Sutherlandia frutescens
Balloon pea ( Lessertia frutescens )
The balloon pea ( Lessertia frutescens, Syn: Colutea frutescens L., Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br ), is a species of the subfamily Fabaceae ( Faboideae ) in the legume family ( Fabaceae, Leguminosae ), ( at the same family also includes the peanut or soybean).
It is a traditional South African medicinal plant which as a tonic in AIDS and cancer patients arouses a growing public and scientific interest in recent years due to their successful use.
Appearance and location requirements
In Lessertia frutescens is an evergreen shrub of the stature heights of up to 1 m achieved exclusively in the deserts of Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana ) is common. The narrow, slightly hairy with silvery pinnate leaves and showy red butterfly flowers, arranged in numerous clusters, refer to the affiliation to the family of Fabaceae. On the shape of a balloon inflated, red overcrowded fruit pods, the plant is easy to recognize. Lessertia is a pioneer plant; that is, they can endure extreme conditions and grows as a first kind at points where no other plants can still thrive. Penetrating other plant species in these areas, in the article disappears
The balloon pea as a medicinal plant
Traditional use
The natives for centuries to use this kind is a versatile remedy. This plant is used by traditional healers to strengthen the body's immune system in a variety of diseases. So the people of the Sotho called the plant Lerumo - Lamadi - " Spear of blood " because Sutherlandia purify the blood and so the body is strong. Cancer Bush ( on German: Cancer bush, on Afrikaans: kankerbos ) is another name under which the plant in South Africa is known. Also during the 1918 flu epidemic, the plant was used and is referred to since by the Zulu people Unwele - " the wonderful medicine."
Scientific analyzes
A team of scientists and biologists has now analyzed the ingredients of the plant part and wants a whole series of antiviral active substances have discovered in it: for example, the substance L- canavanine, which is effective against flu and other viruses, or the active ingredient pinitol, also has anti- diabetic effect.
A clinical investigation ( ' phase IIb trial' ) to be launched in South Africa in 2011. The safety and efficacy associated with the amelioration of AIDS symptoms to be checked.
Ingredients and Pharmacology
As the main ingredients Sutherlandia contains numerous amino acids, such as L- canavanine, besides pinitol and gamma -aminobutyric acid (GABA ), mixtures of triterpene glycosides bitter and more flavonoids.
L- canavanine, a nonproteinogenic amino acid functions as a L-arginine antagonist, reduces the intake of essential amino acids from the intestine and disturb the protein. Antiviral ( and others against flu viruses ), antimicrobial, antifungal and antitumor properties could be demonstrated, and explain the successful use of Sutherlandia in cancer therapy.
Pinitol is responsible for the anti -diabetic action and can be used for the treatment of power decline in cancer and AIDS patients.
The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA counteracts mental and emotional stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and insomnia. Thus, the mood and well-being -enhancing effect of Sutherlandia can be justified.
The triterpenoids act bitter tonic and may have corticomimetische properties.
Medical Application
From this specific combination of modes of action, a number of indications arise: Internally, the drug is used to treat cancer, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, reflux esophagitis, diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, gynecological diseases, urinary tract infections, rheumatism, edema, flu, cold, fever and tuberculosis used, as well as a bitter tonic and Umstimmungsmittel. Externally extracts are used for eye infections, wounds, burns and inflammatory skin disorders.
Particular attention is paid to the successful use of the drug in the treatment of AIDS and cancer patients. However, it should be noted that only the symptoms of these diseases, such as immune system suppression, weight loss, and lack of motivation can be alleviated. The overall health and well-being of patients can be improved. The success of Sutherlandia is not in the cure of diseases, but in enhancing the quality of life.
Security
According to the guidelines of the World Health Organization for the Assessment of Herbal Medicines, the drug is classified as safe, as the history of safe use in South Africa reaches far back into the past. There are no documented serious adverse side effects. There are only isolated reports of a slight diuretic effect, diarrhea, constipation, and dry oral mucosa after administration of Sutherlandia. Although the species is traditionally used in pregnancy, use in pregnant women due to lack of evidence for the safety is contraindicated today.
The only verifiable safety study of Sutherlandia led the South African " Medical Research Council ", the official competent inspection body of the government, in the year 2001: In a three-month animal experiments with vervet monkeys could no toxicity - at least over this short period of time - are detected.
Importance
The tablets that are currently on the market are pressed directly from the crushed, dried herb. This simple production allows a patient for the equivalent of about two euros can be supplied for a month with the drug. For many AIDS sufferers in South Africa, the tablets are often the only treatment option, as they are the expensive modern medicines can not afford it.
The international pharmaceutical industry is so far no interest in this South African medicinal plant. The same is true with the South African authorities. Despite the immense AIDS problem in their country, these previously presented not provide funds for the systematic exploration.
Due to insufficient pharmacological and clinical studies Sutherlandia preparations can not meet the European standards of drug safety. The products offered on the Internet are often not verifiable on their ingredients.