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What can herbs do about sclerosis?

     Herbs have been used in treating sclerosis for years. Artichoke leaves (Cynara Scolymus) are a traditional ingredient used in treating sclerosis. Artichoke is a well-known herb which has been used for many years in order to reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood. This takes place as a result of suppressing cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increased excretion of cholesterol with bile.
     The leaf of Ginkgo biloba is another ingredient which exerts multidirectional effects on sclerosis. The antiarteriosclerotic action of Ginkgo biloba has been confirmed by scientific research. It has demonstrated that Ginkgo is a herbal ingredient producing the best results of all the herbs used in treating sclerosis, irrespective of where the sclerotic lesions have appeared: in the brain, heart or lower limbs. Firstly, it reduces the proneness of erythrocytes and thrombocytes for developing embolisms or clots (thrombi). Secondly, it improves blood flow by effecting the vascular tone and arteriotone. Ginkgo biloba's leaf extract inhibits the development of free oxygen radicals preventing the peroxidation of lipids in blood.
     Artichoke and Ginkgo are used together in Lipobon. It is recommended to use 1 capsule of Lipobon 3 times a day. It is sometimes applied together with Chitobon especially to overweight people. Chitobon contains chitosan, a chemical derived from the shells of crustaceans, which by swelling in the stomach reduces craving and absorbs adipose compounds which in turn are excreted with chitosan in stool. Chitosan is not absorbed from the alimentary tract.
     It is advisable to take Chitobon 30 minutes before a meal containing fats. A recommended dose is 2 to 4 capsules 1 to 2 times a day. Chitobon needs to be washed down with a glass of water. It has been observed that the combination of Lipobon and Chitobon reduces the level of total cholesterol by nearly 20 per cent.
     It is customary to administer statins in treating hyperlipidemia. However, they have undesirable effects dependent on the dose of a drug. Therefore if by using natural preparations the dose of statins can be reduced, a patient will only benefit from this.
     Apart from herbs beebread-based preparations, like Apibon (an extract from beebread and propolis) and Bonimel (an extract from beebread and propolis dissolved in honey), are often recommended in treating sclerosis.
     Beebread is helpful in treating sclerosis as it affects:

• the normalization of lipid levels in the blood serum and walls of arteries
• blood coagulability - it has the anti-aggregation effect
• the soothing of post cerebral ischaemia states manifesting themselves in memory disorders and/or slowing of movements.

Such effects probably result from the presence of phospholipids, lecithin and ß-sitosterol in beebread.