Micturition Health Dictionary

Miq. Hiern

Synonym: A. elaegnoidea (A. Juss.) Benth.

Milnea roxburghiana (Miq.) Wight and Arn.

Family: Meliaceae.

Habitat: Western Ghats, tropical forests in the hills of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Ayurvedic: Priyangu (var.)

Siddha/Tamil: Gnaazhal. (Dried flowers of Myristica malabarica Lam. are also used as Priyangu.)

Action: Fruit—cooling (in febrile complaints), antipyretic, astringent, antidiarrhoeal, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory (seeds used for painful micturition). Fruits are also used for treating obstinate skin diseases and tumours.

Bisamide alkaloids of the leaves exhibit anticancer activity (by inhibiting the growth of vinblastine-resistant KB cells).

... aglaia roxburghiana

(Linn.) Gaertn.

Synonym: Eriodendron anafractuo- sum DC.

Family: Bombacaceae.

Habitat: West and South India. Often found planted around villages and temples.

English: Kapok, White Silk Cotton.

Ayurvedic: Kuuta-Shaalmali, Shveta Shaalmali.

Siddha/Tamil: Ielavum (Tamil).

Action: Gum—laxative, astringent, demulcent (given in painful micturition). Unripe fruit—astringent. Root—diuretic, antidiabetic, an- tispasmodic (used in dysentery). Flowers—laxative; used in lochi- orrhoea. Unripe pods—used in vertigo and migraine. Seed oil— used in rheumatism.

The plant contains linarin (acacetin 7-rutinoside). Seeds contain fatty acids, diglycerides and phospholipids. Leaves are considered a good source of iron and calcium. Stem-bark extract—antimicrobial.... ceiba pentandra

Linn.

Family: Amaranthaceae.

Habitat: Indian gardens, as ornamental.

English: Cock's Comb

Ayurvedic: Jataadhaari.

Folk: Laal Murgaa.

Action: Seeds—demulcent; used for painful micturition, dysentery Flowers—used in menorrhagia and diarrhoea.

The plant contains betanin, and several sterols. The inflorescence contain amarantin, isoamarantin, celosianin and isocelosianin. The seeds contain 10.1-12.8% of protein and yield 7.27.9% of a fatty oil.

Choline esters of hyaluronic acid from the plant, when fed to rats, showed antiulcer and gastro-protective effect.... celosia cristata

Linn. var. utilissimus Duth. & Fuller.

Synonym: C. utilissimus Roxb.

Family: Cucurbitaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

English: Snake Cucumber.

Ayurvedic: Ervaaru, Ervaaruka, Urvaaru, Bahukanda, Karkati.

Unani: Kakari.

Siddha/Tamil: Kakkarikkay, Vellarikkai.

Action: Seeds—cooling, diuretic; used in painful micturition and suppression of urine.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the seed in dysuria and lithiasis.

Dosage: Seed—3-6 g. (API Vol. II.)... cucumis melo

Linn.

Family: Cucurbitaceae.

Habitat: Native to N. Mexico and eastern U.S.A. Now commonly cultivated in Northern India.

English: Pumpkin, Marrow.

Unani: Safed Kaddu, Kumhraa.

Siddha: Suraikayi (Tamil).

Action: See C. maxima.

Key application: Seeds—in irritated bladder condition, micturition problems of benign prostatic hyperplasia stages 1 and 2. (German Commission E, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) In childhood enuresis noctruna. (Expanded Commission E.)

The roasted and fresh seeds yield 32.2 and 38.0% of fatty oil respectively. The oil filled capsules were administered to patients suffering from hypertrophy of the prostate. Results showed that the frequent urge to urinate decreased and the urine residues were minimized.

The oil consists of the glycerides of linoleic 45, oleic 25, palmitic and stearic acids 30%. Sterols have been isolated.... cucurbita pepo

Di?culty or pain in urination. The condition is commonly associated with frequency and urgency of MICTURITION if caused by infection of the bladder (CYSTITIS) or urethra (see URETHRA, DISEASES OF). A burning feeling is common and relief is achieved by treating the underlying cause. Drinking large amounts of water may help to alleviate symptoms. If these persist, medical advice should be sought.... dysuria

Severe burning sensation during micturition... scalding of urine

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ with a wall of smooth muscle. It stores urine received from the kidneys which is released via the urethra in an action known as micturition. Common disorders, see: ENEURESIS. FREQUENCY OF URINE. GRAVEL. HAEMATURIA. INCONTINENCE. STONE IN THE BLADDER. STRANGURY. STRICTURE. URETHRITIS. URINE – PAIN ON PASSING. ... bladder disorders

Fainting, or SYNCOPE, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by inadequate supply of blood to the brain. It may be preceded by nausea, sweating, loss of vision, and ringing in the ears (see TINNITUS). It is most often caused by pooling of blood in the extremities, which reduces venous return (see CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OF THE BLOOD) and thus cardiac output: this may be due to hot weather or prolonged standing. Occasionally, fainting on standing occurs in people with low blood pressure (see HYPOTENSION), autonomic neuropathy (in which normal vasomotor re?exes are absent), or those taking antihypertensive drugs. A prolonged rise in intrathoracic pressure caused by coughing, MICTURITION, or VALSALVA’S MANOEUVRE also impedes venous return and may cause fainting. HYPOVOLAEMIA produced by bleeding, prolonged diarrhoea, or vomiting may also cause fainting, and the condition can be produced by severe pain or emotional upset. Cardiac causes, such as severe stenotic valve disease or rhythm disturbances (particularly complete heart block or very rapid tachycardias), may result in fainting (see HEART, DISEASES OF). Treatment must be directed towards the underlying cause, but immediate ?rst aid consists of laying the patient down and elevating the legs.... fainting

Roxb.

Family: Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.

Habitat: Forests of northeast Bengal, sporadic in NEFA, Manipur and upper Assam

Ayurvedic: Amlavetasa. Vetasaamla.

Folk: Thaikala (Bengal).

Action: Antiscorbutic, astringent, cooling, cardiotonic, emollient. Used in anorexia, dyspepsia, colic, liver and spleen diseases difficult micturition. Cough and other respiratory disorders, ulcers and skin diseases.

Dry fruits (pericarp) contain the benzophenones, pedunculol, garcinol and cambogin.

The heartwood gave benzophenone and xanthone.

Dosage: Fruit—5-10 ml juice. (CCRAS.)... garcinia pedunculata

Gymnema sylvestre

Asclepiadaceae

San: Mesasrngi, Madhunasini;

Hin: Gudmar, Merasimgi;

Ben: Merasingi;

Mal: Chakkarakolli, Madhunasini;

Tam: Sirukurumkay, Sakkaraikkolli;

Kan: Kadhasige;

Tel: Podapatra; Mar: Kavali

Importance: Gymnema, Australian Cowplant, Small Indian Ipecacuanha or Periploca of the woods is a woody climber. It is reported to cure cough, dyspnoea, ulcers, pitta, kapha and pain in the eyes. The plant is useful in inflammations, hepatosplenomegaly, dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, haemorrhoids, strangury, renal and vesical calculi, helminthiasis, cardiopathy, cough, asthma, bronchitis, intermittent fever, amenorrhoea, conjuctivitis and leucoderma. The fresh leaves when chewed have the remarkable property of paralysing the sense of taste for sweet and bitter substance for some time (Warrier et al, 1995). The drug is described as a destroyer of madhumeha (glycosuria) and other urinary disorders. Root has long been reputed as a remedy for snakebite. Leaves triturated and mixed with castor oil are applied to swollen glands and enlargement of internal viscera as the liver and spleen (Nadkarni, 1954). The drug is used to strengthen the function of heart, cure jaundice, piles, urinary calculi, difficult micturition and intermittent fevers (Sharma,1983). The drug enters into the composition of preparations like Ayaskrti, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighrtam, Mahakalyanakaghrtam, etc. They suppress the activity of taste of tongue for sweet taste and for this reason it was considered that it destroys sugar, hence the name Madhunashini or Gurmar and has been prescribed as an anti-diabetic. The crude drug as well as its dried aqueous extract is mainly used in bronchial troubles.

Distribution: It is a tropical climber. It mainly grows in Western Ghats, Konkan, Tamil Nadu and some parts of Bihar. The plant is cultivated in plains of India but the drug is mainly important from Afghanistan and Iran.

Botany: Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.)R. Br. syn. Asclepias germinata Roxb. belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae is a large, woody much branched climber with pubescent young parts. Leaves are simple, opposite, elliptic or ovate, more or less pubescent on both sides, base rounded or cordate. Flowers are small, yellow and arranged in umbellate cymes. Fruits are slender and follicles are upto 7.5cm long (Warrier et al, 1995).

Two allied species, G. hirsutum found in Bundelkh and Bihar and Western Ghats and G. montanum growing wild in Eastern Ghats and Konkan are also used for the same purpose and are also called “Gurmar” (Thakur et al, 1989).

Agrotechnology: The plant can be propagated both by seeds and stem cuttings. Seedlings are to be raised in polybags. Pits of size 50cm cube are to be taken, filled with 10kg dried cowdung or FYM and covered with topsoil. On these pits about 3-4 months old seedlings are to be transplanted from polybags. Trailing can be facilitated by erecting poles and tying the plants to the poles. The plant will attain good spread within one year. Regular weeding, irrigation and organic manure application are beneficial. The plant is not attacked by any serious pests or diseases. Leaves can be collected from the first year onwards at an internal of one week. This can be continued for 10-12 years. Fresh or dried leaves can be marketed (Prasad et al, 1997).

Properties and activity: Nonacosane and hentriacontane were isolated from the hexane extract of leaves. An attempt to isolate nitrogenous compounds led to the isolation of amino acids such as leucine, iso-leucine, valine, allanine and - amynobutyric acid. Isolation of trimethyl amine oxide was of particular interest. An alkaloid gynamine which is a trace constituent was isolated and identified (Sinsheimer et al, 1967). Antisweet constituent of the leaves has been found to be a mixture of triterpene saponins. These have been designated as gymnemic acids A,B,C and D which have the gymnemagenin and gymnestrogenins as the aglycones of gymnemic acid A and B and gymnemic acid C and D respectively. These are hexahydroxy triterpenes the latter being partially acylated. The sugar residues are glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid while ferulic and angelic acids have been attached as the carboxylic acid.

Chewing of leaves reduces sensitivity to sweet substances. Effects of gymnema extracts had been variable. While verifying the effect of G. sylvestre leaves on detoxification of snake venom, it has been reported that a toxic component of venom ATP and gymnemate bind at the same site inhibiting venom ATP-ase. The active principles which have been identified as glycosides (7 gymnemic acids) suggest that the topical and selective anaesthetic effect of the plant might result from the competition of the receptor sites between glycosides and the sweet substances (Warren et al, 1969). The leaves are antidiabetic and insulinotropic. Gymnemic acid is antiviral. The plant is bitter, astringent, acrid, thermogenic, antiinflammatory, anodyne, digestive, liver tonic, emetic, diuretic, stomachic, stimulant, anthelmintic, alexipharmic, laxative, cardiotonic, expectorant, antipyretic and uterine tonic.... gymnema

Linn.

Synonym: Abelmoschus moschatus Medic.

Family: Malvaceae.

Habitat: Throughout the warmer parts and hilly regions of India; also cultivated.

English: Musk Seed, Muskmallow, Ambette Seed.

Ayurvedic: Lataakasturi, Lataakas- turikaa, Kattaphala, Katuka.

Unani: Mushkdaanaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Kasturi-vendai.

Action: Seeds—diuretic, antispas- modic, stomachic, nervine (nervous debility, hysteria and other nervous disorders). Used externally for skin diseases and itch. Mucilage made from the root and leaves is prescribed in venereal diseases, urinary discharges and painful micturition. Seeds, steeped in water, are used for asthma, cold, flu.

Fatty oil of seeds contains phospholipids—alpha cephalin, phosphatidyl- serine and its plasmalogen and phos- phatidylcholine plasmalogen. Absolute contains farnesol and ambrettolic acid lactones.

The seeds contain chiefly 2-trans, 6-trans-farnesyl acetate, 2-cis, 6-trans farnesyl acetate and ambrettolide. The leaves contain beta-sitosterol and its beta-D-glucoside.

Dosage: Seed—2-4 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)... hibiscus abelmoschus

Linn. var. saxatillis Palias.

Synonym: J. communis auct. non L.

Family: Pinaceae; Cupressaceae.

Habitat: Native to Europe and North America. Distributed in Western Himalayas from Kumaon westwards at 1,700-4,200 m.

English: Common Juniper.

Ayurvedic: Hapushaa, Havushaa, Haauber, Matsyagandha.

Unani: Abahal, Haauber, Hubb-ul- arar, Aarar.

Action: Berries—diuretic, urinary antiseptic, carminative, digestive, sudorific, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue. Used for acute and chronic cystitis, renal suppression (scanty micturition), catarrh of the bladder, albuminuria, amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea. Aerial parts—abortifacient.

Key application: In dyspepsia. (German Commission E.) Juniper berry may increase glucose levels in diabetics. (ESCOP.) As a diuretic.

(The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the dried fruit in malabsorption syndrome.

Animal studies have shown an increase in urine excretion as well as a direct effect on sooth muscle contraction. (German Commission E, ESCOP.)Con- traindicated in kidney disease. (Sharon M. Herr.)

(In Kerala, Hapushaa and Mundi are considered to be synonyms; Syphaer- anthus indicus,Asteraceae, is used as Hapushaa.)

The major constituents of the volatile oil are alpha-pinene, sabinene and alpha-terpinene. Methanolic extract of the plant gave several labdane diter- penoids and diterpenes. The leaves contain the biflavones, cupressufla- vone, amentoflavone, hinokiflavone, isocryptomerin and sciadopitysin. The berries also contain condensed tannins. Seeds gave haemagglutinin.

Juniperus recurva Buch-Ham ex D. Don, syn. J. excelsa auct. non-Bieb. (temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan) is known as Weeping Blue Juniper. J. macropoda Boiss. (the Himalaya from Nepal onwards) is known as Himalayan Indian Juniper. Both the species are used like J. communis var. saxatillis.

The berries gave a diterpene ketone, sugrol, beta-sitosterol glucoside and 10-nonacosanol.

Plant extract can be used in toothpastes and mouth-rinses to reduce dental plaque and bleeding.

Dosage: Dried fruit—2-6 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)... juniperus communis

Linn.

Family: Pedaliaceae.

Habitat: Throughout the plains of India.

English: Caltrops (bigger var.).

Ayurvedic: Brihatgokshura, Kshouraka, Trikantaka, Gokantaka, Swaadukantaka, Bhakshantaka.

Unani: Khaar-e-khasak Kalaan, Gokharu Kalaan.

Siddha/Tamil: Peru-neranji, Annai- neringi.

Action: Fruit—used for spermatorrhoea, nocturnal emissions, menstrual irregularities, puerperal diseases, genitourinary disorders, difficult micturition, chronic cystitis, renal calculus. Root— antibilious.

The stem and fruits contain flavo- noids pedalitin and its glucoside (ped- aliin), diometin, dinatin and its derivatives. The fruits contain nonaco- sane, tritriacontane, triacontanoic acid, sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside, rubusic acid, luteolin as major constituents. Leaves and fruits yield phenolic acids which include caffeic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids. Flowers gave dinatin, quercetin and quercetin- 7-glucoside.

Aqueous extract of the fruit is reported to produce in vitro inhibitory effect on crystallization in urinary lithi- asis. The solubility of uric acid in aqueous extract is reported to be 45% more than in water alone.

The plant extracts exhibit diuretic activity.

Dosage: Fruit, root—3-5 g powder; 50-100 ml. decoction. (CCRAS.)... pedalium murex

The part of the body concerned with the formation and excretion of urine. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys (with their blood and nerve supplies), the renal pelvises (funnelshaped ducts that channel urine from the kidneys), the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra.

The kidneys make urine by filtering blood.

The urine collects in the renal pelvises and is then passed down the ureters into the bladder by the actions of gravity and peristalsis.

Urine is stored in the bladder until there is a sufficient amount present to stimulate micturition.

When the bladder contracts, the urine is expelled through the urethra.... urinary tract

a combined X-ray and manometry examination of the bladder to look for abnormal function. The bladder is filled slowly with contrast medium using a small urinary catheter and the pressure is monitored during filling and voiding (micturition). X-ray images of the bladder and urethra (see urethrography) are taken. The test is used to differentiate between obstruction to bladder outflow and abnormal involuntary contractions of the muscle in the bladder wall.... bladder pressure study

Lam.

Synonym: S. cordata (Burm. f.) Borssum. S. humilis Cav.

Family: Malvaceae.

Habitat: Throughout hotter parts of India.

Ayurvedic: Raajabalaa, Bhumibalaa, Prasaarini, Suprasaraa (also equated with Naagabalaa, Grewia hirsuta).

Siddha/Tamil: Palampasi.

Folk: Farid-booti.

Action: Fruits and flowers—used for burning sensation in micturition. Leaves—juice, used for diarrhoea; poultice applied to cuts and bruises. Root bark—used for leucorrhoea and genitourinary affections.

In experimental animals, the herb prevented arthritic swellings.

The plant contains beta-phenethyl- amines, quinazoline, carboxylated tryptamine, linoleic acid, malvalic acid, sterculic acid and gossypol.

Dosage: Root—10-20 ml juice; 50100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... sida veronicaefolia

Another word for fainting – a loss of consciousness due to a fall in BLOOD PRESSURE. This may result because the cardiac output has become reduced, or because the peripheral resistance provided by the arterioles has decreased. The simple faint or vaso-vagal attack is a result of a failure to maintain an adequate venous return of blood to the heart. This is likely to occur after prolonged periods of standing, particularly if one is standing still or if the climatic conditions are hot. It can also result from an unpleasant or painful experience. Pallor, sweating and a slow pulse are characteristic. Recovery is immediate when the venous return is restored by lying ?at.

Syncope can also result when the venous return to the heart is impaired as a result of a rise in intrathoracic pressure. This may happen after prolonged vigorous coughing – the so-called COUGH SYNCOPE – or when elderly men with prostatic hypertrophy strain to empty their bladder. This is known as micturition syncope. Syncope is particularly likely to occur when the arterial blood pressure is unusually low. This may result from overtreatment of HYPERTENSION with drugs or it may be the result of diseases, such as ADDISON’S DISEASE, which are associated with low blood pressures. It is important that syncope be distinguished from EPILEPSY.... syncope

Trauma Injury to the urethra is often the result of severe trauma to the pelvis – for example, in a car accident or as the result of a fall. Trauma can also result from catheter insertion (see CATHETERS) or the insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra. The signs are the inability to pass urine, and blood at the exit of the urethra. The major complication of trauma is the development of a urethral stricture (see below).

Urethritis is in?ammation of the urethra from infection.

Causes The sexually transmitted disease GONORRHOEA affects the urethra, mainly in men, and causes severe in?ammation and urethritis. Non-speci?c urethritis (NSU) is an in?ammation of the urethra caused by one of many di?erent micro-organisms including BACTERIA, YEAST and CHLAMYDIA.

Symptoms The classic signs and symptoms are a urethral discharge associated with urethral pain, particularly on micturition (passing urine), and DYSURIA.

Treatment This involves taking urethral swabs, culturing the causative organism and treating it with the appropriate antibiotic. The complications of urethritis include stricture formation.

Stricture This is an abrupt narrowing of the urethra at one or more places. Strictures can be a result of trauma or infection or a congenital abnormality from birth. Rarely, tumours can cause strictures.

Symptoms The usual presenting complaint is one of a slow urinary stream. Other symptoms include hesitancy of micturition, variable stream and terminal dribbling. Measurement of the urine ?ow rate may help in the diagnosis, but often strictures are detected during cystoscopy (see CYSTOSCOPE).

Treatment The traditional treatment was the periodic dilation of the strictures with ‘sounds’

– solid metal rods passed into the urethra. However, a more permanent solution is achieved by cutting the stricture with an endoscopic knife (optical urethrotomy). For more complicated long or multiple strictures, an open operation (urethroplasty) is required.... urethra, diseases of and injury to

n. a congenital abnormality in which the opening of the *urethra is on the underside of the penis: either on the glans penis (glandular hypospadias), at the junction of the glans with the shaft (coronal hypospadias), on the shaft itself (penile hypospadias), or in the perineum (perineal hypospadias). All varieties can be treated surgically, and neither micturition nor sexual function need be impaired. See MAGPI operation.... hypospadias

abnormal bulging down of the *perineum as a result of weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. It often accompanies problems with defecation and micturition.... perineal descent

n. the presence of spermatozoa in the urine. Spermatozoa are occasionally seen on microscopic examination of the urine and their presence is not abnormal. If present in large numbers, the urine becomes cloudy, usually towards the end of micturition. Abnormal ejaculation into the bladder on orgasm (retrograde ejaculation) may occur after *prostatectomy or other surgical procedures or in neurological conditions that destroy the ability of the bladder neck to close on ejaculation.... spermaturia

(micturition) n. the periodic discharge of urine from the bladder through the urethra. It is initiated by voluntary relaxation of the sphincter muscle below the bladder and maintained by reflex contraction of the muscles of the bladder wall.... urination

Diseases of the URINARY BLADDER are diagnosed by the patient’s symptoms and signs, examination of the URINE, and using investigations such as X-RAYS and ULTRASOUND scans. The interior of the bladder can be examined using a cystoscope, which is a ?breoptic endoscope (see FIBREOPTIC ENDOSCOPY) that is passed into the bladder via the URETHRA.

Cystitis Most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria which have spread from the bowel, especially Escherichia coli, and entered the bladder via the urethra. Females are more prone to cystitis than are males, owing to their shorter urethra which allows easier entry for bacteria. Chronic or recurrent cystitis may result in infection spreading up the ureter to the kidney (see KIDNEY, DISEASES OF).

Symptoms Typically there is frequency and urgency of MICTURITION, with stinging and burning on passing urine (dysuria), which is often smelly or bloodstained. In severe infection patients develop fever and rigors, or loin pain. Before starting treatment a urine sample should be obtained for laboratory testing, including identi?cation of the invading bacteria.

Treatment This includes an increased ?uid intake, ANALGESICS, doses of potassium citrate to make the urine alkaline to discourage bacterial growth, and an appropriate course of ANTIBIOTICS once a urine sample has been ana-lysed in the laboratory to con?rm the diagnosis and determine what antibiotics the causative organism is likely to respond to.

Stone or calculus The usual reason for the formation of a bladder stone is an obstruction to the bladder out?ow, which results in stagnant residual urine – ideal conditions for the crystallisation of the chemicals that form stones – or from long-term indwelling CATHETERS which weaken the natural mechanical protection against bacterial entry and, by bruising the lining tissues, encourage infection.

Symptoms The classic symptom is a stoppage in the ?ow of urine during urination, associated with severe pain and the passage of blood.

Treatment This involves surgical removal of the stone either endoscopically (litholapaxy); by passing a cystoscope into the bladder via the urethra and breaking the stone; or by LITHOTRIPSY in which the stone (or stones) is destroyed by applying ultrasonic shock waves. If the stone cannot be destroyed by these methods, the bladder is opened and the stone removed (cystolithotomy).

Cancer Cancer of the bladder accounts for 7 per cent of all cancers in men and 2·5 per cent in women. The incidence increases with age, with smoking and with exposure to the industrial chemicals, beta-napththylamine and benzidine. In 2003, 2,884 men and 1,507 women died of bladder cancer in England and Wales.

Symptoms The classical presenting symptom of a bladder cancer is the painless passing of blood in the urine – haematuria. All patients with haematuria must be investigated with an X-ray of their kidneys, an INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM (UROGRAM) and a cystoscopy.

Treatment Super?cial bladder tumours on the lining of the bladder can be treated by local removal via the cystoscope using DIATHERMY (cystodiathermy). Invasive cancers into the bladder muscle are usually treated with RADIOTHERAPY, systemic CHEMOTHERAPY or surgical removal of the bladder (cystectomy). Local chemotherapy may be useful in some patients with multiple small tumours.... urinary bladder, diseases of

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Spreng. French: Busserole. German: Gemeine Ba?rrentraube. Italian: Uva d’orso. Dried leaves.

Contains hydroquinones, iridoids, flavonoids. Keynote: highly acid urine.

Action. Diuretic, urinary antiseptic, astringent, haemostatic, oxytocic.

Uses: smarting cystitis, painful micturition, urethritis, blood in the urine, urinary retention, oedema of legs or face, bed-wetting, diarrhoea, dysentery, profuse menstruation, leucorrhoea (chronic).

Combinations. With Dandelion root for dropsy. With Broom, Buchu and Clivers for inflammation of urinary tract and bladder. With Couch Grass as a urinary antiseptic.

Soothing combination for kidney relief and renal backache: Bearberry 15 per cent, Couchgrass 15 per cent, Wild Carrot 15 per cent, Buchu 10 per cent, Alfalfa 45 per cent. Tea: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water. Infuse 10 minutes, 1 cup twice daily.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tea. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; Dose: half-1 cup.

Liquid extract BHC Vol 1. 1:1, in 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 1.5-2.5ml.

Tincture BHC Vol 1. 1:5. in 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-4ml.

Powder. 250mg. (One 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon).

Tablets. Popular combination. Powdered Dandelion root BHP (1983) 90mg; powdered Horsetail extract 3:1 10mg; powdered Uva Ursi extract 3:1 75mg. To assist urinary flow and prevent fluid retention. Precautions. Not used in pregnancy, kidney disorders, lactation. Large doses may cause vomiting. Should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a practitioner. ... bearberry

Linn.

Family: Urticaceae.

Habitat: North-western Himalaya from Kashmir to Simla at 2,4003,600 m.

English: Stinging Nettle.

Ayurvedic: Vrishchhiyaa-shaaka (related species).

Unani: Anjuraa.

Folk: Shisuun (Kumaon).

Action: Plant—diuretic, astringent, antihaemorrhagic; eliminates uric acid from the body, detoxifies the blood. Externally, astringent and haemostatic.

Used internally for the treatment of nephritis, haemoptysis and other haemorrhages.

Key application: Above ground parts—as a supportive therapy for rheumatic ailments (internally and externally). Internally, in irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and prevention and treatment of kidney gravel. (German Commission E, ESCOP, The British Herbal Compendium, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Root—in symptomatic treatment of micturition disorders (dysuria, pol- lakiuria, nocturia, urine retention) in benign prostatic hyperplasia at stages I and II. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

Clinical experiments have confirmed the utility of the herb as a haemostatic in uterine haemorrhage and bleeding from nose. The herb is also used in sciatica, rheumatism and palsy. The treatment for paralysis comprises slapping the patient with a bundle of twigs. Alcoholic extract of Russian sp. is used in the cholecystitis and habitual constipation.

The root exhibits an antiprolifera- tive effect on prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. It may also lessen the effects of androgenic hormones by competitively blocking acess to human sex hormone binding globulin. (Planta Med, 63, 1997; ibid, 66, 2000. Also, ESCOP monograph; Altern Complem Ther, 1998; Simon Mills; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

In Europe, the juice of the leaves or roots, mixed with honey or sugar, was prescribed forbronchial asthma. In the USA, a freeze-dried preparation of the herb (300 mg gelatin capsules) has been found to improve condition of allergic rhinitis patients. The powdered seeds were considered a cure for goitre. (M. Grieve.)

The urticating properties of the hairs are attributed to the presence of acetyl- choline, histamine and 5-hydroxytryp- tamine (5-HT). A histamine-liberating enzyme is also present.

Acetylcholine is present in the leaves, rootlets, rhizomes and cortex in the ascending order of concentration. Histamine is not present in the underground parts of the plant. Its concentration in the leaves is about four times than that in the stem-cortex. Betaine and choline are present in the leaves.

The leaves gave flavonoids (including rutin), sterols, carotenoids, vitamins (including C, B group, K), minerals, plant phenolic acids. The coumarin scopoletin has been isolated from the flowers and the root.

A polysaccharide fraction obtained from aqueous extract showed anti- inflammatory activity in carrageenan- induced rat paw oedema and lymphocyte transformation test. A lectin was found to stimulate proliferation of human lymphocytes. (Planta Med, 55, 1989.)

The leaf and root is contraindicat- ed in kidney disease and pregnancy. 5-hydroxytryptamine is a uterotropic constituent. (Francis Brinker.)... urtica dioica

Cleavers. Goosegrass. Galium aparine L. French: Gratterton. German: Klebelabkraut. Spanish: Presera. Italian: Cappelo da tignosi.

Constituents: anthraquinone derivatives, flavonoids, iridoids, polyphonic acids.

Action. Lymphatic alterative and detoxifier, diuretic, astringent tonic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, adaptogen, anti-neoplastic.

Uses: Enlarged lymph nodes, especially cervical neck nodes, cystic and nodular changes in the glands. Nodular goitre. John Wesley, evangelist, claimed that it dispersed some hard swellings (tea internally, poultice externally). Used in prescriptions for obesity until recent years. Even Galen wrote that it could make fat folk lean. For dry skin disorders (psoriasis, etc).

Urinary disorders: suppression, painful micturition, irritable bladder. Said to be a stone-solvent. Frequently used with Marshmallow for gravel. Dropsy (with Broom). Bed-wetting.

Cleansing drink for malignant conditions. The ancient world used it for cancer, but experiments fail to confirm.

Freckles: Clivers tea as a wash for skin.

Combination (traditional) for blood and glands: equal parts Ground Ivy, Bladderwrack and Clivers. Combination for kidney and bladder: equal parts Uva Ursi, Buchu and Clivers: 1oz to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; half-1 cup thrice daily.

Combination for cystitis: equal parts Iceland Moss, Marshmallow and Clivers; prepare tea. Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tea. 1 teaspoon herb to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup.

Juice from fresh plant. 1-3 teaspoons. Terminal cases – half-1 wineglass or as much as tolerated.

Liquid extract, BHC Vol 1. 1:1, in 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-4ml.

Tincture, BHC Vol 1. 1:5, in 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 4-10ml.

Poultice: fresh plant crushed with aid of rolling pin. Applied cold.

Note: Eaten as a vegetable in China. ... clivers

Juniperus communis L. German: Wacholder. French: Genie?vre. Spanish: Junipero. Italian: Ginepro. Chinese: Kuli. Iranian: Abhala. Arabian: Habul hurer. Indian: Hanbera. Dried ripe berries. Keynotes: kidney and bladder.

Constituents: volatile oil, resin, grape sugar, diterpene acids, tannins, Vitamin C.

Action: urinary antiseptic, stimulating diuretic, digestive tonic, emmenagogue, parasiticide (externally), carminative, sudorific. The action of gin as a diuretic is due to oil expressed from the berries. Anti- diabetic (unconfirmed).

Uses: Cystitis, renal suppression (scanty micturition), catarrh of the bladder, proteinuria (albuminuria). Digestive weakness caused by poor secretion of gastric juices, flatulence. Aching muscles due to excess lactic acid. Amenorrhoea.

External. Aromatherapy for gout: lotion for joints. As an ingredient of massage oils for rheumatism and arthritis. Cirrhosis of the liver: upper abdominal massage.

Combination: Parsley Piert enhances action in bladder disorders. Combines well with Wild Carrot and Hydrangea for stone.

Preparations: Thrice daily, or as prescribed.

Tea: half-1 teaspoon crushed berries to each cup boiling water; infuse 30 minutes. Half-1 cup.

Tablets/capsules. 250mg. 1-2.

Tincture BHP (1983): 1 part to 5 parts 45 per cent alcohol. 1-2ml.

Basis of Martini and gin (gin and tonic).

Oil: 5-6 drops in honey after meals.

Aromatherapy. 3-6 drops in two teaspoons Almond oil or other base oil, for massage. Precaution. Not used internally without a break for every two weeks. Contra-indicated: pregnancy, Bright’s disease. ... juniper berries

n. a technique for X-ray examination of the urethra. *Contrast medium is introduced into the urethra so that its outline and any narrowing or other abnormalities may be observed in X-ray images (urethrograms). In ascending (or antegrade) urethrography contrast medium is injected up the urethra using a special syringe and penile clamp. In descending urethrography (or micturating cystourethrography, MCU), X-rays of the urethra can be taken during the passing of water-soluble contrast material previously instilled into the bladder in order to demonstrate abnormal urethral narrowing or disorders of micturition, particularly bladder emptying.... urethrography