H
with the same activity.” The presence of ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers,
and diuretics makes this herb a safer offering in my book, than the four separate pharmaceuticals
belonging to those A, B, C, and D recommendations for cardiopathy. “Roots, leaves, and flowers
all contain cardioactive compounds (CRC). One paper cited in Mitchell and Rook notes that corneal
scratches with the thorns led to blindness in 88 of 132 Irish accidents. With cyanogenic and
cardioactive compounds, not to mention tannin, scattered throughout the plant, it should not be
taken lightly” (CRC). The presence of oleanolic and ursolic acids (COX-2 inhibitors) may be
equally significant in Alzheimer’s disease, arthrosis, and cancer. With isolated guinea pig heart
muscle, luteolin-7-glucoside increased coronary flow 186%, hyperoside 66%, and rutin 66% (PH2).
All also demonstrated positive inotropic and negative chronotropic. I’m lucky enough to have a
bearing 4-seeded C. monosperma (oxymoron intended). When juiced, the fruits gelled almost
instantaneously, suggesting a large quantity of anticancer pectin.
Extracts (Hawthorn) — Hawthorn extracts increase coronary flow, and reduce blood pressure and
peripheral resistance. Hypotensive action attributed to vasodilation. Extracts, via OPCs, have beta-
blocking activities, the more OPC, the more beta-blocking. Extracts administered to rabbits exhibit
prophylactic antiarrhythmic activities. Flower extracts induce mild CNS-depressant activities; e.g.,
increased sleeping time and decreased motility. Extracts antioxidant and antiperoxidant (CAN).
The hawthorn’s cardiotropic effect is caused by increased membrane permeability for calcium as
well as the inhibition of phosphodiesterase with an increase in intracellular cAMP concentrations.
This leads to increased coronary and myocardial circulatory perfusion and reduced peripheral
vascular resistance (PHR). Lininger et al. say that it “may” improve coronary artery blood flow
and contractions of the heart muscle. It “may” inhibit ACE, and reduce production of angiotensin
II (SKY). Japanese clinical trials of 80 patients given fruits and leaves show clinical improvement
in cardiac function, dyspnea, and edema (PNC). German clinical studies of 60 patients with stable
angina receiving 60 mg hawthorn 3 ×/day showed increased coronary perfusion and economized
myocardial oxygen consumption (CAN). Isolated constituents (mainly flavonoids) have LD50’s of
50–2600 mg/kg ivn, 6000 mg/kg orl in animals (CAN). Oral toxicity of hawthorn 6000 mg/kg
orally (MAB). At 900 mg/day, hawthorn extract compared favorably with Captopril (37.5 mg/day)
in treating patients with Stage II cardiac insufficiency (BGB).
HEART OF JESUS (Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent.) +Synonyms: Arum bicolor Aiton, Caladium x hortulanum Birdsey.
Activities (Heart of Jesus) — Antiseptic (f; CRC); Ascaricide (f; CRC); Emetic (f; CRC); Insec-
ticide (f; CRC); Larvicide (f; CRC); Laxative (f; CRC).
Indications (Heart of Jesus) — Angina (f; CRC); Ascaris (f; CRC); Catarrh (f; CRC); Constipation
(f; CRC); Sore (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; CRC); Splinter (f; CRC); Toothache (f; CRC); Wound (f;
CRC).
Dosages (Heart of Jesus) — Food farmacy??? Cooked leaves and tuber eaten (Tanaka).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Heart of Jesus) — “Contains irritant crystals
of calcium oxalate and can cause dermatosis” (CRC).
HEATHER (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull.) +Activities (Heather) — Antiinflammatory (1; EFS); Antilithic (f; KOM); Antiseptic (f; EFS; PH2);
Astringent (1; EFS; HHB); Cholagogue (f; PH2); Depurative (f; EFS); Diaphoretic (f; KOM);
Digestive (f; KOM); Diuretic (1; HHB; PH2); Narcotic (f; EFS); Sedative (f; HHB); Urinary
Antiseptic (1; EFS; FNF); Vulnerary (f; PH2).