Biological mechanisms of action of medicinal herbs in modern therapy

Biological mechanisms of action of medicinal herbs in modern therapy

Medicinal herbs have been part of human medicine for thousands of years. But while we value their traditional uses, it often remains unclear what biological mechanisms of action lie behind their health-promoting properties. However, these natural remedies are becoming increasingly important in modern therapy as scientific findings support their therapeutic benefits.

In the first section we take a look at the chemical basis of medicinal herbs and their role in medical therapy. We then highlight evidence-based approaches that promote the integrative use of medicinal herbs in healthcare. Finally, we discuss the interactions between medicinal herbs and conventional therapeutics, and associated opportunities and challenges in clinical practice.

Immerse yourself with us in the fascinating world of medicinal herbs and discover how, supported by modern research, they find their niche in the therapeutic spectrum.

The chemical basis of medicinal herbs and their role in medical therapy

Medicinal herbs are plant substances used in traditional and modern medicine. Their medicinal effectiveness is based on a variety of chemical compounds that are classified as bioactive components. These bioactive components include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, glycosides and essential oils. The chemical diversity of these compounds determines the therapeutic properties of medicinal herbs.

• Alkaloide: Diese stickstoffhaltigen Verbindungen wirken häufig als Neurotransmitter und beeinflussen das zentrale Nervensystem. Beispiele sind Morphin aus Mohn und Quinine aus Chinarinde.
• Flavonoide: Diese sekundären Pflanzenstoffe haben antioxydative Eigenschaften und fördern die Gesundheit des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems. Sie sind in vielen Früchten, Gemüse und Heilkräutern wie Kamille und Brennnessel enthalten.
• Terpene: Terpene sind für den charakteristischen Duft vieler Pflanzen verantwortlich und haben entzündungshemmende und schmerzlindernde Eigenschaften. Beispiele sind Limonen und Myrcen.
• Glycoside: Diese Verbindungen können die Wirkung von Herzmedikamenten unterstützen und sind in Pflanzen wie Maiglöckchen und Digitalis enthalten.
• Ätherische Öle: Diese flüchtigen Aromastoffe haben eine Vielzahl von gesundheitlichen Wirkungen, darunter antimikrobielle und beruhigende Eigenschaften. Lavendel- und Pfefferminzöl sind häufig genutzte Beispiele.

The therapeutic use of medicinal herbs is through various forms of administration, including decoctions, tinctures, extracts and essential oils. The extraction and preparation influence the bioactive availability and the associated therapeutic effects. Different processing methods can change the chemical composition and thus also the effect of the medicinal herbs.

Some medicinal herbs have specific indications in medical therapy. Research shows that many of these plants are able to relieve symptoms of certain diseases or even have therapeutic effects. Chemical analysis of medicinal herbs is often performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and other analytical methods. These techniques enable precise identification and quantification of bioactive compounds.

The role of medicinal herbs in modern medical therapy presents both opportunities and challenges. While more and more evidence-based studies demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of certain medicinal herbs, standardized dosages and clear guidelines for use have often not yet been sufficiently developed. The variability in chemical composition, depending on cultivation, harvesting and processing, remains an important challenge for scientific and clinical application.

Evidence-based approaches to the use of medicinal herbs in modern healthcare

Evidence-based approaches to the use of medicinal herbs in modern healthcare are based on in-depth analysis of clinical studies and evaluation of research results. This methodology aims to systematically review the effectiveness and safety of medicinal herbs and support their integration into medical practice.

Important aspects in the evidence-based evaluation of medicinal herbs include:

• Studiendesign: Randomisierte kontrollierte Studien (RCTs) und Meta-Analysen sind die höchsten evidenzbasierten Standards.
• Wirksamkeit: Nachweisbare therapeutische Effekte, die statistisch signifikant sind.
• Sicherheit: Evaluation von Nebenwirkungen und der Gesamtverträglichkeit.
• Standardisierung: Die Herstellung von Heilkräutern sollte den Anforderungen an Qualität und Reinheit entsprechen.

Some of the most commonly studied medicinal herbs include:

Systematization of research has resulted in evidence-based guidelines to help healthcare facilities safely integrate medicinal herbs into patient care. These guidelines include recommendations on dosage, administration and monitoring of patients to detect possible interactions with other therapies early.

Despite advances in evidence-based medicine, the use of medicinal herbs remains complex and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Healthcare professionals must have a thorough knowledge of herbal medicine to adequately evaluate the benefits of these therapies and allow patients to make informed choices regarding their treatment options.

Interactions between medicinal herbs and conventional therapeutics: opportunities and challenges

The interactions between medicinal herbs and conventional therapeutics represent both opportunities and challenges for medical practice. Medicinal herbs can influence the effectiveness of drugs by altering their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This often occurs through various mechanisms, such as the inhibition or induction of enzymes of the cytochrome P450 system, which are largely responsible for the metabolism of many drugs.

• Synergistische Effekte: In bestimmten Fällen können Heilkräuter die Therapeutika unterstützen, indem sie deren Wirkung verstärken. Beispiele sind Pflanzenstoffe, die antioxidative Eigenschaften besitzen und die Wirksamkeit von Chemotherapeutika erhöhen können.
• Antagonistische Effekte: Einige Heilkräuter könnten die Wirksamkeit von konventionellen Medikamenten verringern. So kann beispielsweise Johanniskraut die Plasma-Spiegel bestimmter Antidepressiva senken.
• Veränderung der Wirkstoffverfügbarkeit: Heilkräuter können die Absorption, Verteilung und Excretion von Medikamenten beeinflussen, was zu unvorhersehbaren Wirkungen führen kann.

The following table shows some common medicinal herbs and their potential interactions with conventional medications:

The challenge in clinical practice lies in the lack of complete understanding of these interactions. Many herbal preparations are not sufficiently standardized, which can lead to variability in intake and effectiveness. Furthermore, knowledge-based approaches regarding the interactions between medicinal herbs and conventional therapeutics are often inadequately documented. This requires targeted research to identify safe and effective combinations and minimize potential risks.

Taking these interactions into account is therefore crucial for the safe use of medicinal herbs in modern medicine. Healthcare providers should be vigilant and inform their patients of potential risks and benefits to enable informed treatment decisions.

In summary, it can be said that the biological mechanisms of action of medicinal herbs represent a promising addition to modern therapy. The chemical principles behind their healing properties have been increasingly unraveled through evidence-based approaches and offer a valuable contribution to integrative healthcare. However, careful investigation of the interactions between medicinal herbs and conventional therapeutics remains crucial in order to both exploit opportunities and minimize potential risks. As research in this field advances, medicinal herbs can be established as an integral part of medical practice to promote holistic patient care.

Sources and further literature

Bibliography

• Vogt, S. (2018). Heilpflanzenkunde: Grundlagen in der modernen Phytotherapie. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.
• Kreuzer, M., Häberle, J. (2021). Arzneipflanzen in der modernen Medizin: Grundlagen und Anwendungen. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.
• Wagner, H., Ulrich-Merzenich, G. (2016). Phytotherapie in der Onkologie: Grundlagen und klinische Anwendung. Heidelberg: Springer Verlag.

Studies

• Li, P., Wu, C., Zhang, Y. (2020). In vitro und in vivo Studien zur Wirkung von Heilkräutern auf Entzündungsprozesse. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 259, 112926.
• Huang, W., Zhang, Y., Li, H. (2021). Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen traditionellen Heilpflanzen und chemischen Therapeutika: Eine systematische Übersicht. Evidenzbasierte Komplementärmedizin, 2021, 3289601.

Further reading

• Foster, S., & Duke, J. A. (2000). Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbals to the West. 1.
• Blumenthal, M., Busse, W., Gold, M. (2000). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, Texas: American Botanical Council.