The New Kids on the Block – the top 4 herbs

Posted: October 2021
Author: Sharlene Bennett |  BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb

As our lives begin to take on a "new normal", we are each adapting to a lot of change. The ever-evolving situation of well-being during this time, lends itself greatly to the use of our herbal botanicals for that additional support for vital body systems and clinical effect for optimal wellness. The natural synergistic nature of phytotherapy, always kindly offers us more than one health benefit, making our botanicals perfect partners for a multi-faceted approach and one that is comprehensive in balancing and helps to address the complete picture of patient care.

Some of the newer starry herbs, that are steeped in traditional use but having a bright new lease on life and are currently being used as absolute favourites in-clinic are the following, as we take a more in-depth peek at the trending use of them, we can see that common thread is one of immune modulation, nootropic action, antidepressant and neurocognition support alongside powerful adaptogenic properties.

The top four new favourites

Lions Mane - The absolute new star...

The neuroprotective properties of this new favourite, come with much to be excited about. Recent studies show its powerful protective neuronal action to be in part due to Lipoxin A4 an endogenous eicosanoid which supports inflammatory recovery and helps with inhibition of inflammatory pathways, markers and molecular signalling. A significant uptake of Lipoxin A4 protein expression was observed in the cortex, hippocampus, as well as in the substantia nigra, striatum, and cerebellum on the use of Lions Mane.

Making it an ideal option for brain and cognitive protection, not only is it acting on neuron health but it appears to boost nerve growth factor (NGF)and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) both invaluable mediators for brain and against oxidative stress pathways or development of neurodegeneration disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Lions Mane has the unique action crossing the blood brain barrier and modulating neuron response and stimulus, helping to support long term neuroplasticity alongside also having an effect on positive gut health. Early studies show its ability to boost to essential groups of gut bacteria family groups such as, lactobacillus and bifibacterium helping produce a comprehensive pre and probiotic supporting effect within the gut and activating short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production for colon health, further adding to its medicinal properties for neurotransmitter health by possibly playing a key role on the gut-brain axis.  Bringing us too why this new ingredient for in-clinic could be a diverse and key player as a brain adaptogenic and well-being.

Reishi

The centuries old use of Reishi, is with many reasons as it truly is a remarkable fungus for health. Its all-round immunomodulatory action, lends itself for everyday use as a recovery tonic for present day and longer-term recovery. With its main active constituents being, polysaccharides, triterpenes (including ganoderic acids, meroterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids), steroids, alkaloids, benzopyran and benzoic acid derivatives. Its numerous actions of various body systems make it a firm favourite for patient care.

From everyday immunity, with its known action of natural killer cells (NKs) to dendritic cells and activation of T and B lymphocytes, this super mushroom power is definitely in its ability to help support the immunity. Helping to boost the immune system by naturally inducing a balanced immune defence response.

Reishi, also exerts an antioxidant effect on cells, helping against free radical protection and cell apoptosis, making it an ideal option as adjunctive ingredient for normal cell health and recovery as anti-tumour agent and that all-round powerful tonic for everyday and more.

Rhodiola

The super adaptogenic herb, also commonly known as rose or artic root for its natural love in growing in cold, isolated and hard to reach places. Naturally giving away its resilience building ability, it acts as a mood lifter with its antidepressant effect felt throughout the nervous system, with the main constituents, phenylpropanoid glycosides (rosavin, rosarin,) and phenyl ethanol derivatives (salidroside/rhodioloside, tyrosol) setting its core body actions.

Rhodiola key properties lend itself to being adaptogenic, cardioprotective, and central nervous system supportive. The effects of Rhodiola have been attributed to its ability to influence levels and activity of monoamines and then opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins for that feel good effect and its unique ability to lift mood and produce a positive result in patient care with its dynamic and unique adaptogenic properties.

Holy Basil

The herb with much traditional use in India and Asia, containing Ocimumoside A & B and recent placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated a 39% reduction in stress symptoms in people taking Holy Basil over a 6-week period (Saxena, 2012), this botanical is all about neuro protection and a healthy stress response in the body. A recent placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated a 39% reduction in stress symptoms in people taking Holy Basil over a 6-week period (Saxena, 2012).

Another interesting botanical effect from the use of Holy Basil is its famed antioxidant action, believed to promote anti-aging, alongside an anti-inflammatory action, via a number of studies, Its components eugenol and ursolic acid are believed to significantly contribute to these unique actions. Ursolic acid is also well established as an anti-aging agent

As we all navigate the new path ahead, our botanicals and the very use of phytotherapy can help us and support those around us for a more complete picture of healthcare, helping in treatment of the full picture of patient care and supporting the emotional and physical elements of illness, from everyday immunity, mood to more stubborn or chronic afflictions.

Phytotherapy helps us to extend more choice, in terms of what may suit best helping those in need and being part of the solution for preventative health, for staying well as much as helping the pathway of recovery or the journey back to a place of wellness, alongside the constant driver of quality of life (QOL) for that more complete integrated model of patient care.