the long cast shadows of early Spring and the old and diseased main trunk of the White Pine, Pinus alba, the Iroquois "Tree of Peace", that was taken down by the electric company as a threat to wires and driveway at my daughter and son-in-law's home. I'll incorporate some its' sawdust to artwork honoring its' long life. there was not enough resin to take for binder with pigments at the cuts and signified the dried state of the tree. this photo sketch also aligned with a trip with my daughter and grandchildren to the New York State Museum where several permanently installed life size dioramas and wall displays of early native Iroquois arts, life and traditions exist. enThanks...

~the two headed~

"Lunar eclipse"

charcoal

dual tasking project done this Spring. made my own charcoal drawing sticks and dried Weeping Willow bk Salix babylonica. White Willow Salix alba is typically used for both charcoal sticks and as a medicinal in Western herbalism. Salix spp have similar properties of varying amounts salicylic acid and other constituent properties. Linden Tilia grandifolia can also be used for making the sticks and is also a good herb used often in cardio applications medicinally where anxiety, insomnia and cold are symptomatic.

materials used:
2 cap steel pipe (@$6 for this 6" pipe/caps) will last for many years of use and comes in lengths up to many feet)
green Willow Salix babylonica branch
fire/hot coals

- strip bark from green 1/4" - 1+" long cut branch of Willow. (give thanks to the tree spirit, Earth, and the elements, and your own abilities!)
- set bark strips on metal screen, cotton cheesecloth to dry in airy, warm, dark space to dry. place in airtight glass tightly capped jar for storage in dark, cool space.
- place green sticks inside pipe available at hardware, electrical supply stores or metal junk yards. screw caps on to air tight the container and place in wood stove, kiln, yard fire or barbecue, etc. and allow to cook for 5 -12 hrs. remove when cooled or with prongs to set aside and cool. remove sticks and
- enjoy your new art supply and medicinal.

cost for my small bounty of sticks cooked inside 6" pipe runs anywhere from $8 - $10 retail.

Willow bark is a good anti inflammatory though not for all constitutions. it is cooling and Turmeric, for instance, would be a better application with Vata and some Pita Doshas and with situations where inflammation is caused by cold conditions like chillblain or Chillblain Lupus.

here's one good medicinal informational link for Salix;

http://www.backtothelandnaturalfoods.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?storeID=8277E28769C14CACAFA69116098EDF57&DocID=bottomline-willowbar

*always consult with a knowledgeable health care professional

Gathered Stinging Nettles Urtica dioica sp. on Solstice morning and here it is hanging briefly before I set in the darkness of a dry shed. In gathering I allowed it to sting me with its acidic virtues into a two day itch for my joints, bones and kidneys. The itch and swelling time can be an indication of ones' needs for the healing powers of this fine herb. I've had more intense reactions in previous years so I'm happily not scratching, grin...
The energetics of Summer Solstice and the perigee Full Moon in Capricorn instill me with Belief!, caring for others within the family circle and outward, and strengthening my own knees/needs...

One of my teachers and a good friend is Ryan Drum. Check out       http://www.ryandrum.com/wildcrafting.htm to read his articles on wildcrafting Stinging Nettles and other medicinals.

Mullein

mulleinfrom http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+thapsus

"Verbascum thapsus - L.
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants.  Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Anodyne;  Antiseptic;  Astringent;  Demulcent;  Emollient;  Expectorant;  Homeopathy;  Narcotic;   Odontalgic;  Vulnerary. Great mullein is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its efficacy in the treatment of pectoral complaints[4].  It acts by reducing the formation of mucus and stimulating the coughing up of phlegm, and is a specific treatment for  tracheitis and bronchitis[254]. The leaves and the flowers are anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic,  astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary[4, 7, 13, 21, 46, 53, 165, 222]. An infusion is taken  e (Thymus vulgaris)[254]. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is a good healer of wounds and is also applied to ulcers,  tumours and piles[4, 222, 254]. Any preparation made from the leaves needs to be carefully strained in order to remove the  small hairs which can be an irritant[7]. The plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use[238]. An infusion of  the flowers in olive oil is used as earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of piles and other mucous  membrane inflammations[4, 222, 238]. This infusion is also strongly bactericidal[4]. A decoction of the roots is said to alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps  and convulsions[4]. The juice of the plant and powder made from the dried roots is said to quickly remove rough warts when  rubbed on them[4]. It is not thought to be so useful for smooth warts[4]. The seeds are slightly narcotic and also contain  saponins[4]. A poultice made from the seeds and leaves is used to draw out splinters[4]. A decoction of the seeds is used  to soothe chilblains and chapped skin[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves[4]. It is used in the treatment  of long-standing headaches accompanied with oppression of the ear[4]. Other Uses Dye;  Insecticide;  Insulation;  Lighting;  Tinder;  Wick. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers by boiling them in water[4]. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather  permanent green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkalis[4, 13, 100, 168]. An infusion of the flowers is sometimes  used to dye the hair a golden colour[4, 200]. The flowering stems can be dipped in wax and used as torches[53, 106, 124]. The  down on the leaves and stems makes an excellent tinder when quite dry[4, 53, 115]. It is also used as an insulation in shoes to keep  the feet warm[4, 200] and to make wicks for candle[1, 4, 13, 100, 115, 124]. One report says that the leaves contain rotenone,  though it does not say in what quantity[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide[K]."

Yellow Thistle Cirsium horridulum

This Yellow Thistle was in a colony of about 20 plants at the edge of an inland water salt marsh in Wilmington NC. The flower was 5" in diameter and the plant stood about 6' tall. The stalk was nearly 3" in diameter.

from http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Cirsium

Cirsium horridulum Michx.

Yellow Thistle; Asteraceae
Seminole Other (Hunting & Fishing Item)
Plant used to make blowgun darts.
Sturtevant, William 1954 The Mikasuki Seminole: Medical Beliefs and Practices. Yale University, PhD Thesis (p. 507)

Like all Cirsium thistles the leaf (remove the spiney edges), stalk and 

root are edible and a Spring liver cleansing bitter like Dandelion. The Latin horridulum relates to flatulent farting, drawing our own conclusions a tonic for gaseous conditions of the liver and digestive organs perhaps...

Traditional ethical wildcrafting & foraging is a sustainable practice. One does not gather every thing in sight as that leads to wiped out colonies of plant life that continue to produce and sustain their population by their natural seeding and/or root growth cycles. The general ethical natural code, universal law, is to gather no more than 10% to 25% of any colony so in the following years there'll be more or at least a constant population. Birds and other animal and plant life are also dependent on these food sources. Consider that 4 separate people unknowing of the others gather 25% in one season can occur without conscientious and mindful practices. Please respect where you gather. Toxic areas next to highways, airports and railways are poor selections. Always ask permission of the landowner. They can often tell you if someone else is gathering on their land or that they depend on the harvesting of the plant life. Also consider plant species that are already threatened or endangered by over harvesting and not wildcraft or support any one who does harvest Echinacea sp., Goldenseal and American Ginseng. Check for other plants that are threatened in the area. Contact groups like American Herbalists Guild and United Plant Savers who are active networking communities and have access to to this knowledge. And foremost, offer thanks and gratitude to the plants, they appreciate that.

Many thanks to those who stopped in for the Open Studio Show yesterday!

Spiderwort as a food and a medicinal...

Spiderwort Tradescantia virginiana

from http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_trvi.pdf

"Alternate Names
Common spiderwort, dayflower, flower-of-a-day,
Job’s tears, snake-grass, spider-lily, trinity, trinitylily, widow’s-tears
Uses
Ethnobotanic: The Cherokee and other Native
American tribes used Virginia spiderwort for various
food and medicinal purposes. The young leaves were
eaten as salad greens or were mixed with other greens
and then either fried or boiled until tender. The plant
was mashed and rubbed onto insect bites to relieve
pain and itching. A paste, made from the mashed
roots, was used as a poultice to treat cancer. A tea
made from the plant was used as a laxative and to
treat stomachaches associated with overeating.
Virginia spiderwort was one of the seven ingredients
in a tea used to treat “female ailments or rupture.” It
was also combined with several other ingredients in a
medicine for kidney trouble."

and from www.eattheweeds.com/spiderwort-pocahontas-and-gamma-rays/

Stems can be cooked like asparagus

"in Florida, the height of its season is late in the spring but it also blossoms nearly all year, and more importantly, as it ages it does not grow rank. Its leaves do not change in flavor as the plant ages. The leaves are good for salads as well, or in soup and stews but they are mucilaginous. The stems can be braised like asparagus. Spiderwort remains a popular edible because they are one of the few salad greens that can take Florida’s summer heat. The flowers, at one time favorites for candying, make very pretty blue additions to back yard salads."

..."Oh, and the gamma rays… The cells of the stamen hairs of someTradescantia — the wispy hairs that look webesque when moist with dew — are “bioassays for ambient radiation levels.” Or said another way: The hairs are blue. When exposed to gamma radiation they turn pink. So if you think you’ve been near a nuclear explosion, just check your nearest Tradescantia."

Updated Herbs and Health links (scroll down right page column to link)
Green Blessings

HERBS & HEALTH

• American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
• American Botanical Council
• American Herbal Pharmacopoeia
• American Herbal Products Association
• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
• Ayurvedic Institute
• Bastyr University (Natural Health Education)
• Bitterroot Restoration Plant Food & Medicine Infomation
• Centre for Natural Healing / Donnie Yance
• East West School of Planetary Herbology w/Michael Tierra
• Foundations in Herbal Medicine Tieraona Low Dog , MD
• Henriette's Herbal Homepage
• Herb Research Foundation
• Herbal Educational Services
• Herbal Therapeutics with David Winston
• Herbalist & Homeopathist Matthew Wood
• Herbalist & Raw Food Chef Brigitte Mars
• Herbalist Christopher Hobbs
• Herbalist Corinna Wood
• Herbalist Howie Brounstein
• International College of Herbal Medicine
• Jim Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases
• Jonathan Treasure, Botanical Medicine & Cancer, Herb - Drug Interactions
• Joyful Belly Ayurveda / John Immel
• links Organic
• Macrobiotics / Kushi Institute
• Maderi Centre for Natural Healing w/Donald Yance
• Medical Advisors Journals
• Mycology w/Paul Stamets
• National Ayurvedic Medical Association
• National Center for Homeopathy
• Natural Health is Our DNA
• North American Institute of Medical Herbalism
• North American Institute of Medical Herbalism w/Paul Bergner
• Northeast School of Botanical Medicine with 7 Song
• Plant Spirit Healing with Pam Montgomery
• Plant Spirit Medicine with Eliot Cowen
• Plants For A Future
• PubMed; U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Remineralize the Earth
• Rosemary Gladstar, Sage Mountain Herbs & Earth Awareness
• Ryan Drum and Sea Vegetables
• Soil and Health Library
• Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
• The American Herbalists Guild (AHG)
• Tillotson Institute of Natural health
• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• United Plant Savers
• Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association
• Weston A. Price Foundation Wise Traditions in Food, Farming & healing Arts
• Wise Woman Healing Ways w/Robin Rose Bennett
• Wise Woman Mentor Susun Weed

to all our falling warriors

Loquat falling warrior feather                                               ©Greg Patch        

Duckweed Grid

Duckweed; family Lemnaceae

Duckweed Grid                                                           ©Greg Patch

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemnoideae;

Classifications created prior to the approximate end of the twentieth century tend to classify them as a separate family,Lemnaceae.

Duckweed is an important high-protein food source for waterfowl and also is eaten by humans in some parts of Southeast Asia. As it contains more protein than soybeans, it is sometimes cited as a significant potential food source.^[6] The tiny plants provide cover forfry of many aquatic species. The plants are used as shelter by pond water species such as bullfrogs and bluegills. They also provide shade and, although frequently confused with them, can reduce certain light-generated growths of photoautotrophic algae.

The plants can provide nitrate removal, if cropped, and the duckweeds are important in the process of bioremediation because they grow rapidly, absorbing excess mineral nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphates. For these reasons they are touted as water purifiers of untapped value.^[7]

The Swiss Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries, SANDEC, associated with the Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, asserts that as well as the food and agricultural values, duckweed also may be used forwaste water treatment to capture toxins and for odor control, and, that if a mat of duckweed is maintained during harvesting for removal of the toxins captured thereby, it prevents the development of algae and controls the breeding of mosquitoes.^[8] The same publication provides an extensive list of references for many duckweed-related topics.

These plants also may play a role in conservation of water because a cover of duckweed will reduce evaporation of water when compared to the rate of a similar size water body with a clear surface.

Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides)

There are many questions about this beautiful classic Southern plant...

"reformed fallen to ground Spanish Moss Tillandsia usneoides placed in green space"  ©Greg Patch

from http://www.ehow.com/list_6504160_uses-tillandsia-usneoides.html;

"Tillandsia usneoides--also called Spanish moss, long moss and graybeard--is an epiphytic plant. An epiphytic plant is one that hangs from the branches and trunks of a host plant but derives nutrients from the rain and air. It is not parasitic and requires its host for physical and mechanical support only. Tillandsia usneoides commonly grows on the bald cypress and southern live oak trees. The plant has been harvested for centuries and is used in numerous commercial applications--one of which was as stuffing for the seats of Ford Model T cars."
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_moss;

"The plant's specific name usneoides means "resembling Usnea", and it indeed closely resembles its namesake Usnea, also known as beard lichen, but in fact Spanish moss is not biologically related to either mosses or lichens. Instead, it is an angiosperm in the family Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) that grows hanging from tree branches in full sun or partial shade. Formerly this plant has been placed in the genera Anoplophytum,Caraguata, and Renealmia.^[2] Its natural range is from Virginia Beach, Virginia in thesoutheastern United States to Argentina, growing wherever the climate is warm enough and has a relatively high average humidity. It has been introduced to similar locations around the world, including Hawaii and Australia."

from Herbal Therapeutics David Winston, Herbalist AHG;

Usnea Usnea babata is a symbiotic life composed of an algae and a fungus. Medicinally Usnea is a powerful antibacterial agent inhibiting gram positive bacteria (Streotococcus, Staphyloccus, Pneumococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis). It is also an antifungal agent (ringworm, atheletes foot,) that kills trichomonas and candida. Usnea is an antispasmodic to the lung and large intestine. It is indicated for spastic colon, strep throat, bronchitis, pleuresy, pneumonia and cystitis."

Are their similarities beyond appearance?

what uses medicinally are there for Spanish Moss? 

For starters it is rich in calcium... 

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_moss

"Spanish moss is an epiphyte which absorbs nutrients (especially calcium) and water from the air and rainfall."

and also pollutants in industrial and vehicular areas that it has absorbed. We could line our highways with Spanish Moss farms. A medicinal from it would need to be grown securely away from these high pollutant areas.

In what form does Spanish Moss return these nutrients to Earth?

these four sketches done on my trip to the NE.

I used fresh green Black Walnut Juglans nigra husk and fresh violet red Poke Phytolacca americana berry dyes gathered from Beacon, NY & Greenfield, MA...each are medicinally different as fall cleansers in traditional herbalism. Black Walnut husk a vermifuge & anti fungal (http://gregpatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/black-walnut-juglans-nigra.html); Poke br is carefully used for arthritic or cystular growth conditions

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

green Black Walnut Juglans nigra fruit dye drawings. cutting into the green fruit

like with lino or wood cuts and pressing or rolling the whole fruit with dark walnut ink dye oozing from the cut designs on to the paper... and using various tools for design weight...

the fresh walnuts from a tree nearby; a local, and an indiginous to Beacon, NY and the NE 

deciduous tree populations/communities...

Juglans niger is used in traditional medicines and in its perfection nature gifts us with this medicine during the change from summer to fall when summer seasonal parasites and fungus are among us with heightened exuberance;

from David Winston RH (AHG),

http://www.herbalist-alchemist.com/DWinstonWhatsGoingOn_BlackWalnut.htm

"black walnuts (Juglans nigra). The nuts can be eaten and the green hulls are used to make medicine. Black walnuts have a long history of use especially topically and internally both as antifungal agents and as a vermifuge. Black walnut is traditionally used for amoebic infections such as Giardia, Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Cryptosporidium. A wide range of amoebic and amoeba-like organisms can be treated using black walnut. I prefer this herb for adults; it is a bit too strong to be used in children. And for those of you who are horse lovers do not use black walnut products with your horses because it is toxic to horses. But in humans, it is relatively non-toxic although incredibly bitter and horrible tasting. The extract of the green hulls ranks it as one of my top five worst tasting plants extracts. It can also be used topically for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Be very careful with fungal infection in very sensitive areas such as the groin as it can cause irritation and swelling. Phyllis Light RH(AHG) who is a wonderful herbalist from Alabama also says that black walnut stimulates thyroid function. This is not something I've used it for, but when you have somebody who is as experienced an herbalist as she, is stating that it has that activity, I have no doubt that it does."

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Chickweed is a very tasty nourishing spring herb addition to salads and snacking on a forage in your garden and in the meadow.

Stellarria, after its' star like flower, enriching the fallow raised bed.
There's Blessed Thistle Centaurea benedicta in there also doing its part to heal and enrich the soil
along with other plant, animal and spirit soil essentials.

One can smell and feel the Spring cleansing, rebirthing energetics of Chickweed as it nears the taste buds!
As always try to be very select in wildcrafting in not picking more than 25% of existing plant colonies, do not gather close (if possible further than 100 yards away from) to highway's fumes or power lines, ask permission from landowners and the plant colony, and give thanks to those people and plants for their symbiotic gift to you/us.

"Chickweed fresh herb (Stellaria media) is a mild food herb that is diuretic, anti-inflammatory and a vulnerary. Internally it is used for urinary irritation including interstitial cystitis as well as gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. Topically Chickweed is utilized for inflammatory skin and mucous membrane conditions such as erosion of the cervix and vulvodynia.
Topical use - Fresh poultice of the crushed herb as needed
Extract - 60 -100 drops QID" 
© Herbal Therapeutics, 2003 8th edition by David Winston, Herbalist AHG & Ethnobotanist, p. 71

from http://www.stevenfoster.com

Chickweed Stellaria media          ©Steven Foster Photography

Loquat herb and fruit

Loquat Eriobotrya japonica                                         ©Greg Patch

Loquat Eriobotrya japonica tree in my new backyard introduces me to the medicinal/nutritional uses of this import from China, Japan and India. Its in many TCM and Ayurvedic formulas.

It is a member of the very large Rosaceae family (some 2800 species) of , ie., Roses, Apple, etc.
From Michael Tierra's http://www.planetherbs.com/discus/messages/127/1254.html?1205526588 are preparation of medicinal syrups ala Susun Weed. to prepare dried Loquat leaf for digestive and respiratory dis-ease, rising heat. The medicinal is bitter and cooling and clears phlegm. It addresses digestive distress; vomiting, nausea and belching associated with hot conditions. Its formulated into many digestive and respiratory preparations by herbalists knowledgeable in its use. It is not for long term use.

Yesterday I enjoyed an after supper sweet sour taste of the ripe fruit from the tree that reminded me of Wild Apple and Rose hips. Peel, and remove seed.

  

Peace Basket

Peace Basket        40" x 10"       Eleagnus shoots, White Egret wing feather, dune grass       2007

Within the first couple years I moved to Surf City, NC I created "Peace Basket" to honor my new home by loosely weaving and adding a feather. I selected Oleaster Eleagnus x ebbingei shoots that I trimmed from hedges in the yard. I added a feather from White Egret. Both Eleagnus and the White Egret abound in this area. Having spent the last 35 years living in the Northeast they were each new to me as species growing abundantly in the bioregion I lived in. I tied the woven shoots together using grass growing on the dunes. I placed the feather with its tip down. I learned from my Native American teachers that when they wore there feathers pointing down it was a show of peace. I placed it on an axe (harsh) corner at the intersection of a hallway and the kitchen/living area. May peace be with us all. Aho.

Janine Benyus: Biomimicry in action | Video on TED.com

Janine Benyus: Biomimicry in action | Video on TED.com

Janine Benyus has a message for inventors: When solving a design problem, look to nature first. There you'll find inspired designs for making things waterproof, aerodynamic, solar-powered and more. Here she reveals dozens of new products that take their cue from nature with spectacular results.

About Janine Benyus

A self-proclaimed nature nerd, Janine Benyus' concept of biomimicry has galvanized scientists, architects, designers and engineers into exploring new ways in which nature's successes can inspire… 


http://www.janinebenyus.com


Janine's new website http://www.asknature.org will allow inventors, scientists, artists, academics and the public to discover systems in nature that can help illustrate solutions to particular design situations.

Loons and a Cold Sea Sunrise

Loons and Cold Sea Sun x 2            ©Greg Patch 2010

Photo Diptych

Shrimpers

              Shrimpers                                                              ©Greg Patch


Seasonally, in the cooling waters of Fall, family owned ventures of Shrimpers cruise the coast here off Topsail Island, NC. The squeeze they feel from the current general economic status along with pressures from large corporate businesses, farm raised shrimp and environmental toxins has severely diminished their numbers from less than a decade ago.

poetry

Today I spotted a male Loon in my back yard, the Atlantic Ocean. It left before I could grab my camera. In a flash. Reminding me to post this poem I wrote a few years ago before migrating south for the winter myself. Now here, I have the migrating Loon to let me know cooler weather is slowly/in a flash moving down the globe with each setting Sun. I will get time to photo the male Loon as he hunts/forages his winter diet and include more on these beautiful ancient creatures migrating story. It remembers us more. In the meantime...

flash, flash

troubles seem so far away,

lifetimes come streaming by.

this moment, recorded in nanoseconds,

in a sparkling flash, flash and back again.

the details of the flash are succinct, so real, and as if days, years, lifetimes,

of that moment

were a living part of its reality.

seldom do I remember such a fall,

the leaves are in full blossom,

a quiet buzz of colors exploding

out of the blue skies.

I crave.

In one sheet of hard, cold

wind and rain

lay the skeletal limbs of

maple, oak, beech, and

horse chestnut

on yellow violet skies.

In a week I’ll fly to the sky

with the geese for warmer grounds,

in a flash.

©Greg Patch 2005

Edible and Medicinal Prickly Pear Cactus, and Thanks to Herbalist Michael Moore

As Traditional Herbalists we were blessed with the integrity and teachings of Michael Moore. Michael's death in February of 2009 left us with his well documented teachings. Most can be accessed through his many volumes of texts and at his website; http://www.swsbm.com/.

 Thank you Michael.

Opuntia Spp. is native to the Piedmont bio-region of North Carolina. Its uses are typical to those species Michael Moore and others have documented. It has been in use as a food and as a medicine for millennia throughout the world,  and found on all continents except Antarctica.

               Opuntia Spp.                                                     ©Greg Patch


This little family of Prickly Pear grows in my front yard next to the street. A basic rule of thumb in wildcrafting, foraging, and gathering is to not use plant materials that grow within 100 ft., I often suggest 100 yds. of transportation routes. There are too many toxins present for safe plant material. When gathering feel the blessings of the plant and ask them to allow you to gather. We do not take more than 25% of a plant population to insure their procreation. Ask the property owner for permission to gather. It is illegal to gather on State and Federal lands. The pads, or tuna in Spanish, and the red pears are an edible. They are popular in traditional cuisines, tasting similar to string beans. The pads are slimy like okra. 


Below are Michael Moore's documentation of Opuntia Spp.
found on the website of Michael Moore's Southwest School of Botanical Medicine http://www.swsbm.com/Abstracts/Opuntia-AB.txt

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE*****
MECKES-LOZOYA M  IBANEZ-CAMACHO R  
HYPOGLUCAEMIC ACTIVITY OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA THROUGHOUT ITS ANNUAL CYCLE.
In: Am J Chin Med (1989) 17(3-4):221-4
ISSN: 0192-415X

Opuntia sp. used in mexican traditional medicine diminishes blood sugar levels
when orally administered. Possible seasonal variations in the hypoglycaemic
property of Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire, were studied using the fresh sap of
its stems collected throughout the year. The evaluation was performed in the
already proven sensitive experimental model in normal rabbits. No seasonal
variation in the hypoglycaemic activity of this plant product was detected
suggesting it can be used year round for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

MECKES-LOZYOA M  ROMAN-RAMOS R  
OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA: A COADJUTOR IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS.
In: Am J Chin Med (1986) 14(3-4):116-8
ISSN: 0192-415X

This report describes the effect produced by the complementary daily
administration of Opuntia streptacantha sap to a diabetic volunteer being under
treatment with chlorpropamide. The plant product improved remarkably the general
symptomatology of the patient as well as his insulin and glucose blood levels.

Registry Numbers:
11061-68-0 (Insulin)
94-20-2 (Chlorpropamide)

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****ARCHIVOS DE INVESTIGACION MEDICA*****
Frati-Munari AC  Licona-Quesada R  Araiza-Andraca CR  Lopez-Ledesma R  
Chavez-Negrete A  
[Activity of Opuntia streptacantha in healthy individuals with induced
hyperglycemia]
Accion de Opuntia streptacantha en individuos sanos con hiperglucemia inducida.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1990 Apr-Jun) 21(2):99-102
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

Hypoglycemia effect Opuntia streptacantha which occur in diabetic has not been
found in healthy subjects. To find out if this effect appears also in healthy
individuals if they are hyperglycemic, two tests were performed to 7 healthy
volunteers. In both tests 500 ml of 20% dextrose were infused in two hours, 500
g of O. streptacantha were given orally before one test, and 400 ml of water as
control were given before the other one. Serum glucose was measured every 30
minutes during three hours. Glucose rising was significantly (P less than 0.025)
lower with Opuntia than in control test at 90 and 120 minutes (143 +/- 58 vs 193
+/- 9 and 135 +/- 25 vs 163 +/- 13 mg/dl respectively). Area under curve of
glucose was also smaller in Opuntia than in control test (P less than 0.05).
Hypoglycemic effect of O. streptacantha also occur in healthy subjects in
hyperglycemia is present.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FRATI-MUNARI AC  ALTAMIRANO-BUSTAMANTE E  RODRIGUEZ-BARCENAS N   ARIZA-ANDRACA R
 LOPEZ-LEDESMA R  
[HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTION OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEMAIRE: STUDY USING RAW EXTRACTS]
Accion hipoglucemiante de Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire: investigacion con
extractos crudos.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Oct-Dec) 20(4):321-5
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To find out the extent of the hypoglycemic effect of crude extracts of Opuntia
streptacantha eight patients with type II diabetes mellitus were studied. Five
tests were performed to each patients with the intake of (A) supernatant, (B)
precipitate, (C) complete homogenate of 500 g of crude O. streptacantha stem (D)
400 ml of water, and (E) 500 g of broiled Opuntia stems. Serum glucose levels
were measured at 0,30,60,120 and 180 minutes. Crude extracts did not cause a
significant decrease of glycemia, and the results were similar to the water
control test (P greater than 0.05). The intake of broiled Opuntia stems caused a
significant decrease of serum glucose level, that reached 48.3 +/- 16.2 mg/dl
lower than basal values at 180 minutes (P less than 0.01). Perhaps heating of O.
streptacantha is necessary to obtain the hypoglycemic effect.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FRATI-MUNARI AC  RIOS GIL U  ARIZA-ANDRACA CR  ISLAS ANDRADE S   LOPEZ LEDESMA R
 
[DURATION OF THE HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTION OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEM.]
Duracion de la accion hipoglucemiante de Opuntia streptacantha Lem.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Oct-Dec) 20(4):297-300
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To assess the duration of Opuntia streptacantha Lem. hypoglycemic effect, two
tests in fasting conditions, one with the intake of 500 g of broiled Opuntia
stems and the other one with 400 ml of water as control, were performed in eight
type II diabetics. Serum glucose levels were measured hourly during six hours.
In the Opuntia test the decrease of serum glucose levels was more pronounced at
the fourth hour (P less than 0.01 vs control test), serum glucose levels
remained unchanged the following two hours. No significant changes on glycemia
occurred in the control test. Difference between both tests was significant from
the second to the sixth hour.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

IBANEZ-CAMACHO R  ROMAN-RAMOS R  
HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF OPUNTIA CACTUS.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1979) 10(4):223-30
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in English and Spanish)

Nopal (Opuntia sp.) has been traditionally used by the Mexican population for
the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this work is to describe
effects produced by directly liquified nopal and extracts from this plant in
healthy and pancreatectomized rabbits. Preliminary results allow us to conclude
that Opuntia streptacantha, Lemaire, has hypoglycemic properties when orally
administered, in animals with experimentally induced diabetes as well as in
healthy ones with physiologic hyperglycemia.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FRATI-MUNARI AC  DE LEON C  ARIZA-ANDRACA R  BANALES-HAM MB   LOPEZ-LEDESMA R 
LOZOYA X  
[EFFECT OF A DEHYDRATED EXTRACT OF NOPAL (OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA MILL.) ON BLOOD
GLUCOSE]
Influencia de un extracto deshidratado de nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica mill.) en
la glucemia.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Jul-Sep) 20(3):211-6
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To assess if a dehydrated extract of nopal stems retains the effect on glycemia
of the entire nopal stems two experiments were performed. A. Six patients with
type II diabetes mellitus in fasting condition received 30 capsules containing
10.1 +/- 0.3 g of the extract, and serum glucose levels were measured hourly
from 0 to 180 minutes. B. Six healthy volunteers received 30 capsules with the
extract followed by 74 g of dextrose orally. Serum glucose measurements were
made in a similar fashion. In each experiment a control test with empty capsules
was performed. Nopal extract did not reduce fasting glycemia in diabetic
subjects. Nevertheless, the extract diminished the increase of serum glucose
which followed a dextrose load. Peak serum glucose was 20.3 +/- 18.2 mg/dl (X
+/- SD) lower in the test with nopal than in the control one (P less than
0.025). Dehydrated extract of nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) did not show
acute hypoglycemic effect, although could attenuate postprandial hyperglycemia.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FRATI-MUNARI AC  DEL VALLE-MARTINEZ LM  ARIZA-ANDRACA CR   ISLAS-ANDRADE S 
CHAVEZ-NEGRETE A  
[HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTION OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF NOPAL (OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEMAIRE)
IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS]
Accion hipoglucemiante de diferentes dosis de nopal (Opuntia streptacantha
Lemaire) en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo II.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Apr-Jun) 20(2):197-201
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To assess the relationship between the doses of O. streptacantha Lem. and its
acute hypoglycemic action in diabetics, eight patients with type II diabetes
mellitus were studied. Four test were performed to each patient with the intake
of: (a) 400 ml of water, (b) 100 g (c) 300 g and (d) 500 g of broiled stems of
O. streptacantha Lem. Serum glucose was measured at 0, 60, 120 and 180 minutes.
Maximal decrease of serum glucose was noticed at 180 minutes, with a mean of
2.3, 10, 30.1 and 46.7 mg/dl less than basal value with 0, 100, 300 and 500 g
respectively (P = NS, less than 0.05, less than 0.001 and less than 0.001
respectively). A significant direct correlation (r = 0.690, P less than 0.001)
was noticed between the doses and the hypoglycemic effect.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FRATI AC  XILOTL DIAZ N  ALTAMIRANO P  ARIZA R  LOPEZ-LEDESMA R  
THE EFFECT OF TWO SEQUENTIAL DOSES OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA UPON GLYCEMIA.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1991 Jul-Dec) 22(3-4):333-6
ISSN: 0066-6769

To find out if a second dose of O. streptacantha may enhance its hypoglycemic
effect, three tests were performed in fasting condition to 8 type II diabetic
subjects and 6 healthy individuals. The tests were as follows: A. 500 g of
broiled stems of O. streptacantha were given orally initially and two hours
later. B. Only the initial dose. C. Control test with water. Serum glucose and C
peptide were measured every two hours from 0 to 6 hours. In diabetic patients a
significant (P < 0.01 vs control) decrease of serum glucose reaching from 41 to
46% less than initial value, was noticed in tests A and B, without differences
between them. C peptide did not change. In healthy subjects serum glucose and C
peptide did not significantly differ between tests. A second dose of O.
streptacantha, two hours after the first one, did not improve its hypoglycemic
activity.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****DIABETES CARE*****
FRATI-MUNARI AC  GORDILLO BE  ALTAMIRANO P  ARIZA CR  
HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEMAIRE IN NIDDM.
In: Diabetes Care (1988 Jan) 11(1):63-6
ISSN: 0149-5992

To assess the hypoglycemic effect of the nopal Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire (O.
streptacantha Lem.), three groups of patients with non- insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were studied. Group one (16 patients) ingested 500 g
of broiled nopal stems. Group 2 (10 patients) received only 400 ml of water as a
control test. Three tests were performed on group 3 (6 patients): one with
nopal, a second with water, and a third with ingestion of 500 g broiled squash.
Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured at 0, 60, 120, and 180 min. After
the intake of O. streptacantha Lem., serum glucose and serum insulin levels
decreased significantly in groups 1 and 3, whereas no similar changes were
noticed in group 2. The mean reduction of glucose reached 17.6 +/- 2.2% of basal
values at 180 min in group 1 and 16.2 +/- 1.8% in group 3; the reduction of
serum insulin at 180 min reached 50.2 +/- 8.0% in group 1 and 40.3 +/- 12.4% in
group 3. This study shows that the stems of O. streptacantha Lem. cause a
hypoglycemic effect in patients with NIDDM. The mechanism of this effect is
unknown, but an increased insulin sensitivity is suggested.

Registry Numbers:
11061-68-0 (Insulin)

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY*****
IBANEZ-CAMACHO R  MECKES-LOZOYA M  MELLADO-CAMPOS V  
THE HYPOGLUCEMIC EFFECT OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA STUDIED IN DIFFERENT ANIMAL
EXPERIMENTAL MODELS.
In: J Ethnopharmacol (1983 Mar) 7(2):175-81
ISSN: 0378-8741

Studies performed with Opuntia streptacantha sap in three different animal
species using several experimental conditions are described. The Opuntia sap
induced hypoglucemic effects when orally administered to intact animals under
induced states of moderate increase of blood sugar. In normoglucemic and
pancreatectomized animals the effect of the product was not detected. The
results validate the popular use of this plant for treatment of Diabetes
mellitus symptomatology.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY*****
PHAFF HJ  STARMER WT  LACHANCE MA  GANTER PF  
CANDIDA CASEINOLYTICA SP. NOV., A NEW SPECIES OF YEAST OCCURRING IN NECROTIC
TISSUE OF OPUNTIA AND STENOCEREUS SPECIES IN THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES AND
BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO.
In: Int J Syst Bacteriol (1994 Oct) 44(4):641-5
ISSN: 0020-7713

We describe Candida caseinolytica, a new yeast species which occurs in rotting
tissues of opuntias and other cacti in the North American Sonoran Desert and a
few other localities. This small-celled, slowly growing yeast does not ferment
any sugar and assimilates a limited number of carbon compounds, including 2- and
5-ketogluconic acids. It exhibits strong extracellular proteolytic activity on
casein at pH 6.5, but gelatin is not hydrolyzed or is only weakly hydrolyzed by
a few strains. The type strain of C. caseinolytica is strain UCD-FST 83- 438.3
(= ATCC 90546 = CBS 7781).

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****JOURNAL OF NUTRITION*****
FERNANDEZ ML  TREJO A  MCNAMARA DJ  
PECTIN ISOLATED FROM PRICKLY PEAR (OPUNTIA SP.) MODIFIES LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN
METABOLISM IN CHOLESTEROL-FED GUINEA PIGS.
In: J Nutr (1990 Nov) 120(11):1283-90
ISSN: 0022-3166

The effect of prickly pear soluble fiber on low density lipoprotein (LDL)
metabolism was investigated by feeding male guinea pigs either a nonpurified
diet containing 0.25% cholesterol (HC diet) or the HC diet + 1% prickly pear
pectin (HC-P diet). Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly decreased by
the HC-P diet, with a 33% decrease in LDL levels (p less than 0.02) and an
increase in LDL density. Hepatic free and esterified cholesterol levels were
reduced 40 and 85%, respectively (p less than 0.002), by the HC-P diet. Hepatic
microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase levels were not
different. 125I-LDL binding to hepatic membranes was increased 1.7-fold by the
HC-P diet (p less than 0.001), with receptor affinity (Kd) being unaltered and
receptor number (Bmax) being significantly increased (p less than 0.001). These
data suggest that prickly pear pectin may act by a mechanism similar to that of
bile acid-binding resins in lowering plasma cholesterol levels. The observed
reduction in LDL and hepatic cholesterol levels and increase in LDL density and
hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptors are responses suggesting an increased
demand on hepatic cholesterol from increased excretion of bile acids and
interruption of the enterohepatic circulation.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.1.1.88 (Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases)
57-88-5 (Cholesterol)

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FERNANDEZ ML  LIN EC  TREJO A  MCNAMARA DJ  
PRICKLY PEAR (OPUNTIA SP.) PECTIN ALTERS HEPATIC CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM WITHOUT
AFFECTING CHOLESTEROL ABSORPTION IN GUINEA PIGS FED A HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC DIET.
In: J Nutr (1994 Jun) 124(6):817-24
ISSN: 0022-3166

Prickly pear pectin intake decreases plasma LDL concentrations by increasing
hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression in guinea pigs fed a
hypercholesterolemic diet. To investigate whether prickly pear pectin has an
effect on cholesterol absorption and on enzymes responsible for hepatic
cholesterol homeostasis, guinea pigs were fed one of three semipurified diets,
each containing 15 g lard/100 g diet: 1) the lard-basal diet with no added
cholesterol or prickly pear pectin (LB diet); 2) the LB diet with 0.25 g added
cholesterol/100 g diet (LC diet); or 3) the LC diet containing 2.5 g prickly
pear pectin/100 g diet, added at the expense of cellulose (LC- P diet). Animals
fed the LB diet had the lowest plasma LDL and hepatic cholesterol
concentrations, followed by animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.001). Hepatic
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity was highest in the
group fed the LB diet, with similar values for animals in the other two groups.
A positive correlation existed between plasma LDL cholesterol concentration and
hepatic acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity (r = 0.87, P < 0.001).
Cholesterol absorption was not different among the three dietary groups. These
results indicate that the decreased plasma and hepatic cholesterol
concentrations of animals fed prickly pear pectin are not explained by
differences in cholesterol absorption but rather are due to mechanisms that
alter hepatic cholesterol homeostasis, resulting in lower plasma LDL
concentrations.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.1.1.88 (Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases)       
EC 2.3.1.26 (Cholesterol Acyltransferase)

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FERNANDEZ ML  LIN EC  TREJO A  MCNAMARA DJ  
PRICKLY PEAR (OPUNTIA SP.) PECTIN REVERSES LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN RECEPTOR
SUPPRESSION INDUCED BY A HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC DIET IN GUINEA PIGS.
In: J Nutr (1992 Dec) 122(12):2330-40
ISSN: 0022-3166

The effects of prickly pear pectin on plasma LDL metabolism were investigated by
feeding guinea pigs either a diet containing 15 g/100 g lard and 0.25 g/100 g
cholesterol (LC diet) or the LC diet in which cellulose was partially replaced
(2.5 g/100 g) by prickly pear pectin (LC-P diet). The LC-P diet lowered plasma
LDL cholesterol concentrations by 33% (P < 0.001). Low density lipoprotein
composition was modified by intake of prickly pear pectin; the relative
percentages of free and esterified cholesterol were lower and triglycerides were
higher in LDL from animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.05). Intake of prickly pear
pectin did not affect hepatic 3- hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase
activity; however, hepatic free and esterified cholesterol concentrations were
lowered by 46 and 64%, respectively. Hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor
expression (Bmax) was 60% higher in animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.01).
Similar to the in vitro data, receptor-mediated LDL fractional catabolic rates
were 190% higher in animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.05), whereas apolipoprotein
LDL flux rates were not affected. Apolipoprotein LDL pool size and fractional
catabolic rates exhibited a significant correlation (r = -0.52, P < 0.01). These
data indicate that an increase in apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression is a
major metabolic response by which intake of prickly pear pectin decreases plasma
LDL concentrations.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.1.1.88 (Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases)
57-88-5 (Cholesterol)
9000-69-5 (pectin)

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€