Feverfew

The Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology (ISSN: 2161-0681) deals with research on infectious disorders associated with immune system and immunological disorders, infectious diseases, treatment of infectious diseases, infectious medicine, epidemiology, diagnostic tests of infectious diseases, infection control, pathophysiology, clinical pathology , preventive medicine. Clinical Pathology deals with patient care, diagnostic services, novel treatments and research on immune infections. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology covers all areas of clinical and experimental pathology. Articles such as research papers, review articles, commentaries and short communications leading to the development of Journal of clinical and experimental pathology.

Tanacetum parthenium also known as feverfew is a flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is a traditional medicinal herb that is used commonly to prevent migraine headaches. Occasionally, it is grown for ornament. It usually is identified in the literature with its synonyms, Chrysanthemum parthenium and Pyrethrum parthenium.

The plant is herbaceous perennial that grows into a small bush, up to 70 cm (28 in) high, with pungently-scented leaves. The leaves are light yellowish green, variously pinnatifid. The conspicuous daisy-like flowers are up to 20 mm across, borne in lax corymbs. The outer, ray florets have white ligules and the inner, disc florets are yellow and tubular. It spreads rapidly by seed, and will cover a wide area after a few years.

Feverfew leaves contain many different chemicals, including one called parthenolide. Parthenolide or other chemicals decrease factors in the body that might cause migraine headaches.

Uses

It is possibly effective for Migraine Headache and possibly ineffective for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It may rarely cause itching (pruritus), allergies, asthma, bone disorders, cancer, common cold, dizziness, earache, fever, intestinal parasites, liver disease, menstrual irregularities, miscarriage prevention and muscle tension, nausea, ringing in the ears, swollen feet, toothaches, upset stomach, vomiting and psoriasis.

Some research suggests that feverfew may help to prevent migraine headaches, but results have been mixed. However, evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society suggest that a feverfew extract may be effective and should be considered for migraine prevention. There’s not enough evidence to know if feverfew helps other conditions.

Side effects

Fresh leaves may cause mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers) in some people. People with allergies, especially to ragweed, may be sensitive to it. This is because it’s a member of the same plant family. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use feverfew. People who stop taking feverfew after using it for a long time may have withdrawal side effects. These include headaches, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and stiff muscles.

Do not take feverfew if: You are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or similar plants, you are taking any kind of blood-thinning medicine and you are taking a cytochrome P450 3A4 substrate medicine. Feverfew is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when fresh leave are chewed. Chewing unprocessed feverfew leaves can cause mouth sores; swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips; and loss of taste.

Interactions

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking feverfew along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking feverfew, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle is silymarin, which is extracted from the plant's seeds. Silymarin is a flavonoid believed to have antioxidant properties.

Milk thistle is a plant that is native to Europe and was brought to North America by early colonists. Milk thistle is now found throughout the eastern United States, California, and South America. The plant grows up to 2 meters high and has large, bright purple flowers.

Milk thistle gets its name from the milky sap that comes out of the leaves when they are broken. The leaves also have unique white markings that, according to legend, were the Virgin Mary's milk. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine. The seeds are more commonly used.

Uses

Milk thistle is sometimes used as a natural treatment for liver problems. These liver problems include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Some claim milk thistle may also provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels, help diabetes in people who have type 2diabetes and cirrhosis. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet, powder and liquid extract. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions.

Milk thistle is available as a supplement from many health food stores. There is no standard dose of milk thistle, so it is best to read the dosage suggested on the packaging. Milk thistle is also available as a tea. If drinking milk thistle tea, it is best to limit intake to 6 cups a day.

Some early research suggests milk thistle may aid people with alcohol-related liver disease. Other studies show no improvement in liver function in this group of people. Some studies also show milk thistle may offer a possible benefit for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. More information is needed before doctors can say milk thistle actually benefits the liver.

By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may help decrease the chance of developing heart disease. However, studies on possible heart benefits only have been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. It’s unclear if milk thistle may have the same effects in other people. Milk thistle can also be taken in conjunction with cholesterol lowering medications, like statins. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication.

Risk Conditions

As milk thistle is a supplement, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate it in the same way as they regulate drugs. For this reason, it is important to buy milk thistle from reputable retailers. As with any natural remedy, people should discuss using milk thistle with a doctor before taking it. Milk thistle may interact with some medications. This is of particular concern if a person is already receiving treatment for liver conditions.

On the occasion of its 10 years, Successful Journey, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology decided to provide a partial waiver on its article processing charges to promote quality research from across the nations of the globe to encourage the latest research in the field of Infections, Diseases and Medicine. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology also planning to release a special issue on its new approaches.

Regards,

Robert Solomon

Editorial office

Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology

E-mail: pathol@eclinicalsci.com

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