Herbs, spices and gut health 161
(Kamel, 2001). Their effects as growth promoters in animals may be due to the
greater efficiency in the utilization of feed, resulting in enhanced growth. Essential
oils have been shown to increase digestive enzyme activities of the pancreas and
intestinal mucosa (pancreatic trypsin and alpha-amylase), thus leading to an increase
in the growth performance of broiler chickens (Jang et al., 2004).
10.5 Anti-inflammatory activity.............................................................
Various plant extracts have been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties
since ancient times (Table 10.5). Aloe vera, for example, has been applied topically
by ancient and modern cultures throughout the world for its anti-inflammatory properties
for the treatment of a range of inflammatory digestive and skin diseases including
inflammatory bowel disease (Langmead et al., 2002). Aloe vera gel is the mucilaginous
aqueous extract of the leaf pulp of Aloe barbadensis. It contains over 70 biologically
active compounds and has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
immune boosting, anti-cancer, healing, anti-ageing and anti-diabetic properties (Grindlay
and Reynolds, 1986).
Slippery elm bark from the slippery elm, or red elm tree native to North America,
is also claimed to have ‘soothing’ properties in inflammation of the gastrointestinal
tract. It is popular among inflammatory bowel disease patients in the UK (Langmead
et al., 2000). Fenugreek is an aromatic herb that has a beneficial effect on inflamed
intestines. Mexican yam is a tropical perennial whose starch-rich tuberized root is a
food staple and used for the treatment of menstrual irregularities as well as joint and
gut inflammation. Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a flowering plant
Table 10.5 Herbs, plant substances and spices with anti-inflammatory, anticancer or protective
properties
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) Gingo biloba
Angelica root Franseria artemisioides
Baccharis rubricaulis Lemon balm leaves
B. genistelloides Licorice root
Basil Mammea americana
Bitter candytuft Mexican yam
Black pepper (piperine) Milk thistle fruit
Caraway fruit Papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Celandine herbs Peppermint leaves
Chamomile flower Phoradendron crassifolium,
Clove (eugenol) Red pepper (capsaicin)
Coriander (linalool) Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Cumin (cuminaldehyde) Satureja hortensis L.
Curcumin Slippery elm bark
Devil’s claw Tormentil
Fenugreek Turmeric
Ganoderma (G) lucidum Wei tong ning
Ginger (zingerone)
Based on Abdullaev, 2002; Abdel-Salam et al., (1995); Abdel-Salam et al., (2004); Aruna and Sivaramakrishnan,
(1992); Bin-Hafeez et al., (2003); Cheng et al., (1982, 1985); Gonzales et al., (2000); Ha, (2003); Hajhashemi
et al., (2000); Langmead and Rampton, (2001); Langmead et al., (2002); Madisch et al., (2004); Mozsick et al.,
(1997, 1999); Osato et al., (1993); Sharma et al., (2005); Srinivasan, (2005); Szolcsanyi and Bartho, (1981);
Toma et al., (2005); Yeoh et al., (1995).