Slice-grass or Cyanosis blue (Latin name: Polemoniumcaeruleum) is a perennial plant with bright blue or purple flowers that is found in Iceland and throughout Central Europe, Ukraine, European Russia and Western Siberia. Sometimes blue cyanosis is grown in parks and gardens as an ornamental plant.
The stem, leaf and flowers of cyanosis blue contain more than 75 active compounds (polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, organic acids), as well as 20 minerals, 20 amino acids and 12 vitamins. The main secondary metabolites are the phenolic compounds of anthron and chromon type. But, despite numerous studies, therapeutic efficacy has not been identified.
The carbohydrate fraction of cyanosis blue consists of monosaccharides (glucose, xylose) and polysaccharides (acemannan, alerid, cellulose) stored in the cell protoplasm.
The protein fraction consists of amino acids and glycoproteins (alprogen, Aloctin A and B, vepectin). The lipid fraction (5% of the dry weight of cellulose) consists of sterols (cholesterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, phytosterols), triterpenes (lupeol), triglycerides and phospholipids.
Blue cyanosis was first used as a medicinal herb in ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks used the root to treat dysentery, toothaches and animal bites. The plant was also sold in European pharmacies during the 19th century and was prescribed as an anti-syphilitic and for the treatment of rabies.
Currently not used for medical reasons, since the medicinal properties of cyanosis blue are not clinically proven.
Syphilis
Doctor's comment:2 clinical trials revealed a weak antibiotic effect against gram-positive spirochetes. In in vivo studies, the use of an aqueous or alcoholic extract of cyanosis blue has not yielded any statistically significant results. Clinical efficacy in syphilis has not been proven, therefore, it is recommended to abandon the herbal remedy.
Dysentery
Doctor's comment:as mentioned above, cyanosis blue can have a slight antibacterial effect, but when taken orally, it is comparable to placebo. With dysentery, an extract, capsules or ointments will not help. Patients with signs of dysentery should seek the advice of a doctor, and not use unverified medicine.
Skin diseases
Doctor's comment:cyanosis blue has been used in cosmetics since ancient times according to traditional indications. Initially, the leaves are cleaned and applied directly to the skin. The balm has healing properties, partially confirmed by animal experiments.
The main indication of cyanosis blue is acne.
Currently, the cosmetic industry is putting forward possible methods of treating the epidermis with the help of this plant:
- Stimulation of collagen production, at least in rats;
- Treatment of burns due to the cooling effect (stimulation of cold receptors);
- Several studies have shown that the extract obtained from various parts of the plant reduces the inflammatory process and speeds up healing;
- Anti-aging skin.
According to the Jean Bruneton Pharmacognosy Guide, “several comparative clinical trials, of very low methodological quality, evaluated the effectiveness of cyanosis blue according to various indications. These tests do not indicate the effectiveness of the plant in preventing or mitigating radiation-induced skin reactions in patients receiving radiation therapy.
Compared with placebo, the plant does not have a preventive or therapeutic effect against sunburn. The anti-burn effect of cyanosis blue has yet to be studied and evaluated. There are currently conflicting data and methodological tests that can be criticized. Tincture, apparently, has properties against psoriasis and genital herpes, but this also needs to be confirmed. Cyanosis blue when applied topically does not appear to cause serious adverse effects.
Other indications
Doctor's comment: according to folk medicine, cyanosis blue has an expectorant, calming, lowering blood pressure, accelerating blood coagulation, as well as hypocholesterol effect.
In the form of decoctions, infusions and ointments is used to treat respiratory diseases, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, seizures, neurosis and epilepsy.
It was found that cyanosis blue is useful for spring fatigue, apathy, asthenia and increases resistance to disease.
To avoid the irritating effect of saponins on the digestive system, herbal remedies are consumed after meals. Local preparations can be used safely for a long time.
Cyanosis blue: contraindicationsand side effects
An absolute contraindication of cyanosis blue is hypersensitivity to plant components, colon or stomach cancer.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also prohibited from taking extracts, infusions or teas from cyanosis blue. In studies on rats, the teratogenic effect of the plant was revealed. For children under 6 years of age, blue cyanosis is not recommended for therapeutic purposes.
WHO classifies cyanosis pigeon as possibly carcinogenic when consumed as a concentrated extract. A carcinogenic effect has been identified in studies in rats, but has not yet been confirmed in humans. The presence of derivatives of hydroxyanthracene, potentially carcinogenic and life-threatening substances, has been identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EASA).
Excessive intake of cyanosis blue can cause symptoms of poisoning due to the high content of alkaloids. Studies in rats have shown that ingestion of a whole leaf, stem or flower is irritating to the intestines and is a carcinogen in the colon. Therefore, it is recommended to use only the balm from the plant.
Topical use of cyanosis blue is not associated with significant side effects. Oral administration, however, can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which can reduce the absorption of drugs. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that intake of extract from cyanosis blue increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. The use of local cream is not prohibited, since it does not increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Rhizomes and roots are obtained in the second year of growing in the fall. It is cleaned of the earth, washed, cut into small pieces and dried in the sun or in a drying chamber at a temperature of 50-60 ° C. Then pour vodka, insist 2 weeks and take after meals.
Doctor's comment:dried roots have a slightly bitter or pungent taste and are traditionally used to treat febrile and inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that a plant provides relief from inflammation and infections. The root is rarely used in modern herbal medicine.
With oral use, the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders increases: diarrhea, abdominal pain, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon and other symptoms. Water extracts or fresh parts of the plant are forbidden to eat before eating, as they can irritate the stomach.
External use of cyanosis blue
Doctor's comment: local application of blue or blue cyanosis cream or cream can improve the structural and functional condition of the skin. It is recommended to apply the ointment to areas of the skin in which there are no large wound injuries. Local application reduces inflammation, pain and accelerates wound healing. Application over a large area of the skin can lead to a systemic side effect, so it is recommended not to use large doses of the plant.
Cyanosis blue is useful when applied topically, but causes serious side effects when administered orally. Without consulting a doctor, a plant in local form can be used for no longer than 3 days.
