Fitoterapia
Cargado por
jennymichel24Temas abordados
- aparato respiratorio,
- demanda social,
- valeriana,
- sintesis química,
- eficacia terapéutica,
- prevención,
- aparato digestivo,
- eficacia,
- fitoterapia,
- plantas medicinales
Fitoterapia
Cargado por
jennymichel24Temas abordados
- aparato respiratorio,
- demanda social,
- valeriana,
- sintesis química,
- eficacia terapéutica,
- prevención,
- aparato digestivo,
- eficacia,
- fitoterapia,
- plantas medicinales
Common questions
Con tecnología de IAValerian is used in phytotherapy primarily for treating irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and nervous sleep disorders. It contains compounds such as valepotriates and essential oils that have sedative properties. The recommended dose is 2-3 grams of the plant or an equivalent amount of extract, typically administered in the afternoon or 1-2 hours before bedtime. Safety considerations include monitoring liver enzyme levels in patients with hepatic insufficiencies, and avoiding use during pregnancy, lactation, or in children under 12 due to potential safety concerns .
The renewed focus on phytotherapy is due to its scientific basis, ensuring that the preparations used have quality, safety, and efficacy. These preparations demonstrate the effectiveness of many phytotherapeutic products for specific indications, with the scope of use centered on areas where utility is scientifically proven. Fundamental elements for the use of medicinal plants in medicine are effectiveness, safety, and quality, as demonstrated through scientific studies of their pharmacological activities and toxicity assessments .
Phytotherapy can treat conditions related to the digestive system (e.g., gastritis, ulcers), respiratory system (e.g., colds, asthma), circulatory system (e.g., mild heart failure, hypertension), locomotor system (e.g., osteoarthritis), metabolism (e.g., hyperlipidemias, diabetes), nervous system (e.g., anxiety, sleep disorders), urinary system (e.g., urinary infections), reproductive system (e.g., premenstrual syndrome), and dermatological conditions (e.g., psoriasis). Plants like hawthorn, valerian, and cranberry have been identified for their therapeutic properties in these areas .
Despite their natural origin, medicinal plants can pose risks because they interact with physiological or pathological mechanisms in the body, potentially leading to either therapeutic effects or adverse reactions. Their defined chemical structures mean they can interact with synthetic or natural medications or foods, leading to outcomes such as synergism or inhibition. Therefore, their use cannot solely rely on empiricism, and must adhere to scientific validation regarding their effectiveness, safety, and quality .
In the early 20th century, the emergence of synthetic drugs led to medicinal plants being relegated in the Western world to traditional and often 'homemade' uses for minor ailments. This resulted in less scientific attention on plants themselves, although research continued using them as models for synthesis or sources of isolated active principles for pharmaceutical production. However, in recent decades, there has been significant growth in the use of medicinal plants, driven by the development of scientifically-based phytotherapy offering preparations with proven quality, safety, and efficacy, and a societal increase in demand for natural-origin medicines .
Phaseolus vulgaris exerts its effects primarily as a mild diuretic and hypoglycemic agent, which makes it useful in managing urinary infections, edema, urinary tract stones, and diabetes. Its diuretic action helps alleviate urinary conditions, while its hypoglycemic property aids in regulating blood sugar levels. The indicated daily dosage is 5-15 grams, facilitating its use as part of a herbal medicinal regime .
In phytotherapy, therapeutic potency is determined by the pharmacological activity and toxicity of the plant products, which generally have moderate to low potency and wide therapeutic margins. Products with a narrow therapeutic margin, such as digitalis leaves, are excluded due to safety concerns. This ensures phytotherapy remains a mild therapeutic approach with broad safety margins and minimal side effects .
The absence of harmonized criteria presents challenges such as the uncontrolled sale of medicinal plants, incorrect or atypical health registrations, and misleading advertising, which might lead to harmful practices and adverse health outcomes. Historical lessons, such as the impact of the thalidomide disaster, demonstrate the importance of strict regulation and uniform standards in preventing widespread health crises. This highlights the need for international cooperation to develop consistent regulations for medicinal plant use .
Regulations and legal frameworks greatly vary across countries, influencing how medicinal plants are defined, authorized, and commercialized. In some countries, phytomedicines are well established, while in others, they are considered as foods, where claiming therapeutic benefits is not allowed. Issues such as uncontrolled street vending, incorrect health registrations, misleading advertising, and harmful practices highlight the lack of harmonized criteria for these products, which poses potential risks similar to historic pharmaceutical disasters. Thus, countries adopt different strategies to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicinal plant products .
Quality assurance is crucial because it ensures that the plant products meet analytical specifications and standards defined in pharmacopeias and other regulatory documents. This compliance is essential for both synthetic and natural medicinal products to ensure their efficacy and safety. Without such assurances, the therapeutic qualities of medicinal plant products cannot be reliably guaranteed, potentially leading to adverse health effects .
