Biologically active substances of ivy and application in medicine
The pharmacological value of ivy preparations is provided primarily by triterpene saponins. These substances began to be studied in the early years of the 20th century, when b-hederin was extracted from the ivy leaf. More than 50 saponins are found in different types of ivy.
In addition to saponins, ivy leaf sheets contain tannins, steroids, coumarins( eg scopolin), organic acids( coffee, chlorogenic, formic and malic acids), pectic substances, resins, iodine( in organic compounds), carotene,vitamins B, C and E, carbohydrates( fructose, sucrose, glucose, galactose, etc.), as well as a certain amount of anthocyanins and flavonoids( rutin, glyco-zid kaempferol), mineral salts. The composition of the essential oil of the ivy leaf was also studied.
The bark of the liana contains gum, triterpenoids, vitamins and mineral salts.
Due to the high content of saponin glycosides, the spectrum of therapeutic effects of the drugs is quite wide. These substances( in particular, alkaloid emetin) increase the secretion of bronchial glands, the secretion of mucus from the alveoli - and therefore act as an expectorant, contribute to the separation of sputum in serious respiratory diseases. Ivy preparations are effective as antitussives. They give a good effect in the treatment of whooping cough: in patients the spasmodic cough decreases, the frequency of coughing attacks decreases. Ivy broth is treated with acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia. Some studies have confirmed the effectiveness of ivy leaves in bronchial asthma.
In addition to these specific properties, ivy also has a restorative and tonic effect on the body, mobilizes its defenses and helps the fastest recovery after a debilitating illness. Prescribe medications for this liana to patients during the recovery period after severe operations, craniocerebral injuries, with asthenic conditions after prolonged illnesses.
In the form of cold infusion ivy is used for chronic bronchitis, diseases of the liver and gall bladder, gout, rheumatism and with heavy menstruation. Broth of ivy helps with inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract: acute and chronic gastritis, duodenitis( inflammation of the duodenum),
enteritis and colitis( inflammation of the small and large intestine).
The ivy leaf shows anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound-healing effects, and this is noted for both internal and external application. Its saponins show high antibacterial activity, and also have a harmful effect on various kinds of harmful fungi.
The anti-inflammatory effect of ivy climber is provided, in addition, its anti-oxidative properties.
Thanks to the capillary-strengthening properties, ivy is now considered a promising plant in the treatment and prevention of venous insufficiency.
The plant also has a diuretic effect, relieves spasms and lowers blood pressure for a certain time. For these purposes, use water-alcohol extract bark and alcohol extract of ivy flowers. In small doses, the main active substance of ivy - hederin - narrows the blood vessels and slows down the heartbeat, it acts soothing in case of cardiac disorders.
Clinical practice has shown high effectiveness of ivy preparations in the treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. With these violations, they are also recommended for preventive purposes.
Recently studied abortive properties of ivy preparations - they are shown by the infusion of
flowers. From the ivy of the Nepalese( Hedera nepalensis K. Koch) alkaloids are distinguished, which have a harmful effect on spermatozoa. It is possible that ivy will find its application in the manufacture of contraceptives.
The fact that the plant was poisonous, knew in ancient times. But it is the powerful plant poisons that help to cope with such a grave illness as cancer. Now toxic substances of ivy are studied in connection with their antitumoral properties.
Ivy extract is used to treat sunburn. It also dissipates fluids and toxins;accumulating under the skin, these substances lead to disruption of metabolic processes in the subcutaneous tissue and provoke the appearance of cellulite.
Outer infusion and decoction of ivy leaves are used as a wound-healing agent, with burns, fungal lesions of the scalp, furunculosis, pediculosis, scabies, as well as for poultices when removing corns and warts, adipose, polyps, tumors on the skin. These funds are effective in multiple boils and streptoderma. There is information about the successful treatment of ivy preparations with professional dermatoses caused by irritants.
Decoction of ivy leaves is treated with inflammatory diseases of the external female genitalia( used for syringing the vagina), this remedy also helps with whites.
In addition to all the above cases, decoctions of leaves or shoots of ivy are used as an astringent and as a laxative( depending on the dosage), with headaches, sclerosis, pains in the limbs.