V V Derma K and Centella

[Guest guest]

Pancreatitis

> This is an appeal for information regarding herbs, and other remedies

which

> are useful to support the pancreas. This is for a sister of a friend,

> recently diagnosed and extremely scared. I have no direct experience of

> treatment (nor have I been asked to in this case) but both parties are at

the

> stage of needing as much information as possible, so any contributions

very

> gratefully recieved.

>

> On another subject, a patient of mine who I am treating for varicose veins

is

> interested in a cream she has read about promising great things called

> Derma-K. Contains Vit K, Centella Asiatica (I am not familiar with this)

and

> Blue Cypress oil.

>

Hello

Bio care make a range of creams All starting Derma, havent got latest cat.

maybe this is new.

Bits from an excellent article by Dweck in Vis Medicatrix Naturae

Autumn 1996

Centella is Gota kola or Hydrocotyle asiatica orIndian Penny wortused in

traditional eastern medicineit has been founf to promote wound healing. Cell

cultures have shown that the total triterpenoid fraction of the extract at a

concentration of 25mcg/ml does not affect cell proliferation, however it

significantly increases the collagen content of cell layer fibronectin, this

mat explain wound healing action. Has been used in patients with chronic

lesions such as cutaneous ulcers, surgical wounds, fistulas,and gyne

lesions.Healing occurs with little scar formation

Testing on psoriasis showed inproment. experiencs shows creams npntoxic and

acceptable for long term use. (Lawrence review of natural products)

Madecassol a constituent has been shown to act as a solvent to dissolve waxy

covering of bacillus that caused leprosy and skin TB, and can penetrat the

greasy film surrounding the herpes virus. asiaticoside has been shown to

help heal ugly skin lesions. (Cosmetics & Tolietries Vol 102 June 1987)

Sanskrit text for skin problems

Chopra's Indigenous Drug of Indiia for absecesses and ulcerous sores

Intended cosmetics use

smoothoing, purifiying up to 0.5% selected triterpenes, up to 5% glycolic

extract for wrinke;led, chapped, aftersun products, lotions gels, creams for

body massage. Toothpastes and mouth washes for atonic gums.

1956 Ratimamanga & Boiteau a notable power of cictrisation by stimulation of

the recticuloendothelia system. Ability to fix two amino acids, alanine and

proline, in collegen structure. Fresh juice uesd to treat leprosy India and

Madagascar.

Numerous scientific works carried out by various authors over along perion

od time confirm Centella is indicated in venous insf, heavy legs, oedemas,

VV ulcers,

Has also been used in gastroduodenal ulcers. Cream with massage and

intramuscular injections have also been used, Cent. gives elesticity to wall

of blodd vessels.

Has been used in psychosomatic alopeciawher papillae not yet atrophied.

Pharmacokinetics topical

penetration of active ingredient rapid,1-3 hours. As is distribution in

body, characterised ny going through enterohepatic cycle without hepatic or

renal retention. Metabolised in glucuroconjugate form in the bile. Slow

eleimination, aciids maily eliminated in faeces (85-95%) of dose, 2% in

urine 1% in expired gases. Stays in body foe approx 6 days. asiaticoside

hydrolised by intestinal flors.

FDA (rats & mice sorry) finds Cent. lacks teratogenicor mutagentic effects.

Not advisable during lactation.

Sied effects

Oral minor, transitiry digestive upset, nausea,.

Rare occ allergic reaction.

Topical possiblity of cutaneous reactions, itching, burning.

Used oin Homeopathy for eczema.

In Herbal medicines By Newall The Phaarmaceutiacl press.