Research Topics: Medicinal Plants

Marijuana: Good or Bad?

Marijuana pertains to the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which contains the non-narcotic chemical tetrahydrocannibol (THC) at various potencies. It is smoked or eaten to create the impression of being “high.” The different strains of this herb bring out different sensual effects, ranging from a sedative to a stimulant. If smoked, it is quick acting; the first effects are usually felt within seconds. The peak follows within minutes and then declines sharply after about forty five minutes, with a ninety minute tail-off (Rietbrock, 155-9). A euphoric and relaxing feeling is usually reported while others experienced introspective dreaminess, increased appreciation of music sleepiness and chronological time distortion. The effects however can be subtle and first time users often detect a little or no effect. The effects of Marijuana                 The Brighter Side When a person smokes marijuana, the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) doesn’t haphazardly drop-kick brain cells to create side effects. THC embraces specific sites on cells called receptors and launches a series of reactions that lead to the drug’s side effects (Kibiuk, 1996). This recognition directed scientists to find of one of the receptor’s natural partners — a derivative of a fatty acid, dubbed anandamide, after the Sanskrit word for bliss.     Advocates of the positive benefits of marijuana look past behavioral effects of the drug, including a sense of euphoria, and changes in mood, perception, memory and fine motor skills, and point to a long list of potential medical benefits. Anandimide is recognized to inhibit nausea, offer relief from glaucoma, decrease muscle spasms, reduce blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, stimulate appetite, stop convulsions and kill menstruation pain (Kibiuk, 1996).                 The Darker Side             Most of the studies published about marijuana is its over emphasis to the negative effects of the body. And these studies did not fail on their argument that indeed marijuana, though, an organic substance have some serious effects to vital organs. Brain- Tetrahydrocannibol (THC), the non-narcotic chemical found in marijuana is a highly powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. It affects, alters, and damages brain cells controlling thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood and memory (Marijuana and Medicine, 43). Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerve cells in the brain called “synapses.” This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing transfer critical information. Long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to “feel good” – a negative feedback condition (Loo, Hoorens, Hof, & Kahan, 32). Lungs- Emphysema, the damage and destruction of air sacs in the lungs, is a common illness reported by weed smokers. Marijuana reduces the lungs ability to bring oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Bronchial tubes are inflamed, thickened and produce more mucus; resulting in narrowing of the air passages, known as chronic bronchitis. Marijuana has twice as much “tar” as cigarette and significantly increases chance of lung cancer (Earlywine, 143). Other vital organs- The heart, the most important organ in the body, is also subjected to the harmful effects of marijuana. The use of marijuana speeds up heartbeat as much as 50 percent increase in blood pressure, it also poses great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease. Marijuana also have adverse effects to both male and female reproductive systems. It can cause decrease and degenerate sperm count and cause lower sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation; disrupt menstrual cycle and alteration of hormone level. Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Earlywine, 158).             Cannabinoid intoxication can also mimic certain aspects of psychoses like schizophrenia. These psychotic disorders typically include odd thoughts, auditory hallucinations, and inappropriate emotions. Auditory hallucinations usually include hearing voices that do not exist. Inappropriate emotions might include smiling when frightened or sad (Andreassi, 85). With so much scientific evidences as to the adverse effects of the use of marijuana, it is right to pause for a while and think if the “natural high” we allegedly receive from the famous weed is really worth it. In fact, scientists speculated that our body is also capable of giving us the “natural high” derived from marijuana. According to Kibiuk (1996) our brain have a natural anandamide system that could hold the same benefits as marijuana, with less or no complications at all. So the next time we “light up”, its good to ponder first if the few moments of euphoria is worth the risk we give to our body.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Marijuana: Good or Bad?

Marijuana pertains to the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which contains the non-narcotic chemical tetrahydrocannibol ( T...

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana Introduction With the introduction of the hidden benefits given by an illegal drug, would every nation bows to plow and pluck marijuana? This is the most disturbing question that plays in between the medicinal community and in the government. The issue of legalization of an illegal is already under the crucial fight in which promoters cannot find a solid ground of reason. As the world evolves, the discovery of the scientific basis and health benefits of the little leaf has been revealed – a sign that the war over its legality is not yet over. Marijuana  Medicinal Marijuana, or Medical Cannabis as the scientific name, has been traced back its usage in medicine since 2000 B.C. For the recent years, the marijuana has been tagged as the leaf killer and became illegal in many countries. Other nations that made the marijuana legal were criticized. And the people who bring or purchase this herb are imprisoned and the drug, for the authorities, was confiscated (2003). But the things had changed, in this generation’s scientists; they introduced the medicinal benefits that this fated leaf might bring.  Reasons for Legalizing Aside from the criticism over the legalization of the medicinal marijuana, there are still various reasons why it should be legalized. (1)   Freedom to use marijuana. The most basic reason in which everybody has their right to choose. The legality of the marijuana, however, should remain under the control of the government (2003). The decision of individuals depends on their own perception. (2)   Cost Keeping. For the past years, making the marijuana illegal is expensive and yet useless. Many illegal vendors excel their profits in selling the marijuana as herbs and the medicinal community is the living proof of it. (3)   The failure of restriction and prohibition. Since there is illegal transaction of marijuana, the prohibition is not strong enough to decrease the usage of drugs. It is better if the people are educated and treated with the use of the drug. (4)   Marijuana is a medicinal herb. In medicine, marijuana helps stimulate the appetite and relieve nausea in cancer and patients ( 2006). (5)   Agriculture. In prior to the medicinal use, the idea of agriculture will be introduced again and there will be no left ground untilled and wasted. These are some of the other benefits of the marijuana might bring if every nation made it legal. As the research yields, another pursuance for an ideology will be revealed ( 2004). Analysis and Recommendations Although there are presented many facts about the marijuana and its health benefits, there are other certain things that a nation should weigh before giving in to the biggest turning point they might make. Nations should also understand the traditional knowledge about the illegality of the marijuana. They must measure the instances and the probable results when they implement. Nations that are planning to make a big step in legalizing the marijuana should seek for some advice from the countries that had been successful in the issue of legalization. The leaders should recall the reasons why it is tagged as illegal. Then after, the leaders or the other scientists who feels a little doubt about the medicinal features should conduct intensive research and judged in their own findings. The medicinal marijuana might be harmful if the patient over use it, therefore, the medicinal experts should conduct an strict compliance over it when a person is under its medication. The growth of the health reform has a better future if the medicinal marijuana aimed to fulfill its promise on total health. Meanwhile, the government should not cease to monitor the over production and illegal importation or exportation of the marijuana. Every leader should emphasize their imposed legality but still holding the limitations in every purchasing and utilization that might appear.   Conclusion The use of medicinal marijuana is still continuous for the patients in need despite the federal limitations on distribution and manufacture. It is proposed that the individuals who cannot obtain the drug through purchasing should cultivate in their own backyard. Still, the main idea of using the marijuana is to promote health and not to make the people ill.  Should the nation bow and stat to plow the land? Nations should help each other in dealing with this world-wide issue. It is because the benefits that the marijuana will bring are available to all. And together, the health organizations should measure the effects of it and the validity of the little plant.  Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana Introduction With the introduction of the hidden benefits given by an illegal drug, would every nation b...

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana Introduction With the introduction of the hidden benefits given by an illegal drug, would every nation b...

In Vitro Use of Moringa Parts to Study the Susceptibility of Salmonella Typhi

THE HEALING WONDERS OF MORINGA LEAVES         According to an ancient belief and modern medicine the Moringa leaves can prevent at least 300 diseases. This tiny leaves can act better than a multi –vitamins because of its all original content and natural sources of health giving nutrients. Believe it or not a few grams of this leaves may contain as much as twice the cup of a yogurt plus seven times the vitamin C of an orange plus four times the calcium of milk plus four times the vitamin A of a carrot plus three times the potassium of a banana. These are the wonders of this tiny leaves that is why is it highly recommended in everyday meals.       This kind of plant is easy to grow in almost all types of natural soil it can be planted using its seeds or cut branches. It can grow like a grass that it is why it requires a little attention for this plant can grow on its own, it also requires a little amount of water and so it can grow. The best of all is it can bloom in full for at least seven to nine months.         Almost all the parts of Moringa tree including the bark, roots, leaves and branches  has its own uses and can be use to cure or prevent many diseases. Its leaves can be included in almost all dishes, the bark can be used for tanning and the seeds can be extracted to produce healthy oil that can be use for various purposes. This plant is highly recommended for overall wellness of individuals. The benefits of this plant for the body include all of the following; 1.    Moringa can increase the natural defense of the body against natural diseases and act as an anti-oxidant. 2.    It can nourish the eyes and the brain especially for young people. 3.    People should eat lots of this leaves because it promotes a good digestion. 4.    Good for people who suffered from high blood pressure because if lowers the cholesterol inside our body, it even promotes a good blood circulation. 5.    Because of its high nutritional value the leaves can be used to be prevent malnutrition and for lactating mother who gave birth to a child.  6.    Good for people who have diabetes cause if can promote a cell structure inside the body that maintains the sugar level. 7.    For people who are beauty conscious this is a good source of vitamins that nourishes a good and healthy skin and lower the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and it works inside our body and goes through outside the skin. 8.    This is good for people who always feel weak since it improves an overall metabolism to strengthen us, and give us energy. 9.    It promotes the normal functions of kidney and liver. 10. This is good for people with diabetes because it maintains the level of sugar production. It is an anti-inflammatory promoting the body cell structures that heals wound naturally.        Typhoid fever As we all know that this kind of disease is a natural disease that can be experience worldwide since this is a bacteria that can be transmitted by contaminated bacterium of food and vegetable, insects, animals and human waste that carries on to dirty water than we may drink or include in our food. Typhoid fever according to World Health Organization is infecting the world population of at least twelve million people and more than half million death every year.          The Nigerian government has initialized the study of the combination of Balanites aegyptiaca plus the extract of Moringa Oleifera since the vaccine they used for treating the people with typhoid fever were only exhibiting a very slow response in curing their people using various medicines. Some even reported to have a minor side effect such as vomiting and allergy. While using the combination of two leaves they have found a faster cure. In a study conducted by Microbiologist in Nigeria the leaves extract of Balanites aegyptiaca plus the extract of Moringa Oleifera can cure the Salmonella typhi or typhoid fever.       Since then the demonstration of this leaves has been proven effective in many diseases in Nigeria and could prove to generate more anti-infection and a natural healing anti-biotic like effects that can be easy to formulate since the resources and leaves can be easily found in the backyard and definitely much more cheaper than any other medicine treatment than they have used. More and more people came to realize the amazing benefits that we can get from this plants and leaves and therefore highly recommended for everyday use, this leaves is definitely a wonderful gift of nature.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

In Vitro Use of Moringa Parts to Study the Susceptibility of Salmonella Typhi

THE HEALING WONDERS OF MORINGA LEAVES According to an ancient belief and modern medicine the Moringa leaves can prevent at least ...

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