6 Good Medicinal Plants With Scientific Evidence

There is a wide variety of medicinal plants with scientific evidence. Thus , their components and properties have been studied by professionals who have determined that they have potential as in the treatment of some diseases.

As mentioned in an article published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, a wide variety of medicines are actually made that are considered essential of extracts of plant origin. Nevertheless, some value the use of plants in their natural form.

Which are the most popular? Keep reading to find out!

Medicinal plants with scientific evidence

Traditionally , plants have been used since prehistoric times to treat the symptoms of various diseases. As a result, scientific studies were conducted over time to test the properties ascribed to them.

Similarly, research on them helped determine at what doses they are safe, which ones can cause side effects and in which situations they are contraindicated. Although the list is quite extensive, in the following sections we will share the 6 most important medicinal plants with scientific evidence.

Chamomile

This is a medicinal plant with many uses. As stated in an article published in Molecular Medicine Reports, its main uses are related to the relief of anxiety, stress and stomach problems. However, some also use it for pain and skin problems.

The plant is known for its small, daisy-like flowers. It is usually available in two varieties: “German chamomile” and “Roman chamomile”. It is often used as an infusion, but is also available in essential oils and extracts, among other forms.

A review published in the Electronic Physician Journal lists it as a “multi-purpose plant” since evidence has found it to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-diarrhea, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties. Some of the uses are as follows:

• osteoarthritis of the knee
• ulcerative colitis
• premenstrual syndrome
• gastrointestinal disorders
• anxiety and stress

Does it cause side effects? Are there any contraindications?

For most healthy adults, doctors consider it safe. However , specialists recommend avoiding excessive intake. There are also reports of allergic reactions and interactions with anticoagulants.

2. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular and common plants with scientific evidence. It is especially useful for its anti-anxiety activity that allows a person to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. A study published in the Mental Health Clinician supports these properties and says that it has a favorable profile for efficacy and safety.

Its natural oils, as well as herbal presentations, support the treatment of anxiety disorders without causing addiction or major side effects. Even the use for this purpose is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Other possible uses include the following:

• as an antibacterial and antifungal
• muscle relaxant (carminative)

• sedative and antidepressant
• skin relief from burns and insect bites.

3. Sun hat

Specialists and the general public know treatments with sun hats quite well. In addition to the striking purple flowers, people have used this plant in the form of teas, juices and extracts to strengthen the immune system and improve health.

A study in the journal Pharmacognosy Reviews highlights that it is an herb with immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

To be more precise , people use it to treat flu, colds and other respiratory conditions. In the same way, it acts as a painkiller in cases of toothache, intestinal pain, skin diseases and arthritis, among other diseases.

When it comes to possible side effects, there is some controversy. While some studies have concluded that it is safe, others have determined that it can cause side effects such as abdominal pain and allergies. Therefore, use it with caution.

4. Ginkgo biloba

Within the list of medicinal plants with scientific evidence, ginkgo biloba is known for its many medicinal uses. It is an herb that people use a lot in oriental medicine, both in the form of capsules, such as tablets, extracts, leaves and more.

Recent research, as published in Aging and Disease, shows that the plant has shown potential as an ally in the prevention of age-related disorders. It seems to help brain health in particular by reducing the risk of dementia.

On the other hand, a study published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy determined that ginkgo also contains components that contribute to the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, researchers need to conduct more studies to evaluate safety and efficacy.

So far, the following possible side effects have been noted:

• Liver effects, making it necessary to control liver enzymes
• Interacts with anticoagulant drugs and other drugs
• The seeds are toxic if ingested
• Specialists associate long-term overuse with increased risk of thyroid problems and liver cancer (observed in rats)
• Finally, in some people, it causes headaches, digestive problems, dizziness or allergic reactions.

5. St. John’s wort

Some people know some St. John’s wort with the name “St. John’s wort”. It is a plant with sedative effects since it has antidepressant and anti-anxiety functions. In particular, as mentioned in a review article published in Systematic Reviews, it contains hypericin and hyperforin.

These drugs are active principles with antidepressant potential that, among other things, favor the relief of anxiety. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and is used against the symptoms of menopause.

In general, some side effects are as follows:

• drug interaction
• restlessness
• burning and tingling sensation
• dizziness
• photosensitivity
• irritability
• abdominal pain

6. Peppermint

When we talk about good medicinal plants with scientific evidence, we can not leave out peppermint. Due to its properties, it is one of the most widely used and used herbal ingredients worldwide. People tend to use it to relieve discomfort in the digestive system, headaches and respiratory diseases.

In this regard, a scientific article published in Phytotherapy Research states that mint leaves concentrate phenolic components, such as rosemary acid and various flavonoids whose assimilation helps maintain health. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic and immunomodulatory activity.

Overall, a moderate intake is safe for most healthy adults. However, it can be annoying in large quantities. Also, the plant may interact with some medications; Therefore, if you are being treated with medication, it is best to consult your doctor before trying peppermint.

Take medicinal plants with scientific evidence with caution

Science has proven many of the properties of the above plants. But this does not mean that we can use them as the first option for treatment of diseases. In most cases, they are just a supplement to reduce the symptoms of certain ailments.

Nevertheless, the effect tends to be temporary and not always as the person expects. In any case, the evidence shows that it can be beneficial for many people. For this reason, it is worth giving them a try if there are no contraindications.

In case of doubt, talk to your doctor for advice.