Cachexia Health Dictionary

Linn.

Family: Rutaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Khasi hills and Cachar. Also in Guntur (Andhra Pradesh). Found in semiwild state in the Naga and Khasi hills.

English: Citrus dulcis, Sour Orange, Sweet Orange.

Folk: Khattaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Mallikanarangi.

Action: Peel—laxative, feeble stomachic, emmenagogue. Leaves— prescribed in the treatment of arthritis and bronchitis. Flowers— aqueous extract is employed in scurvy, fever, inflammation, nervous and hysterical cases. Fruit— a decoction is used to recover from cachexia left by intermittent fever and in cases of enlarged spleen. Dried rind—used in atonic dyspepsia.

Key application: Cut peel—in loss of appetite and dyspeptic ailments. (German Commission E.). As a bitter tonic. (British Pharmacopoeia.)

The main constituents of the peel include the alkaloid synephrine and N- methyltyramine. Synephrine, an alpha 1-adrenergic agonist, stimulates a rise in blood pressure through vasoconstriction. N-methyltyramine also raises blood pressure.

The root gave xanthyletin. The essential oil exhibits antifun- gal activity, it was found effective in treatment-resistant fungal skin diseases. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)

Commercially available Citrus vul- garis (bitter orange) extracts are often promoted for weight loss due to purported thermogenic effects. In animal models, synephrine causes weight loss, but also increases cardiovascular toxic- ity. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... citrus aurantium

(Linn.) Kuntze.

Synonym: Clerodendron siphonan- thus (R. Br.) C. B. Clarke.

Family: Verbenaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated as an ornamental throughout India, especially in South and Eastern India.

English: Turk's Turban, Tube- Flower.

Ayurvedic: Vaamana-haati (a substitute for Bhaarangi).

Siddha/Tamil: Kavalai, Narivalai.

Action: Root—used for asthma, cough, scrofulous affections. Leaf— vermifuge. Resin—antirheumatic. The plant is also used in fever, atrophy, emaciation of cachexia and consumption.

The leaves contain flavonoids—scu- tellarein (0.5%), hispidulin (0.1%) and their 7-O-glucuronides; also sterols. Flowers contain beta-sitosterol and tri- terpenoids. The bark yields hexitol and sorbitol.

The flavone, pectolinarin and a di- terpene, oncinotine, exhibit antifee- dant activity.... clerodendrum indicum

(Linn.) Diels.

Synonym: C. villosus (Lam.) DC.

Family: Menispermaceae.

Habitat: Throughout tropical and sub-tropical tracts of India.

English: Broom-Creeper, Ink-Berry.

Ayurvedic: Chhilihinta, Paataala- garuda, Mahaamuulaa, Dirghavalli, Jalajamani.

Siddha/Tamil: Kattukodi.

Action: Root—laxative, sudorific, alterative, antirheumatic. Leaf— used externally for eczema, prurigo and inpetigo. A decoction of leaves is taken in eczema, leucorrhoea and gonorrhoea.

Aqueous extract of stem and root— sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, bradycardiac, cardiotonic and sapas- molytic. Roots are used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism gout, and syphilitic cachexia.

The stem contains cyclopeptide alkaloids. The plant contains coclaurine, magnoflorine, beta-sitosterol, ginnol and a monomethyl ether of inositol.

C.pendulus (Forsk.) Diels, synonym C. leaeba (Del.) DC. (Punjab, Gujarat and South India) is known as Parwati (Gujarat, Sindh) and Ullar-billar (Punjab).

Ethanolic extract of the leaves and stem showed anticancer and hypoten- sive activities associated with the al- kaloidal fraction which contains bis- benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (including pendulin and cocsulin). Presence of quercitol is reported from non- alkaloidal fraction.

Dosage: Root—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... cocculus hirsutus

Wasting of body tissues. Thin (same as cachexia).... emaciation

See ATROPHY; CACHEXIA; PARALYSIS; TONICS.... weakness

A lung disease caused by an unknown agent in the dust produced during the processing of flax, cotton, hemp, or sisal. Byssinosis produces a feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath that may become chronic if exposure continues. Bronchodilator drugs and other drugs used to treat asthma may relieve symptoms, but adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment such as dust masks will reduce the risk.

cachexia A condition of severe weight loss and decline in health caused by a serious underlying disease, such as cancer or tuberculosis, or by starvation.... byssinosis

n. 1. see melanism. 2. a disorder in the body’s production of the pigment melanin. 3. *cachexia associated with the spread of the skin cancer *melanoma. —melanotic adj.... melanosis

Roxb.

Synonym: Carmona microphylla (Lam.) G. Don.

Family: Ehrethiaceae.

Habitat: Common in dry scrub forests of the Deccan Peninsula.

Siddha/Tamil: Kuruvingi, Kattuvet- tilai.

Folk: Pala.

Action: Root—alterative in cachexia and syphilis; an antidote to vegetable poisoning. Dried leaves—pectic and stomachic.

The plant contains microphyllone. EtOH (50%) extract of aerial parts showed low anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular activities.... ehretia buxifolia

Roxb.

Synonym: T. integrifolia Ker-Gawl.

Habitat: Aka hills in Arunachal Pradesh.

Ayurvedic: Vaaraahikanda (substitute), Vaaraahi. (Dioscorea bulbifera is equated with Vaaraahikanda.)

Folk: Duukarkand (Gujarat).

Action: Tuber—nutritive and digestive; applied to haemorrhagic diathesis, cachexia, leprosy and other cutaneous affections.

The tuber contains gamma-amino- butyric acid, glycine, leucine, valine, quercetin-3-arabinoside, D (-)-ribose, n-triacontanol, betulinic acid, castano- genin and taccalin.

Habitat: Entire Deccan Peninsula, extending into Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

English: Fiji Arrowroot, Tahiti Arrowroot.

Ayurvedic: Suurana. (Instead of wild var., cultivated elephant-foot- yam, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius var. campanulatus, is used.)

Siddha/Tamil: Karachunai.

Action: Tuber—acrid, astringent, carminative, anthelmintic. Used in the treatment of piles, haemophilic conditions, internal abscesses, colic, enlargement of spleen, vomiting, asthma, bronchitis, elephantiasis and intestinal worms.

The tuber, macerated and repeatedly washed with water, yield a starch (76.0%).

The presence ofbeta-sitosterol, ceryl alcohol and taccalin (a bitter principle) has been reported in the tuber.

Taccagenin and leontogenin have been isolated froma acid hydrolysate of leaf extract. Diosgenin and its derivatives, isonarthogenin and isonu- atigenin together with nuatigenin have also been isolated.

A bitter extract, prepared by washing the grated tubers in running water, is a rubefacient; and is also given in diarrhoea and dysentery.... tacca aspera

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. German: Zimtbaum. French: Cannelle. Spanish: Canela. Italian: Cannella. Malayan: Kayu manis. Dried inner bark, and oil distilled from bark and leaves.

Constituents: tannins, essential oil, coumarin.

Action: stimulant astringent to the stomach. Aromatic, antimicrobial, carminative, antispasmodic, anti- diarrhoea, anti-worm; a warming remedy for cold conditions. Haemostatic, anti-putrescent, antiseptic, vermifuge. “A stimulating effect on bone healing” (Hamdard, Oct/Dec 1988, Vol XXXI No 4) Anti- diabetic.

Uses: Weak digestion, feeble appetite, flatulence, vomiting, hyperacidity, to promote secretion of gastric juices. Irritable bowel, summer diarrhoea. Influenza and colds. Wasting and cachexia (5 drops oil in honey). Infestation: body lice (rub with oil). Chest complaints: massage chest with 3 drops oil to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. The tea is used by the Chinese to boost insulin activity.

Combines well with Chamomile for stomach upsets; with Elderflowers and Peppermint for influenza. Preparations. Thrice daily, or as necessary.

Tea: Quarter of a teaspoon bark in cup of boiling water, hot tea, or other beverage, infuse 15 minutes. Essence of Cinnamon: 10-20 drops in water or beverage.

Langdale’s Cinnamon Essence.

Oil of Cinnamon: BP, 0.05 to 0.2ml.

Powder: half to 1 gram.

Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 70 per cent alcohol, dose 0.5 to 1ml. ... cinnamon bark

Taraxacum officinalis Wiggers. Parts used: dried root and herb. French: Pissenlit. German: Kuhblume. Spanish: diente de le?on. Italian: Dente de Lion.

Constituents: carotenoids, sesquiterpene lactones.

Action: powerful diuretic, bitter tonic, pancreatic regulator, galactagogue, cholagogue, anti-rheumatic, pancreatic and bile duct stimulant, stimulant to the portal circulation, laxative (mild), urinary antiseptic, anti-eczema, detoxicant, choleretic. Contains Vitamins A, B and C. Rich in nutrient minerals. Promotes elimination of plasma cholesterol.

Uses: Liver disorders, inflammation of the gall bladder, to counter tendency to form gallstones; mild jaundice, to clear a yellowish complexion and brighten the eyes; to stimulate flow of bile. Not given in presence of blocked bile duct. Indigestion, lack of appetite, sweating in the anal cleft, muscular rheumatism, hypoglycaemia, anorexia nervosa, cachexia and other wasting diseases. Congestive heart failure: should be prescribed for every case of oedema of heart origin. Warts: express milky sap and wipe wart frequently. Has a reputation for splenic and pancreatic disorders as an ingredient of diabetic and anaemia prescriptions. A decoction of the root has been taken with success for infective hepatitis. An older generation of gardeners chewed the root for bladder disorders. Combine: with Alfalfa and Kelp for nutrient minerals; with Yarrow and Lime flowers (equal parts) for high blood pressure. Promotes loss of weight during dieting.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tea (leaf). 3-4 teaspoons to each cup or, 2oz to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Decoction, root. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water gently simmer 15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Liquid Extract. Dose: half-2 teaspoons.

Tincture, BHC Vol 1. 1 part to 5 parts 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 5-10ml (1-2 teaspoons).

Juice of fresh root (by liquidiser or blender) 1-4 teaspoons

Tablets/capsules. Popular combination. Powdered Dandelion BHP (1983) 90mg; powdered Horsetail extract 3:1 10mg; powdered Uva Ursi extract 3:1 75mg. To assist urinary flow and prevent fluid retention. Waterlex tablets. (Gerard House)

Dandelion coffee, roots roasted and ground. Freely.

Diet. Leaves used in salads or cooked as spinach. In all preparations a pinch of Ginger renders it more diffusive.

Note: The elderly need gentle control of blood pressure with a minimum of side-effects, without loss of potassium and magnesium, for which the root (dandelion coffee) is an alternative to synthetic drugs. ... dandelion

Carrageen. Chondrus crispus L. Seaweed. Whole plant (thallus).

Constituents: trace minerals, polysaccharides. Source of minerals, iodine, iron, bromine.

Action. Antitussive, nutrient, demulcent, pectoral, antibacterial. Detoxicant. Anticoagulant, hypotensive. Lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Uses: Bronchitis and respiratory disorders generally. Pulmonary tuberculosis. Dry cough. To cleanse mucous membranes. Thin people desiring to put on weight. Wasting diseases, cachexia. Inflammation of the alimentary canal. Irritable stomach, gastric and duodenal ulcer, recovery from surgical operation. To protect lining of stomach from acidity. Inflammation of kidneys or bladder.

External. A base for ointments, cosmetic creams, etc.

Preparations: Thrice daily, or as necessary.

Decoction. Dried seaweed, 5 to 10 grams to each large cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Cannot be strained. Half a cup eaten with spoon. Honey enhances action.

Diet. Use of the powder to thicken soups, jellies, aspic and for inclusion in recipes requiring a thickener. A fingerful (powder) in early morning tea for chest protection in winter. ... irish moss

The universal herb. Sweet root. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Shredded or powdered dried root. Long history for strength and long life in Chinese medicine. Sweet of the Pharoahs of Ancient Egypt. Carried by armies of Alexander to allay thirst and as a medicine.

Constituents: volatile oil, coumarins, chalcones, triterpenes, flavonoids.

Action: demulcent expectorant, glycogenconservor, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative. Adrenal restorative (has glycosides remarkably similar to body steroids). ACTH-like activity on adrenal cortex (Simon Mills). Female hormone properties (Science Digest). Regulates salt and water metabolism (Medicina, Moscow, 1965). Anti-stress. Anti-ulcer. Antiviral. Increases gastric juices up to 25 per cent, without altering pH. Aldosterone-like effect. Liver protective. Anti-depressive.

Use s. Adrenal insufficiency – sodium-retention properties suitable for Addison’s disease. Hypoglycaemia. Peptic ulcer – reduces gastric juice secretion. Inflamed stomach. Mouth ulcer. Duodenal ulcer. Respiratory infections: dry cough, hoarseness, bronchitis, lung troubles, catarrh. Tuberculosis (Chinese traditional). In the absence of more effective remedies of value in food poisoning. To prevent urinary tract infections.

Combinations: with Iceland Moss for wasting and cachexia to nourish and increase weight; with Lobelia for asthma and bronchitis: with Raspberry leaves for the menopause; with Comfrey for dental caries.

“Liquorice is recorded as a cancer remedy in many countries.” (J.L. Hartwell, Lloydia, 33, 97. 1970) Preparations. Average dose: 1-5 grams. Thrice daily before meals.

Decoction: half-1 teaspoon to each cup water, simmer 15 minutes. Half-1 cup.

Liquid Extract: 1:1. Dose: 2-5ml.

Sticks: for chewing.

Powdered root: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon).

Diet: Pontefract cakes – use in kitchen for adrenal failure; because of their sodium-retaining properties may be taken as sweets without added sugar. Low salt when taken.

Contra-indicated: In pregnancy, cirrhosis (liver) and in the presence of digitalis.

Note: If over-consumed may result in low potassium levels, high blood pressure and falls in renin and aldosterone. Where taken for a long period, increase intake of potassium-rich foods. May cause fluid retention of face and ankles which could be tolerated while primary disorder is being healed. ... liquorice root

Petroselinum crispum, Hill. German: Petersilie. French: Persil. Spanish: Perejil. Italian: Prezzemolo. Indian: Bilati. Dried root, seeds and leaves. Seeds contain apiol. Source of precursor of carotene, Vitamins C, E, bioflavonoids, iron and folic acid.

Also contains apiole and myristicin (volatile oils) coumarins and flavonoids.

Action: anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, anti-rheumatic, emmenagogue, laxative, mild brain tonic, diuretic, carminative, expectorant, gastric tonic, uterine tonic. A warming remedy for cold conditions, wasting, cachexia; avoided in fevers. Mild activator of adrenals and thyroid gland. Galen, Greek physician, advised it for disorders of womb and bladder.

Uses: Retention of excess fluid in the tissues, dropsy, bladder disorders, painful urination for those who pass water only after long intervals. Absent or painful menses. Windy colic. Inflammation of the prostate gland. PMT and menopausal hot flushes. To dispel fatigue. Mashed and unheated, leaves were once applied to the breasts of nursing mothers to arrest the flow of milk. Rich in minerals, calcium, potassium.... parsley