Phytotherapy for digestive problems

Phytotherapy for digestive problems: new research on mechanisms of action

29/02/2012

Patients with recurrent gastrointestinal complaints present a complex problem to their physicians: the disorders can hide a wide range of possible causes, ranging from minor functional illnesses to severe organic conditions. „Functional does not mean conceited!“, emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Dieter Allescher, Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In the treatment of functional complaints, herbal medicines have proven particularly useful. Why, show latest research results.

„Recently, a new view of functional gastrointestinal diseases has developed“, reported Prof. Allescher in Munich. They appear to be more complex than previously thought, may be the result of different causes and the genetic predisposition also plays an important role here.

New findings are not only about the genesis, but also about the therapy of these diseases. STW 5, a herbal combination of extracts of Iberis amara (Bitter loop flower) and eight other medicinal plants (angelica root, chamomile flowers, cumin, celandine, milk thistle, lemon balm, licorice and peppermint) still represents a standard therapy, the working group of Prof. Dr. med. Michael Schemann, Department of Human Biology at the Technical University of Munich, has recently been able to find out how the plant combination interferes with the different regulatory mechanisms of the gastric muscles.

The drug also develops two paradoxical activities: On the one hand, it relaxes the muscles of the stomach and thus increases its absorption capacity. At the same time it activates the stomach pump, which is responsible for the further transport of food, and thus promotes digestion.

The research team has also clarified the apparent contradiction between these effects. In investigating the molecular mechanisms of action on isolated muscle specimens, the scientists found that the different calcium channels are responsible for this in the individual gastric regions: the cells in the upper gastric segment contain so-called SOC calcium channels, and in the lower part of the stomach calcium channels of the L-type. (KFN)

Also read:
New Alliance for Phytotherapy founded
Techniker Krankenkasse pays naturopathy funds