Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Medicinal herbal tea'

<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt<br>Bt &gt<br>Ur &gt<br>Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt<br>0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt<br>0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt<br>0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt<br>0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt<br>0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt<br>0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt<br>0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt<br>0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt<br>0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt<br>0.05)<br>fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt<br>0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt<br>0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt<br>0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt<br>0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt<br>0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt<br>0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt<br>0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt<br>0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt<br>0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt<br>0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt<br>0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt<br>0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt<br>0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt<br>0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt<br>0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt<br>0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>

Thesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.<br>The increase in antibiotic resistant bacterial and fungal infections and the prevalence of oxidative stress-related conditions including cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has led to a consensus among pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and researchers that novel antimicrobial and antioxidant approaches are needed. These should be ideally efficacious, non toxic, easily accessible and affordable. There has been an increased interest in the identification of medicinal plants that possess both these bioactivities in an intrinsically related manner, allowing the simultaneous prevention of these ailments. Two South African herbal teas, rooibos and honeybush have been associated with a long history of medicinal use, hence their consideration for the current study. Numerous studies have been performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of these South African herbal teas, however limited information about their antimicrobial activity currently exists.<br>National Research Foundation

Projeto de Pós-Graduação/Dissertação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciências Farmacêuticas<br>A Fitoterapia é uma terapêutica não convencional que tem vindo, ao longo das últimas décadas, a despertar o interesse da comunidade geral e científica, nomeadamente pelo seu possível papel na prevenção do cancro. Esta patologia constitui, ainda, uma das principais causas de morte no mundo. Algumas plantas têm demonstrado um potencial papel preventivo na ocorrência e/ou progressão do cancro (tal como outras doenças crónicas). Na primeira parte deste trabalho, apresenta-se uma abordagem aos conceitos de Fitoterapia, fitofármaco e fitoterápico. Segue-se uma perspetiva histórica do conceito de fitoterapia, evidenciando o crescente interesse demonstrado pela comunidade geral e científica nesta área. Como consequência deste interesse generalizado expõem-se, em seguida, aspetos importantes relacionados com a qualidade, eficácia e segurança na utilização de plantas medicinais, ou seja, critérios específicos e questões legais que envolvem e regem o seu uso. Na segunda parte desta contextualização teórica, apresenta-se uma breve exposição sobre o cancro e de seguida descreve-se, com base numa revisão da literatura, o impacto das plantas medicinais na prevenção desta patologia. No terceiro ponto, são analisadas pormenorizadamente as plantas com maior impacto na prevenção do cancro. Sobre as mesmas abordar-se-ão os seus compostos ativos, os mecanismos de ação subjacentes, efeitos secundários, interações com fármacos e, por fim, a respectiva influência na prevenção do cancro. Phytotherapy is an unconventional therapy that has, over the past decades, to arouse the interest of the scientific community generally and especially for its implication in cancer prevention. This pathology is also a major cause of death all over the world. Some plants have demonstrated a potential preventive role in the occurrence and/or progression of cancer (such as other chronic diseases). The first part of this work, consists of an approach to the concepts of phytotherapy, herbal medicine and phytochemical. Then follows a historical perspective of the concept of herbal medicine, highlighting the growing interest shown by the general community and this area. As a result of the widespread interest on phytotherapy, important aspects related to the quality, efficacy and safety in the use of medicinal plants, ie, specific criteria and legal issues that surround and govern your use were addressed. In the second part of this study, a brief exposition of the cancer is presented and then described, based on a literature review, the impact of medicinal plants in the prevention of this disease. Finally, the plants with the greatest impact on cancer prevention, we analyzed in detail. Namely, the active compounds, the effects, drug interactions, and ultimately, their influence on cancer prevention.

<p>Artemisia Afra, a popular South African traditional herbal medicine is commonly administered as a tea infusion of the leaves. However, clinical trials proving it safety and efficacy are lacking mainly due to the absence of good quality dosage forms and credible placebos for the plant. The objectives of this study were to prepare a standardized preparation of the plant leaves and freeze-dried aqueous extract powder of the leaves, in a tea bag dosage form and to design and prepare credible placebos for these plant materials.</p>

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The present study employed a two-phased approach to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the chemopreventive properties of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and different honeybush species (Cyclopia spp.) in vitro. In the first phase, the effect of unfermented methanol and aqueous herbal tea extracts against the growth parameters (cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis) of normal (CRL 7761); premalignant (HaCaT); and malignant (CRL 7762) skin cells was evaluated and compared to green tea extracts. The predictive potential of polyphenol content (total polyphenol and flavanol/proanthocyanidins) and antioxidant properties (ABTS; ORAC; FRAP and LPO) in the biological activity of extracts in cells was also assessed. Of the herbal teas, the methanol extract of rooibos was the most active and it inhibited the growth of skin cells presumably by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction via membrane depolarisation. At lower concentrations, this activity was associated with inhibition of cell proliferation that was selective for cancer cells whilst higher concentrations induced apoptosis that was more prominent in premalignant cells. The strong antioxidant properties of the extracts implicated the role of pro-oxidative polyphenol/iron interactions involving monomeric flavonoids and polymeric proanthocyanidins in the cytotoxic effects of rooibos. The strong relationship between total polyphenolic and flavanol/proanthocyanidins content, antioxidant properties and reduction of cell viability indicated that these parameters (polyphenols and antioxidant properties) can serve as predictive tools for the cytotoxic effects of rooibos in vitro. The aqueous extracts of honeybush species, although weaker, displayed similar effects to rooibos extracts in cells with C. genistoides being the most effective at selectively inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells whilst the pro-apoptotic activity of C. subternata and C. intermedia was more prominent in premalignant cells. The underlying mechanisms are also likely to result from pro-oxidative mechanisms resulting from polyphenol/iron interactions that mainly involve polymeric flavanol-like proanthocyanidin compounds in honeybush. In contrast, the methanol extracts exhibited weaker cytotoxic effects and protected cancer cells from going into apoptosis. The cytoprotective effects of honeybush species are possibly mediated by the major monomeric compounds such as mangiferin and hesperidin through antioxidant mechanisms that result in reduction of oxidative stress. Due to the possible dual role of the monomeric and polymeric compounds in the honeybush extracts, the total polyphenolic content of these herbal teas may not be a good indicator of biological activity in vitro. However, as aqueous extracts displayed high flavanol/proanthocyanidins content and exceptional activity in the ABTS assay, these parameters may be considered as indicators of cytotoxicity. On the other hand, methanol extracts, particularly from the xanthone-rich species (C. genistoides and C. longifolia) which exhibited the weakest cytotoxic effects, were more active in the ORAC thus this assay may be a useful predictor for cytoprotective activity. In the second phase, an in vitro UVB/HaCaT model which used IL-1α as a biomarker for early inflammation was developed and validated with known anti-inflammatory compounds, dexamethasone and ibuprofen. It was used to determine the specific mechanisms involved in the modulatory effects of the herbal tea extracts against inflammation. Rooibos extracts and the aqueous extract of honeybush enhanced the cytotoxic effects of UVB in the model and exhibited indirect anti-inflammatory effects as they removed icIL-1α containing cells via apoptosis. In contrast, methanol extracts of honeybush exacerbated icIL-1α by protecting UVB stimulated cells from undergoing apoptosis. In conclusion, methanol extract of rooibos and aqueous extracts of honeybush species may be useful in protecting the skin after UVB exposure. These herbal tea extracts may block initiation and delay the promotion stage during skin carcinogenesis by removing premalignant cells via apoptosis and preventing onset of inflammation. In contrast, due to their cytoprotective effects, methanol extracts of honeybush may be more effective at preventing oxidative stress in skin before UVB exposure. Future studies should focus on the effects of extracts and polyphenolic fractions on the oxidative status of the cells and development of biomarkers of chemoprevention that can be utilised in vivo and in human skin.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word moontlike velkankerwerende eienskappe van rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) en ‘n aantal heuningbos (Cyclopia spp.) spesies deur twee afsonderlike benaderings bestudeer. Die eerste benadering ondersoek die effek van die kruietee op groeiparameters van velselle [lewensvatbaarheid, groei en dood van normale selle (CRL 7761), vroeë kankerselle (HaCaT) en kankerselle (CRL 7762)]. Tydens eksperimente is die moontlikheid om polifenoolinhoud (totale polifenole, en flavanol/proantosianidiene verhouding) en antioksidant-eienskappe te gebruik om die biologiese funksies van die ekstrakte in die selle te voorspel, geevalueer. Die metanolekstrak van rooibos het die groei van selle die effektiefste gestop, moontlik deur depolarisasie van die mitokondriale membraan. By lae konsentrasies van die ekstrak is die groei van kankerselle selektief gestop, terwyl vroeë kankerselle die sensitiefste by hoër konsentrasies was. Die hoë antioksidant-aktiwiteit van die rooibosekstrak kan moontlik ‘n rol speel in die indusering van sitotoksiese effekte in die selle en kan toegeskryf word aan die pro-antioksidant aktiwiteit van die polifenole weens hul interaksie met yster. ‘n Spesifieke funksie word vir die monomeriese flavonoïede en die polimeriese proantosianidiene geïmpliseer. Die sterk verwantskap tussen die totale polifenoolinhoud, flavanol/proantosianidien inhoud en antioksidant aktiwiteit met die verlaging in selgroei, maak hul relevante parameters van die voorspellingsmodel. Die waterekstrakte van heuningbos induseer ook soortgelyke maar swakker effekte met die induksie van kankersel dood, met C. genistoides die selektiefste en C. subternata en C. intermedia die aktiefste spesies wat die groei van die vroeë kanker selle inhibeer. Die onderliggende meganismes betrokke blyk ook aan ‘n pro-oksidant effek toe geskryf te wees, waartydens spesifieke polifenool/yster interaksies betrokke is. In teenstelling met rooibos, beskerm die metanolekstrak van heuningbos kankerselle teen seldood, wat moontlik verband hou met die antioksidant-eienskappe van die hoof monomeriese polifenole, mangiferien/isomangiferien en hesperidien. Vanweë die dubbele rol van die monomeriese polifenole en polimeriese verbindings in heuninghbosekstrakte is die totale polifenol inhoud nie ‘n goeie indikator van die biologiese aktiwiteit in vitro nie. Daarenteen is die flavanol/proantosianien inhoud en die hoë aktiwiteit in die ABTS antioksidanttoets goeie indikators om seldood te voorspel. In teenstelling hiermee het die metanolekstrakte van die xantoon-ryke spesies (C. genistoides en C. longifolia) ‘n baie lae effek op seldood, maar ‘n hoë aktiwitiet in die ORAC toets getoon, wat ‘n goeie rigtingwyser is om die beskermende effek in selle te voorspel. Met die tweede benadering is die anti-inflammatoriese eienskappe en die onderliggende meganismes van die kruietee ondersoek in ‘n UVB/HaCaT selmodel. Intrasellulêre interleukin 1α (IL-1α) is as merker gebruik en die model is geëvalueer deur bekende anti-inflammatoriese verbindings soos dexamethasone en ibuprofin te gebruik. Die metanolekstrak van rooibos en die waterekstrak van heuningbos het die toksiese effek van UVB in die model verhoog deur selle met verhoogde vlakke,van icIL-1α te verwyder deur middel van die induksie van seldood. Die metanolekstrak beskerm die selle teen die oksidatiewe skade wat deur UVB geïnduseer word en verwyder nie selle met hoë IL-1α vlakke nie. Ter opsomming blyk dit dat die metanolekstrak van rooibos en die waterekstrak van heuningbos moontlik gebuik kan word om die vel te beskerm teen die induksie van icIL-1α en sodoende die inisiëring van kanker te blokkeer en ook die promosie van kanker te vertraag. Die beskermende effek van die metanolekstrak kan moontlik aangewend word om die oksidatiewe skade wat deur UVB veroorsaak word teen te werk deur dit aan te wend voordat blootstelling plaasvind. Toekomstige studies behoort verdere karakterisering van die polifenoolsamestelling van die ekstrakte in te sluit en hul effek op die oksidatiewe status en anti-inflammoriese effekte van selle te bepaal ten einde sekere merkers te identifiseer vir vel studies in vivo.

Lietuvoje vaistinių arbatų suvartojimas mažėja jau ketvirtus metus iš eilės, kai tuo tarpu išsivysčiusiose Pasaulio šalyse susidomėjimas augaliniais vaistiniais preparatais didėja. Taip pat Lietuvoje stebima ir vaistinių augalų arbatų asortimento kaita. Arbatų, registruotų kaip tradiciniai augaliniai preparatai, vaistinėse ženkliai mažėja, o maistinių arbatų daugėja. 2014 metų duomenimis Lietuvos Respublikos Valstybiniame vaistų registre yra užregistruotos tik 25 vaistinės arbatos, iš kurių 13 yra mišiniai ir 12 - vienkomponentės arbatos. Šio darbo tikslas - ištirti vaistinių augalų arbatų asortimentą ir pardavimų tendencijas Lietuvos vaistinėse. Siekiant tikslingai atlikti analizę, išsikelti uždaviniai: atlikti literatūros apie vaistinių augalų arbatas analizę, ištirti Lietuvos vaistinėse parduodamų vaistinių augalų arbatų asortimentą, vaistinių augalų arbatų paklausos priklausomybę nuo sezono, nustatyti, kurios vaistinių augalų arbatos yra populiariausios. Tiriamasis darbas - tai vaistažolių arbatų pardavimų Lietuvos vaistinėse aprašomoji analizė, kuriai pasirinktas 2012 metų laikotarpis, surašant kiekvieno mėnesio arbatų pardavimus pasirinktose vaistinėse nuo sausio iki gruodžio imtinai. Atlikus analizę, nustatyta, kad daugiausia (57,85 proc.) yra parduodama „Acorus Calamus“ gaminamos arbatų produkcijos. Arbata fasuota filtro paketėliuose yra 1,71 proc. populiaresnė nei palaida (biri) arbata. Nustatyta, kad nors ir ne ženkliai, tačiau daugiau parduodama vienkomponenčių... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]<br>Consumption of medicinal tea in Lithuania has been falling for already four years in a row, while the developed world interest in herbal products is increasing. It is also observed that the range of medicinal plant teas is changing in Lithuania. Teas that are registered as traditional herbal medicines, are significantly decreasing in pharmacies, while nutrient teas are increasing. According to 2014 data from the State Register of Medicinal Products of the Republic of Lithuania there are registered only 25 medicinal teas, out of which 13 are mixtures and 12 - single-component teas. The aim of this scientific work is to explore a range of medicinal herbal teas and their sales trends in Lithuanian pharmacies. In order to carry out targeted analysis, the work deals with these tasks: to make the literature analysis on medicinal plant teas, to examine the range of medicinal plants teas sold in the Lithuanian pharmacies, to investigate the medicinal herbal teas elasticity of demand from season, to determine which medicinal plant teas are the most popular. This research work includes the descriptive analysis of the herbal teas sales in Lithuanian pharmacies, for which the period of 2012 was selected; the sales of teas in selected pharmacies were investigated each month from January to December. The analysis showed that the majority (57.85 percent) of sold teas are of “Acorus Calamus” producer. Tea, bagged in sachet filter, is 1.71 percent more popular than loose tea. It was also... [to full text]

La phytothérapie consiste en l'utilisation thérapeutique de plantes ou de médicaments à base de plantes, sous forme de spécialités pharmaceutiques, de préparations (magistrales ou officinales) ou de produits officinaux divisés. On entend par médicament à base de plantes (MABP) " tout médicament dont les substances actives sont exclusivement une ou plusieurs substances végétales ou préparations à base de plantes ou une association d'une ou de plusieurs substances végétales ou préparations à base de plantes ". Il s'agit donc de médicaments à part entière qui sont ainsi soumis aux mêmes exigences de qualité que celles requises pour tout autre médicament. La directive 2004/24/CE, permet toutefois quelques assouplissements autorisant à fournir des données toxicologiques et cliniques purement bibliographiques, lorsque les conditions requises pour pouvoir bénéficier d'un tel "enregistrement de l'usage traditionnel" sont remplies. Quant aux médicaments dont l'usage médical est "bien établi", ils peuvent également faire l'objet d'une dispense d'essais cliniques, mais les données toxicologiques les concernant doivent néanmoins être fournies. Cette législation européenne vise à garantir au patient la qualité, la sécurité et l'efficacité des remèdes qu'il consomme, à permettre le libre choix thérapeutique, la libre circulation des médicaments au sein de l'Union Européenne ainsi que la préservation des ressources naturelles végétales et le respect de la propriété intellectuelle et pourrait inspirer d'autres pays du monde qui ne disposent pas à ce jour des outils législatifs nécessaires à la réglementation de leurs remèdes traditionnels, en particulier les pays africains.

Les médicaments traditionnels à base de plantes (tradimédicaments) sont très utilisés par les populations africaines. Mais leur qualité est difficile à maîtriser, car ce sont des mélanges complexes de plusieurs drogues végétales ou des préparations à base de drogues végétales d'origine souvent inconnue et/ou très variable. Le profil chromatographique des métabolites phytochimiques constitue un outil important pour l'évaluation de la qualité de ces produits.L'objectif de ce travail est de proposer un protocole de préparation des échantillons et d'établissement de profil par chromatographie liquide et chromatographie en phase gazeuse des métabolites apolaires, pour l'évaluation de la qualité des médicaments traditionnels à base de plantes.La méthodologie est basée sur le traitement chimiométrique des profils chromatographiques des métabolites apolaires issus de différents lots de feuilles de Combretum micranthum et Mitracarpus scaber.Le profilage métabolique s'est effectué par chromatographie liquide sur Carbone Graphite Poreux en milieu non-aqueux et par chromatographie en phase gazeuse à haute température, couplées à la spectrométrie de masse, après extraction au dichlorométhane et élimination de la chlorophylle adsorbée sur charbon actif.L'analyse chimiométrique des données utilisant l'analyse PLS-discriminante avec ou sans correction orthogonale du signal, appliquée aux profils chromatographiques des feuilles de Combretum micranthum et Mitracarpus scaber, a montré de faibles différences entre les lots de chaque drogue végétale, et une différenciation claire des deux drogues végétales.Les deux méthodes d'analyse par chromatographie liquide et chromatographie en phase gazeuse permettent de détecter la plupart des métabolites secondaires apolaires bioactifs ou non déjà identifiés dans les feuilles des deux espèces.

Bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides) is an herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family used throughout history as medicinal herbal tea by the people of South Africa. Many studies stated that the plant has an ability to be commercialized as a medicinal herbal tea. But vegetative propagation of this type of plant by stem cutting, survival ability of the rooted cuttings, response to different hormone concentrations and the requirement of the seeds for germination has not been studied. In this investigation, different features aimed at effective propagation of bush tea were studied. These comprised: cutting position (apical vs. basal), media (pine bark vs. sand), hormone (Seradix No. 2), season (summer, autumn, winter and spring), transplanting survival of rooted apical and basal cuttings, response of basal cuttings to three hormone concentration levels (Seradix No. 1, 2 and 3) and light and temperature requirement for bush tea seed germination. In vegetative propagation, apical cuttings rooted to higher percentage and produced high root number as well as longer roots than basal cuttings. Pine bark improved the number of roots developed but had no effect on rooting percentage as well as root length. Application of rooting hormone (Seradix No. 2) increased root numbers but not rooting percentage or root length. Rooting of cuttings was improved when propagated in autumn (longer roots) and spring (more number of roots) than in summer or winter. There was higher survival percentage (67.5%), high root number as well as longer roots from apical cuttings than from basal cuttings (50%) two months after transplanting. Propagation in pine bark with hormone application increased root number after transplanting. Application of hormone also improved root and shoot length after transplanting. Apical cuttings propagated in pine bark with hormone developed more number of roots. Cuttings propagated in sand with hormone and in pine bark without hormone also produced longer shoots after transplanting. Regarding response of basal cuttings to hormone concentration, high number of roots was produced in pine bark with Seradix No. 2 at 10 days after planting (DAP) but at 15 DAP more roots were produced in pine bark with Seradix No. 1. With sand, more roots were produced with Seradix No. 3 than Seradix No. 1 and 2. Number of roots were also higher with 0.3% IBA concentration (Seradix No. 2) and 0.1% IBA concentration (Seradix No. 1). Similarly, cuttings with lower IBA concentration (0.1%, Seradix No. 1) rooted to higher percentage followed with 0.3% IBA concentration (Seradix No. 2). Germination percentage of bush tea seeds differed with the temperature treatments and the highest was 75.5% at 20 and 25°C followed by 15°C with 64.5% and low percentage at 30 and 10°C with 36 and 47% respectively. There was a high germination percentage in constant temperatures than alternate temperatures and in continuous light than alternate light: dark or continuous dark. Germination percentage was also higher in continuous light at constant temperatures than with alternated light: dark with constant temperatures. In addition, there was more differences in germination percentage with variation in light exposure than variation in temperatures. At low temperature (10°C), longer time was required to start germination and germination rate was high at 20°C continuous light and low at 30:30°C alternate light: dark. Based on this investigation, better vegetative propagation and survival of bush tea can be attained from apical cuttings with Seradix No. 2 but basal cuttings rooted better with Seradix No. 1 in pine bark. Seeds germinated to higher percentage and rate at 20°C constant temperature and continuous light.<br>Dissertation (MSc (Agric) Horticulture)--University of Pretoria, 2007.<br>Plant Production and Soil Science<br>unrestricted

Bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) is a herbal beverage and medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. A trial was conducted to determine the effect of micronutrients on the plant growth and quality of bush tea. The trial was laid out in a completely randomized block design with five replicates. Treatments consisted of single applications of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (Bo), Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) at three levels (50ml/l, 100ml/l and 150ml/l) and a combination of all micronutrients. A control treatment with no spray was also included. Leaf analysis was conducted using Varian Liberty series II instrument. Total polyphenols were determined using the Folin Ciocalteau method and tannins were determined using Vanillin HCl method. Bush tea samples (one leaf per sample) were analysed using head space solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Results of this study demonstrated that application of micronutrients increased the total polyphenols, tannins and total flavonoids in bush tea, with most of the increase in total polyphenols (77.5-93.7 mg/g) occurring in combination B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg treatment, increase in tannins (87.3-99.5 mg/g) occurring in copper treatment and increase in total flavonoids (164.6-176.6 mg/g) occurring in mixture (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) treatment. Results also show a significant increase in the quality and plant growth of bush tea. Five major compounds were identified (>80% identification probability) namely alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide. Linear relationship between percentage leaf tissues and treatments levels of micronutrients in bush tea was also observed. Boron and copper treatments showed strong linear correlation with a positive relationship between treatments levels and leaf percentage. Therefore, for improved total polyphenols content in bush tea leaves, a combination of (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) is recommended. Tannin content in bush tea leaves were significantly increased at Cu50 ml/l, Cu100 ml/l and Cu150 ml/l. For improved total flavonoids content in bush tea leaves, a combination of foliar spray of (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) is recommended. The LC-MS observations from the study showed no significant qualitative difference between control and micronutrient treatments with these treatments showing similar number of peaks. There was a significant quantitative difference between control and where magnesium peaks applied at adequate rates at (50 ml/l and 100 ml/l) and combination of (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) applied at (10 ml/l and 20 ml/l)<br>Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology<br>M. Sc. (Agriculture)

JEL: L22, M12<br>The traditional Chinese medicine has thousands of years’ history. It is the result of accumulated experience of Chinese people when they are fighting against diseases and therefore is very important to the prosperity and continuity of the Chinese nation. The traditional herbal tea belongs to one soup of traditional Chinese medicine which has hygienic functions. It is made by brewing one or more kinds of medicines. Herbal tea is just one product originated from the traditional Chinese culture. As one form of traditional Chinese medicine, herbal has hundreds of years’ development history. For hundreds of years, herbal tea with regional characteristics has been the folk medicine form in China. In the 1990s herbal tea is brought into the industrial production, but there is no breakthrough in the regional limits before 2003. However, in 2003, Wong Lo Kat changed herbal tea "herbal tea" image into a national beverage brand rapidly, and scored the overseas market. Herbal tea rapidly become the focus of public concern, the rapid growth of market sales and huge market space attracted many followers, many Chinese manufacturing enterprises and beverage production enterprise quickly into the herbal tea industry. The herbal tea industry has many brands now. However, only a few leading enterprises succeed in obtaining profits, as most herbal tea producers still lose money. After the boom of rapid development, currently herbal tea industry has come to the tiredness, due to weak industrial innovation, coupled with rising industrial concentration. Innovation has become the strategic key for the herbal tea industry to progress healthily. The most basic functions and purpose of the industrial innovation is to realize the upgrading of the industrial structure, to promote the industry’s development. Yet blind change or purely individual innovation may be negative for individual enterprises and the overall industry. The implementation of industrial innovation is a complex system, which requires the government, industry, and enterprises to work together. Guiding government policies, industry structuring and enterprise strategies should be consistent in order to achieve the development of the herbal tea industry. This study shows the evolution and situation of the industrial development, and finds some obstacles hindering herbal tea industry development through the field investigation. At the same time, by focusing on the leading and highly innovative herbal tea producers, we learn about the innovation strategy that could inspire other firms in the same industry. Finally combining the macroscopic background with micro level findings, it is possible to get some herbal tea industry innovation and practical experience from the enterprise, government and industry perspectives. Herbal tea evolved from a private self-help type of health decoction to become an innovative beverage, through constant innovation, obtaining a huge market success. Studying the herbal tea innovation process, we also learn about the potential development of Chinese medicine, with practical significance for both users and investors in the health industry.<br>A medicina tradicional chinesa tem milhares de anos de história. É o resultado da experiência acumulada pelo povo chinês na luta contra as doenças e por isso é muito importante para a prosperidade e continuação da China enquanto nação. O chá de ervas tradicional pertence a uma categoria da madicina tradicional chinesa com funções higiénicas. É obtido a partir de um ou mais tipos de medicina. O chá de ervas é apenas um produto obtido a partir da cultura tradicional chinesa. Enquanto produto da medicina tradicional chinesa, o chá de ervas tem centenas de anos de história de desenvolvimento. Durante centenas de anos, o chá de ervas com caraterísticas regionais fez parte da medicina popular na China. Na década de 1990 passa a ser objeto de produção industrial, mas mantendo uma dimensão essencialmente regional. Em 2003, Wong Lo Kat transformou a imagem do “chá de ervas” convertendo-o numa marca nacional de bebidas e entrando no Mercado externo. O chá de ervas tornou-se rapidamente o centro da atenção pública, com um rápido crescimento das vendas e a criação de um mercado que atraiu numerosos seguidores. Muitas empresas industriais chinesas e produtores de bebidas entraram no mercado do chá de ervas. Atualmente, o setor do chá de ervas conta com numerosas marcas. No entanto, apenas alguns líderes obtêm lucros, dado que a maioria dos produtores continua a perder dinheiro. Depois da fase de rápida expansão, o setor do chá de ervas revela um certo cansaço, devido à falta de inovação industrial e à tendência de reforço da concentração industrial. A inovação tornou-se a chave estratégica para o desenvolvimento saudável do setor. As funções mais básicas para a inovação industrial consistem na melhoria da estrutura produtiva, como instrumento do desenvolvimento do setor. No entanto, mudança cega ou inovação puramente individual pode ser negativa tanto para empresas específicas como para o setor. A implementação da inovação industrial é um sistema complex que carece de cooperação de governo, setor e empresas. Políticas orientadoras do governo, estrutura do setor e estratégias das empresas devem ser consistentes para se alcançar o desenvolvimento do setor do chá de ervas. Este estudo ilustra o desenvolvimento e a situação atual do setor, identificando, através do trabalho de campo, alguns obstáculos que limitam o setor do chá de ervas. Ao mesmo tempo, o foco nas empresas líder e altamente inovadoras permite extrair lições sobre estratégias de inovação que poderão ser fonte de inspiração para outras empresas do mesmo setor. Finalmente, combinando uma análise agregada do setor com observações ao nível micro é possível obter elementos práticos e exteriência sobre inovação na perspetiva das empresas, do governo e do setor. O chá de ervas evoluiu de um produto de auto ajuda medicinal para se tornar uma bebida inovadora, através de melhorias constantes, até atingir um elevado sucesso comercial. O estudo do processo de inovação do chá de ervas permite extrair lições para o desenvolvimento da medicina chinesa com implicações práticas tanto para os utilizadores como para os investidores no setor da saúde.

碩士<br>明新科技大學<br>化學工程研究所<br>98<br>The first part of the research primarily is using (Silica gel) type of Attachment the extracted Components of natural herbal Medicine, that possesses hydroxyl functional group of the Silica-gel (not Modified ) and remove possesses hydroxyl functional group of modified silica-gels attachment experimental, the herbal components extracted by 50% ethanol + 50% Saline solution (0.9%NaCl solution) , A quantitative HPLC method was developed to follow the attachment rate. Modified silica-gels that were characterized by FT-IR, were also used to attach Polygonum chinense L extracts. The results show the modified silica-gel can attach the least polar component(s), also main component(s) better, while no significant improvement for the polar components. In addition, we use a new Carbopol material, that possesses carboxylic functional group, to remove caffeine in tea. In this part the quantitative work for caffeine contained in tea were performed first. The HPLC method is used mainly to separate caffeine from the other components in tea, and quantify caffeine. The final results show that caffeine removal rate by carbopol can reach 80 %.

Dissertação de mestrado em Estudos Interculturais Português / Chinês: Tradução, Formação e Comunicação Empresarial<br>O chá, sendo testemunha das amigáveis e históricas relações ao longo dos séculos entre a China e Portugal, já faz parte da cultura portuguesa. Considerando a prevalência do turismo de cultura e de saúde no setor turístico, o chá torna-se um recurso com valor e potencial, tanto na vertente cultural,quanto na de manutenção da saúde. Nesta dissertação, considera-se o conhecimento do chá e de plantas medicinais, com foco num caso especial como objeto de pesquisa: Terras de Bouro. A investigação bibliográfica foi complementada com estudos de campo dos recursos naturais, culturais e humanos desta região, resultando numa análise, ainda que breve, do atual contexto do turismo local. Baseando-se no conhecimento sobre Medicina Tradicional Chinesa da autora, sobretudo quanto à sabedoria de vida e longevidade, selecionaram-se alguns exemplos de produtos turísticos comuns da China e de Portugal, propondo um esquema para ecoturismo de saúde: Rota do Chá em Terras de Bouro. Esta proposta analisa os aspetos pedagógicos, ecológicos, culturais, de saúde e económicos, no intuito de desenvolver o potencial turístico da temática “chá e saúde”, adaptado às tendências de desenvolvimento do mercado e necessidades dos visitantes, ao mesmo tempo que se promove o contacto intercultural sino-português.<br>The tea, witness to the friendly historical relations over the centuries between China and Portugal, became more and more significant in the Portuguese culture over time. Considering the prevalence of culture and health tourism in the area tourism sector, tea becomes a valuable and potential resource, both in cultural and health maintenance. This dissertation considers the knowledge of tea and medicinal plants, focusing on a special case as research object: Terras de Bouro. The bibliographic investigation was complemented with field studies of the natural, cultural and human resources of this region, resulting in a brief analysis of the current context of local tourism. Based on the author's knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, especially on wisdom of life and longevity, some examples of common tourist products from China and Portugal were selected, proposing a scheme for health ecotourism: Tea Route in Terras deBouro. This proposal analyses the pedagogical, ecological, cultural, health and economic aspects in order to develop the tourism potential of the theme “tea and health”, adapted to market development trends and visitor needs, while promoting Sino-Portuguese intercultural exchange.

Atualmente a obesidade é considerada a desordem nutricional mais comum em todo o mundo. É considerada não apenas um problema de estética, mas principalmente um problema de saúde, responsável pelo aparecimento de doenças graves e pelo aumento da mortalidade e da morbilidade. A obesidade é reconhecida como um distúrbio inflamatório crónico de baixo grau e vários estudos sugerem que este estado inflamatório favorece o aumento do risco de várias doenças, incluindo doenças cardiovasculares, diabetes, osteoartrite, dispneia, apneia do sono, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica, entre outras. De entre estas complicações, a diabetes é a que se relaciona mais fortemente com a obesidade. Segundo alguns estudos, em países ocidentais, cerca de 58% dos casos de diabetes tipo 2 estão relacionados com o excesso de peso. Existem igualmente evidências que a obesidade e a diabetes do tipo 2 predispõem para a doença de Alzheimer. A obesidade e o excesso de peso podem ser combatidos utilizando diversas terapias. Uma destas é a fitoterapia, terapia que se tem vindo a assumir cada vez mais como um tratamento de escolha pelo doente que pretende reverter a sua patologia, principalmente pela facilidade de acesso a este tipo de compostos. A fitoterapia é uma forma de tratamento baseada nas propriedades naturais curativas de plantas medicinais e os efeitos destas plantas dependem da sua composição. A fitoterapia tem sido reconhecida como benéfica e eficaz em vários tipos de patologias, entre as quais a obesidade e excesso de peso. O recurso à fitoterapia no tratamento da obesidade é uma prática comum, destacando-se como exemplos de fitoterápicos que foram alvo de um estudo mais aprofundado nesta tese: a laranjeira amarga (Citrus aurantium), o tamarindo do malabar (Garcinia cambogia) e a planta de chá verde (Camellia sinensis). Estes extratos de plantas contendo moléculas bioativas podem contribuir para a ocorrência de interações medicamentosas, quando administrados a pacientes sob tratamento farmacológico convencional. De acordo com estudos publicados, os compostos farmacologicamente ativos das plantas podem interferir significativamente na farmacocinética e/ou farmacodinâmica de diversos fármacos, podendo provocar consequências graves aos pacientes. O objetivo principal desta dissertação é a apresentação de uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o uso da fitoterapia como uma opção viável e acessível, para o tratamento da obesidade, realçando quer os seus benefícios, quer os potenciais riscos e/ou limitações. Pretende-se identificar os fitoterápicos com ação anti obesidade, e ainda outros usados na perda de peso corporal, discutindo o seu mecanismo de ação e debatendo outros efeitos que possam resultar da sua utilização, nomeadamente no que respeita a aspetos relacionados com a toxicidade e/ou a possível ocorrência de interações com outros fármacos em pacientes polimedicados.<br>Currently obesity is considered the most common nutritional disorder in the world. It is considered not only an aesthetic problem, but mainly a health problem, responsible for the appearance of serious diseases and increased mortality and morbidity. The obesity is recognized as a chronic inflammatory disorder of low grade and several studies suggest that this inflammatory condition favors increased risk of various diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, dyspnea, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among others. Diabetes is the complication that present a higher correlation with obesity. According to some studies, in western countries, about 58% of type 2 diabetes cases are related to the excess of weight. There is also evidence that obesity and type 2 diabetes predisposes for Alzheimer's disease. Obesity and overweight can be treated using several therapies. One of these is the phytotherapy that has been assuming more and more as a key treatment for the patient to revert to its pathology, especially due to the facility of access to this type of compounds. The phytotherapy is a form of treatment based on natural healing properties of medicinal plants, and the effects of these plants depend on the composition they have. Phytotherapy has been recognized as beneficial and effective in some pathologies, including obesity and overweight. The use of herbal medicine in the treatment of obesity is a common practice. Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), tamarind of malabar (Garcinia cambogia) and green tea plant (Camellia sinensis) are some examples of medicinal plants which have anti-obesity properties and that were studied in more detail as part of this thesis. These plant extracts containing various bioactive molecules may contribute to the occurrence of interactions with several drugs when administered to patients under conventional pharmacological treatment. According to published studies, the pharmacologically active compounds of the plants can significantly interfere with the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of various drugs, which can lead to serious consequences for patients. The main objective of this work is to present a literature review on the use of herbal medicine as a viable and affordable option for the treatment of obesity, highlighting either their benefits or potential risks and / or limitations. The aim is to identify herbal medicine with an anti-obesity action, as well as others used in body weight loss, discussing its mechanism of action and debating other effects that may result from its use, particularly with regard to aspects related to toxicity and /or the possible occurrence of interactions with other drugs in polymedicated patients.