Herbs and Inflammation Botanical Medicine 2 Fall 2009
Boswellia serrata Inhibits 5- lipooxygenase and NFkappaB
Calendula officinalis Reduces swelling Xanthophyls and granulation tissue Cyclooxygenase Lipooxygenase
Curcuma longa Inhibits 5-lipooxygenase Inhibits Cyclooxygenase
Matricaria recutita Chamazulene: Cortisone release and inhibits 5- lipoxygenase Alpha-bisabolol: enhances prostaglandin production
Tanacetum parthenium Sesquiterpene lactones (Parthenolide) inhibit Phospholipase A and NFkappaB
Other herbal inflammation modulators Ginkgo biloba Silybum marianum Capsicum spp. Camellia sinensis Uncaria tomentosa Scutellaria baicalensis
Case study 12 year old boy presents with a wound on the palm of his hand. He burnt his hand on a hot plate 2 days ago. Yesterday he pierced the blister. Today the burn site is markedly erythematous with red lines spreading past his wrists.
Case study 48 year old female presents with mild to moderate joint pain in her knees and wrists. She has had no recent injuries but is an active gardener and walks 4- 5 times a week. She has a history of asthma but is not currently on any medications. A bone scan ruled out osteopenia and osteoporosis.