Dear Rochelle,
Extract MM & case from EH , hope it helps.
Regards.
Sarvadaman Oberoi
New Delhi, India
Mobile: +919818768349
+911244076374
Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/homeopathy249/
I have a new patient that was put on natural progesterone, then progesterone
only contraceptive pill and finally is now on HRT. The progesterone stopped
severe PMT.
I have given her a remedy but this is a complex/ probably a layered case
with lots of issues on which I am writing an analysis for my notes. I
wondered what Rx are associated with progesterone. I wondered about the
pituitary gland Rx?
Extract :
*KULKARNI V., Gynaecologic and Obstetric Therapeuthics (kkv1) KULKARNI V.*
*Natrium sulphuricum *
During early weeks of pregnancy all the systems of body undergo
physiological changes. On fertilisation of the ovum, the effect of increased
*progesterone* is seen on the body. This increased *progesterone* level
disturbs the cardiac function and also the respiratory system. It acts upon
the respiratory centres to cause overbreathing and consequently pulmonary
ventilation rises. The gums may become vascular. There is increased
frequency of urination. She complains of duodenal catarrh with sharp
stitching pain in the region of duodenum with increased flatulency. Constant
bruised pain in the rectal region. Vulval region is hypersensitive and there
is secondary herpetic eruption of the vulva. She has yellowish green
leucorrhoea with hoarseness of voice. Due to this *progesterone* disbalance,
she has dyspnoea. She has to support the chest while coughing. She has
intense burning in the abdomen. This burning is increased even after taking
small amount of water. She has violent occipital pain and vertigo in the
first trimester. Asthma during pregnancy is well treated by this remedy. She
has rattling in the chest usually early in the morning. Cough associated
with greenish, thick expectoration which is ropy or sticky. She has to sit
up in the bed as cough increases. She has inflammatory condition with oedema
of joints. Burning pains in soles with oedema on feet. She has a strange
feeling of heat on the vertex. She has dreams of running water. Itching of
the parts with watery blisters. She is melancholic with history of repeated
attacks of mania. Suicidal tendency is well marked in Nat sulph lady. Due to
various physiological changes going on the body, she is unable to think and
thus dislikes to be spoken to.
Modalities agg. Lying in the bed, music which makes her uneasy, damp wet
weather. amel. Dry weather, change in position.
*Silicea terra *
Silicea lady suffers from imperfect assimilation of food material, therefore
suffers from defective nutrition. Constipation is frequent ailment of
pregnancy. Delayed emptying bowel is due to diminished tone of the muscles
of the intestines. This is thought to be due to effect of *progesterone*.
Silicea lady complains of paralysis of the rectal muscles. There is painful
a spasm of the sphincter. Stools com down with difficulty and recede back
when partly expelled. In first trimester, there are cramps of back muscles.
Her spine is weak. Pain through coccyx and hips, legs and feet. Piles get
aggravated in pregnancy due to constipation. Cramps in legs, more during
night. Cervical secretion is increased. Nipples are sore. Incontinence of
urine. Sometimes increased frequency at night times. She has to rush for
urination when there is desire or otherwise urine dribbles in clothings.
Nauseating sensation with painful cold feeling in the pit of stomach.
Various metabolic deficiencies are noted in Silicea patient. She has poor
weight gain during pregnancy. It is well marked in first trimester.
Recurrent attacks of cold and she has tendency to catch cold very easily.
Cough with sore throat; expectoration in the form of small granules or
sago-like particles. When crushed, smell very offensively. Cough is more on
lying, skin is dry. Complains of eczematous eruptions on the skin. Abscesses
in joints. Patient has obstinate constipation and she has to strain for
defecation. Leucorrhoea is milky white and it is usually at the time of
urination. There is intense itching of genitalia with burning and soreness.
Patient is obstinate. She is very sensitive to external impressions and
cannot tolerate the words against her performance. She has tendency to think
over the impressions or the opinions of others; results of brainfag. She has
fixed ideas and she is firm about her ideas. She has funny thinking about
pins and is of the pins.
Modalities
agg. Cold in general, after uncovering, when lying down.
Other useful remedies for antenatal care are 1) FERRUM METALLICUM 2) CICUTA
VIROSA 3) RHUS TOXICODENDRON 4) PULSATILLA 5) CALCAREA CARBONICA
*RISQUEZ F., Psychiatry and Homeopathy (rq1) RISQUEZ F.*
*Medical and endocrinological report *
XX Single, 29 years old, office worker. The patient that comes to my office
on July 15, 1980, is referred for medical evaluation due to severe acne
since the age of 13, with a known evolution (since the age of 16). It starts
in the U.S. A., and she has no history of previous hormonal drugs or of any
other kind. She doesn't take ana-ovulatory drugs and has been treated by
local physicians, specialists in dermatology and has received the usual
medication: Antibiotics, lotions, local cures, both in the U.S. A. and in
Venezuela, with no improvement. .........
Physical exam:
...........Hair: Normal Skin: Face very greasy with obvious confluent acne,
very severe with pustulent areas, spread to the chest and the upper back.
Thyroid: Non-palpable. .............. Non-painful inflammatory
microadenopathies. ....... Cyto-hormonal smear performed on the 17th day of
the cycle shows no ovulation, and increased estrogenic activity. Buccal
smear: IIIB
A Turkish saddle X-ray is requested and complete hormonal profile to obtain
androgenic values, which she brings on the second visit, November 14, 1980,
with a delay in the results. There was an increase in plasmatic
testosterone, double the normal values for her sex, an increased urinary
excretion of DHEA, a slight increase in LH levels, with a normal FSCH;
Normal thyroid functioning; increase in prolactin and a normal ovarian echo;
Turkish saddle normal; there is an improvement in the face. Aldactone, 25
mgrs, and L-Dopa, orally, was prescribed.
The dermatologist prescribed Ledermicine.
She comes beck for control in January 1981, with an obvious clinical
improvement, and no pre-menstrual acne. The facial hair remains the same;
improvement in sexual relations; she stops the medication.
In August, 1981, buccal smear III1, normal periods, normal face; hormonal
smear; Normal prolactin, ovulation, and hormonal profile. Breasts are
turgent and tender. Acne is better and normal periods.
In July, 1982, last control : Normal periods and sexual relations; no
alterations and no grease in the face; hormonal smear on the 20th day of the
cycle, normal: ovulating. Present weight: 59 Kgs.
Released.
*Diagnostic impression *
This patient exhibited a notable increase in plasmatic testosterone (double,
due to her virilization syndrome and her acne). The hormone is produced by
the ovary and the suprarenals ; The echo discards the possibility of an
ovarian tumor. A high prolactin level is also a cause of androgenic
hyperproduction and anovulation. The increase in masculine hormones predicts
masculine attitudes, and the prolactin, conflicts in the maternal aspects.
Treatment improves testosterone and prolactin levels, with a general
improvement of ovarian functioning, an increase in LH with low estrogen and
serum *progesterone* which confirmed the anovulation pathology and the
virilization syndrome, perhaps due to a subclinical STEIN-LEVENTHAL.
Therefore, her acne had an endocrinological cause, of a psycho-endocrine
type, because the main problem was in the hypothalamus-hypofisis axis, and
secondarily in the ovary.
*Fisiopathological considerations *
Androgen production in a normal woman is well known and they are: Mainly
testosterone, which is the most active and powerful of all androgens;
androstenedione, 5-10 times less powerful than testosterone; and
dehidroepiandrostenedione, which is 20 times less powerful than
testosterone. Androgens circulate in a small free portion which goes into
the tissues, and it is mostly bound to albumin and especially a binding
betaglobulin called SHBG, so normally, testosterone circulates 99% of the
time with this protein and is only biologically active in free form (1%).
Androstenedione and dehidroepiandrostenedione circulate bound exclusively to
albumin and are transformed into testosterone in peripheral tissues (fat,
liver, etc.) which is called peripheral conversion. 20% of the normal
circulating testosterone derives from the ovaries, 1-30% from the
suprarenals and the rest from peripheral conversion, though a 17
citoreductase, found in the liver, fat, skin and skeletal muscle, among
others. Half of the circulating testosterone derives from the ovaries and
the other from the suprarenals, so 80% of the circulating androstenedione
and 90% of the DHEN originates in the suprarenals. During the periovulatory
phase there is an increase in production of ovarian testosterone, where
production rises between 70 an 100%, and rarely over 50 mg/ 100ml.
Hyperandrogenisms of an ovarian origin are characterized mainly by an
increase in androstenedione and testosterone, and therefore they are linked
to the policystic ovary syndrome, which is more generalized than the strict
Stein Leventhal syndrome, because the latter is limited to a patient with
hirsutism and no virilization, obese, amenorrheic with sterility and
policystic ovaries. However, studies have demonstrated that they don't have
to be obese or amenorrheic or hirsute, or have larger ovaries. The
suprarenal sources are associated mainly with congenita adrenal hyperplasia
tumors and Cushing syndrome.
Endrocrinological studies of the acne vulgaris are very recent, given its
unknown etiology and its difficult treatment. Darlet, et. Al. (Gynecology
38, 4, 1983) studied testosterone, sexual hormone binding globulines (SHBG),
and prolactin levels, when they found out that endrogenic stimulation is a
prerequisite for the formation of acne. The pilo-sebaceous unit is sensitive
to androgens, and they cause sebaceous production. Seborrhoea is the cause
of acne, so there is a correlation between sebaceous production and acne
severity.
Studies demonstrate that increase in androgen levels is correlated to the
severity of the acne. Androgens may be derived from endocrine glands, from
an increase in peripheral conversion, and from alterations in the skin
through androgen metabolism, what-ever its production site. At the skin
level, testosterone will become dihidrotesterone by the action of the
cutaneous 5 alfa reductase. Androgenic function is also determined by the
amount of circulating SHBG, so when the level of SHBG decreases, free
testosterone increases and therefore there is more DHT. When the
pilo-sebaceous unit is stimulated by androgens, sebums and hair are
produced, and acne appears when the drainage channels of sebaceous glands
are clogged by an excess of sebum. White heads appear when the channel is
totally clogged, and black heads have an open channel and the black colour
is due to pigments. Cysts and infections appear when there is irritation and
opening to the surrounding tissues, and bacterial infection contributes to
the breakage of cutaneous fat. Likewise, there are other contributory
factors, for example, cosmetics, dilantin, iodine, etc. increase in DHEA-S
levels, produced by suprarenal glands, as demonstrated by Lobo, et. Al.
(Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, Metab. 56/3, 1983).
A new element in the treatment of this affection is endocrinological and
when the presence of androgenic receptors in the pilo-sebaceous unit was
demonstrated, new treatments were developed. Spironolactone causes a
progressive decrease in plasmatic androstenedione and testosterone levels,
starting on the 5th day of administration and lasting approximately 3 weeks.
Cumming et. Al. (JAMA, 247: 1295, 1982) use spironolactone doses of 100-200
mgrs/day for prolonged periods of time, and hirsutism is improved two months
after the initial intake, the greatest effect occurring 6 months later.
Likewise contraceptive pills, and specific antiandrogens like ciproterone
acetate, have also been used.
*Fisiopathological considerations related to acne hirsutism *
It is necessary to clarify some things related to the clinical case in
question. It is a clinically severe acne, with an abnormal appearance of
hair on the face and chest. Studies to this effect have shown that in
general there is an increase in the production of androgenizing hormones,
specially testosterone, androstenedione, or
hidroepiandrostenedione-sumphate, the latter transforming peripherically
into testosterone and latter becoming dihidrotestoterone (active form). It
is known, that determining free testosterone levels, in the serum or in
saliva, is one of the best tests, although they are not yet available for
the general practitioner. transformation, which can be inhibited by
spironolactone (Aldactone) in high and prolonged doses. Iatrogenic causes
for an increase in androgens is excluded in this case. In women, there are 2
great sites for androgen production; Ovaries and suprarenal glands. Ovaries
produce at the stroma level mainly: Testosterone, androstenedione and
dehidroepiandrostenedione; Suprarenals produce dehidroepiandrostenedione -
sulphate, androstenedione, and doesn't produce tesosterone directly, only
through the peripheral transformation of the already mentioned androgens.
This patient showed clear evidence of an increase in androgen production,
both clinically due to her hirsutism, acne, and an increase in sebum
production in the face and chest; and biochemically, as the plasmatic
testosterone and dehidroepiandrostenedione levels were increased.
Indirectly, the normal levels of 17 cetosteroids could make us think of an
ovarian origin. The increase in LH, an indicator of the Stein-Leventhal
syndrome, or of polycystic ovaries, isn't excluded as a diagnosis from a
normal echo because ovaries can be normal in size and produce hormonal
alterations, as described before. In any case, it excludes the possiblity of
functional tumors in the ovary, like adenoblastomas, for example, an
unlikely possibility first because it is a rare affection, and second
because there was an absence of the full virilization syndrome
(clitoromegalia, deep voice, etc.) frequent in these affections. A
suppression test with dexametasone wasn't performed, because the levels of
17 cetosteroids in 24-hour urine was normal , the increase in the DHEA
levels in the urine was very slight and the hormone which showed an increase
was plasmatic testosterone. So we can think that the source of androgen
overproduction is of an ovarian origin, in accordance with Kischner, who
researched the source of production of androgenizing hormones in hirsute
women, selectively characterizing ovarian and suprarenal veins. He found
that in 90% of the cases, the source of production is ovarian. Regardless of
the androgen production site, the final common way will be the production of
dihidrotestosterone at the local level. In this patient, we used
spironolactone 50 mgrs, which she received irregularly and for no longer
than 6 weeks. FROM STUDIES PUBLISHED TO THIS EFFECT? WE KNOWN THAT THE
DOSAGE REQUIRED IS 100-200 mgrs. Of spironolactone, and for longer periods
of time. Therefore, we cannot attach the clinical patient's improvement to
this treatment, because it was insufficient, given the intolerance she
suffered which made her quit before time.
In conclusion, I think this is a demonstrative case, because the problem was
first focused mainly at the local-cutaneous level, and with the
endocrinological study, we found an hormonal androgenizing problem, showing
the need for a global study in these patients. Also because of the reaction
to the indicated treatment, despite the insufficient medication dosage, and
the short time of administration. There are studies relating prolactin,
androgenization and reactions to lowered levels of prolactin. We prescribed
L-Dopa for this reason, which the patient didn't take because it wasn't
available in the market at that time. Therefore, there was no effect from
this prescription. Therefore, the endocrinological improvement in this
patient can't be explained by the action of the indicated treatment, and
there must be other factors that determined the successful clinical course
of this patient.
*STEPHENSON J., A Materia Medica And Repertory (sp1)*
*Cortisonum *
*Relationships *
............
*hormones *: androsterone, diethyl stilbesterol, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, pregnanediol, *progesterone*, testosterone
*sapogenins*
Agave, Bufo, Dioscorea villosa, Lilliaceae, Yucca sterols
*sterols *: cholesterol, ergosterol, Vitamin D
*Pituitaria posterior *
*Action*
vasopressor, oxytocic, antidiuretic, hypometabolic, melanophore expanding
(in frogs). It acts upon the parasympathetic center in the hypothalamus.
Rate of secretion is controlled from the hypothalamic nuclei. Its oxytocic
action is controlled in pregnancy by *progesterone*, which diminishes its
action, and estrogen which increases it. An enzyme in the blood plasma of
pregnant women appears to mediate this control.
*Excretion*
after parenteral injection 25-30% is excreted by the urine within ten
minutes, and the rest is destroyed by the peptidases of the tissues within
another ten minutes.
*Relationships*
Anatomic
other hormones, such as corticotropin, pancreatin, thyroidin.
*Physiological*
other oxytocics, such as Secale cornutum.
Other vasopressins, such as Belladonna, glonoinum, etc.
*Strophanthus sarmentosus*
*Provings*
"......the potencies used were 2x, 3x, 6, 12 and 30. .....there were five
provers and two controls......"- Templeton, W. L., THE BRITISH HOMOEOPATHIC
JOURNAL, 42 : 4-12, 1952.
*Relationships*
.........................
*hormones*
androsterone, diethyl stilbesterol, estradiol, estrone, estriol,
pregnancdiol, *progesterone*, testosterone.
*sapogenins*
Agave, Bufo, Dioscerea villosa, Lilliaceae, Yucca.
*Sterols*
cholesterol, ergosterol, Vitamin D.
*Physiological*
corticotropin, cortisone.
*Botanical*
other Apocyanacea; Alstonia constricta, Apocynum androsaemifolium,
Quebracho, Rauwolfia serpentina, Tanghinia. Vinca minor.
*VERMEULEN F., Prisma (vml5) VERMEULEN Frans*
*Cuprum metallicum *
......... Women need more copper than men, primarily because copper is
required for the production of the enzymes which convert *progesterone* into
oestrogen. [Men require more zinc, to form the enzymes necessary for
converting *progesterone* into testosterone.]
*Dioscorea villosa *
ECONOMIC USES ...... Some species are the source of diosgenin, a steroidal
sapogenin and a precursor in the manufacture of *progesterone* for use in
contraceptives. Species yielding diosgenin include Dioscorea floribunda,
Dioscorea mexicana, and Dioscorea villosa. [In addition to Dioscorea
species, diosgenin also occurs in such plants as Trillium erectum, Helonias,
and Aletris.]
CONTRACEPTIVES In the 30s of the 20th century the only hormones available
were injectable slaughterhouse hormones, obtained from the ovaries of pigs.
Four tons of ovaries were needed to produce 25 mg oestradiol. In the early
40s an American researcher launched the idea of making oral contraceptives.
Searching for plants rich in steroidal saponins - which have a close
structural relationship with steroid hormones - he settled for Dioscorea
mexicana and initiated a process for making *progesterone* from diosgenin.
When the production process became economically feasible, the industrial
synthesis of contraceptive hormones soon developed into the large-scale
industry it is today. Dioscorea stood at the cradle of this development, but
in the 80s it lost its leading position as oral hormone raw material to the
soybean [Glycine max].
USES Wild Yam is a component of 'workout formulas' and 'female supplements'
because of its reported potential to 'boost crucial hormone levels for
athletes and people with active lifestyles.' For this and for menopausal
problems the plant is, deceptively, advertised as a good source of 'natural
*progesterone*'. Plants do not make *progesterone*, people do. The human
body cannot convert diosgenin to *progesterone*; it takes many synthetic
steps to get from one to the other. If yam has steroidal effects on the
body, it is not because it contains steroidal hormones, but because the
steroidal precursors have similar effects. The body uses them in a similar
way.
*Lilium tigrinum*
CONSTITUENTS Steroid saponins, e.g. diosgenin, characterize Liliales to a
remarkable degree. The steroid portion of diosgenin is used in the
preparation of hormones, i.e. *progesterone* and birth control pills.
Diosgenin has various biological activities, such as anti-fatigue,
anti-inflammatory, antistress, and oestrogenic; in addition it lowers
cholesterol levels in blood and decreases mastopathy. This phytohormonal
substance is present in such Liliales as Dioscorea, Trillium, Paris, Agave,
Aletris, Asparagus and Smilax. Some Liliales contain poisonous compounds,
mainly cardiac glycosides, i.e. Veratrum, Sabadilla, Lilium, Galanthus,
Convallaria, Colchicum, Squilla, and Ornithogalum. [Cardiac glycosides,
however, are not exclusive for Liliales; they occur in many plants, most
notably in Digitalis, Selenicereus grandiflorus - Cactus grandiflorus -,
Apocynum, Nerium oleander, Strophanthus, Helleborus, and Adonis vernalis.
The venom of the toad, Bufo, also contains cardiac glycosides.] Veratrum
album, Veratrum viride, Sabadilla, Allium sativum, and other members of the
Liliales contain potent hypotensive agents. In terms of affinities Liliales
therefore seem to affect chiefly hormonal processes and the cardiovascular
system.
*Sarsaparilla officinalis *
CONSTITUENTS Steroidal saponins [sarsaponin, smilacin, pollinastanin,
sitosterol], which have a close structural relationship with steroid
hormones, cardioactive glycosides and vitamin D. Sarsaponin yields
sarsapogenin on hydrolysis; sarpogenin is related to steroids such as *
progesterone* and is used in their synthesis. Other constituents include
resins, volatile oil, oxalic acid, a mixture of fatty acids [palmitic,
stearic, oleic, and linoleic], a polysaccharide, and traces of silicon,
aluminium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and chromium. In
addition, the roots contain significant amounts of cobalt and above-average
amounts of selenium, tin, and zinc. "The effects of sarsaparilla on
inflammatory conditions," says Mills, "suggest that the steroidal nature of
its saponins may be interacting with steroidal receptors in the body, or may
even act as in vivo precursors to the steroidal hormones." The steroidal
compounds may explain sarsaparilla's reputation as a male rejuvenating
tonic. Currently, commercial products containing sarsaparilla have their
major market in the fitness and body building business, claiming them to
contain 'natural and active' anabolic steroids.
*VERMEULEN F., Synoptic Materia Medica 2 (vml3) *
*Cortisonum *
*Signs *
Cortisone [from L cortex, corticis, bark]. 'Compound E,' a
naturally-occurring corticosteroid isolated from the adrenal cortex, or
prepared from ox bile, etc, used as an anti-inflammatory agent and in the
treatment of Addison's disease.
Endogenously, it is probably a metabolite of hydrocortisone but exhibits no
biological activity until converted to hydrocortisone [cortisol]; it acts
upon carbohydrate metabolism and influences the nutrition and growth of
connective [collagenous] tissues. [Stedman's]
To the class of steroids belong sterols [e.g. , cholesterol], bile acids,
adrenal hormones [e.g. , cortisone], sex hormones [such as testosterone and
*progesterone*], vitamin D.
Corticosteroids are currently being used on a large scale in medicine, both
internally and externally, in the treatment of allergic reactions, various
skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases by
limiting their spread. The number of side-effects is proportionately large.
One of the negative characteristics of these preparations is that they can
reactivate latent infections and mask acute disorders, where surgical
intervention may be required. They also reduce resistance to infections and
can bring about disorders of the water and hormonal systems and the blood
pressure, as well as osteoporosis, diabetes, peptic ulcers, hirsutism, acne,
amenorrhoea and psychic disorders.
The strong suppressive effect often causes a blockage, especially in the
excretory functions from skin and mucous membranes. The result is that the
vital force seeks release on a deeper level of sickness.
In patients with a history of corticosteroid use [internal or external!],
therefore, Cortisonum in a homoeopathic potency is necessary to regenerate
the reactive capacity of the organism and subsequently enable the
appropriate constitutional remedy to do its work.
Proved in 1953 by W.L. Templeton on 8 persons. [See: James Stephenson, A
Materia Medica and Repertory, and O.A. Julian, Dictionary of Homoeopathic
Materia Medica], and by B.K. Sarkar [see: B.K. Sarkar, Up-to-date with
nosodes, Calcutta, 1966. ]
*Sabal serrulata *
Sabal.
*Signs *
Sabal serrulata. Serenoa serrulata. Serenoa repens. Saw palmetto. Palmae.
Native to the Atlantic Coast from South Carolina to Florida, southern
California, Mexico and tropical Central and South America. It is a low palm
with creeping rootstock, fan-shaped sharp serrated leaves [serrulata =
serrated] and plume-like blossoms. The ripe fruits are purplish-black and
rich in oils. "When eaten the taste is at first exceedingly sweet, but in a
few seconds this is followed by an acrid, pungent sensation that spreads to
fauces, nasal mucous membrane, and larynx. This is in turn succeeded by a
feeling of smoothness as if the parts had been coated with oil. The seeds
are enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane, are very hard, and when cut show
a white, oily substance, which burns with a blue flame, giving off an odour
of roasted coffee." [Clarke]
It has quite a high mineral content, half of which consists of sodium
chloride. This is explained by the fact that the palm tree thrives best in
coastal regions.
There is a suspicion that Sabal, like other palm species [such as Cocos
nucifera], contains oestrogen-like substances.
Diuretic, sedative, tonic; milder and less stimulant than Cubeba or Copaiva.
"It has been claimed that Sabal is capable of increasing the nutrition of
the testicles and mammae in functional atony of these organs. It is a tissue
builder." [Grieve]
"While on a hunting trip through the wilds of Florida Hale observed the
great fattening properties of the berries on animals. During summer food is
scanty, and the wild animals become very thin, but as soon as the Palmetto
fruit ripens they improve rapidly, and in a few weeks have put on so much
fat that they become an easy prey to the hunter." [Clarke]
The Indians used the fruit for catarrhal complaints of the nose, inspiring
the vapour above a pot of the boiling fruit. They also used it as an
aphrodisiac and diuretic.
Because of the way it tones the prostate and the neck of the bladder, Sabal
is called the 'homoeopathic/vegetable catheter'.
"A standardized liposterolic [fat-soluble] saw palmetto berry extract
demonstrates numerous pharmacological effects relating to its primary
clinical application in the treatment of the common disorder of the prostate
gland - benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]. ... A double-blind,
placebo-controlled study was performed on thirty-five men with BPH; eighteen
were given the saw palmetto extract at 160 milligrams twice daily and
seventeen were given a placebo. At the end of the 90-day study, androgen,
estrogen, and *progesterone* receptors from prostate tissue samples were
evaluated by two different techniques. The results of the steroid evaluation
indicated that the men receiving the saw palmetto extract had significantly
lower cytosol [cellular] and nuclear [control center for the cell] receptor
values for estrogen and *progesterone* compared to the placebo group. Since
the *progesterone* receptor content is linked to estrogenic activity, the
results of the evaluation imply that the saw palmetto extract exerts
significant antiestrogenic effect. ... Numerous studies on the saw palmetto
extract have shown it to be effective in nearly 90 percent of patients with
BPH, usually in a period of 4 to 6 weeks." [Murray]
Although the Palmae family has 3500 species, homoeopathy uses only three of
them: Areca, Elaeis, and Sabal.
Introduced by Read and Solomons. Proved by Roask [on herself], Langton [on
herself] and Boocock [on two men].
*Trillium cernuum *
Tril.
*Signs *
Trillium erectum. Birthroot. N.O. Trilliaceae [Liliaceae].
"This family of 4 genera and 53 species is closely related to Liliaceae and
was at one time included in that family. The species are all perennial herbs
with rhizomatous rootstocks, smooth, erect stems and opposite or whorled
leaves of a simple pattern. The often large flowers are usually solitary but
sometimes arranged in umbels; individually they are bisexual and regular
with two, three or five [occasionally more] sepals, petals and stamens and a
superior ovary. The fruit is a large berry or fleshy capsule.
"Some wildflower enthusiasts have seemed insulted that so showy a blossom
would be so malodorous. 'It repels us by its unpleasant odor. ... Altogether
we are inclined to believe that the plant has too great an idea of its own
importance,' wrote one turn-of-the-century author. Neltje Blachan described
the bloom as an 'unattractive, carrion-scented flower ... resembling in
color and odor raw beefsteak of uncertain age.' But she did more than
belittle the plant. She studied the flower and found that while most flying
insects ignored it, the common green flesh-flies that are also found in
garbage and on dead animals were attracted by the scent and color."
[Sanders]
The largest genus is Trillium with about thirty species distributed over
North America and in Asia from the western Himalayas to Japan. Best known is
T. grandiflorum, the Trinity Flower, Wake Robin or Wood Lily of North
America. The first name highlights its tripartite character, many parts of
the plant occurring in threes or multiples of that number. The large white
blossoms appear in early spring, but the plant is variable and pink or
reddish forms are not rare. The white fleshy roots, once used by Indian herb
doctors, are now employed by American Schools of Medicines as remedies for
various diseases. The leaves [cooked like greens] provide an emergency food
plant. T. erectum from eastern North America is known as Purple Trillium or
Birthroot. The flowers are rich and sombre in colour, a deep red rather than
the purple quoted by many writers, although golden-yellow and white flowers
are also supposed to occur in the wild. The species, which is widely spread
over the whole of Canada and the eastern United States, makes a good
companion for T. grandiflorum. The flowers have lance-shaped to ovate petals
but rather an unpleasant odour. T. cernuum, the Nodding Trillium, has small,
pendant, pink or white blooms on stems 15-60 cms high." [Perry]
Clarke was not definite about the specific species used, and the question is
whether that can now ever be ascertained. What is strange is that the same
plant has such opposite generic names such as 'erectum' [upright] and
'pendulum' [hanging]. In this case, however, it does not affect the remedy
picture very much, since the habitat and constituents of the various
Trilliums are the same. They grow in wet, shady places in North American
forests, and prefer a neutral to acid soil. The active constituents mainly
consist of saponins. The presence of diosgenin is an interesting point.
Diosgenin is a sapogenin derived from the saponins dioscin and trillin found
in the roots of plants such as yam and birthroot. Its steroid portion serves
as a source from which pregnenolone and *progesterone* can be prepared. In
addition to the yam [Dioscorea] diosgenin also occurs in Helonias and
Aletris. The use of these plants in folk medicine is strikingly consistent,
therefore, with the findings of analytical science.
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