All sorts of plants Nearly 15% of plants pending approval in Europe claim a health benefit for digestion. Moreover, it is this segment that includes the largest number of plants (around 145), ahead of immunity (one hundred), antioxidant levels (90) and the respiratory system (80). This large number of plants may be explained by the diversity - Caraway has antispasmodic and carminative properties. Just of their mechanisms of action. It is plants that stimulate the di- like garden angelica, yet another digestive stimulant acting gestive functions by facilitating digestion and by increasing the on bloating. digestive and hepatic secretions. Moreover, they have antispas- - Dill fruits contain an essential oil rich in menthone and ex- modic effects on colic abdominal pain by fighting back bloating erting an antispasmodic activity. and they have carminative effects that support intestinal gas ex- - Finally, peppermint has been traditionally used as a diges- pelling. These plants have also been traditionally used as dep- tive stimulant and against bloating and flatulence as well as a uratives, which means they promote the elimination of waste diuretic. It can also act on nausea. from the body, mainly through stools, but also by stimulating Please note that other plants, such as Lemon balm, exert a calming urinary secretions. action on the painful spasms of the stomach and gut. Other sedative plants such as poppy, hop, passionflower, also have calming effects ACTION IN THE STOMACH on anxiety-related stomach aches. Finally, sweet clover flowers and This action is induced by the plants that contain bitter substanc- marshmallow root also seem to relieve digestive pain. es. These substances stimulate the activity of the stomach wall through the bitter reflex and trigger the release of acidic juices HEPATIC AND/OR BILIARY ACTION which will participate in the breakdown/digestion of food. In the case of poor digestion, certain hepatotropic plants stim- - Such plants include wormwood (not listed, problematic lev- ulate the hepatic cells thereby inducing a choleretic effect (in- els of thujone), harpagophytum, yellow gentian, common crease the bile flow) or by emptying the gall bladder (chola- centaury, if we were to mention just a few. Please note that gogue action). Other plants have hepatoprotective effects and these so-called bitter plants are often used in the composi- protect the liver against possible injuries. tion of aperitifs. - The most frequently used plants are Winter savory - Coriander fruits have antispasmodic properties and contain (Lamiaceae family)—its essential oil is rich in thymol and an oil with a high linalool content. carvacrol. - Rosemary(essential oil high in thymol and carvacrol) aid - We will not present the black radish. Its root contains gluco- digestion. sinolates (sulfur compounds responsible for the smell and fla- - The leaves of lemon verbena have been traditionally used in vour of the plant) and it is consumed as a juice or syrup with digestive disorders and epigastric pain. Their essential oil is demonstrated cholagogue, choleretic and diuretic effects. rich in citral and flavonoids. - Fumewort or the smoke of the earth stimulates the kidney - It is the root of chicory that is used for digestive disorders re- and the digestive functions as well as the biliary function lated to poor digestion or bloating. It is also known for its dep- (bile flow regulation and gallbladder evacuation). urative action - choleretic effect on the liver and diuretic effect - Artichoke leaves contain phenolic acids, acidic alcohols, ses- on the kidneys. quiterpene lactones and flavonoids. Their choleretic, hepato- protective, diuretic and cholesterol-lowering properties have been demonstrated. - Rosemary contains phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, diterpene lactones and an essential oil contain- ing alphapinene, camphor and borneol. Its choleretic, diu- retic and hepatoprotective properties have been evaluated in numerous studies. - It is silymarins and flavonolignans that give Milk thistle its hepatoprotective properties. • ydutS esaC — reissoDNOITSEGID- 211 -