September 2000

Contents

Difference in use of Herbs Between Races Found

Recent Study Shows That American Ginseng Reduces Blood Sugar

Sustainable Herb Project Begins in South Africa

Canada Gets New Natural Products Panel

American Botanical Council Reacts to Incorrect News Report

Bastyr University President Steps Down

Betel Nut Improves Schizophrenia Symptoms

Recipes: Candied Angelica

Herbal Profile: Lemon Balm

Book Recommendations

Chat Schedule

Member's Corner

Marketplace

Herbal Conferences

Difference in use of Herbs Between Races Found

A recent paper published in the May/June 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association reveals that Hispanics use herbal medicines more frequently than non-Hispanic groups. Researchers at the University of Mexico used a survey to quiz 186 outpatients over the age of 65.  Of the entire group, 66% reported that they have used herbal remedies at one time or another, but a whopping 77% of the Hispanic participants reported using herbal remedies compared to only 47% of the non-Hispanics.  The survey also revealed a tendency for the Hispanic subjects to grow and harvest their own medicinal herbs and more likely to have received their herbal information from family members.

Recent Study Shows That American Ginseng Reduces Blood Sugar

The April issue of Archives of Internal Medicine reported that American ginseng, when taken before meals, reduces blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

The study involved participants with type II diabetes and those without diabetes.  The subjects were given capsules containing ground Ontario-grown American ginseng either 40 minutes before or during a glucose test meal. Those with type II diabetes experienced a 20 per cent reduction in blood sugar levels. Among the non-diabetics, blood sugar reduction was apparent only when the capsules were taken before a meal.

While this study was preliminary, the researchers assert that further studies are warranted to investigate the possible role of this herb in both preventing diabetes and in managing the disease.

Sustainable Herb Project Begins in South Africa

The Herb Research Foundation (HRF), the Agricultural Research Council of the South African Ministry of Agriculture (ARC), and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have joined forces to develop sustainable businesses through the environmentally and socially conscious cultivation of herbs that will be of economic benefit to both the U.S. and South Africa.

Currently, there is very growing of medicinal herbs in South Africa, but the regions varied climate makes it a highly suitable growing area.  And, because of its location in the southern hemisphere, the region may experience an opportunity to become primary producers of off-season herbs during the time when they fetch the highest prices in the world market. At present, more than half of the population relies on plant-based medicines and this program will help local farmers to achieve sustainable living while preserving native plants and land.

Canada Gets New Natural Products Panel

The Canadian government is utilizing  $10 million dollars to form a 16 member panel to fund herb research programs and to help speed the approval of herbal supplements for market.  The panel will consist of selected members of the supplement industry.

American Botanical Council Reacts to Incorrect News Report

The American Botanical Council (ABC), a Texas-based nonprofit research and educational organization, reacted swiftly to counteract media coverage following an editorial letter that appeared in the July 27th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.  The letter, and a subsequent news report issued by Reuters News Service (July 30), unjustly and inaccurately referred to dietary supplements containing animal tissue as being "herbal."

Bastyr University President Steps Down

Founder and University President for 22 years, Joseph Pizzorno, Jr. left his post last month to pursue a career in public health.  Pizzorno, a leading naturopathic physician, has the distinction of being the first natural medicine practitioner to be appointed to the Seattle/King County Board of Health. He is well known as the co-author of Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine with Michael T. Murray, ND.  Pizzorno is being replaced by Thomas C. Shepherd, a doctor of health administration.

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Herbal Profile...

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

History: Known as simply "balm" to many, this plant has earned a place in the medicinal, aromatic and culinary gardens of the world, and is a particular favorite in bee gardens. The Greeks called it "melisophyllon" from melissa, meaning "bee" and phyllon, denoting "leaf." The Romans referred to the plant as "apiastrum" from apias, to mean simply "bee." Sixteenth-century gardeners rubbed the leaves on beehives to promote the production of honey from within. Pliny wrote that bees have a distinct preference for lemon balm and, because they often colonized in its proximity, it was used to locate the hive.

Used to: For centuries, lemon balm has been used to calm heart spasms, quiet a headache, or to soothe a nervous stomach and certain skin disorders such as eczema. The herb has also demonstrated an ability to prevent the production of a thyroid-stimulating hormone which makes it useful in treating certain hyperthyroid disorders.

The main action of lemon balm, or Spirit of Melissa, is as a sedative. One study illustrated this effect on the central nervous system when administered to laboratory mice. Lemon balm has also found an application in treating certain psychiatric conditions, particularly those in which nervousness and headache are experienced. Since the 10th century, lemon balm has been used as a tranquilizer and sleep aide. Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, appreciated the calming effect of this herb so much that he proclaimed it be grown in every medicinal herb garden within his domain. The long-held belief that placing the fresh leaves upon a wound, or using the tea to combat colds and fevers is supported by the plant's antiviral and antihistamine action. Some studies suggest the tea prevents the cell division of certain tumors.

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