Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is a plant that has been used in natural medicine for centuries. It is native to Asian countries, but can now also be found in Poland. It has many beneficial health properties, being a rich source of plant active substances. It supports the functioning of the immune and cardiovascular systems, and is even credited with potential life-prolonging effects.
The phytopharmacological properties of knotweed include a variety of active substances, such as resveratrol, polydatin, naphthoquinones, hydroxystilbenes, flavonoids, phytosterols and others, which show beneficial effects on the body.
Resveratrol, polidatin, and naphthoquinones:
- They inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria.
- They are natural chemopreventive factors in the context of cancer.
Hydroxystilbenes, polyphenols (including bioflavonoids):
- They act as powerful antioxidants, reducing the activity of free radicals and stabilizing the structure of cell membranes.
- In vitro, they act as inhibitors of carcinogenesis, suppressing tumor growth.
- They activate quinone reductase, inhibit the activity of peroxidase prostaglandin cyclooxygenase I.
- They induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit blood cell aggregation, which reduces the risk of blood clots.
Phytosterols, polyphenols, and hydroxystilbenes:
- They prevent steatosis and fibrosis of the kidneys, liver and heart, showing lipotropic effects.
- Lower aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels.
Polydatin:
- Reduces the risk of damage to heart muscle cells in the event of a temporary shortage of glucose and oxygen.
- Protects against the side effects of antihypertensive and neuroleptic drugs.
Anthraquinones:
- They show laxative and antiparasitic effects, especially against Schistosoma flukes.
- Reduce the hepatotoxic and mutagenic effects of some toxins, e.g. quinoline, nitropyrene.
Apigenin:
- It has a diastolic and anti-allergic effect by inhibiting the release of histamine.
- It strengthens myocardial contractions and shows hepatoprotective effects.
Luteolin:
- It lowers cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood.
- It exhibits antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects.
Quercetin and kemferol:
- They lower blood glucose levels.
- They inhibit the action of hyaluronidase and elastase, stabilizing the structure of connective tissue and strengthening blood vessels.
- Together with apigenin, they reduce aldose reductase activity, which can counteract complications in diabetes.
General action of knotweed:
- Immunostimulating effect, while inhibiting the processes of immune autoimmunity.
- Used in phytotherapy for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis, pemphigus, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus, eczema pottica, atopic dermatitis, allergic urticaria, generalized allergies, lichen planus, erythema nodosum, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, autoimmune alopecia.
Hormonal influence:
- Long-term oral use of knotweed extracts can affect estrogen levels and reduce androgen synthesis.
- Used to treat hyperandrogenism, hirsutism and acne in women.
- The estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative and anti-tumor properties may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of inflammation and prostatic hyperplasia.
- In women, knotweed preparations are recommended for alleviating symptoms of menopause (menopause).
Additional activities:
- Knotweed aids detoxification processes (depurativa) and increases urinary secretion (diuretica).
- Reduces fever (antipyretica, febrifuge).
- It stimulates menstruation (emmenagogue) and accelerates tissue regeneration, promoting wound healing.
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The sum effect of all the compounds contained in knotweed translates into interesting effects in the context of the immune system. Milkweed preparations have both immunostimulatory effects and inhibit immune autoimmune processes. This aspect can be used in the phytotherapy of many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatism, arthritis, pemphigus, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus, post-dermatitis eczema, atopic dermatitis, allergic urticaria, generalized allergies, lichen planus, erythema nodosum, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, autoimmune alopecia.
Keep in mind that long-term use of oral knotweed extracts can affect sex hormone levels, so it is necessary to monitor and adjust dosages if used for extended periods of time. Knotweed provides valuable support in the context of a variety of health effects, but it is always advisable to consult a doctor or phytotherapist before starting knotweed therapy.
Store in the refrigerator 4-8’C
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