Plant used for UTIs

and
skin disease
Lec.Dr. Aveen Nozad Adham
Lec.6, 5th stage, 1st course (2022-2023)
Out line of lecture
• Plant used for treatment of
• Urinary tract infections:
❑Bearberry
❑Burdock
❑Couch grass
• Skin disease:
❑Marigold
❑Myrrh
❑Capsaicin
❑Tea tree oil
 Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Is an infection may affect different parts of the urinary tract
system like kidneys, urinary bladder, ureter and urethra especially
lower urinary tract system including the urinary bladder and
urethra.
• Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type
of infection in the body.
• Escherichia coli causes about 80% of urinary tract infections in
adults .
• Other bacteria that causes urinary tract infections include
Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Chlamydia tracomatis and
Mycoplasma hominis.
• If the infection stays in urethra without travelling into the bladder, it
is called urethritis and are usually confined to burning while
urinating.

• The term cystitis literally means an inflammation of the bladder

which is generally the result of a bacterial infection. When both the
urethra and bladder are involved, the term cystourethritis is
sometimes used.

• Untreated bladder infections can sometimes travel up into the

kidneys and cause severe, even life threatening infections. This
condition is known as pyelonephritis.

• Infections in the ureter is called uretitis.

Urinary tract infections
Management of UTIs
• Antibiotics usually are the first line treatment for UTIs. Which drugs are
prescribed and for how long depend on patients health condition and the type
of bacteria found in your urine such as:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone,

quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, gemifloxacin.
• Recurrent UTI may be prevented by identifying the causes and its prompt
treatment
• According to The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
guidelines, recurrent UTI may be prevented by improving the dysfunctional
elimination syndromes and guiding the patients to drink more fluid so that
bladder remains clean from the microorganisms.
Home remedies for
UTIs
Herbal therapy in urinary tract infections
• Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's
systems.
• Herbal remedies may relieve urinary tract infections by combating
the bacteria, decreasing irritation and healing urinary tract tissues.
• Some herbs also help prevent future occurrences.
Bearberry
• The leaves of the shrub Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.

• The pharmacologically active components of

bearberry are the hydroquinone derivatives:
• 5-15% arbutin, up to 5% methyl arbutin, and traces
of galloyl derivatives of arbutin and free
hydroquinone.
• The leaves contain 10-20% gallotannins and about
1% flavonoids.
• Arbutin is hydrolyzed by β-glucosidase to yield the
active principle hydroquinone.
• This compound is very active against many bacteria, but in particular those that
are liable to cause UTIs such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Uva ursi is a strong, non-irritating diuretic and urinary antiseptic for bladder
and kidney infections.
• When combined with Althaea officinalis it helps to eliminate stones from the
kidney and bladder.
• The dose is 1.5-4 g of the comminuted herbal substance as a herbal infusion or
macerate, 2 to 4 times daily,
• The use of bearberry may cause nausea, stomach ache and vomiting due to
stomach irritation from the high tannin content.
• For safety reasons, its use in pregnant and lactating women, children and
adolescents is not recommended. It should not be used for more than one
week.
• Bearberry may cause a greenish-brown discoloration of the urine.
Couch grass
• Is the dried rhizomes and short pieces of stem of
Agropyron repens.
• Couch grass rhizome contains polysaccharides, fructose,
sugar alcohols (mannitol and inositol) and flavonoids.
• The diuretic activity of couch is attributed to sugar "
Mannitol " present in high percentage of chemical
constituents in this herb, and it is called as an 'osmotic
diuretic' as it is absorbed totally from large intestine and
excreted largely from kidney tubules, hence, kidney
tubules excreted large amounts of water to maintain
osmotic pressure.
• Besides, Vanillin and saponins present in couch extract results in
diuretic effects.
• Strongly diuretic with a soothing, anti-inflammatory healing effect on
the lining of the bladder. It is useful when there is mucus discharge
from the bladder with painful and frequent urination
• The daily dose as a herbal tea is 10-20 gm couch grass may also be
applied as liquid extract and tincture. Traditionally it is used over a
period of from 2 up to 4 weeks.
• Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
• In the event of hypersensitivity and in conditions where a reduced
fluid intake is recommended (e.g. severe cardiac or renal disease),
the application of couch grass is contraindicated.
Burdock
• Arctium lappa
• Main components are lignans (Arctigenin, arctiin,
and diarctigenin), polyphenols (caffeic acid,
chlorogenic acid, quercitrin, nobiletin, p-coumaric
acid), tannin, and terpenoids (lupeol, ursolic, and
oleanolic acids)
• The leaves and the fruits are applied, but the
medicinally most important plant part is the root.
• The main indications of burdock roots are the promotion of urinary and
digestive elimination functions.

• Chlorogenic acid isolated from the leaves also have shown restraining
effects on Escherihchia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus
luteus

• Burdock extracts exhibited hypoglycemic and anticancer activity.

• In cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to plants of the

Asteraceae family, the use of burdock root is contraindicated. In the
absence of sufficient data, its use during pregnancy and lactation is not
recommended.
 Skin disease
• The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of
about 20 square feet.
• The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps
regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of
touch, heat, and cold.
• The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes,
which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are
located in the epidermis.
Skin has three layers:
❑ Epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier
and creates our skin tone.
❑ Dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue,
hair follicles, and sweat glands.
❑ Hypodermis, The deeper subcutaneous tissue is made of fat and
connective tissue.
• Rash: Nearly any change in the skin’s appearance can be called a rash. Most rashes are from
simple skin irritation; others result from medical conditions.
• Eczema: Skin inflammation (dermatitis) causing an itchy rash. Most often, it’s due to an
overactive immune system.
• Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause a variety of skin rashes. Silver, scaly
plaques on the skin are the most common form.
• Dandruff: A scaly condition of the scalp may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis,
or eczema.
• Acne: The most common skin condition, acne affects over 85% of people at some time in
life.
• Cellulitis: Inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, usually due to an infection.
A red, warm, often painful skin rash generally results.
• Rosacea: A chronic skin condition causing a red rash on the face. Rosacea may look like
acne, and is poorly understood.
• Warts: A virus infects the skin and causes the skin to grow excessively, creating a wart.
Warts may be treated at home with chemicals, duct tape, or freezing, or removed by a
physician.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma results from sun damage
and other causes. A skin biopsy can identify melanoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is less
dangerous than melanoma because it grows and spreads more slowly.
• Seborrheic keratosis: A benign, often itchy growth that appears like a “stuck-on” wart.
Seborrheic keratoses may be removed by a physician, if bothersome.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma may
begin as an ulcer that won’t heal, or an abnormal growth. It usually develops in sun-
exposed areas.
• Herpes: The herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause periodic blisters or skin irritation
around the lips or the genitals.
• Scabies: Tiny mites that burrow into the skin cause scabies. An intensely itchy rash in the
webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, and buttocks is typical of scabies.
• Ringworm: A fungal skin infection (also called tinea). The characteristic rings it creates are
not due to worms.
Topical and oral treatment of skin diseases
1. Antibacterials: These medicines, like Bactroban, cleocin, erythromycin, and
tetracycline
2. Antifungal agents: Lamisil, lotrimin, Nizoral, ketoconaole and Diflucan.
3. Antiviral agents: Common antiviral agents include valtrex, acyclovir and
famavir.
4. Benzoyl peroxide: Creams and other products containing benzoyl peroxide
are used to treat acne
5. Coal tar: This topical treatment is available with and without a prescription,
used to treat conditions including seborrheic dermatitis (usually in
shampoos) or psoriasis.
6. Corticosteroids: These are used to treat skin conditions including eczema and
come in many forms including foams, lotions, ointments and creams such as
prednisone.
7. Retinoids: These medications (such as retin-A and tazorac) are gels
or creams derived from vitamin A and are used to treat conditions
including acne
8. Salicylic acid: This medication is available in the form of lotions, gels,
soaps, shampoos and patches. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many
skin care products for the treatment of acne and warts.
9. Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine and
methotrexate, can be used to treat conditions including severe cases
of psoriasis and eczema
10. Biologics: These new therapies are the latest methods being utilized to
treat psoriasis and other conditions. Examples of biologics include
etanercept, adalimumab, and so on.
Herbal therapy in skin disease
Marigold
• Calendula officinalis has been used in the
traditional medicine for centuries.
• The petals have been used in salads or as a
replacement for saffron as a food colorant.
• Only the cutaneous application is acceptable in
modern therapy.
• Active ingredients of the calendula flower are
triterpene saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides),
triterpene alcohols (α-, β-amyrins, faradiol), and
flavonoids (quercetin and isorhamnetin)
• Isorhamnetin 3-glycosides isolated from calendula flowers
inhibited lipoxygenase.

• Calendula flower is used for compresses in poorly healing

wounds, bruises, rashes, boils and dermatitis.

• The activity of this extract (at high concentration) and faradiol

was comparable to that of indometacin (anti-inflammatory
synthetic drug).

• Application in children under 6 years of age is not recommended

Myrrh
• In ancient times, myrrh was one of the most important and
expensive goods, since it was difficult to obtain on a large
scale and it was used for several purposes, from medicinal
to sacral applications.
• According to the definition of the European
Pharmacopoeia, myrrh is a gum resin, hardened in the air,
obtained by incision or produced by spontaneous exudation
from the stem and branches of Commiphora molmol and/or
other species of Commiphora.
• The main components of myrrh are the terpenoids
(Limonene, eugenol, myrrhone and sandaracopimaric acid),
lignans (polygamain, and picropolygamain) and gum.
• Myrrh has the power to increase the function of white blood cells, which is
critical for wound healing.

• It can also be used for eczema, minor skin irritations or wounds, such as
athlete's foot, ringworm or minor cuts.

• On cutaneous use, the wound should be dabbed 2-3 times daily with the
undiluted or diluted tincture in water (0.5-5 ml of tincture should be used
in 150 ml of water).

• Hypersensitivity to myrrh is a contraindication for the use of myrrh-

containing products. Contact of the eyes with myrrh tincture should be
avoided. Allergic skin reactions may occur.
Capsaicin
• The main ingredient in Cayenne pepper.
• 0.025% cream used topically is effective in
treating psoriasis through decrease in scaling,
thickness, erythema, and pruritus.
• The main adverse effect reported was a short-
lived burning sensation at the application site.
• Capsaicin is contraindicated on injured skin or
near the eyes.
Tea tree oil
• It is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca
alternifolia.
• It contains approximately 100 compounds, mainly plant
terpenes and their corresponding alcohols.
• The European Pharmacopoeia, which also lists tea tree oil as
an official medicinal raw material.
• The major component of the oil is terpinen-4-ol, and with ϒ-
terpinene and α-terpinene in remarkable quantities.
• This oil obtained by steam distillation
• Therefore, topical treatment is considered very safe and if
taken internally lead to poisoning
• Tea tree oil is applied topically for treatment of bacterial and fungal infections.
• Tea tree oil has shown in vitro activity against a wide variety of
microorganisms, including Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes,
and Trichophyton rubrum.
• Tea tree oil has comparable efficacy to that of clotrimazole in the treatment of
onychomycosis.
• A gel containing 5% of tea tree oil was equally as effective as 5% benzoyl
peroxide, in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.
• Clinical studies proved that tea tree oil positively influences wound healing
(shortening the healing time and reduceing the risk of infection) due to its
antimicrobial activity.
• The undiluted oil has been reported to cause skin irritation.
• However, it should not be used on burns because of its cytolytic effect on
epithelial cells and fibroblasts.
Reference:
▪ Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 3rd,
Michael Heinrich (2018).