materials and medicinal plants and their properties. hot, damp, dry) that affect various bodily "humors" (bile, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine contain texts written between phlegm, melancholia, etc.). Much later, the famous Persian 2700 and 1500 BCE. physician Avicenna (aka Ibn Sina; 980- 1037 CE) wrote the Europe holds a significant portion of the history regarding the Canon of Medicine in the 11th century CE. use of medicinal plants in health and healing. Empirical medi­ Much of what passed for medicine belonged to the domain of cine began its evolution into a more scientifically-based medi­ monks in the Christian monasteries from the 9th through 11th cine through the work of the Greek physician, Hippocrates centuries, a tradition still visible in contemporary Italy and (468-377 BCE) in the 5th century BCE. During the Middle Ages throughout Europe. During the 14th and following centuries, in the Roman Empire, beginning with the 1st and 2nd centuries plants were documented according to their true physical CE, the Greek physician/herbalist Dioscorides (whose writings morphology, a focus on botany. The printed herbal became date from ca. 50-70 CE) first catalogued the curative properties more available in the 15th century through the invention of the of plants (empirically based on his experiences as a physician) printing press. The Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus in the five books of De Materia Medica. Also, Galen (129-199 (1493-1541) often called the "father of pharmacology;' traveled CE, though some sources say post 205 CE), physician to Roman extensively throughout Europe, Russia, and the Middle East emperor Marcus Aurelius, refined the humoral theory, first studying medicine. He opposed and challenged Galen's theo­ ries, t opening the doors of herbal medicine in Europe and creating a potentially new depth for herbs. By introducing the systematic use of heavy metals, he created a schism in the evolu-

A tour of the museum begins with the building, The Palazzo .L"l.Bourbon del Monte, where the museum is housed. This is an 181h century palace restored and conserved according to the parameters of the town of Sansepolcro's cultural committee. During the restoration, a stone bearing the inscription "PRODEST.OBEST" ("it heals - it harms") was found on the door molding, suggesting the practice of the art of herbs in this building in ancient times. Just across the street from the Palazzo, a collection of medicinal plants fills the Piero della Francesca Garden, named after a famous Renaissance painter from Sansepolcro.

SO I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram .org tion of medicine, with one branch continuing to use tises on materia medica, the study of pharmaceutical herbs, and the other, relying more on chemistry, partic­ botany, alchemy, and pharmacy, renaissance antidote ularly heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury). The British books, and 19th century surveys on physics, chemistry, physician Nicholas Culpepper (1616-1654), trained in and natural sciences. The oldest book is dated 1542, De medicine and pharmacy, translated Latin medical writ­ historia stirpium commentarii insignes (Notable ings dealing with herbs into English, thereby helping to make herbal medicine more accessible to common people (who could read English). He reduced the exclusivity of formal herbal medicine knowledge held by the physicians and apothecaries. In the late 15th century, the "discovery" of America began the process of the importation and eventual melding of North American plants into the European materia medica, altering the face of herbal medicine in Europe. The Aboca Museum, located in central Italy in the historic center of the Tuscan town of Sansepolcro, is an exquisite and sensate journey through the utiliza­ tion of herbs and herbal medicine through the ages. A major cultural and educational initiative by Aboca, one of Italy's leading cultivation and manufacturing companies for medicinal herbs, the museum project was born out of Aboca's commitment to the study of historic sources for the medicinal uses of plants and to reviving their traditional uses in modern times. The museum's primary goal is to illustrate and docu­ ment the use of medicinal herbs throughout the commentaries on the history of plants) by the German centuries through a large number of artifacts, with an botanist Leonhart Fuchs. Reserved for scholars and exhibition that shows how remedies were prepared in researchers, the Antique Library is generally closed to different historical periods in various locations in the public. Because of the significance of the contents Europe. In addition, there are several key operating of this library, however, the Aboca Museum Web site components to the Aboca Museum: team has been developing its "online" project. Since · A virtual museum Web site (www.abocamuseum.it) 2000, ongoing work is being done to digitalize key that provides interactive information about every acquisitions of the collection to make them available to object presented in the Aboca Museum. everyone through the Internet. Currently, there are • A research center dedicated to studying the historic about 150 ancient books, at least 16,133 pages of text, scientific sources. and about 4,500 digital photos of illustrations available • A reproductive center that handcrafts reproductions through this site (http:/ /www.abocamuseum.it/ of artifacts and reprints of important herbals. bibliothecaantiqua/prodotti.asp). • The Bibliotheca Antiqua, an "ancient library" that Using two different search engines, books can be contains old herbals, botanical books, and related searched by title, author, or subject. The book search manuscripts. allows the reader to access extracts from the included The "Bibliotheca Antiqua:' a collection of over 1,000 books, and the image sea rch uses the plant names in printed volumes from the 16th to the 20th century, is Old Italian, English, German, French, Italian, Latin, an integral part of the museum and the vital force of and common names as keywords to bring up images of the institution. This collection holds works related to botanical species. medicinal plants and natural sciences, including trea-

* The date given refer> to actual papyrus hut on internal evidence the copy was based on a prototype trac<·d back to the Old Kingdom, roughly 2500 BCE. t The traditional attribution of l'antcclsus" contribution- wa' to ,h,1lkngc the c,t,lhli,h,·d pr.llticc of compounding simple drug, _Ia spcci,·, of a plant, for exam pi{') into complex formulae to bal.mcc the theoretical wmidcratiom. l'aracclsus argunl th.1t l'ilch simple w,ts ihrlf ,, compound and pointed towards .tlchcm ical approaches to lmmul,lting prt·sniptiom. www.herba lgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 51 ~ I n the lobby, where the herbal journey begins, a panel depicts the herbal symbolism woven into the many Oriental carpets found throughout the museum. Ancient symbols of The Tree of Life depict the divine tree that bestows immortality, heals, and restores humanity to life. One of the oldest and most widespread symbols is The Lotus Flower, signifying rebirth. Representing the initiation into the mystery, The Rose symbolism varies according to color: the red, passion, the white, purity, and the wild rose, ardent desire.

dk The 19th century marked the passage of the old art of pharmacy to V the more modern chemistry dominated by pharmaceutical sciences. Active compounds were separated in medicinal plants, and synthetic drugs were being produced in mass instead of being prepared one dose at a time by the owner of a small apothecary shop for the individual. The apothecary's duties were reduced to the monitoring of medical treatments and the preparation of magistral remedies-tablets, pills, powders, syrups, medicated oils, ointments, and tinctures.

Antora

52 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org ~L ooking upward toward the heavens, reproduced on the ceiling of the lobby, is Paradisus Terrestris (Earthly Paradise), the title page from Paradisi in Sole by John Parkinson, printed in London in 1656. It speaks of "a garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers, a kitchen garden of all manner of herbs, roots, and fruits, and an orchard of all sorts of fruit bearing trees and shrubs."

he staircases between the floors of the museum are lined ~ T with original plates from Basilius Besler's Hortus Eystettensis. Besler was a botanist and pharmacist in Nuremberg, 1561 - 1629. This anthology of scientific and artistic importance describes the medicinal plants of the botanical garden of the archbishop of Eichstatt, north of Munich. The original book contains 367 illustrations of 1,084 plants. The first edition was printed in 1613.

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 53 ~T he apothecary shop was a meeting place of the herb gatherers, the apothecary, the doctor and the sick people, a place where the medicine was made for the people. Also appropriately named the alchemy lab, it was characterized by furnaces, distillation units, mortars, containers of many types, a press, local herbs, and imported spices. The furnaces of the 16th and 17th centuries were either fixed (made of earthenware) or movable (made of copper or iron). At this time, bainmarie (water bath distillers) took the place of cinerarium (ash bath) and arenarium (sand bath distillers).

n eloquent display of books about the use of A herbs, cards, calendars, exclusive reprints with botanical images, and elegant reproductions of museum pieces fills this room. Online purchases are available, as well, through the Aboca Web site (www.abocamuseum.it).

~T his 16'h century vase, from the workshop of Mastro Domenico in Venice, shows the influence of the Arabic culture of the Moorish craftsmen in Spanish workshops, using enamel inlays, which were exported throughout the European peninsula. The Renaissance influence is strongly depicted through the images of wildflowers and the deep blue color.

he ceramic room contains the pitchers, vases, bottles, and J:'7 T apothecary jars that were venerated for both their func- ~ tional and artistic value. Over time, the functional quality was improved through techniques that yielded the containers more waterproof as well as more able to prevent sugar fermentation and fat rancidity. The aesthetics of the pieces moved from simple earthenware with sgraffito decoration to elabo­ rately inlayed and glazed pottery pieces with patterning and techniques representative of various regions of Italy and Europe. (Sgraffito is a word used in Italian to depict the decorative patterning that is often seen in art, particularly ceramics, and on the outside of buildings.)

54 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www. herbalgram.org he ~rinciple room of the museum is TdediCated to the most ancient and irreplaceable tool for chemists and herbalists, the mortar. The mortar has always held a strong symbolic value in the art of pharmacy. Although the materials with which mortars were made have varied during the centuries, including bronze, stone, marble, alabaster (a translucent gypsum or calcite), iron, silver, copper, wood, terracotta, ceramic, glass and ivory, it is the bronze mortar that was most widely used in the apothecary shops. Illuminated by a central chandelier, this room frames three preserved frescos and houses a collection of ancient mortars and pestles, many filled with fragrant dry herbs. dk A l6th c~ntury bronze mortar with dolphin handles from V Switzerland. These bronze mortars were forged with the same molds used for bell-founding.

taxonomy as it is

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 55 ~I n the herb room, surrounded by earthy fragrances of herbs hung to dry, stocked with the tools of the trade-sifters and sieves, sickles and scythes, bags, baskets, and balances-is the representation of the work of collecting and gathering the medicinal plants. Beginning with proper identification of the plant species, plants and their useful parts such as buds, flowers, leaves, fruits, roots, bark and resin, must be harvested at their "balsamic time." This is the time during A some medicinal plants can be deadly the growth cycle of the plant I)? poisons. These plants, sldllfully Jllixed that is optimal for the medicinal properties, chosen according to and admbUstered in minute doses, can be the lunar cycle and the weather conditions, which varies for each transformed into beneficial medicines. plant and for the plant parts being harvested. Following harvest, Shakespeare appropriate drying techniques, a dry, airy place, sheltered from wrote of the use direct light, assure preservation of the healing components of the of poisons made plants. Several herbarium books from 1901 can be viewed with from plants in their plant samples well preserved and intact. several of his tragedies, including Inula helenium, Primula auricula Erbario Secco di Piante Medicinali, Hlamletand Francia, fine XIX sec. Romeo and Juliet. Historic apothecaries, as well as contemporary pharmacies, mandated a separate, locked place to stole thest substances. The poiiQn ceU ii1 the Aboca Museum is guarded at 1he entrance by a serpenL The utensils,~ 8b.d botd.es are very small, for~With.~ and storing IDinute lmO\IDt.S. Pfiat'Samples are hung and 1abCii!!ct induding plants from some of the :kq fiird1IKcs containins poisonous plant$: ~-ae, Liliaceae, Apiaceae, and Ran~. Dc'mma ~m (Jimsonweed) Drimia.fmlt'itima (Indian squill) Vemtrum viride (American hellebore) Cicutll dotlglasii (water hemlock) Conium 'mat:Ulatutn (hemlock) Adonis 1fet'tUilis (false hellebore) Helleborus nigra (blade hellebore)

56 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org m ~T his authentic 19th century Ill pharmacy contains shelves of medicaments stored in authentic pharmacy containers of glass bottles, vases, ceramic albarelli jugs, pewter tankards, and wooden boxes. A marble based balance, used to weigh preparations sold to patients, is sitting on the center bench. The little door, cleverly minimized between the medicine shelves, is symbolic of a boundary between the ordinary space and the special space, a space invested with an aura of mystery and the extraordinary, reserved only for the learned, in this case, the pharmacist. The crocodile on the wall has symbolic relevance in several ancient cultures. In Mayan mythology, the head of the crocodile poured forth the plants that are useful for humankind. In Egypt, the crocodile was considered the lord of the mysteries of life and death. It is connected with water and lush vegetation, in harmony with the fertility of green nature. ~. '

~ A pothecary containers from the 17th V and 18th century. ~

-. _ r - --

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 57 legal & regulatory

President Signs New Law Banning Designer Steroids Dietary Supplements: DHEA Exempted from Ban by Mark Bl umenthal

new law closes the legal loophole that allowed the sale in message-that there are shortcuts to accomplishment, and that Adietary supplements of steroid chemicals used as hormone performance is more important than character."2 precursors. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 was signed Anabolic steroids are compounds which exhibit similar pharma­ into law by President George W Bush on October 22, 2004. 1 cological effects as illegal steroid drugs. The term anabolic refers to The Act was unanimously approved by the United States Senate the process of building muscle tissue. on October 6, 2004. The Senate Significant interest has arisen in bill (S. 2195) was sponsored by An area of concern by the industry has this area in the past few years since Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) and the revelation that various high­ Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) been how the steroid issue has adversely profile professional athletes had and had received significant and unfairly affected public perceptions taken the controversial substance interest in and support from for increased muscle mass and many members of Congress due of the responsible elements in the dietary performance (e.g., baseball player to concerns about the adverse supplement industry, particularly after Mark McGwire of the St. Louis health effects of steroids and Cardinals reportedly used the steroid precursors. The House of the negative publicity generated by the steroid androstenedione [aka Representatives passed similar ephedra controversy. "andro") in his record-setting legislation on June 6, 2004. The 1998 season). law was scheduled to go into In December 2004, the steroid force 90 days from signing. issue again became front-page news with allegations that baseball Last year President Bush elevated the public's awareness on the player Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants and other profes­ use of steroids in sports to national political prominence by sional athletes may have been using steroids to enhance their mentioning it in the 2004 State of the Union address. "The use of performance. performance-enhancing drugs like steroids in baseball, football, and Anabolic steroids had been previously controlled by the Anabolic other sportS is dangerous," he said. "And it sends the wrong Steroid Control Act of 1990. The new law authorizes the U.S. Drug

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58 I Herbal Gram 65 2005 www. herbalgram .org legal & regulatory

THADEUS & WEEz by Charles Pugsley Fincher

c.04Fincher12.12 ThadeusandWeez.com Reprinted by permission of Cha rles Pugsley Fincher

Enforcement Agency (DEA) to add androstenedione, tetrahydro­ structured hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal gestrinone (THG), and other steroid precursors to the list of glands. DHEA is a chemical precursor to testosterone, estrogen, anabolic steroids that had previously been classified as Schedule III and other hormones to which it converts in the human body. The controlled substances. There are a total of 49 steroid compounds DHEA used in dietary supplements is derived commercially from specifically listed in the law, which are now officially considered wild yam (Dioscorea spp., Dioscoreaceae), the roots of which drugs. The list also includes "any ester, or ether of a drug described" contain diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, which can easily be in the list. The law authorizes $15 million for enforcement of the converted into DHEA in the laboratory) act from 2005 to 2010. 1 Another area of concern by the industry has been how the steroid "Steroid products are dangerous," Senator Hatch said in a press issue has adversely and unfairly affected public perceptions of the release. "They hurt the public health. They are giving sporrs a black responsible elements in the dietary supplement industry, particu­ eye, and they endanger kids. So, it's a no-brainer that outlawing larly after the negative publicity generated by the ephedra contro­ steroid look-alikes will protect the public health."J versy. According to a joint press release from industry groups, "Led "To me, it should be simple: If it walks like a duck, and it quacks by the industry trade associations, the dietary supplement industry like a duck-it's a duck," explained Hatch. "Under this bill, clever believes this bill presents a step forward toward resolving issues chemists will no longer be able to dodge the law by disguising their affecting consumer confidence in the dietary supplement category. chemicals to skirt the legal definition of a steroid. Our bill gives the The trade associations are eager to create an opportunity to refocus DEA the power to schedule nearly any steroid precursor now or in visibility on the safety and benefits of our industry's core products the future-giving the law flexibility so we don't have to play catch­ including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, and specialty up with every new andro look-alike that comes along."3 ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e, glucosamine, and The bill received strong support by numerous groups in health­ chondroitin sulfate."4A care and professional athletics professions, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National References Football League, National Basketball Association, and the National 1. United States Senate. Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 (S . Hockey League. The legislation was also supported by various law 2195). October 6, 2004. Available at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi­ bin /query/C?cl 08: ./temp/-c 108oHca sr. enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. 2. Bush GW. State of the Union Address [transcript]. Television. Janu­ In addition, the law has received support from five major trade ary 20, 2004. Available at: http: //www.whitehouse.gov/news/ associations representing the herb and dietary supplement industry: releases/2004/0 1/20040120-7 .html. Accessed December 29, 2004. the American Herbal Products Association, Consumer Healthcare 3. Senate Passes Biden-Hatch Bill to Ban Des igner Steroids [press Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, National release] . Washington DC: United States Senate; October 6, 2004. Nutritional Foods Association, and Utah Natural Products Associ­ 4. Industry associations applaud passage of Biden/Hatch legislation ation. These organizations have supported the legislation si nce it placing steroid hormone precurso rs under Controlled Substances was initially introduced on January 20, 2004, based on the general Act [press release]. American Herbal Products Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Council for Responsi­ recognition and agreement in most sectors of the dietary supple­ ble Nutrition, National Nutritional Foods Association , and Utah ment industry that steroids are drugs and should not be sold as Natural Products Association; October 12, 2004. dietary supplements.4 5. Sahalian R. DHEA Hones t Information: DHEA Benefits and Side One area of concern in the herb and dietary industry has been Effects. Available at: http://www.raysahelian.com/dhea. html. the status of a relatively popular ingredient in dietary supplements, Accessed November 28, 2004. dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a naturally occurring steroidal www.herbalgram .org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 59 market report Herb Consumers' Attitudes, Preferences Profiled in New Market Study by Gwynne Rogers

s noted by numerous surveys and which 50% of the general population can NMI identifies these consumers usmg a A econometric tracking services, sales for be described as integrated users, one can see proprietary, 16-variable attitudinal segmen­ herbal dietary supplements have dropped in that while vitamins and minerals have tation model. This statistical analysis the past five years from their previous mainstreamed, regular, integrated use of includes questions such as importance of record high levels. 1-4 This difficult stare of herbal supplements is still limited to a small sustainable manufacturing, concern about the herbal marketplace over the past few worker rights, and willingness to pay more years has challenged herbal supplement Simple demographic for environmentally responsible products. marketers to continually appeal to new The behavior of LOHAS consumers is consumers, attempt to demonstrate the targets are not as effective for consistent with their attitudes. For example, superiority of their products, and find new products such as herbals - they are heavier users of organic foods, ways of promoting their products. more likely to practice yoga, heavier natural In such a market, the value of consumer interest in herbals crosses products channel shoppers (i.e., they tend research increases substantially because the age, gender, and income to shop in natural food stores for some or all cost of a misstep is magnified. The Natural of their supplements and food items), and Marketing Institute (NMI), a leading boundaries. more likely to be members of environmen­ market research and strategic consulting tal organizations. And, almost 40% of them firm , has researched the natural products group of consumers, relative to the poten­ use herbal supplements-a rate 37% higher marketplace since 1990. Its Health and tial. Based on this research, and other simi­ than that of the general population. Wellness Trends Database (HWTD) lar studies, NMI finds strong evidence of For example, the data in Figure 2 show currently has five years of trended consumer the importance of targeting consumers and that a combination of attitudes, other prod­ data, with the sixth study just recently understanding the benefits consumers seek. uct usage patterns, and some demographics fielded. (A report on NMI's previous First, optimizing the consumer target is can identify much more fertile consumer consumer research was published in critical for efficiently using marketing target groups.? HerbaLGram 54.5) According to the dollars. NMI has found that simple demo­ Second, it is important to understand HWTD, 34% of the U.S. general popula­ graphic targets are not as effective for prod­ why consumers use herbal supplements. tion used herbal supplements in the previ­ ucts such as herbals-interest in herbals According to rhe HWTD, the primary ous year (i.e., prior to the June 1, 2003 crosses age, gender, and income boundaries. reason integrated herbal supplement users survey date).6 This represents a market of Understanding consumers' attitudes and use them is for overall health and wellness over 60 million adults; and while ir is lifestyle is a more productive means of iden­ (7 1%) . Usage of herbs for treating or constant relative to a year ago (i .e., relative tifying targets. preventing specific health issues is statisti- cally equivalent, at 35%. Herbal supplements also Figure I. General Population Usage of Supplements satisfy an interest among users to lead a more healthy and 84% 85% 84% 84% natural lifestyle. Looking at ...... Vibmins numerous lifestyle measures, herbal supplement users are 62% 61 % 57% 56% simply more intense about the Minerals beliefs they hold, the role of health and wellness in their • ...... 39· %· ...... 3: 4% 3.7~% ~3;4%;. Herbal lives, and the activities in Supplements which they participate. For example, 36% of herbal supplement users are LOHAS 2000 2001 2002 2003 consumers (more than one­ Sou rce: Natural Marketing Institute,© 2004 third higher than in the general population). This plays to rhe last half of 2002 and the first half of One segment NMI found to be particu­ our in several attitudes, such as rhe impor­ 2003), the data reflects a decline in usage larly fruitful for products such as herbals is tance of spirituality (with 58% of herbal over rhe past five years (Figure 1). the LOHAS consumer. "LOHAS" stands supplement users stating they care about NMI has identified a more integrated for "Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability," spirituality, versus 47% of the general popu­ group of users: those who have used herbal and LOHAS consumers represent approxi­ lation), and environmental issues (with supplements for more than a year on a regu­ mately one in every three U.S. adult 24% of herbal supplement users saying they lar and consistent basis. This group repre­ consumers.? They are driven by their inter­ prefer to purchase products manufactured sents 14% of the general population. est in health, wellness, the environment and in a sustainable way, versus 16% of the U.S. Compared to vitamins and minerals, of society, and they buy products accordingly. population).

60 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org market report

These atti- tudes pervade Figure 2. Usage of Herbal Supplements Among Other Consumer Segments not just their usage of dietary Gen Pop supplements, LOHAS* but other LOHAS Aged 55+ healthy prod­ Female LOHAS ucts. Herbal Fair Trade lmportantt Green HH Supply Usercj: supplement Natural/Organic Food & Bev User§ users are 32% Buy From Like-Minded Companies! I more likely to I I I I I buy energy and 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% nutrition bars Source: Natural Marketing Institute ©2004. than the general • Lifestyles of Hea lth and Sustainability (LOHAS) t Indicates that "Fa ir Trade Certified" is very important for foods and beverages. population, *Indicates they have purchased 1 of 12 different types of environmentally friendly household products. 59% more § Indicates they have purchased natural or organic foods and beverages in the past 6 months. II Indicates they agree completely with, "I will usually buy products from companies whose values are most like my own." likely to buy orgamc foods and beverages, Gwynne Rogers is a Strategic Marketing 5. Molyneux M. Consumer Attitudes Predict and 54% more likely to buy soymilk or Analyst at The Natural Marketing Institute in Upward Trends for the Herbal Market­ other soy beverages. This pattern holds Philadelphia. NMJ provides in-depth market place. HerbalGram. 2002;No. 54:64-65. 6. NMI's Health and Wellness Trends Data­ across natural personal care products, trend analysis and consumer attitude surveys socially responsible investing, green build­ base, © 2004. [Note: Data based on in the natural products industry. More at responses of more than 2,000 in June ing products, and natural household prod­ www. nmisolutions. com. 2003 U.S. primary grocery shoppers, ucts. Usage of these products leads them to bringing the total number of respondents be heavier shoppers in natural channel References: in the database to over 10,000. The data stores; they shop at stores such as GNC, 1. Blumenthal M. Herbs Continue Slide in gathered are statistically significant to ± Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Wild Oats Mainstream Market: Sales Down 14 2% at the 95% confidence level.] 40% more than the general population. Percent. HerbalGram . 2003;No. 58:7 1. 7. NMI's LOHAS Consumer Trends Data­ And, perhaps not surprisingly, herbal 2. Blumenthal M. Herb Sales Down in base, © 2004. [Note: Data based on supplement users also consume more Mainstream Market, Up in Natural Food responses of more than 2,000 U.S. general Stores. Herba/Gram. 2002;No. 55:60. population adults, bringing the total healthy products, spending approximately 3. NBJ's Annual Industry Overview 2004. number of consumers in the database to 50% more on supplements each month Nutrition Business journaL May/Jun 6,000. The data gathered are statistically than the general population. 2004;5(6):1, 3-15. significant to ± 2% at the 95% confidence 4. NMI's Health and Wellness Trends Data­ level.] base. Philadelphia: atural Marketing Usage of herbs for treating Institute, 2004. or preventing specific health issues is statistically equivalent, at 35°/o.

Therefore, when all of these attitudes and behaviors are viewed in aggregate, an inter­ esting trend becomes apparent: herbal supplement users are not just buying a supplement that treats or prevents a partic­ ular medical condition, they are looking for a natural approach to maintaining their health and wellbeing across most of their consumer behavior. These consumers want herbal products that provide the primary benefit of treating or preventing a specific health issue while improving their overall health and wellness. They also have an emotional need for a product that is pure, natural, and has a minimal planetary and societal impact. A

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 61 market report

Anheuser-Busch Introduces New Beer with Caffeine, Guarana, and "Ginseng" by Mark Blumenthal holic beverages intended to capitalize on have "s timulant" properties, or roots of new trends; this includes Coors' recent American ginseng (P quinquefolius L.). n November 2004, Anheuse r-Busch, the introduction of the Zima® line of fl avo red It is also at least theoretically possi ble that Iworld's largest brewer, introduced a new alcoholic beverages (www.zimaxxx.com). the "ginseng" in the new beverage might be beer-sporting the unusual name "B-to­ Also express ing this new trend is Zygo™, a a third type of herbal material. From the the-E" (B E), the "B" fo r beer and the "E" for newly-introduced fl avored vodka contai n­ mid-1970s until May 2002, many dietary "extra." T he "extra" ingredients include ing the amino acid taurine, plus guarana, d­ supplements and beverages sold in the caffeine, guarana, and "ginseng." ribose, and ye rba mate (flex paraguariensis United States contained plant materi al The new BE will have a slightly sweet but A. St.-Hi!., Aquifoliaceae); more at labeled "Siberian ginseng," which purport­ tart tas te-with fruit overtones of black­ www.energyvodka.com. edly contained the root of eleuthero berry, raspberry, and cherry. "We created a The new BE brew will be produced at the great new drink that's outside the bound­ co mpany's Houston brewery. BE will be aries of the taste adults would expect from a launched in multiple phases throughout the The idea of adding traditional beer," said Nathaniel Davis, year in various markets in the U.S. caffeine (both the pure brewmaster at Anheuser-Busch (A-B) in a press release. "With B-to-the-E, we've come What type of"ginseng"? compound and the caffeine up with a beer that has a taste with a 'wow' T he South American seed guarana in the guarana) plus the factor at the finish."' (Paulfinia cupana Kunth., Sapindaceae) is The target market is consumers aged 2 1 a commonly used ingredient in beverages "ginseng" is unique in a to 27 years. T he idea of adding caffei ne in Brazil and other countries. Compared commercial beer. (both the pure compound and to other natural so urces of the caffeine in the guarana) plus caffein e, it contains a relatively the "ginseng" is unique in a significant amount (usually (Eieutherococcus senticosus [Rupr. & commercial beer, and it is about 2.6- 7%).2 Maxim.], Harms, Araliaceae) . [Note: T he oriented towards active, young It is relatively simple to deter­ qualifier "purportedly" is used to denote the adults livi ng highly energetic, mine what A-B means when it fact that although much of the so-called fast-paced lives. puts "guarana" on its label; it is "Siberian ginseng" sold in the U.S. in 1970s "Contemporary adults thirst less clear what it means when it and 1980s that was so urced from China was for variety and what's new, and uses the word "ginseng." Several labeled as being "Eleutherococcus senticosus," our B-to-the-E delive rs a bever­ requests by this writer via e-mail subsequent analys is of so me batches age that is true to their lifestyles and telephone to A-B to clarify revealed that it was ac tuall y C hinese and range of drinking occa­ the specific type of ginseng were silkvine (Periploca sepium Bunge., Asclepi­ sions," said Pat McGauley, answered by spokeswoman Gayle adaceae), an entirely different plant from a se nior director of New Products Daugherty who said she was not different family. 4·5.6] Eleuthero/"Siberian and High End Brands at A-B. authorized to reveal this informa- gi nseng" became particularl y popular "Our new B-to-the-E provides tion: "We are unable to provide because the cost of eleuthero is considerably caffeine, guarana, and gi nseng in a great some of the information yo u requested lower than root material from either of the tasting beer."' based on confidentiality. Please call me with Panax species. Although eleuthero is in the Assuming that the company is implying a any questions." (Written communication to sa me botanical family (Araliaceae) as are the slightly stimulating effect for this beer, the M. Blumenthal [e-mail], December 3, ginsengs from the genus Panax, a provision actual stimulant effect would depend on the 2004.) This writer responded by telephone in the Farm Bill of 2002 made it illegal for amount of the caffeine and each herbal with additional ques tions, but Ms. Daugh­ any herbal material from a ge nus other than extract per can. The company would not erty was unable to provide answers. (Oral Panax to be labeled or sold as "ginseng" in reveal the amount of the two herbal communication to M . Blumenthal [tele­ the u .S/·8 extracts, but disclosed that one 10-ounce phone], December 6, 2004.) In an e-mai l sent to A-B , this writer can of BE contains a total of 54 milligrams The "ginseng" in BE could be derived explained this potential confusion to A-B. of caffeine. Plus, each can produces 203 from either of several botanical so urces, and The e-mail contained both Herba/Gram calories and contains 6.6 percent alcohol by as this publication has noted previously, articles on the ginseng confusion and the volume and 22.5 carbohydrates.' there was formerly considerable confusio n Farm bill articles (both cited above) . (Writ­ A-B's new launch is based on its strategy in the marketplace as to what botani cal ten communication to G. Daugherty [e­ to increase its presence in the niche market material was being sold in a product labeled mail], December 8, 2004.) On December for specialty beers and beve rages. Beer sales as contammg "ginseng. "3 The most 28 this writer co ntacted Ms. Daugherty have been declining among traditional beer common and presumptive material is from again to see if there was any chance for drinkers, including young male adults. either Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. further clarification of the "ginse ng" mate­ Major brewe ries have introduced new alco- Meyer, Araliaceae) root, long believed to rial. She noted that she was still not author-

62 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org market report ized to provide any additional information In additi on to the malt beverage labeling hundreds of years. In 1516 in response to and that she had forwarded this writer's e­ requirements, regulations specific to the addition of many additives to "beers" of mail about the potential species confusion flavored malt beverages have been proposed the day, the German authorities passed the to the appropriate people at A-B. At press but are not yet required. These are outlined rheinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law, time (early January) there has been no in the Federal Register (Vol. 68, No. 56) 10 which is still in effect today. This law response from A-B. and define the difference between malt requires that beers sold in Germany contain beverages and flavored malt beverages. only four ingredients: water, barley, yeast, Regulations governing herbs and Specificall y, flavored malt beverages and hops (Humulus lupulus L. , Cannabi­ flavors in alcoholic beverages contain: (1) a beer base treated to remove naceae). Predictably, A-B will not attempt In response to this writer's question as to the taste and bitterness that is generally to marker its new brew in Germany. For what extent, if any, A-B has taken measures associated with beer; (2) a taste that comes more information on the history of herbal to confirm the safety of its "ginseng" ingre­ from added flavors rather than fermentation ingredients in beers and other fermented dient, as would be required by most of malt; (3) low carbonation; (4) clear beverages, see Stephen H . Buehner's Sacred conventional food or beverage manufactur­ coloring or coloring from added flavoring Herbal Healing Beers: The Secrets ofAncient ers under FDA regulations, A-B 's brewmas­ or coloring materials; and (5) an alcohol Fermentation (S ires Books, 1998), reviewed ter Nathaniel Davis provided the following content derived largely from the distilled in HerbalGram 48. --- response in an e-mail from Ms. Daugherty: spirits in the added flavoring. "The ginseng we use in BE is certified by our References I. Anheuser-Busch's ' BE' Takes Beer ro a New supplier as GRAS. The U.S. Treasury It appears that the new Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Level [press release]. St. Louis: Anheuser­ Busch; Ocrober 4, 2004. Available at: Trade Bureau (TTB) has approved BE's brew meets all regulatory hrrp:l/www.anheuser­ formulation and labeling under its proce­ requirements, despite the busch.com/news/broeo/o5F I 00404.htm. dures." (Written communication to M . 2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Blumenthal [e-mail], December 3, 2004.) probable preference by Common Natura/Ingredients Used in Foods, From a regulatory perspective, this is members of the botanical Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: probably all that would be required of A­ John Wiley & Sons; 1996. B with respect to documenting the safety community, and possibly 3. Awang DVC. What in the Name of Panax of its flavoring ingredients. Unlike Aie Those Other "Ginsengs"? Herbal­ also consumers, for more Gram. 2003; o. 57:30-35. Available at: conventional foods and dietary supple­ clarity on the nature of the hrrp://herbalgram.org/herbalgram/arricle­ ments, manufacturers of beer and related view.asp)a;2447. malt beverages are not regulated by the "ginseng" in BE. 4. Awang DVC. Siberian ginseng roxiciry Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be case of mistaken identity. Cana­ and are not required to list the identity of dian Medical Association journal. flavorings used in beers. While a manufac­ Amin stated that according to the Alco­ 1996; 155(9): 1237. turer of a conventional food wanting to hol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 5. Awang DVC, Maternal use of ginseng and include an herbal ingredient must use one (ATTB), in order to get specific labeling neonatal androgenization. }AMA. 199 1;266(3):363 . that is GRAS (generally recognized as requirements for the beer product, the 6. Blumenthal M, Hall T, Goldberg A, Kunz safe), it is worth noting that the original manufacturer would have to submit the list T, Dinda K, Brinckmann J, eta!, edirors. GRAS list was developed by the Flavor of ingredients with the method of manufac­ The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin, and Extracts Manufacturing Association ture on the company's letterhead to the TX: American Botanical Council; 2003. (FEMA), an industry trade association, ATTB in Washington, D.C. The ATTB 7. l07th Congress. Farm Security and Rural for use in flavoring foods and alcoholi c would review the label and let the company Inves tment Act of 2002. Public Law l 07- beverages. FDA eventuall y adopted the know what it would need to include on its 17 1. Available at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/ li st as official policy. labeling based on the information submit­ Features/farmbill/. 8. Blumenthal M. Farm Bill Bans Use of According to Rakesh M. Amin, a phar­ ted. (Written communication to M. Name "Ginseng" on Non-Panax Species: macist and regulatory attorney in C hi cago Blumenthal [e-mail], December 8, "S iberian Ginseng" no longer allowed as (www.amin-law.com), the labeling and 2004.) Thus, at this time, under appropri­ commercial term. HerbalGram. 2002;No. advertising requirements for malt beverages ate federal regulations for flavored malt 56:54-55. are outlined in the Code of Federal Regula­ beverages, and assuming that the "ginse ng" 9. Al co hol and Tobacco Tax and Trade tions (27 CFR §7).9 The definition of malt in BE is from the genus Panax, it appears Bureau, U.S. Dept. of the Treasury. Label­ beverage is found in 27 CFR §7.10. Most that the new brew meets all regulatory ing and Advertising of Malt Beverages. importantly, subpart C outlines the label­ requirements, despite the probable prefer­ Code ofFederal Regulations. Tide 27, Vol.!. Parr 7. Revised April I, 2003:88-102. ing requirements for malt beverages (27 ence by members of the botanical commu­ 10. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade CFR §§7.20-7.29). In general, a malt nity, and possibly also consumers, for more Bureau, U.S. Dept. of the Treasury. 27 beverage label must contain its brand clarity on the nature of the "ginseng" in BE. CFR Parts 7 and 25; Flavored Malr Bever­ name, class, name and address, net T he practice of adding herb-based flavor­ ages and Relared Proposals (200 l R-l36P); contents, alcoholic content if required by ings to beers has a long and rich tradition. Proposed Rule. Federal Register Vol. 68, state law, and other statements of content if Herbs have been added for fl avor as well as No. 56. March 24, 2003: 14291-14303. required (27 CFR §7.22). for their preservative properties for www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 63 conference report

Hepatotoxicity Assessment for Botanical Dietary Supplements by Larry A. Walker, PhD

dverse events with botanical products First, planned implementation of more address the problem of predicting/find­ A are relatively rare, but with increasing specific manufacturing controls by the ing/eliminating hepatotoxic constituents or frequency and duration of exposure, some industry will help to minimize the inci­ contaminants. The question is whether reports have appeared linking herbal prod­ dence of hepatotoxic and other adverse research can provide the rools ro make this ucts with serious injury. Among the most events due to contamination and will faci li ­ more practical. To develop these tools, troublesome is the reported association of tate the tracking of offending agents or however, an intensive research effort will be some botanicals with liver injury. These products containing contaminants in cases required, optimally with coordinated stud­ effects in some cases have been linked to that do occur. Hopefully, the forthcoming ies and cross-validation in multiple labora­ consumption of botanicals with recognized final rules for Good Manufacturing Prac­ tories. hepatotoxic components (e.g., pyrrolizidine tices, which may be published in early alkaloids). However, in other cases the 2005, will hasten this development causative agent(s) is less clear, and in any industry-wide. (Previously proposed Unpredictable hepatotoxicity case the mechanisms that relate to hepato­ rules for GMPs were published by FDA associated with either drugs or 1 toxicity are usually poorly understood. In in March 2003. ) Second, more aware­ botanicals is also extremely recognition of the need for a better scien­ ness and comprehensive utilization of tific base for understanding botanical­ avenues for adverse event reporting will difficult to recognize or assess induced hepatotoxicity and for better tools facilitate the identification of problem because prevalence of adverse for assessment and prediction, the National plants and their toxic constituents. For Center for Natural Products Research example, the FDA is implementing an reactions ranges between 1 in (NCNPR), a botanical research center adverse event reporting system specific 10,000 and 1 in 100,000 against located at the University of Mississippi, to dietary supplements, the CFSAN hosted a workshop on September 8-9, Adverse Events Reporting System a large background. 2003. The NCNPR hosted the workshop (CAERS; http:/ /www.cfsan.fda. under a cooperative agreement with the gov/ ~dms/caersltr.html). Third, there is Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutri­ a critical need for more suitable screening Selected presentations of the workshop tion (CFSAN) of the Food and Drug methods for predicting hepatotoxiciry a speakers are highlighted below. Administration (FDA). The workshop priori, so botanicals and their derived prod­ Neil Kaplowitz, MD (University of featured presentations by 22 experts from ucts can be reliably assessed. The availability Southern California School of Medicine), academia, government, pharmaceutical of such methods will, of course, depend on presented an overview of the clinical picture industry, and the herb and dietary supple­ extensive research in order to develop and in drug-induced liver injury, wi th perspec­ ment industry trade organizations. It was validate them. tives on reported cases that have been attended by 65 people from government, One of the dominant themes of the reportedly associated with herbals or natural academia and the herb industry. workshop centered on the variability in products. Patients with drug-induced injury predicting hepatic injury; the literature may show symptoms of acute hepatitis, or suggests that susceptibility may vary on the other end of the spectrum, with One of the dominant markedly due to genetic or pathophysiolog­ cholestasis (a condition characterized by ical factors (e.g., infection, inflammation) greatly reduced or obstructed flow of bile), themes of the workshop or co-exposures to other agents that impact and often may show mixed signatures. In centered on the variability in susceptibility. Because of these factors, it either case, inflammatory processes are seems unlikely that a single screening usually associated with a wide range of cell predicting hepatic injury. approach will be able to predict hepatotoxic types, adaptive immune responses, repeated potential, given that the mechanisms of or prolonged exposure, and to varying action involved are so varied and complex. degrees, repair/ regeneration processes, The purpose of the workshop was to However, one might envision development making the progression very complicated. review and discuss methods of assessing the of a battery of tests based on the thorough Drug-induced liver disease may be further hepatotoxicity of botanical dietary supple­ characterization of known hepatotoxic categorized as predictable (high incidence, ments with an emphasis on in vitro labora­ botanicals and correlation to in vivo liver dose-related) and unpredictable (low inci­ tory techniques that might be applied in injury. These might be used to screen dence that might or might not be dose screening for assessment and eventually, against the major categories of offending related). prediction of hepatotoxic potential. agents. Although perhaps somewhat The chemistry of botanical products can, Although application of existing and impractical at present, it might be plausible of course, be quite variable, and the use may emerging methodologies can well character­ to create a database of "structural alerts" for be sporadic, so the occurrence of ize and even predict some hepatic insults, known hepatotoxic molecules. However, "predictable" hepatotoxicities is rare. Unpre­ the workshop identified important gaps in such a database of structures is not feasible dictable hepatotoxicity associated with understanding that should be addressed by without ways to detect them. The purpose either drugs or botanicals is also extremely researchers. of the workshop was ro explore ways to difficult to recognize or assess because

64 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org conference report prevalence of adverse reactions ranges tion, certain botanical constituents them­ including apoptotic indicators (apoptosis between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 100,000 selves could be bioactivated by DMEs to refers to the programmed death of normal against a large background. Recognition of form reactive metabolites. cells), enzyme release, proliferation inhibi­ causality in idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity Considerable discussion focused on the tion, CYP induction or inhibition, and P­ (i .e., spontaneous hepatotoxicity of no differences in metabolism among different glycoprotein transporter inhibition or direct or demonstrable origin) is further animal species, and the consequent limited induction. confounded by combinations of numerous ability of animal models to predict toxic Another "high-content" screening variables, including environmental condi­ responses in humans. Several speakers approach was presented by Craig Downs tions (underlying disease, co-medication, addressed the utility of using human hepa­ (En Virtue Biotechnologies, Winchester, tissue injury), genetic factors (drug metabo­ tocytes (liver cells) to address how botani­ VA) wherein responses of cell lines to xeno­ lism or transport differences) , induction or cals can affect (induce/inhibit) cytochrome biotics (foreign compounds, i.e., chemicals inhibition of metabolizing enzymes, and P450 (CYP450) and Phase II enzymes and from outside the body) can be profiled with the molecular nature of the toxicant. drug transporters. Because the hepatocytes an array of quantitative ELISA (Enzyme­ A few botanicals are recognized for their contain the important biotransformation Linked lmmunosorbent Assay) assays, using predictable hepatotoxicity. Botanicals enzymes, these systems can also be used to antibodies to panels of markers categorized containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) understand how constituents are metabo- for relevance to genomic integrity, meta- were first associated with hepatotoxicity over 70 years ago. Po Chan, PhD, and Abraham Because of these complicated interactions Nyska, PhD (National Institute of Environ­ mental Health Sciences), provided a histori­ with genetic and environmental factors, it seems unlikely cal overview of PAs, as well as the results of that a single screening approach will be able their mechanistic studies with riddelliine, a PA selected for study by the National Toxi­ to predict hepatotoxic potential. cology Program. PAs can be found in more than 350 plant species, but are typically in lized and potentially detect what the reac­ bolic integrity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, plants from the genera Crotalaria, tive metabolites are. cell structural integrity, and others. Heliotropium, Senecio, and Symphytum (the Stephen Strom, PhD (Univ. Pittsburgh In addition to potential animal versus genus of the formerly popular herb School of Medicine), discussed an approach human differences in susceptibility, it is comfrey). Human exposure to PAs typically used by his group that entails use of primary now well known that certain polymor­ occurs from teas, contaminated foods , or cultured human hepatocytes (from liver phisms among humans can significantly herbal preparations. Because of the PAs transplant donors) to study the effects of affect susceptibility to hepatotoxic injury. found in comfrey, companies have been botanicals on drug metabolizing enzymes. Polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 genes advised by the FDA to remove products for Work in Or. Strom's laboratory demon­ can predispose to rapid or slow metabolism, internal consumption from the market.2 strated the effects of botanical constituents, thus leading to variable responses. There­ The most problematic incidences of including the effect of hyperforin from St. fore , in a rapid metabolizer, clearance of a botanical-induced hepatotoxicity are those John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., drug/botanical constituent may be that represent "unpredictable" or idiosyn­ Clusiaceae) to induce the expression of increased; however, for toxic principles that cratic reactions. Since the basis for these is cytochrome P450 drug-metabolizing require bioactivation to cause damage, the poorly understood, determining causation enzymes (CYP 3A4 & 2C9), and the potent same person may show an enhanced injury. and developing preventive strategies are inhibition of the enzymes CYP 3A, 1A1 , Ronald Hines, PhD (Medical College of much more complex. Some of the compli­ and 1A2 by bergamottin in grapefruit juice. Wisconsin) illustrated this point with cating factors and approaches to a better A disadvantage of utilizing primary hepa­ CYP3A-mediared metabolism of german­ understanding were explored by several tocyte cultures is the limited availability of der. Germander ( Teucrium chamaedrys L. , speakers. tissue. However, most cultured cell lines Lamiaceae) was formerly used as a weight A primary consideration in the under­ lose many of the differentiated features of control adjuvant in some European formu­ standing of potential safety concerns with normal hepatocytes, thus limiting their util­ lations, and its usage in France led to 26 botanicals is in the arena of drug interac­ ity for this type of screening. Jim Kelly cases of cytolytic hepatitis. Germander tions. Recent studies have highlighted (Amphioxus Cell Technologies, Houston, contains neo-clerodane diterpenoids that instances of induction or inhibition of TX) presented work on a subline of HepG2 are bioacrivated by CYP3A, and induction drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) by cells and his company's system for predic­ of apoptosis in vitro is blocked by a CYP3A botanical constituents. These may have tive hepatotoxicity resting. This cell line has inhibitor and enhanced by CYP3A induc­ undesirable effects, augmenting or impair­ been selected for irs preserved metabolic tion. Variability in human CYP3A includes ing the bioavailability of drugs with profile, and rhus sensitivity to some toxi­ polymorphisms in CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 narrow therapeutic indices or enhancing cants rhar require metabolic activation. that occur at different frequencies in various bioactivation of some drugs to reactive Inhibition of CYP450 metabolism can be populations. If CYP3A5 or CYP3A7 specif­ intermediates, with consequent toxic observed, and CYP3A and CYP1A induc­ ically contribute to diterpenoid metabolic responses. This is the way in which chronic tion responses have also been explored in activation, individuals with these polymor­ alcohol is suspected to potentiate the hepa­ these cells. It is possible to assess multi­ phisms could be variably susceptible to totoxic effects of acetaminophen. In addi- parameter toxic endpoints in this cell line, germander-induced hepatotoxicity. Such www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 65 conference report genetically determined variations in responses should become easier in vivo liver injury. These might be used to screen against the major to recognize as the exploitation of the knowledge of the human categories of offending agents. To develop these, however, an inten­ genome advances and the field of pharmacogenomics matures. sive research effort will be required (and, hopefully, adequate fund­ Recent important advances in the understanding of the induc­ ing for such research will be awarded), optimally with coordinated tion of CYP450s by xenobiotics emphasize the role of a variety of studies and cross-validation in multiple laboratories. These studies nuclear hormone receptors and their response elements. David should help to better exploit the beneficial effects of herbal products, Moore, PhD (Baylor College of Medicine), summarized work from while more accurately assessing and minimizing the relatively rare his lab on the regulation ofCYP450 drug-metabolizing enzymes by adverse events associated with rheir use. A constituents of herbal products. As an example of herbal product Larry A. Walker, PhD, is Director of the National Center for interactions via this pathway, St. John's wort extracts appear to Natural Products Research (NCNPR) and Professor in the Depart­ induce the CYPs by activating nuclear hormone receptors. These ment of Pharmacology at the School of Pharmacy at the University receptors also display some species-dependent characteristics (e.g., of Mississippi. He has a degree in pharmacy and a doctorate in Phar­ human and rodent receptors respond differently to inducers). macology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (1979), In addition to the uncertainties introduced with species variabil­ with emphasis in the areas of renal and cardiovascular pharmacology. ity and with genetic polymorphisms in human populations, other He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of rhe journal ofBiomolecular factors complicate the ability to predict botanical hepatotoxic Screening and sits on numerous grant review panels for the National responses and to study their mechanisms. For example, although Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense. some hepatotoxicants are certainly directly toxic to hepatic parenchymal cells in vitro, in many cases other cell types have been References: implicated, including Kupffer cells, neutrophils, T-lymphocytes, I. FDA. Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, stellate cells, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. Packing or Holding Dietary Ingredients and Dietary Supplements: Robert Roth, PhD (Associate Director, Michigan State Univer­ Proposed Rule. Federal Register Volume 69, No. 49, Docket No. sity's National Food Safety and Toxicology Center), showed his 96N-0417. Washington, DC: Food and Drug Administration. group's work with monocrotaline (MCT), a pyrrolizidine alkaloid March 13, 2003. Available at: http:/ /www.cfsan.fda.gov/ that causes cell death in hepatic parenchymal cells following an -dms/dscgmps3.html. acutely toxic dose in rats. This response requires more than just 2. Lewis CJ (Director, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and MCT and hepatic parenchymal cell interaction. MCT-induced Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutri­ tion, U.S. Food and Drug Administration). FDA Advises Dietary injury to sinusoidal endothelial cells occurs and is associated wirh Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the activation of the coagulation system, deposition of fibrin in the liver Market. [Letter to industry trade organizations, professional organi­ sinusoids, and impairment of blood flow and oxygenation of liver zatio ns , and non-profit groups.] July 6, 2001. Available at: tissue. Although high doses of MCT do not require inflammation http:/ /www.cfsan.fda.gov/ -dms/ dspl tr06.html. to cause liver injury, otherwise nontoxic doses of MCT become very toxic in the presence of modest coexisting inflammation. R UTGERS When rats were treated with doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Continued from page 19 sufficient ro induce a modest inflammatory response, subsequent administration of subthreshold doses of MCT elicited pronounced Ghana and Dakar, Senegal), East Mrica (Kigali, Rwanda), and hepatotoxicity. This synergistic reaction was not observed in Southern Mrica (Stellenbosch, South Mrica and Lusaka, Zambia), isolated hepatocytes exposed to MCT and LPS . The enhanced in concert with their associated universities: Kwame Nkrumah sensitivity in vivo requires Kupffer cells, neutrophils and tumor University of Science and Technology (Ghana), Stellenbosch necrosis factor-a, as well as an activated coagulation system. This University (South Mrica), rhe National University of Rwanda example suggests that the contributions of various non parenchymal (Rwanda), and the University of Zambia (Zambia). The program cell types found in the liver and the inflammatory mediators they also includes numerous NGO and private sector (i.e., commercial produce should be considered in assessment of the hepatotoxic businesses) communities in Mrica, along with businesses in the potential of botanical supplements. Moreover, it raises the possibil­ United States. ity that consumers of FA-containing products who experience an In addition to Prof. Simon, others involved in running the new infection or inflammatory episode may be at greater risk for devel­ project are Ramu Govindasamy, PhD and Associate Professor; Mr. oping liver injury. An important question to be explored is whether Dan Acquaye; and H. Rodolfo Juliani, PhD (Research Associate), the infection or inflammation-mediated "sensitization" may also with activities coordinated through the Rutgers New Use Agricul­ apply to other botanicals-or to other pharmaceuticals, for that ture and Natural Plant Products Program and the Food Policy Insti­ matter. Also, do other such interactions predispose liver injury by tute, in concert with ASNAPP-Mrica and ASNAPP-USA. Further drugs/botanicals that may be otherwise innocuous? For example, information is available from Prof. Simon or Prof. Govindasamy what is the effect of combining herbal products with acute or (Tel: 732-932-97 I 1, ext. 355; e-mail: [email protected] chronic consumption of alcohol or other drugs that might cause or [email protected]). Additional information on liver damage? ASNAPP is available at www.asnapp.org and by viewing the article Because of these complicated interactions with generic and envi­ on page 67 of this issue which re(JOrts on rhe ASNAPP conference ronmental factors, it seems unlikely that a single screening approach held in Senegal in August 2004. ~ will be able to predict hepatotoxic potential. However, one might -Mark Blumenthal envision development of a battery of tests based on the thorough Source characterization of known hepatotoxic botanicals and correlation to New USAID Funded Project Supports the Natural Products Sector in Africa [Press Release]. Rutgers University; December 4, 2004.

66 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org conference report

ASNAPP 4th International Roundtable on Natural African Plant Products Held in Senegal by Mark Blumenthal

he fourth International Roundtable markets." (Note: HACCP refers to Hazard T Conference on African Natural Plant Analysis Critical Control Point, a key Products was held in Dakar, Senegal, from process in food manufacturing that allows August 25-27, 2004. The conference was for the prevention of food safery problems.) tided, "Market Access and Competition of Prof. Charles Quansah of the Kwame African Natural Plant Products." It was Nkrumah Universiry of Science Technology sponsored by Agribusiness in Sustainable in Ghana discussed "The role of research in Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP), crop domestication, Product development an organization funded in part by the and technology transfer. " Martin Schneider, United States Agency for International PhD, Purchasing Manager of the Pharma Development. • Division of Frutarom in Switzerland, The conference keynote address was presented an overview of the natural prod­ given by His Excellency Maitre Abdoulaye Steated (L to R): Jerry Brown of USAID, Madame ucts industry in Europe with emphasis on Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal, Viviane Wade, First Lady, President Abdoulaye Wa de, market and regulatory challenges. Verena Dan Acquaye of ASNAPP, and Barbara Wilde, Advisor with welcoming remarks from Madame Ruschmeyer, of Berfin (Pry) Ltd in South to the Pre siden t on Organic Agriculture and Natural Viviane Wade, First Lady of the Republic of Plant Products. Africa, provided insights into "The Herbal Senegal. This is the first time a head of state Tea Industry: Overview of the herbal tea has addressed the ASNAPP roundtable. market in the U.S. and Europe." Wayne Even more significantly, President Wade is Research Manager at Seeds of C hange, Barratt, Director of EarthOil in Kenya, the first African head of state to officially presented on the eve r-important issue of spoke on "Essential oils industry: Chal­ support natural products development. Good Agricultural Practices. (Note: please lenges, opportunities and the potential for see related story in this issue titled, People from 30 nations attended the three­ WHO economic development in Africa." day conference. Releases "Guidelines on Good AgricuLturaL and Numerous presentations were also made CoLLection Practices" of Herbs on page 22.) Presentations dealt with varied opportu­ by staff members of ASNAPP from various Van Woods, CEO of Sylvia's Restaurant, nities, challenges, and obstacles facing African countries. Petrus Langenhoven, gave a buye r's perspective on shea butter. African medicinal and aromatic plant Agronomist and Greenhouse specialist for This writer gave three presentations: producers. Topics included export and qual­ ASNAPP in South Africa, spoke on the iry issues in the herbal tea market; produc­ "Overview of the natural products industry subject of "Intensive crop production, Use in rhe U.S. and the implications of the tion and qualiry control in essential oils; the of hydroponics and green house systems in Bioterrorism Act''; "Case studies and lessons emerging international market for shea the commercial development of herbs and learned from the recent introductions of butter (Butyrospermum parkii [Don] specialry vegetables." Masseur Nguer, [herbal] medications into the international Kotschy, Sapotaceae), which is an increas­ ASNAPP country manager for Senegal, gave marketplace"; and "Print media: Effective ingly popular ingredient in cosmetics and an overview of the organization's activities in tool for new product introductions." African food products; and the challenges and this country. Elton Jefrhas, marketing coor­ plant pr"oducts are becoming increasingly strategies for introducing new African dinator and ASNAPP country manager for important to rhe U.S. and world market, as herbal medicinal preparations into local, South Africa, gave a talk on the Wupperthal well as for consumption as teas, herbal medi­ regional, and overseas markets. Rooibos Tea Trust, and a gentleman from cines, and cosmetic ingredients in Africa. Presenters from the U.S. included Prof. Senegal provided information on the effortS James E. Simon of Rutgers Universiry, a to commercialize Kinkeliba tea (from long-time participant in the ASNAPP President Wade is Combretum micranthum G. Don., Combre­ process, who gave several talks including: the first Mrican head taceae) in Senegal and beyond. "Medicinals: Overview of emerging crops Recent issues of Herba!Gram have with high commercial potential (Artemisia, of state to officially covered numerous herbs and themes related Cryptolepis, Moringa, etc.)" and "Quali ry support natural products to Africa including: the progress in the Assurance & Qualiry Control, Regulatory & treatment of malaria from the roots of Trade Standards Issues." Kodzo Gbewonyo, development. Cryptofepis sanguinofenta, which was a PhD, of BioResources International Inc., feature article in issue #60; and the growing gave an "Overview of Natural Products of populariry of the Rooibos tea (Aspafathus Africa," while Howard Y. Shapiro, PhD, of Other presentations were made by Allen Linearis), which was the cover story in issue Masterfoods USA (division of M&M Mars Ranft of Food Surveys in South Africa on #59. Earlier issues have featured articles on Inc.) and vice-president of agriculture at the subjects of "Good Manufacturing Prac­ devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), Seeds of Change, spoke on "Sustainable tices (GMP), essential tool to market access" appeari ng in issue #50, and pygeum bark development models for commercialization and "HACCP and Erogap: Overview and (Prunus afticana), appearing in issue #43. of natural products." Erica Renaud, requirements for enrenng international Long-rime ABC members and Herba!Gram www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 67 conference report readers may recall the special issue of ''ASNAPP helps create and develop success­ A translation of the conference opening Herba!Gram #43 on African medicinal ful African businesses in the natural products address by President Wade is provided in a plants, back issues of which were distrib­ sector providing income, employment and sidebar to this article. For more information uted to the conference attendees. development, through environmentally and about the conference, visit the ASNAPP ASNAPP is funded largely through the socially conscious sustainable production of Web site (www.asnapp.org) .... U.S. Agency for International Development high quality, heal thful natural products for (USAID). The ASNAPP mission states that, local, regional, and overseas markets."

Opening Address by His Excellency Maitre Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal

resident Wade's opening address to the continue to fall, markets for natural prod­ 7. Enact the necessary pollcies and logis­ P''ASNAPP 4th International Round­ ucts, especially those which are nutritional, tical support for investment. table on Natural African Plant Products" have experienced huge growth during the Ladies and gentlemen, the theme of this held in Dakar, Senegal, August 25, 2004: last ten years. conference, "Market Access and Market It is with great pleasure that I preside The strong evolution of the world Competitiveness of African Natural Plant this morning over the opening of the market for nutritional products (food and Products," conforms perfectly with the fourth ASNAPP International Roundtable dietary supplements) alone is estimated at political agenda of the NEPAD [New on Natural Products. $60 billion per year. There is an unceasing African Partnership for African Develop­ This is the first and growing demand for natural, organic ment]. African leaders have recognized the time that this confer­ products such as teas and herbal tisanes, need for African countries to have access to ence has taken place nutritional supplements, essential oils, world markets by providing high quality in a francophone herbs and spices, medicinal plants and products. country, and I am plants with cosmetic applications. The objectives and content of this convinced that Sene­ Market trends have been influenced by a conference, which are oriented toward gal can serve, for the change in consumer behavior away from establishing a partnership berween produc­ francophone regions synthetic products toward natural products. ers, researchers, processors, exporters, and of the African Sahel, Wade The natural products industry therefore political decision-makers, further under­ as a door of entry into constitutes a means of assuring alternative line the call of the NEPAD for regional the domain of natural products. revenue sources for exporting farmers, partnership and integration. That will be the opportunity to wish a while simultaneously addressing the health With more than 20 countries repre­ warm welcome to all the participants of and nutritional needs of local populations. sented here, I am convinced that the shar­ this conference. Therefore, in order that the countries of ing of expertise among researchers, manu­ As you know, agriculture constitutes the sub-Saharan Africa, and especially Senegal, facturers, producers, entrepreneurs, backbone of the economy in most devel­ may better benefit from this expanding exporters, and political decision-makers oping countries and assures the well-being market and take advantage of these oppor­ will help to meet the challenges of quality and livelihood of a major proportion of tunities, it is necessary to: control, packaging, manufacturing tech­ their rural populations. 1. Implement quality control systems to niques, and market development. Many African countries, including Sene­ assure products that are consistent I could not conclude without thanking gal, have long depended on traditional with buyers' quality requirements and USAID [United States Agency for Interna­ crops such as coffee, cotton, rubber, and specifications. tional Development] and the organizers for peanuts as sources of revenue and interna­ 2. Encourage best agricultural and choosing Senegal to host this conference. tional trade. However, during the last manufacturing practices. I hope that your meetings will support several years, the prices of these traditional 3. Make market information continually these activities, which have already started commodities have fallen steeply, with available for potential investors in the in Senegal, and will allow both institutions negative consequences for the incomes of market. and participants to benefit from ASNAPP rural populations. 4.Assure continuous production and programs. The Government of Senegal has, for its promotion of these products. My government will continue to part, therefore instituted policies and 5. Develop good packaging and good support your efforts, so that we may programs oriented toward the diversifica­ presentation of product. achieve our objectives and so that Senegal tion of crops, promotion of export, 6. Build human and institutional capaci­ can show the way and serve as an example augmentation of producers' revenues, and ties in order to boost information to other countries. improvement of the well-being and liveli­ exchange and commercial nerworks I declare the ASNAPP conference on hoods of farmers whose resources have linking African businesspeople and market access and competitiveness of traditionally been limited. the Senegalese to international organ­ African natural plant products now But we know that while the prices of izations involved in the production of open .... traditional agricultural commodities natural products.

68 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram .org book revzews•

/S/C/0/P Monographs: The Scientific copeias, and to some extent in the mono­ Table 1 lists ESCOP monographs of ative EFoundation for Herbal M edicinal graphs produced by the World Health American herbs. Table 2 shows ESCOP Products, 2nd ed. Published by ESCO P, Organization (WHO). However, each Monographs appearing for the first time in the European Scientific Cooperative on ESCOP monograph specifies the quality the second edition. Phytorherapy: Exeter, UK, in coll aboration standard with which the botanical raw Each monograph includes the following with Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, material must elements: definition, constituents, clinical Germany, and Thieme New York. 2003. comply. For exam­ particulars (therapeutic indications, dosage, 556 pp. ISBN 1-901964-07-8 (ESCOP), ESCO P ple, Ginkgo Leaf method of administration, duration of ISBN 3-13-129421-3 (GTV), and ISBN 1- ;\I( l:"( ll,R\1'11\ must comply with administration, contraindications, special 58890-233-1 (TNY). $139.00. ABC cata­ the monograph of warnings and precautions, interactions, log #B524. the PhEur and pregnancy and lactation, effects on ability The European Scientific Cooperative on Standardized to drive, undesirable effects, overdose) , Phytorherapy (ESCOP) was established in Ginkgo Dry pharmacological properties (pharmacody­ 1989, and the first ESCOP monographs Extract must namic properties, in vitro experiments, in were publi shed in March 1996 as the first of , _:~. comply with the vivo experiments, pharmacological studies 6 fasc icul es (installments of 10 monographs ~- "'' . "":.I- ~£.!!! monograp h o f t he in humans, clinical studies, pharmacoki­ each, in loose-leaf, ring binder format) with YThiemc German Pharma­ netic properties, preclinical safety data) , and the final fascicule published in October copeia (DAB). references. In some cases there are also a 1999. The second edition, a hard-back It is of particu­ number of tables provided. For example, in book, contains 60 fully revised and lar interest for this American writer that 12 the Ginkgo folium monograph there are expanded therapeutic monographs from the of the 80 monographs ( 15%) are native five tables: (I ) Critical reviews and meta­ first edition in addition to 20 completely American herbs that have been introduced analysis of clinical studies; (2) Clinical stud­ new monographs. The monographs are into European phytomedicine over the last ies in dementia; (3) Clinical studies in cere­ bral insufficiency; (4) Clinical studies in arranged alphabetically according to their couple of hundred years, another 3 mono­ pharmacopeia! names, and the correspon­ graphs are Pacific Island herbs (eucalyptus neurosensory disturbances; and (5 ) Clinical studies in peripheral arterial occlusive ding common names used by ESCOP, in [Eucalyptus globulus], Java rea [ Orthosiphon stamineus], kava-kava [Piper methysticum]), disease. Aside from the 80 monographs, the many cases, do not march the Standardized and at least 15 of the 80 monographs cover book has only a subject index that includes Common Names 1 collected and promoted herbs of Asian origin, stemming from tradi­ the botanical names, common names, and by the American Herbal Products Associa­ tional use in the Indian and/or Chinese pharmacopeia] names. No constituents, tion that are accepted in North America. systems of medicine, among other Asian actions, indications, or other terms are For example, ESCOP uses Hamamelis Bark systems. These include Asian ginseng indexed. instead of Witch Hazel Bark (Hamamelis (Panax ginseng) , cinnamon ( Cinnamomum As an example of the extent of revision and virginiana) and Pale Coneflower Root zeylanicum), eleurhero (Eleutherococcus expansion, the ESCOP 1996 Zingiberis instead of Echinacea Pallida Root (Echi­ senticosus), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger Rhizoma (Ginger) monograph referenced 47 nacea pallida). (Zingiber officina/e), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), citations, mostly from the 1980s with a few ESCOP is a consortium of many of the Tinnevelly senna (Cassia angustifolia), and up through 1994. The ESCOP 2003 most respected and knowledgeable turmeric (Curcuma longa), among others. Zingiberis Rhizoma monograph has 58 cira- phytomedicine experts in Europe. Acco rd­ ingly, the ESCOP monographs are consid­ ered to be an authoritative source of scien­ Table I. ESCOP Monographs of Native American Herbs tific evidence for phytomedicines and in fact are being uti lized by the Committee for Pharmacopeia! Name Used by ESCOP Common Name Herbal Medicinal Products (CHMP) of the Boldi Folium Boldo Leaf European Medicines Evaluation Agency C imicifugae Rh izoma Black Cohosh Rh izome (EMEA) as a basis for establishing "core Echinaceae Pallidae Radix Pale Coneflower Root data" on leading European herbal medicinal Echinaceae Purpureae Herba Pu rple Coneflower Herb products. Such core data is referenced by Echinaceae Purpureae Radix Purple Coneflower Root product manufacturers fo r their product Hamamelidis Aqua Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) license applications in order to obtain pre­ Water marketing authorization for phytomedici­ nal products in the European Union (EU). Hamamelidis Cortex Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) T he ESCOP monographs are intended to Bark be a contribution to the harmonization of Hamamelidis Fol ium Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) therapeutic guidelines and standards for Leaf herbal medicines in the EU. The ESCOP Passiflorae Herba Passion Flower Herb monographs do not contain data on iden­ Polygalae radix Senega Root tity, quality control, analytical methods, Rhamni Purshiana Cortex Cascara Sagrada Bark etc., as are found in the European Pharma­ Serenoae Repentis Fructus Saw Palmetto Fruit copoeia (PhEur) and other national pharma-

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 69 book reviews tions, mainly from the 1980s, 1990s, and up products over the past decade, a completely licensing, notification, and/or re-registra­ through 2002. The 1996 monograph stated revised edition of the ESCOP monographs tion of herbal products, but also as an that the quality of the raw material must is a timely and welcome contribution. authoritative reference by healthcare comply with the monograph of the British Additionally, the second edition of the providers, researchers, and journalists. _..... Pharmacopoeia (BP), which had no quantita­ ESCOP monographs is an essential -Josef Brinckmann tive standard for essential oil content, while compendium, at least for the 80 herbs that Vice President of Research and Development the 2003 monograph requires the material to it covers, to be used in conjunction with Traditional Medicinals, Inc. comply with the monograph of the PhEur, other authoritative sources of evidence (e.g. , Sebastopol, CA . containing not less than 15 mil kg of essential German Commission E monographs, Reference oil.* The 1996 ESCOP Ginger monograph WHO monographs) to help satisfy the I. McGuffin M, Kartesz JT, Leung AY, Tucker AO, eds. American Herbal Products provided summaries of 10 human studies levels of evidence requirements and the Association's Herbs of Commerce, 2nd ed. while the 2003 revision includes summaries acceptable sources of safety and efficacy of 15 human studies (6 under the heading of Silver Spring, MD: American Herbal evidence that are required under various Products Associa tion; 2000. Pharmacological studies in humans and 9 regulatory frameworks for the marketing of under the heading of Clinical studies) as well phytomedicinal products. Such useful /ant Medicine in Practice: Using the as a summary of 1 systematic review of clin­ documentation appli cations include Teachings of john Bastyr by William ical studies. The 2003 Ginger monograph P substantiation of structure/function claims A. Mitchell Jr, NO. Sr. Louis, Missouri: has an additional "Clinical safety data" listed in herbal dietary supplement notifica­ Churchill Livingstone, 2003. 458 pp. ISBN section that provides a summary of adverse tion letters to the U.S. Food and Drug 0-443-07238-8. $66.95. events extrapolated from the already summa­ Administration (FDA), product license As pointed out in the introduction to this rized clinical studies. appli cations/pre-marketing authorizations work, the late John Bastyr, DC, NO, left no Due to the rapid proliferation of research of natural health products with the Health written works. Therefore, we have only his findings on medicinal herbs and herbal Canada Natural Health Products Direc­ many students, such as William Mitchell, Following harmonization of national torate (NHPD), or traditional herbal NO, to help pass along Dr. Bastyr's knowl­ pharmacopeia! monographs between EU medicinal product license applications edge. Practitioners of botanical medicine Member States, once a monograph under the new European Union (EU) have long desired more information about becomes official in the PhEur, it is then Directive, among other frameworks. The Dr. Bastyr's use of medicinal plants, and by retired from each of the individual proxy the use by naturopathic physicians of national pharmacopeias (e.g., BP, DAB, ESCOP monographs are useful not only for French Pharmacopoeia) in their next industry substantiation purposes to fulfill his era. As one of the co-founders of Bastyr edition. their legal evidence requirements in the University and a beloved mentor to many in the naturopathic profession, Dr. Mitchell's Table 2. ESCOP Monographs Introduced in Second Edition contribution to the field of naturopathic medicine has been significant. Though his Pharmacopeia! Name Used by ESCOP Common Name knowledge of botanical medicine is large Agni Casti Fructus Agnus Castus Fruit and eclectic, as represented in Plant Medi­ Chelidonii Herba Greater Celandine Herb cine in Practice, the book suffers from several shortcomings. The reviewer does not Cimicifugae Rhizoma Black Cohosh Rhizome wish to dishonor or otherwise belittle Dr. Cinnamomi Cortex Cinnamon Bark Mitchell in any way, but only to give his Curcumae Longae Rhizoma Turmeric Rhizome honest thoughts on this work. Cynarae Folium Artichoke Leaf The positive features of the book include Eleutherococci Radix Eleuthero Root its co ll ection of interesting facts and the Filipendulae Ulmariae Herba Meadowsweet Herb handling of many obscure and potentially Ginkgo Folium Ginkgo Leaf toxic herbs, practically ignored in all other Ginseng Radix Ginseng Root botanical literature. Additionally, the strong Hamamelidis Aqua Hamamelis Water empirical nature of the book is refreshing Hamamelidis Cortex Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) amidst the roo-often absurdly reductionist Bark and hypocritical demand for "evidence­ based medicine," referring of course to one Hederae Helicis Folium Ivy Leaf extremely narrow type of evidence, Liquiritiae Radix Liquorice (Licorice) Root controlled clinical trials. The large number Myrtilli Fructus Bilberry Fruit of herbs covered also stands out amidst the Piperis Methystici Rhizoma Kava-Kava Rhizome flurry of books rehashing the same 10-20 Plantaginis Lanceolatae Folium/Herba Ribwort Plantain (Plantain) herbs that have been extracted, standard­ Leaf/Herb ized, and researched in Europe. Rusci Rhizoma Butcher's Broom Rhizome Of particular importance is Mitchell 's Serenoae Repentis Fructus Saw Palmetto Fruit willingness to mention both herbs that are Trigonellae Foenugraeci Semen Fenugreek Seed routinely considered toxic, though of course all toxicity is dose-dependent, and herbs

70 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org book reviews that are uncommon or even unknown to !ant. The drug CoumadinTM (a trademarked does he give a list of signs or symptoms of Mitchell. This is hugely important in help­ name for the synthetic brand of the drug overdose or suggest a treatment if this ing maintain a vital, broad materia medica warfarin [Bristol-Meyers-Squibb, New occurs, all of which are well known and and to avoid the trap of overly York, New York], which was important. Without this information, it is narrowing and limiting the synthesized based on impossible to use belladonna safely, even number and type of herbs avail­ dicoumarol) is used as an anti­ though Dr. Mitchell does provide rather low able to practitioners. Addition­ coagulant. There is no evidence and thus likely safe doses. ally this approach opens our eyes rhar whole plants containing As someone who has taken numerous to new potential in the plant and coumarin are anticoagulant. courses from Dr. Mitchell, these style and fungal kingdoms to further the Coumarin by itself has been format flaws are not unexpected. Dr. health of our patients. These shown to have no effect on clot­ Mitchell tends to work in a very stream of elements make Plant Medicine in ting in human clinical trials, 1 a consciousness manner, studying tangential Practice worth perusing by schol­ fact admitted by Mitchell in issues of interest, but rarely wrapping things ars of botanical medicine and one sentence then contradicted up in a complete, logical package. While serious herbal practitioners, but two sentences later. A weak this approach is creative and often insight­ it is not suitable for the lay public attempt is made to say that ful, it runs the risk of leading to wrong or as an authoritative text on botanical these herbs should not be used in serious conclusions or promoting confusion. For medicine. cases, but this still does not clear up the instance, when discussing Convallaria One of the major issues with the book is fundamentally erroneous and confused majalis (lily-of-the-valley), Mitchell writes, that a strong editorial hand was absent. The attempt to explain coumarin-containing "When Dr. Bastyr taught about this numerous misspellings of herb names and herbs. While the confusion of coumarin remedy, he specifically used the term 'mitral other words, pointless repetitions, improper and Coumadin TM is hardly unique, the insufficiency."' Without any clarification, sentence structure, and other grammatical bottom line is Dr. Mitchell, as an expert while it is implied that Dr. Bastyr used the and technical problems occur far too clinician, should have provided clearer term to say that Convallaria would alleviate frequently. An accepted source for modern direction on this subject and others. the condition, we are left feeling that the botanical nomenclature such as the Ameri­ Another troubling feature of this book is entry was severely incomplete or even can Herbal Product Association's Herbs of the near total lack of information about wondering if perhaps it was meant that the Commerce 2"d edition or other authoritative toxicity. Of course, the majority of herbs are plant could lead to mitral insufficiency. work was not the basis for the Latin amazingly free of serious adverse effects and Again, careful editing would have led to nomenclature. have minimal contraindications, but some clarification. As for more technical shortcomings, the can be quite dangerous. Dr. Mitchell is to Dr. Mitchell also has a tendency to most significant failure may be the lack of be commended for continuing to discuss mention facts with no apparent rhyme or systematically integrating new information these herbs, unlike most authors in the reason, or completely out of context (such throughout all of the entries. The mixing of field. However, it is lamentable that he did as his discussion of the binding of amyl empirical information from Mitchell's prac­ not provide sufficient information for their nitrate to cyanide in the section on cardiac tice, anecdotes about Dr. Bastyr, and tidbits safe clinical application in most cases. A remedies). The postulation of interchange­ of recent research is interesting at times, but poor attempt is made to cover for this by ability of various herbs and homeopathic his format fails to produce the stated goal giving general warnings about safety in dilutions of the same herbs for the same that the book is about transmitting Dr. some instances, but they are so improperly indications, as frequently espoused by Dr. Bastyr's teachings. In that regard, the applied as to be thoroughly questionable. Bastyr and Dr. Mitchell, is also very ques­ amount of Dr. Bastyr's input on a particular For example, Chenopodium ambrosioides tionable both from the perspective of scien­ subject varies wildly from herb to herb and (wormseed) is listed as " ... toxic, and should tific herbalism and homeopathy. section to section. be used with care" while the arguably vastly Dr. Mitchell attempts to bridge the gap There are several technical errors in the more dangerous Digitalis purpurea between traditional perspectives on a partic­ book that are troublesome, such as the (foxglove) has no such warning.* ular plant and modern pharmacology with continued attribution of anticoagulant Another example of failing to address his frequent references to the "active activity to coumarin-containing herbs such toxicity is Dr. Mitchell's discussions of constituent" within an herb. However, as as Melilotus alba (sweet clover). Dr. Atropa belladonna (belladonna). He someone who is clearly aware of the Mitchell writes: mentions that this herb is contraindicated in perspective that herbs contain many "active "Coumarin itself is not an anticoagulant patients with glaucoma, but does not constituents" working in concert, it is hard but contains dicumarol, which inhibits mention that it is equally contraindicated in to understand why he fails to clarifY what hepatic synthesis of the vitamin K-depend­ those with urinary retention and/or arrhyth­ he means by this designation at times or ent coagulation factors. Drugs based on mias, and should not be combined with fails to stress the importance of other coumadin are used as anticoagulants. A anticholinergic drugs due to the potential constituents within the plant. As just one decoction or a tincture of this plant may be for synergistic toxicity. Nowhere in the book example, Dr. Mitchell states that though used to prevent unwanted clotting." Coumarin does not contain dicoumarol; Editor's note: The lea[ of C. ambrosioides is the source for the increasingly popular Mexican it dimerizes to it in the presence of micro­ culinary herb epazote, long used to flavor beans and reduce their flatulence; the oil distilled bial enzymes. Non-fermented herbs do not from the seeds of this same plant is potentially roxie, formerly used in pharmacy as an anti­ contain dicoumarol and are not anticoagu- helmintic, a substance that expels parasitic worms from the intestinal traer. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 71 book reviews the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine are treatment with 5,6-benzo-alpha-pyrone is a lot of new information that science is the active constituents in Hydrastis canaden­ (coumarin). Double blind study. Arzneim showing us, literally daily, that excites us Forsch. 1985;35(8):1303-1306. sis (goldenseal), they do not contribute further about the plants. 2. Stermitz FR, Lorenz P, Tawara JN, et al . significantly to the valuable astringent Synergy in a medicinal plant: Antimicro­ Now the task of getting to a second effects of this plant, which are attributable bial action of berberine potentiated by 5'­ edition. I think that that will not be forth­ instead to numerous tannins. Hence, the methoxyhydnocarpin, a multidrug pump coming for some time, unfortunately. It will clarification should have been perhaps that inhibitor. Proc Nat/ Acad Sci. take several years to rewrite it. Information the two alkaloids are the most active 2000;97: 1433-1437. comes in occasionally about the practice of antimicrobial constituents within the plant Dr. Basryr which I am noting. Dr. Basryr while at the same time highlighting that Dr. Mitchell's Response to the Review of Plant Medicine in Practice there are many other rypes of compounds in did not really talk about the science of the plants that work with the alkaloids to I pretty much concur with Dr. Yarnell's botanical remedies. Including really good, achieve their therapeutic effects. 2 critique. If a second edition is published, hard scientific evidence will be a useful and In summary, the attempt to document the text should be improved and the important addition to the next edition. I Dr. Basryr's and Dr. Mitchell's knowledge of mistakes mentioned will be addressed. If think that can be done without compromis­ herbs is extremely laudable. Perhaps the anyone else notices any confusions or ing the eclectic flavor of the original text. current edition of Plant Medicine in Practice errors, please let us know so that corrections My thanks to my good friend Dr. Yarnell. represents only the first step in that direc­ can be made as appropriate. He and so many other herbalists and NDs The book contains a lot of hopefully tion. The current work provides an interest­ are writing on current topics in plant medi­ interesting and useful material. Two things ing perspective, but is limited in its clinical cine. Constructive criticism helps us all to usefulness. Hopefully, a future edition will will become apparent. First, there is a lot write better and to pay attention to be more complete and better edited. _.... more to be said about all of the plants. I put details. In this day and age, the production -Eric Ya rnell, ND, RH (AHG) in only material I have had direct experience of qualiry written material is critical to the Referen ces with. Even the comments by Dr. Basryr 1. Kostering H, Bandura B, Merten HA, (material he underscored as important for credibiliry of botanical medicine's contin­ Wieding JU. The behavior of blood clot­ each plant) are things I have tried in my ued acceptance into mainstream sociery. _.... ting and its inhibitors under long term own practice, by and large. Secondly, there - Bill Mitchell, ND

New Book Profiles

ue to economic considerations and the natural evolution of book marketing and sales, the American Botanical Council is adding D to its catalog only a few of the good new books that are being published. However, we do intend to keep our readers informed about books of particular interest that have arrived in our offices. In this ongoing feature, we describe only these new books that we have not yet reviewed. If you are interested in purchasing any of these books or those that have been reviewed fully, and you want to help ABC at the same time, please go to the online version of this article on our website and click on the "Order from Amazon.com" button. ABC will receive a small commission from your order.

Cardamom: The Genus Elettaria. P.N. as well as modern applications. Focuses on mum qualiry. Authors are two psychiatrists Ravindran and K.J. Madhusoodanan the utiliry of Geranium species in the with clinical experience using R rosea and (eds.) . Taylor & Francis: New York; 2002. herbal medicine industry, and how who co-wrote the cover story on Rhodiola 374 pp., hardcover, index, tables, graphs, Pelargonium-derived geranium oil is most in HerbalGram 56. Introduction by ABC charts, illustrations. $139.95. ISBN 0- commonly found in perfume, cosmetics, Founder and Executive Director Mark 415-28493-7. and aromatherapy products. Covers all Blumenthal. Extensive details on the origin, history, and aspects of taxonomy, phytochemistry, Chinese Herbal Medicine. Chongyun Liu diversiry of the exotic and increasingly cultivation, pharmacology, and industrial and Angela Tseng with Sue Yang. CRC popular spice, cardamom. Has 14 chapters processing of species in both genera. Press: Boca Raton, FL; 2005. 886 pp., on cardamom plus one each on large The Rhodiola Revolution. Richard P. hardcover, index, tables. $89.95. 0-8493- cardamoms and false cardamoms. All Brown and Patricia L. Gergbarg with 1568-9. aspects of the cardamom crop are covered. Barbara Graham. Rodale Press: Emmaus, A comprehensive reference for the medical Geranium and Pelargonium. Maria Lis­ PA; 2004. 260 pp., hardcover, bibliography, profession on traditional Chinese medicine Balchin (ed.). Taylor & Francis: New York; index. $21.95. ISBN 1-57954-924-1. (TCM). Features information on over 840 2002. 318 pp., index, charts, tables, Discusses the potential health benefits of formulas, 640 single herbs, and 190 West­ graphs, illustrations. $149.95. ISBN 0- Rhodiola rosea by providing the reader with ern medicine-defined disorders and 415-28487-2. clinical studies, case studies, and instruc­ medical conditions with their correspon­ Includes information on species of both tions for use. Includes a table of the ding diagnosis and formulations in TCM. closely related genera Geranium and authors' recommendations for buying Includes cross-references of botanical Latin Pelargonium. Historical uses are discussed, rhodiola and other supplements of opti- names with Pinyin and English names. _....

72 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org book reviews

he Lost Amazon: The Photographic Journey of Richard Weil signed up for Schultes' Biology 104, Introduction to TEvans Schultes by Wade Davis. San Francisco: Chronicle Economic Botany. As Weil has stated numerous rimes in many Books, 2004. 160 pp. ISBN# 0-8118-4571-0. $35.00. ABC cata­ speeches and interviews, the initial contact with Schultes changed log #B536. the course of Weil's education and still influences his trajectory as As editor of a journal like HerbalGram, I receive many books on one of the premier leaders of integrative medicine, now a widely used herbs and natural health for review. Once in a term, coined by Weil to describe the rational great while a book crosses my desk char causes me combination of modern conventional medical to immediately stop whatever I'm doing, pick it -WADE DAV I S- practices with empirically sound "alternative" up, look through it, and read a few pages or chap­ modalities. "Meeting this legendary botanical ters. With this coffee-table book's arrival on a explorer was one of the truly seminal events in my Friday afternoon, I took it home for the pre­ life .. .. When I entered Harvard Medical School winter holiday weekend, knowing that whatever in 1964, I soon realized how valuable my connec­ editorial work I was planning would be trumped tion to the world of plants was going to be. Most to give me time to enjoy this beautiful volume. of my classmates and teachers had little experi­ There are at least three reasons why this book is ence with it. Even the pharmacologists knew little so compelling. The first is the primary protago­ of the natural sources of the drugs they studied nist, Richard Evans Schultes, the famed and and taught about. ... " highly revered Harvard botanist who is universally Weil's three pages contain two classic photos of considered the "father of ethnobotany." Schultes himself (then black-bearded) with a cultivated was a man who in many respects was larger than specimen of one of the plants that Schultes stud­ life. During his many years of research in the Amazonian basin, he ied and experienced in native rituals-the powerful hallucinogen lived with dozens of native tribes and mapped uncharted rivers, and shamanic favorite yage' or ayahusaca (Banisteriopsis caapz), the while seeking new supplies of rubber for the U.S. government prior "vine of the soul." This is also the name of a book by Schultes and to and during World War II. During his lifetime Schultes collected Richard Raffauf, Vine of the Soul: Medicine Men, Their Plants and over 30,000 botanical specimens, 300 of which were new to Rituals in the Colombian Amazonia (Synergetic Press, 1992). science, and he described the uses of over 2000 medicinal plants Generously weaving a web through the photographs is text that had not previously been documented. borrowed from One River. Veteran HerbalGram readers will recall Schultes' progeny of students reads like a who's who of ethnob­ that a black and white photo of Schultes was the cover photo of otany: the author Wade Davis; famed integrative medicine advocate and best-selling author Andrew Weil; the late ethnobotanist T imo­ thy Plowman; ethnobotanists and researchers Michael Balick, NEW ITEM FROM ABC'S CATALOG Steven King, and Marc Plotkin; and others. Davis tells the story of how so many botanists travel a plant-rich locale like the Amazon The Essential Guide and, looking into the rainforest, are able to recognize two or three of the plants with which they were familiar. In contrast, Schultes to Herbal Safety would look at the forest and point out the two or three plants that he did not know. by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone, The second reason this book grabs the reader is Davis' writing. 2005. Presents an extensive Wade is really a poet, but he chooses the (in) convenience of prose. discussion of principles of and The photos are explained with captions excerpted from Davis' current major issues in herbal previous book, One River - Exploration and Discoveries in the medicine safety. Contains Amazon Rainforest (Touchstone, 1996). One River is Davis' tribute comprehensive reviews of the to his mentor and to another Schultes' student Timothy Plowman, published safety data for 125 who was Davis' fellow tropical traveler as they retraced Schultes' herbs. Covers issues of quality, journeys in the Amazon some 30 years later. (Some readers will interactions, adverse reactions, recognize Davis' works; his books include the much misinterpreted toxicity, allergy, contact sensitivity and The Serpent and the Rainbow [Simon & Schuster Touchstone, 1985], which was later distorted by the Hollywood movie of the idiosyncratic reactions. Hardcover, 704 same name, wherein zombie potions of poisonous herbs catch the pp. B535. $59.95 interest of a botanist and scout for the pharmaceutical industry­ all based on Davis' own post-graduate research experience in Haiti). To order, please The photographs themselves are the third reason this book is so call 800-373-7105, ext.118 compelling. They are strikingly beautiful, especially since they are or for secure online ordering, black and white! Schultes was not only one of the world's pre­ eminent botanists, he was also a great photographer. The large­ please visit the Herbal Arv1ERIGAN format book allows these photos to take up the whole page with an Education Catalog section of BoTI"NICAL almost a life-like effect, that is, as "life-like" as black and white our website: COUNCIL photography can be. The Foreword by Andrew Weil recounts how Weil was indelibly affected by Schultes. As a young undergraduate student at Harvard, WWW.H ERBALGRAM.ORG www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 73 book reviews

HerbalGram 38, which included an eight­ otanical Latin, 4th ed. by William T. he Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, page spread with excerpts and photos from BStearn. Portland, OR: Timber Press, T Nutrition, and Other Holistic that book. 2004. 546 pp. ISBN 0-88192-627-2. Choices by Aviva Jill Romm. Berkeley, While One River was a narrative of $29.95. California: Celes tial Arts, 2003. 318 pp. Schultes' ethnobotanical experi ences in the First published in the UK in 1966, soft-cover. ISBN: 1-5 8761-178-3. $16.95. Amazon, this book is created from the Botanical Latin is the standard reference Choice is a key word when describing this book exquisite photography of Schultes' during which " ... aims to provide a working guide Aviva Romm, an expert in natural childbirth, the twelve years he spent cataloguing rubber to the special kind of Latin internationally presents an array of choices related to the many trees and medicinal and psychoactive used by botanists aspects ofchildbirth. Romm reminds the reader of plants. His photos, taken in the 1940s and for the descrip­ her choices and empowers her to think about 50s, shows an Amazon before it lamentably BOTANICAL tion and naming what is right for herself and her baby. The author went the way of modernization and the of plants." This shares her belief "that pregnancy is a natural influences of the twentieth, and the now the LATIN is the first paper­ process of which women's bodies are perfectly twenty-first, centuries. back edition of capable, and that pregnancy is a process of initia­ Davis' Preface is an explanation of the Stearn's classic, tion and growth into a value system that respects book's genesis and homage to Schultes and an imprint of the and honors women's creative powers." This belief to that magical interplay of li ght, timing, 1992 fourth is neady woven composition, and equipment known as edition. As such, within the words photography. Davis relates how the type of it is not a new and ideas camera (an old 1927 -era twin lens Rollei­ • work, only a new presented in this flex) influenced Schulte's composition and affordable cloak book. Romm's the resulting photographs in the book. that makes it more accessible and affordable words encourage A poignant passage relates that during his to students, gardeners, and the public inter­ women to last few years, an aging and Alzheimer's­ es ted in botanical subjects. Although explore all parts affected Schultes kept a copy of One River intended as a guide for plant taxonomists of themselves by his bedside. After his death, Schultes' who need to traverse the knowledge of and the process widow Dorothy (to whom the entire botanical Latin, especially in writing of childbirth. author's royalties are dedicated) told Davis descriptions of new species, this book is The author is that reading the book had allowed her useful to anyone who enjoys plants. The able to write husband to remember many forgotten book is divided into four parts: (I) Intro­ from both details of his own life. "I found this both duction, (2) Grammar, (3) Syntax and other personal experi­ amusing and very touching," writes Davis. Matters, and (4) Vocabulary and Bibliogra­ ence as a pregnant woman and from the perspec­ "Here after all was the man who had made phy. I would venture to guess that most tive of a midwife and herbalist, rruly giving the my life poss ible. Now the book had become regular users of Stearn's Botanical Latin topic a holistic view. his life. His life had become my imagina­ pluck the book from the shelf to reference This book is divided into two parts. Part tion, and my imagination had breathed terms in the 180-page vocabulary section, I covers pregnancy education for the meaning and content back into the life of which essentially serves as a cross-reference general population of women interested in an old man who was slowly fading away as dictionary to English terms and their Latin natural childbirth. It addresses a pregnant all old men must inevitably do. " equivalents and the definition of Latin woman's needs from each aspect of child­ There's probably no richer, more mean­ terms invariably encountered in the botani­ bearing, starting with brief chapters on ingful, more appropriate way any student cal nomenclature. Various sections on history and philosophy, body image, the can repay his or her primary mentor than to Greek words in botanical Latin, suffixes and mind-body connection, basic pregnancy help the mentor reconnect to the threads of prefixes, formation of botanical names, and anatomy and feral growth, basic prenatal his or her own life. It's as if Schultes experi­ an extensive section on descriptive termi­ care, and options for choosing a provider. enced one of the aspects of the meaning of nology all help to remove the subject from Also included is a section on nutrition religion through his student's work: religion, the arcane and into the realm of the famil­ with an informative review of the nutri­ from Latin religio, means to re-connect. iar. Anyone who uses botanical names or tional needs for pregnancy, ways to assess a This book emanates an almost palpable plants as part of their daily work whether di et, and an easy to follow sample diet for essence or feeling that allows the reader to the person be it in academia, industry, or the pregnant woman. The chapter on exer­ connect to a place, a time, a world that is simple enjoyment of herbs and gardening cise and posture recommends a daily exer­ now gone, ye t beautifully preserved-like will find this to be a useful reference on the cise routine that is not overwhelming and an insect encased in a piece of clear naming of plants. One needn't be a plant provides illustrations for each exercise. Part amber-in the photography of one of taxonomist to use it. And now that it is in a I ends with a short chapter by the author's botany's greatest leaders and luminaries. paperback edition priced like a modest husband, Tracy Romm, who has The entire ethnobotanical co mmunity owes lunch for two, many who previously would contributed a wonderfully insightful view Wade Davis a deep debt of incalculable not find this among their book-buying on becoming a father, speaking on the gratitude for making these images available priorities can now own it. --- need to cultivate the nurturing qualities to a new generation of plant enthusiasts and -Steven Foster and grow with the pregnancy. He shares potential explorers.--- some valuable points on the partner's role -Mark Blumenthal

74 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org book reviews and participation in the pregnancy, birth, the Herbal of John Gerarde (1597, and the Under each pl ant article, one finds and childrearing. more widely reprinted Thomas Johnson information on both scientific and Part II of this book could be described as edition of 1633) and Gerarde's contempo­ common names, its general (continental) an herbal guide for common pregnancy rari es. In Chapter one "Herbs without the distribution, followed by commentary on issues. Once again the author reminds the Herbals: Retracing a Lost Tradition" All en use. All material is referenced to notes at reader of the fact that pregnancy is a and H atfield reveal that almost half the the end of the chapter, which leads to the normal process and that there are phys io­ plants in Gerard are not bibliography of published and logical changes that accompany pregnancy found wi ld in Britai n and unpublished resources. A which may cause uncomfortable symp­ many were probably not unique ap proach is presenting toms. Alphabeticall y arranged for easy found in the best-stocked material according to reference, each topic is explained in a clear phys ic gardens of his day. geographical use. For example and accurate manner that includes inform­ They write, "The herbals under dandelion, we learned ative dietary rips and safe, effective herbal indeed were trebly mislead­ of its fame throughout Europe recommendations, many of which Romm ing. They ref1 ected the as a diuretic, but the has used clinically in her practice. It is general conspiracy of geographic approach reveals refreshing to find a book that shares real silence among the learned 333 specific references from information on usi ng herbs for natural about the ex tent and effi­ Britain and Ireland for addi­ pregnancy care instead of a list of herbs cacy of fo lk medicin e; they MEDICINAL PLANTS tional uses. Approximately passed down and copied with the recom­ gave indiscriminate in 'Folk 'Tradition one-quarter of those refer­ mendation to avo id them during preg­ endorsement to just about [)avtd F- AIItn &Gabndk Hatfitkl ences relate to the common nancy. Romm's clinical expertise in this every alleged plant virtue folk use of dandelion as an area is clearly evident. She provi des many that had ever appeared in ap plicati on for warrs, fo ll owed remedies and formulas that employ a wide print; and they were written largely in in popularity (55 references) to dandelion's range of herbal medicines and some obli viousness of the diffe rences imposed uses for the treatment of coughs, colds, unique clinical practices. The information by geography which make the f1ora of one and respiratory troubles. Further analys is found in Part II is valuable for all herbal­ region diss imilar from that of another. " of their references helps the authors reveal ists, phys icians, and students of botanical Here, the major revelation for the Amer­ that there is far greater diversity of addi­ medicines, both as a reference and educa­ ican reader is that the class ic British ti onal folk uses in Ireland compared to tional resource. herbals do not necessarily ref1 ect in anyway Britain; so me predictable based on the A resource section at the end of the book British fo lk or local traditions of herb use. doctrine of signature such as use of the provides an extensive list of contact infor­ Rather they ref1 ect bibliographical inf1u­ leaves for toothache, and others more mation for organizations and resources ences from Greek or Latin classics, trans­ arcane, li ke a belief recorded from a Limer­ that address midwifery or doula care, formed ad nauseam through the centuries ick that for the leaves to be effective as a herbal education, herbal medicinal prod­ to contemporary languages, speckled with tonic, those with white veins had to be ucts, journals, childbirth education, and inf1 uence left in Britai n by the Romans, eaten by a mane, and those with red vei ns, natural alternative therapies. Germanic immigrants of the post-Roman consumed by a woman. Presenting so much information in a era, and the herbal repertoire that emerged Based on the weight of several geograph­ manner that is easy and enjoyable to read from ecclesiastical co nfines, all largely to ical records for a single use, one has to is quite a task. Romm has not only accom­ the neglect of ethnobotany at the local reconsider dandelion and its potential. plished this task, she has done it with an level. "Herbs without Herbals" provides a Uses for cold and respiratory conditions empowering, supportive voice. I highly fascinating journey through the history are not what we think of when we think of recommended this book as a resource or and development of herbal traditions and uses of dandelions. T his book uncovers the reference for all who are involved in the inf1uences in the United Kingdom. The unexpected. Is the next Digitali s still care of pregnant women, including parents authors separate ethnobotanical folk hidden in British fo lk traditions awaiting to be and students of herbal medicine. -" wisdom of the British Isles from the discovery in these pages? -Mary Bove NO, MW, AHG published literature and reveal an Just another herb book? No! Medicinal expanded horizo n of herb use. Plants in Folk Tradition: A n Ethnobotany of edicinal Plants in Folk Tradition: The majority of the book is devoted to a Britain & Ireland rakes a fresh approach to MAn Ethnobotany of Britain and compendium of uses of over 400 plant presenting seldom seen data in a single Ireland by David E. Allen and Gabrielle species, grouped in chapters according to source. Despite its geographical focus, the Hatfield. Portland, OR: Timber Press, the sequence of superorders, orders, and plants in the book are not limited to the 2004. 431 pp. ISBN 0-88192-638-8. families in the Cronquist classification British Isles. At least half are naturalized in $29.95. system. Since that order of the world North America, and I would bet that more This book transcends a lost glimpse of brings only a dizzy yawn to most readers, than half of the remaining species are British and Irish ethnobotany based on the separate indexes covering both scientific found in American horticulture. -" na·ivete of our ass umptions. When most and vernacular names quickly lead the -Steven Foster American readers think about historical reader to individual species. The index is and ethnobotanical use of plants in the essential to finding information in this British Isles, our minds invariably travel to work. www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 75 tn• memortam•

Towers received numerous awards and of my colleagues and students, will miss prizes during his career in recognition of such a great mentor and compadre. He was his scholarship. He was a Fellow of the a great wit, musician, lover of all fine things Royal Society of Canada, which granted in life and most of all he had a great sense him the Flavelle Medal in 1986. Most of humor and a love of all varieties that recently, he was awarded the Pergamon were tropical and spicy." Phytochemistry Prize by the Phytochemical Another of Towers' post docs, Alister Society of Europe in 2000, and in 200 1 he Muir, PhD, now a researcher at Agriculture was recognized as one of UBC's (and the and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatchewan, world's) most highly cited scientists. He reminisced, "In the 21 " century in Canada published more than 425 papers and book we sometimes take cultural and ethnic chapters, starring with a 1953 paper in diversity for granted bur for me, a young Nature. He devoted his extraordinary life to Kiwi PDF [post-doctoral fellow] arriving in science and traveled extensively to collect Canada from a predominately Caucasian George Hugh Neil plants worldwide. Dr. Towers had a lifelong work environment, the ethnic and cultural passion for tennis, music, travel, botanical diversity of the Tower's lab was an incredi­ Towers, PhD, FRSC and phytochemical diversity, and had many bly exciting and stimulating place to be in 1923-2004 stimulating discussions with colleagues and and learn from." students, all of which he actively pursued "I wi ll miss Neil; he inspired me in he herb and medicinal plant research until shortly before his death. many ways, both scientifically and socially, T community lost one of its truly great Towers developed strong bonds with his especially with his dogma that every day men with the death of Professor Neil many students and post-doctoral fellows, should be lived to the fullest with no Towers on November 15 at the age of 81. and like many brilliant professors, kept regrets as a part of life's exciting journey," Dr. Towers was known internationally as a ongoing personal and professional relation­ said Tom Mabry, PhD, of the University of prolific scientist, an accomplished botanist ships with many of them. Two of his Texas at Austin, a fellow winner of the and phytochemist, and a renaissance man former students, Dennis McKenna, PhD, Pergamon Prize. of charming and highly engaging wit and of the University of Minnesota, and Eloy This writer will always remember Neil intellect. He held a post as Emeritus Profes­ Rodriguez, PhD, of Cornell University, are for his wit and gemutlicheit and the twinkle sor of Botany at the University of British members of the ABC Advisory Board, as in his eye. Neil embodied the idea that Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver and had was Dr. Towers. people of high intellectual activity and bril­ been on the faculty of UBC for 30 years. Dennis McKenna, an erhnopsychophar­ li ance need not be stodgy old professor One of Towers' primary areas of interest macologist at the University of Minnesota, types; to the contrary, they can exude a joie was photobiology, e.g., psoralens, light-acti­ received his doctorate from Dr. Towers. In de vivre that infects everyone around them. vated plant chemicals with biological activ­ an e-mail from the Peruvian Amazon, A prolific story-tell er, Neil was a great guy ity. Other research areas included medicinal where he was working on a research proj­ to close a bar with! phytochemistry; erhnopharmacology of ect, McKenna wrote: "He [Dr. Towers) was Funeral services were held on November medicinal plants of British Columbia, and is one of those great men of science, a 22 and a memorial service was held on Kenya, Nepal, and Peru; chemical ecology pioneer in the grand tradition .. .. His life­ December 16 on the UBC campus. Neil relating to plants; fungi and insects; and long passion for, and drive to understand, Towers is survived by his wife Elizabeth biotechnology of cell and tissue cultures of the chemical language of plants was the and his eight children, four sisters, a sister­ medicinal plants of significance, e.g., Asian force behind an insatiable curiosity and a in-law, as well as numerous nephews and ginseng (Panax ginsen~, car's claw ( Uncaria child-like wonder that kept Neil young and nieces. Donations may be made to The tomentosa and U guaianensis), and Chinese strong even to the very end of his days. But George Hugh Neil Towers Memorial Fund, club moss (Huperzia serrata). his was no cold scientific rationalism, or Awards Services, UBC Development Born in Bombay, India, and educated in some egotistical exercise in producing Office, 6253 NW Marine Drive, Vancou­ Burma, his interest in the natural world papers and getting grants (though he did ver V6T 1Zl. Phone 604-822-8920 began in Asia. He obtained his bachelor's plenty of both). He did what he did (Canada). _A. and master's degrees from McGill Univer­ because it was fun. He enjoyed his work, -Mark Blumenthal sity, and his doctorate in plant physiology and there was nothing else that he would in 1954 from Cornell University. After rather spend his time doing than exploring academic appointments at McGill and the the intricacies of the chemical webs that tie National Research Council in Halifax, together all of life, plant and animal alike." Nova Scotia, he was recruited to UBC, Eloy Rodriquez, now a professor at where he served as Head of the Depart­ Cornell, one of Tower's post-doctorate ment of Botany from 1964-71, a period of students, recounted a research trip to West great expansion of the Department. After Texas: "The one thing I remembered about 1971, he devoted his full energies to his the expedition was Neil asking a West Texas successful career in research and teaching, rancher if he had seen any millipedes in the which he continued as an emeritus faculty area and the rancher responded, 'Nope, but member from 1989 until his death. I have seen plenty of stampedes!' I, and all

76 I HerbaiGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org . . tn memortam

Vladimir, a UCLA-trained phys icist, devel­ Weinstein's death, Schweig wrote, "There is oped and refined the formula. The sham­ nothing about Leo that could make me sad. poo, first sold at the Weinsteins' herb shop, Creative, intelligent, innovative, fr iendly quickly became popular in health and natu­ and dedicated to his family and his work, ral food stores nationwide, and the brothers Leo always made me and others around him soon found themselves on the cutting edge happy. It has been a gift to know him and to of the natural beauty products industry. work together with him. We first met in Weinstein was one of the first cosmetic 1973, very early in the history of Nature's manufacturers to create his products with Gate. While I would tease them about the an environmental and planetary vision, water they were using in their wildly popu­ with no animal testing, animal byproducts, lar Rainwater Shampoo and Rainwater potentially harsh prese rvatives, or artificial Conditioner (Los Angeles rainwater?), I colorings. In addition to his own Nature's knew that they were giving our industry Gate brand, Weinstein's company devel­ some substance and quality it sorely needed. Leo Weinstein oped an extremely successful private label This was a time before Tom made his first 1942 - 2004 business, producing herb-based cosmetics toothpaste, when artificial color and harsh for many other compani es. ingredienrs were common in personal care erbal cosmetic pioneer Leo Weinstein, Weinstein's sister Linda Erri ng recounted and cosmetics, yet still called 'natural."' H founder and president of Levlad, Inc., his busi ness philoso phy: "He would always Santosh Krinsky, owner of Lotus Light, a major manufacturer of natural cosmetics, say, 'Look at the big picture,' when he was one of the nation's largest distributors of died in Los Angeles on July 30 at the age of being pressured in the market by increasing natural specialty and body care products, 61 after a long battle with cancer. competition from other manufacturers. He opined on Weinstein's strong commitment Mr. Weinstein's life story is an inspiration said that 'We'll take it slowly, and our time to natural ingredients: "Leo cared deeply to all would-be entrepreneurs, especially will come.' He was big-hea rted and helped about the quali ty and purity of the products those who have immigrated to the United many people out financially, even when he he produced. He wanted to provide alrerna­ States. Leo and his brother Vladimir were didn't have any money himself" rives to rhe harsh chemical-based personal emigres, born in Uzbekistan, and after Weinstein was widely admired and care products sold in the mass market, and emigrating to Poland, arrived almost penni­ respected in the natural products industry. to show rh at these alternatives could and less in California in 1961. Twelve years Evidence of his friendship wi th so many would be adopted by caring people every­ later, they virtually helped pioneer the natu­ people is seen in the fact that over 500 where. He was a pioneer and had to over­ ral personal care industry with the creation people attended his funeral , and all in atten­ come incredible odds to turn his passion of their first product, Rainwater Herbal dance stood and clapped for 20 minutes to into a successful and continuing business." Shampoo. At the time they owned a Venice express their respect to his memory, accord­ Leo Weinstein is survived by his wife Beach herb shop, and after a rare California ing to Erring. Lela, his children Jason, Robb, and Lisa, his downpour, they decided to combine pure One ofWeinstei n's first distributors back brother Vladimir, along wirh his mother rainwater with herbal extracts and came up in 1973 was Rishi Schweig, founder of and his two sisters, Linda Erring and with a unique shampoo. As a graduate of Feather River, a former Northern California Rosalyn Feldman . ..- California State University at Northridge, distributing company specializing in natural Leo provided his business acumen while body care products. When he learned of -Mark Blumenthal

DEAR READER scienrific evidence supporting the use of years ago, apparently prematurely, when Continued ftom page 5 botanical preparations to enhance sexual the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer was plan­ performance. A recent clinical trial on ning to inrroduce a new diet drug made Korean red ginseng demonstrated its nirric from the plant. Pfizer has abandoned its eponymous line of products from Enzy­ oxide-produci ng effecr and efficacy in erec­ research inro hoodia but the ensuing matic Therapy. The entire segment's tile dysfunction. Several clinical trials on publicity, and now rhe 60 Minutes cover­ message was thar herbs can and do have ginkgo leaf standardized exrracr showed age, has caused a surge in interest in rhis properties that can be useful in promoting posirive res ulrs in ameliorating sex ual new botanical, which to our knowledge, sexual activity. (We were interviewed by dysfunction ca used by some SSRJ anride­ has never been sold previously in rhe phone three rimes to provide background pressanr drugs in men and women. Unired Srares. As with any new herb expe­ information for the segment.) A few weeks On Sunday, November 21 , the CBS riencing rapid market demand, we urge earlier on "Flipside" on CNNfn, Chris news program 60 Minutes aired a segmenr manufacturers to ensure thar they are responded to a question regarding rhe effi­ on hoodia (Hoodia gordoniz), rhe increas­ obtaining properly idenrified material and cacy of rhe herbs with whar may become ingly popular succulent plant in the rh at ir is being susrainably harves ted. ---' one of the class ic lines of all time: "There's dogbane family (Apocynaceae) from no such rhing as a placebo erection." Namibia in southwestern Africa, now Even though crirics have dismissed herbs' being toured for irs abi li ty to suppress "aphrodisiac" effects, rhere is increasing appetite. Hoodia was In the news a few

www.herbalgram.org 2005 HerbaiGram 65 I 77 calendar

development from natural resources with a special all sessions. A concurrent general session, open to 2005 focus on botanical products used in Indian system the public, will focus on topics such as botanical of medicines. This event wi ll further hi ghlight the medicine safety, working with a clinical herbalist, February 11 -13: Natural Health Product needs and req uirements for resea rch and develop­ and drug/herb interactions. This event co-spon­ Research Society of Canada's Second Annual ment of natural products in general and phytomed­ sored by West Chester University of PA and the Conference: Integrating Basic & Clinical icine in particular through intern ational coordina- American Herbalists Guild. For complete informa­ Research on NHPs. Vancouver, British Columbia. tion and coll aboration. E-mail: tion, go to WCU's Web sire: Web sire: sciences.wcupa.edu/> to showcase leading edge NHP resea rch, increase March 18-20: SupplyExpo 2005. Anaheim, CA. awareness of NHP research capacity and facilitate March 6-9: The 2nd Annual Nutrition and This tradeshow and conference is for retailers, the development of new collaborations amongst Health: State of the Science & Clinical Applica­ manufacturers, and suppliers in the health & nutri­ stakeholders. Web site: physicians, nurses, pharmacists, registered dieti­ H ope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E-mail: February 12: Health from the Rainforest with tians, certified clinical nutritionists, naturopaths, Web site: Leslie Taylor, ND. Austin, TX. The Austin Herb chiropractors, and other professionals who make Society and the American Botanical Council invite nutritional reco mmendations as part of their clini­ April 2-3: Southwest Conference on Botanical you to this stimulating presentation about medici­ ca l practice . Ph: 212-305-3334. Web site: Medicine. Tempe, AZ. The ninth annual confer­ nal plants from the rainforest of South America at ence - speakers include Paul Bergner, Bill Mitchell , the Zilker Botanical Gardens. This event takes pl ace March 16-18: Nutracon 2005. Anaheim, CA. ND, David Winston, Kenneth Proefrock, ND, from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and includes a light This tradeshow and co nference is for retailers, David Hoffmann, Cascade Anderson Geller, Tori breakfast and exo tic treats of fruits, nuts, chocolate, manufacturers, and suppliers in the health & nutri­ Hudso n, ND, Phyllis Hogan and Jill Stansbury, teas, juices, displays of raw materials, and hand­ tion industry. Contact: Customer Service, New ND. Topics include botanical therapies fo r West crafts from the Amazon as well as books, plants and Hope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E-mail: Nile fever, thyroid disease, cardiac health, Parkin­ products. Registration deadline is February I , trades [email protected] m. Web site: migraine, cluster and tension headaches, plus a gram.org> or visit . Austin Herb Society Web site: Conference: Improving Outcomes Through cholesterol lowering drugs, herb walks at the Desert Integrative Practice. C hapel Hill, NC. This Botanical Garden and much more. CE credits for February 12-13: The International Complemen­ confere nce is prese nted by The University of Norrh health profess ionals. Ph: 800-252-0688. Web site: tary and Alternative Healthcare Conference and Carolina School of Medicin e. Experts in Comple­ Expo. New York. A premier global event designed mentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) research April 4-5: The " Omics" Revolution: Emerging to bring information, products and servi ces to the and clinical practice will offer updates, overviews, Scientific Technologies & Their Application to Complementary and Alternative Hea lrhcare and interactive workshops in environmental medi­ Dietary Supplements & Natural Products community. Program includes the latest research, cine, energy medicine, massage, nutrition, and Research. Kauai, HI. T his conference will high­ clinical trials, case studies, and the most cutting­ herbs. This program wi ll benefit professionals in the light new technologies in the dietary supplement, edge approaches in the fields of complementary field s of ge neral medicine, fam il y practice, pedi­ fu nctional food, and natural products industry. healthcare and alternative therapies. Exclusive offer atrics, osteopathy, ch iropractic, mental health, With specific focus on new and innovative to ABC members: 15% off registration fee - just nursing, preventive medicine, public health, health resea rch technologies and methodologies such as enter priority code DM II when registering. For promotion, nutrition, dentistry, pharmacy, botani­ DNA microarray, chip technology and more information: E- mail: cal and herbal medi ci ne, biofeedback, energy medi­ proteomics. E-mail : Web site: or visit the Web site: . ci ne, acupuncture, naturopathy, creative therapies, To register go to: http://www.camexpo.com/ massage and craniosacral therapies, holistic and April 15-16: 4th Annual Course on Integrative vis reg. as p ceo-environmental medicines . CE credits available. Pain Medicine at Columbia University Medical February 17-19: Integrative Medicine For Program on Integrative Medicine: Ph: 919-966- Center. New York, NY. The purpose of this course H ealthcare Organizations: What's New, What's 8586. E-mail : . Web site: will be to give an evidence-based overview of pain Working, and How You Can Achieve Success. . Office of Continuing medici ne using an integrative model that co mbines Phoenix, AZ. This event offers CAM profess ionals Medical Ed ucation: Ph: 919-962-211 8. Web site: current conventional medicine and procedures with with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to . the best of the CAM therapies. At the end of this state-of-the-an workin g strategies, learn how they March 4-12: Herbal Adventure in Costa Rica. two-day course, participants should be able to: are being implemented, and to benefit from practi­ Samasati Retrea t Center, Costa Rica. Susun Weed understand the fundamentals of modern pain tioner experiences. The two-and-half-day program wi ll lead this nine day herbal adventure, sharing her medicine, describe some of the best co nventional will provide educational sessions, in -depth case vast knowledge of the natural world. Susun wi ll and CAM therapies for use in pain management, studies, a cutting-edge exhibit and poster disp lay teach about green al lies, plant journeying, the secret and the research data that exist to support them, forum, and networking opportunities. Ph: 866- language of plants, and much more. Contact: Sherri know how to identify and evaluate competent 828-2962. Web site: Brown at 54 1-683-5403 or E-mail: Web si te : able about the practical integration of useful CAM February 25-26: Multicultural Summit on March 17-20: Natural Products Expo West 2005. therapies into the treatment of pain patients with Complementary AJtemative Medicine (CAM). Anaheim, CA. This tradeshow and conference is for and without cance r. This co urse is sponso red by the New York. The Network Journal, the northeast's retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the health College of Physici ans and Su rgeons of Columbia premi er magazine for Black profess ionals and busi­ & nutrition industry. Contact: Customer Service, University and The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal ness owners, will host and bring together a dive rse New Hope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E­ Center for Complementary & Alternative Medi­ group of professionals, practitioners and industry mai l: Web site: cine. T he College designates th is ed ucational activ­ leaders to explore developments in this burgeoning ity for a maximum of 15.0 category 1 credits sector of th e hea lthcare industry. Ph: 212-962- March 18-19: West Chester University's 5th towards the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. 3791. E-mail: [email protected]> Web site: Annual Integrative Health Conference. Philadel­ Ph: 2 12-305-3334. E-mail: phia, PA. The conference theme is botanical medi­ Web site: . February 25-26: International Conference on cines for health promotion, disease prevention, and April 25-30: Clinical Herbal Medicine Training "Promotion and Development of Botanicals symptom management. A special clinician/practi­ For Health Care Professionals. Ash land, OR. with International Coordination: Exploring tioners session wi ll foc us on evidence-based Under the supervision of master herbalists, students Quality, Safety, Efficacy and Regulations." research on botanical medicine efficacy. CEUs and undergo intensive experiential training in case­ Kolkata, India. This co nference will emphasize drug CMEs for phys icians and nurses wi ll be offered for taking, physical examination techniques, differen-

78 I HerbalGram 65 2005 www.herbalgram.org calendar

rial analysis of symptoms, case follow-up, formulat­ herbs, cancer prevention, clinical Ayurveda, envi­ opments in this rapidly expanding field and take ing, prescribing and dispensing. Additional ropics ronmemal causes of thyroid dysfunction, herb part in the process of open discussion that drives covered include assess ing disease processes from a contraindications update, Cherokee herb walks and scientific progress. Ph: 703-683-6334 or 540-373- holistic perspective, materia medica, and case stud­ much more. CE credits for health profess ionals. Ph: 4493. Fax: 540-373-8893. E-mai l: Web sire: chronic illnesses. Comacr: Centre for Natural Hea l­ cin e.org> July 15-17: NNFA 2005: 68th Annual Natural ing 300 N. Pioneer Sr. , Ashland, OR 97520, Tel June 23-26: The 19th Breitenbush Herb Confer­ Products Convention and Trade Show. Las 541-488-3133, Fax 541-488-6949 or online at ence: Herbal Traditions and Healing Waters. Vegas, NY. This multi-faceted event offers the Portland, OR. Teachers include Rosita Arvigo, Shar natural products community a venue to discover May 4-6: SupplySide East. Balrimore, MD. Andrews-Miller, Julie Bailey, Trace Bosnian, and hea lrh and nutrition trends, scientific adva nce­ The rrade show and conference will include many more. Phone: 503-236-3185. E-mail: ments, innovations in supplements, foods, health exhibiti ons of functional, healrhy and nutritional Web site: and more. Ph: 1-800-966-6632. E-mail: . Web site: . for participams. Comact: Amy Sharman, Market- (DIA) 41st Annual Meeting: "Challenges In July 23-24: Northwest Herb Fest: Herbs For in g and Communications Manager Product Development Involving Chinese Medic­ Everybody. Eugene, OR. This event filled 480-990- 1101 , ex t. 1543. Web sire: inal Herbs: A Canadian-Chinese Perspective." weekend at Wise Acres Farm will include Washingron, DC. This prese mari on wi ll focus on lectures by renowned speakers, herb walks and May 20-21: The 25th Anniversary of the recent developments and chal lenges in evidence­ 26 beginning and advanced classes. Topics National Herb Garden. Washington, DC. This based studies for the development of Chinese range form thyroid healrh, cancer, and sexual­ gala will take place at the garden, located within rh e herbal products. Case studies will be presemed to ity to animal care. Ph: 54 1-736-0164. E-mail: National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Web sire: illusrrare the importance of ev idence-based research Web Site: on product quality, product standardization, phar­ June 4-6 Medicines from the Earth. Black Moun­ macological and clinical studies . Ph: + 1-215-442- tain , NC. Annual symposium on herbal medicine 6100. E-mail: Web site: ar Blue Ridge Assembly near Ashevi ll e, NC. Presen­ Visit ABC's website tations include: childhood obesity, osreopenia, irri­ July 14-15: The AlCRIWCRF International table bowel syndrome, musculoskeletal health, root Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, and ~.llerbal(;rann.o rg tonics for vitali ty, early Alzheimer's , the ceremonial Cancer. Wash ingron, DC. Attendees of this year's ro see additional calendar items, updated continuously. uses of herbs, syndrome X, fever, Maya hea ling conference wi ll hear about rhe latest research devel- access In this department of Herba!Gram, we list resources such as publications, organizations, seminars, and networking for our readers. A listing in this section does nor constitute any endorsement or approval by Herba!Gram, ABC, or irs Advisory Board.

The Center for Ethnobiology and Natural Prod­ Annual Global Supplier Guide In Functional EXPLORE will publish January 15 , 2005. For more ucts at Florida International University (F l U) Foods & Nutraceuticals Website. In August 2004, information or to order, contact Elsevier Periodicals has several graduate fellowships for students begin­ Functional Foods & Nutraceuricals magazine Services: 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL ning in May 2005. The NIH-funded Training in published irs Annual Global Supplier Guide which 32887-4800, USA, call 1-800-654-2452, visit the Tropical Botanical Medicines Program seeks appli­ includes listin gs and contact information for Web site , o r e-mail cants with interests in erhnoborany, erhnopharma­ suppliers of botanical raw materi als and extracts. . Manuscripts are welcome cology, phytochemisrry, microbiology, immunol­ The Supplier Guide can be accessed free online at: and can be submitted electronically to . should have strong interests in complementary and GLSITEN0=60&Where=ALL>. Wtld edible plants and botanical identification alrernative medicines and must be U.S. citizens or World Tea Markets Monthly is published by on "Wildman" Steve Brill's website. Information have permanent resident visas. Support includes a expert commodity analys ts F.O . Li cht. World Teas on foraging for wi ld edible plants and fungi in the stipend, tuition, and research funds. In additi on, Markets Monthly provides the latest market reports New York C ity and New England areas. Wildman participants will receive support for field courses and detailed statistics on tea markets worldwide. Steve Brill is an author, forager, teacher, and raco n­ and attendance at national meetings. FlU is espe­ F.O. Licht's statistical database is comprehensive, teur and has been on many radio and TV shows, cia ll y interested in under-represented minority continually updated, and eve ry issue includes the including "LateNight with David Letterm an," applicants who would like to pursue ca ree rs in latest statistics for more than 30 countries. Each "CBS News with Dan Rather," and NPR's "All alternative medicine. For more information, issue of World Tea Markets includes Intern ational Things Consid ered ." Clever animation, photos, e-mail Dr. Bradley C. Bennett Trade Statistics, Market News, In-depth Analysis, tips. books, educational resources, much more, ere. or visit the CENAP Web site and Auction Reports. To subscribe, call +44 (0) http://www. wi ldmanstevebrill.com. . 1892 533813, fax +44 (0) 1892 544895, email Medical Marijuana ProCon.org, formally known The American Shea Butter Institute (ASBI) , or visit the Web site: as Marijuanalnfo.org, is a research project of provides Consumer and Industry Education on . ProCon.org, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit (pending), Shea Burrer; establishes voluntary standards on Elsevier Launches New Health Care Journal: non-partisan private foundation, without govern ­ quality of Shea Burrer entering the USA; engages in EXPLORE: The journal of Science and Healing. ment affili ation of any kind. Visit the Web sire for basic and applied resea rch ro identify Shea Butter In 2005, Elsevier begins publication of a new jour­ an exhaustive compilation of reports, surveys, and ingredients or derivatives of irs ingredients as new nal written for a broad spectrum of hea lthcare expert opinion on both sides of this increasingly solutions for important problems in nutrition, providers. This journal will address the scientific important public debate. Information so urces health care and material science; and promotes rhe principles behind and applica tions of evidence­ include, bur are nor limited to , peer-reviewed arti ­ benefits of shea butter in various industries. Visit based healing practices from a wide variety of cles, books, news reports, magazines, government to lea rn more about th e so urces, including co nventional, alternative, and reports and research data. .

www. herbalgram.org 2005 Herba!Gram 65 I 79 classified

patients/clients-extracts, teas, essential oil blends, Publications Schools and fl ower essence formulas. Shipped directly to American Herb Association Quarterly Newsletter Accredited Natural Health Education patients within 2 business days. Formulate and - $20/yr. AHA, PO. Box 1673, Nevada Ciry, CA ACHS.edu Australasian College of Health Sciences order online. Practitioner incentives. Trained 95959. is a respected and renowned industry leader in herbalists on staff. Highest qualiry organic or eco­ natural health education since 1978, providing harvested herbs and extracts. Alchemy Botanicals, Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism - call 541-488-4418 or fax 541-488-4419. Email quarterly publication of the National Herbalists career focused programs in Aromatherapy, Master Herbalist, Holistic Health Practice and more. Your [email protected], www.alchemyb­ Association of Australia (founded in 1920). Deals otanicals.com. with all aspects of Medical Herbalism, including success is our reputation. Call today 800.487.8839 latest medicinal plant research findings. Regular Now Enrolling! Southeast Center for Botanical Herb Training for Retailers, Herbalists, Nutri­ features include Australian medicinal plants, Medicine 3 levels: "Foundations of Herbalism" tionists, and others. Take ABC's self-paced, online conferences, conference reports, book reviews, rare starts March 9th. Study Herbs in beautiful Herbal Information Course and learn how to books, case study and medicinal plant review. Asheville, NC! www.NCSNH.com (828) 252-7096 answer customer questions about herbs. Includes AUD/$95 plus AUD/$15 if required by airmai l. science-based information on 29 herbs, herb National Herbalists Association of Australia, 33 Other safery, legal and regulatory status of herbs in the Reserve Street, Annandale, NSW 2038, Australia. U.S. , interpreting product labels, and communi­ cating with customers. Earn yo ur Herbal Informa­ Business For Sale Beautiful retail herb store for sale HerbalGram - Quarterly journal published by tion Specialist Certificate at in the heart of the Northern Rocky Mountains. In the American Botanical Council. A benefit at all www. herbtraining. com. $69.95 (discounts for business 8+ years. Work for yourself and love what levels of membership in ABC. See page 3 for multiple participants) . membership information or join online at you do! Send inquires to PO Box 7002 Missoula, . PO. Box 144345, Austin, MT 59807 or call 406-728-5744. ABC £-Newsletter: ABC's HerbalEGram elec­ tronic newsletter for members features up-to-date TX 78714. 800-373-7105 or fax 512-926-2345. Join Susun Weed's Costa Rican Herbal Adven­ information on ABC and herb news, legal & regu­ Email . ture March 4- 12, 2005 indigenous & biological latory issues, upcoming articles in Herba!Gram, the reserves, botanical gardens, snorkeling, kayaking Medical Herbalism - Subtitl ed "A Clinical latest bin of HerbClip, upcoming events & ABC www.susunweed.com (541) 683-5 403 Newsletter for the Herbal Practitioner." Edited by appearances, and much more. Don't miss out. Paul Bergner. $36/yr, $60/2 yrs. Canada $39/yr. Patient-Specific Herbal Formulation-Customize Contact us today to make sure we have your Overseas $45/yr. Sample/$6. Medical Herbalism, your own herbal protocols, and we provide the correct email address or to become a member: P 0. Box 205 12, Boulder, CO 80308. fulfillment. C reate herbal formulas for your [email protected] or 800-373-7105.

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