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A joint report by scientists from Spain and Britain, published in Phytotherapy Research, has found that the plant Tansy, used as a ‘folk’ remedy for centuries, may well be a treatment for herpes. The findings are the result of research establishing scientific evidence for traditional medicines. Tansy (Tanacetum vuvulgare) grows across Europe and Asia and has been used since the Middle Ages as a cure for conditions such as rheumatism, fevers and skin eruptions Professor Francisco Parra from the Universidad de Oviedo and colleagues focussed on the antiviral properties of Tansy – and especially the herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains for which there is no effective vaccine, and which can cause long-term latent infections with recurring lesions around the lips, eyes mucuous membrane of the mouth and genitals. The team from Spain, whose research specialises in investigating new antiviral compounds through design and screening natural plants extracts, joined forces with the team from the University of Greenwich (led by Dr Solomon Habtemariam) who study European medicinal plants to establish evidence for traditional medicines. The researchers found that Tansy contains known antiviral agents including 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA) and axillarin which contribute to its anti-herpetic effect. Professor Parra concluded that Tansy has potential to treat dermatological lesions caused by HSV. Source: Phytotherapy Research
More research on herbal medicine First Publishd in Febury 2011
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