Living Medicine Database
Medically explained botanical compounds and their mechanisms.
Curcuma longa
Indication
Systemic inflammation, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, neuroprotection
Downregulates NF-kB nuclear translocation; directly inhibits COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes; upregulates Nrf2 phase II antioxidant enzymes.
Withania somnifera
Indication
Chronic HPA axis fatigue, generalized anxiety, insomnia, athletic recovery
Modulates GABA-A receptor signaling; suppresses nocturnal serum cortisol spikes; stimulates neurogenesis via neurite outgrowth.
Ginkgo biloba
Indication
Cerebrovascular insufficiency, tinnitus, peripheral arterial disease, executive memory
Competitive antagonism of Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF); enhances nitric oxide-mediated microvascular vasodilation.
Hypericum perforatum
Indication
Mild to moderate unipolar depression, neuropathic pain, somatoform disorders
Non-selective monoamine reuptake inhibitor (5-HT, Dopamine, Norepinephrine); potent Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) ligand inducing hepatic CYP3A4.
Silybum marianum
Indication
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), toxic hepatitis, elevated AST/ALT
Stabilizes hepatocyte cell membranes preventing toxin entry; promotes ribosomal RNA polymerase I protein synthesis and hepatic regeneration.
Panax ginseng
Indication
Physical exhaustion, cognitive burnout, erectile dysfunction, immune senescence
Enhances cellular ATP turnover; upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS); balances Th1/Th2 immune cytokine production.
Rhodiola rosea
Indication
Mental fatigue, burnout, stress-induced cognitive impairment, altitude acclimatization
Inhibits monoamine oxidases (MAO-A/B); protects Neuropeptide Y against stress depletion; enhances mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
Valeriana officinalis
Indication
Sleep latency prolongation, somatic anxiety, nocturnal muscular cramping
Allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors; inhibits GABA transaminase degradation enzyme, prolonging inhibitory synaptic tone.
Zingiber officinale
Indication
Chemotherapy/pregnancy nausea, delayed gastric emptying, migraine, dysmenorrhea
5-HT3 receptor antagonism in the chemoreceptor trigger zone; inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in inflammatory tissue.
Boswellia serrata
Indication
Inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s), osteoarthritis, asthma
Direct non-redox allosteric inhibitor of 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX); prevents leukotriene B4 biosynthesis without causing gastric mucosal ulceration.