| Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS |
Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] HEALTH
BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Witch Hazel grows in North America and Europe. Native Americans
believe that its leaves and bark may have benefits on hemorrhoids,
wounds, painful tumors, insect bites, and skin ulcers. [1] Some
studies have shown its anti-inflammatory activities. [2,3] A study
showed its benefits of topical use on eczema while another trial
didn't. [4,5] Actually, there is a report that Witch Hazel caused
contact dermatitis or allergy. [11] Side Effects of the internal use
of Witch Hazel include stomach irritation and cramping.[6]
How does Witch Hazel benefit skin conditions?
Extracts from Witch Hazel bark have long been used in therapy of
skin diseases and in cosmetic formulas. Researchers from
Glycopharmacy Research Group, Switzerland, isolated two major
classes of constituents, namely polymeric proanthocyanidins and
polysaccharides from Witch Hazel bark. They found that the
proanthocyanidins strongly increased the proliferation of the
cultured human keratinocytes, but not influenced the differentiation
significantly. Within a preliminary cumulative in vivo study on SLS-
irritated skin, researchers proved that proanthocyanidins
(ProcyanoPlus) could reduce transepidermal water loss and
erythema formation. Furthermore, a clinical scoring indicated that
procyanidins could influence irritative processes significantly. [7]
TNF and actinomycin D caused significant DNA fragmentation and
cytotoxicity of EAhy926 endothelial cell. Researchers from The
University of Greenwich, UK, found that hamamelitannin from Witch
Hazel inhibited the TNF-mediated endothelial cell death and DNA
fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. The observed anti-
TNF activity of hamamelitannin may explain the antihamorrhaegic
use of Witch Hazel in traditional medicine and its claimed use as a
protective agent for UV radiation.[8]
Why some people believe that Witch Hazel may
have anti-cancer activities?
Researchers from Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-
Nurnberg, Germany, showed the antimutagenic activities of a
commercial tincture and a methanolic extract in a dose-dependent
fashion. The mutagenicity was induced by 2-nitrofluorene.
However, They found tannin-free samples did not display any
inhibition. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of
two active fractions which were shown to contain oligomeric,
proanthocyanidins. They were capable of inhibiting the mutagenicity
of selected nitroaromatic compounds. The proanthocyanidins acted
as direct-acting desmutagens. The antimutagenic effect increased
with an increasing degree of polymerisation in the
proanthocyanidins. The most active fraction consisted of catechin
and gallocatechin oligomers with an average polymerisation degree
of 9.2. [10]
Witch Hazel may have benefits of antiviral and antiphlogistic
activities.
Erdelmeier CA from Dr. Willmar Schwabe Arzneimittel,Germany,
demonstrated that a fraction of Witch Hazel extract had a
significant antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1
(HSV-1). In addition, a concentrate of Witch Hazel extract
displayed radical scavenging properties, inhibited alpha-glucosidase
as well as human leukocyte elastase (HLE), and exhibited strong
antiphlogistic effects in the croton oil ear edema test in the mouse.
This concentrate was found to contain mainly hamamelitannin,
catechin, and some unidentified constituents. [12]
Does Witch Hazel have anti-inflammatory activities?
Researchers from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK,
demostrated the anti-inflammtory activities of aqueous ethanolic
extracts of Witch Hazel in a study of induced carrageenan rat paw
oedema. [13]
Does Witch Hazel have benefits in diabetes?
In a rat epididymal adipocyte assay, researchers from U.S.
Department of Agriculture noticed the insulin activity of Witch Hazel
extract. They found the extracts they tested contained mainly
phenolics. [14]
What are the active ingredients?
Researchers found that Witch Hazel contains gallic acid, ethyl
gallate, quercetin, and kaempferol. [9]It also contains
proanthocyanidins. [10] Hamamelitannin seems to be important to
its health claims. [13]
THOUGH WITCH HAZEL SEEMS TO HAVE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS, CLINICAL
STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO PROVE THE CLAIMS. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR
REFERENCE ONLY. YOU HAVE TO CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS. BEFOER USING ANY HERBS, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006.
References 1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1985, 221. 2. Bernard P, Balansard P, Balansard G, Bovis A. Venotonic
pharmacodynamic value of galenic preparations with a base of hamamelis leaves. J
Pharm Belg 1972;27:505–12. 3. Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Hart H, et al. Anti-
inflammatory activity of Hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. Eur J Clin
Pharmacol 1993;44:315–8. 4. Swoboda M, Meurer J. Treatment of atopic dermatitis
with Hamamelis ointment. Br J Phytother 1991/2;2:128–32. 5. Korting HC, Schafer-
Korting M, Klovekorn W, et al. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and
hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;48:461–5. 6.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products AssociationÂ’s
Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 105. [7] Deters A, et
al, High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from
Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and
differentiation and influence on irritated skin.Phytochemistry. 2001 Nov;58(6):949-
58. [8] Habtemariam S.Hamamelitannin from Hamamelis virginiana inhibits the
tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-induced endothelial cell death in vitro.Toxicon.
2002 Jan;40(1):83-8. [9] Kostalova D, Misikova E, Gaborova G.Polyphenol
compounds from Hamamelis virginiana L.Ceska Slov Farm. 2001 Jan;50(1):51-3.
[10] Dauer A, Metzner P, Schimmer O.Proanthocyanidins from the bark of
Hamamelis virginiana exhibit antimutagenic properties against nitroaromatic
compounds.Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):324-7. [11] Granlund H.Contact allergy to
witch hazel.Contact Dermatitis. 1994 Sep;31(3):195. [12] Erdelmeier CA, et al,
Antiviral and antiphlogistic activities of Hamamelis virginiana bark.Planta Med. 1996
Jun;62(3):241-5.[13] Duwiejua M, et al, Anti-inflammatory activity of Polygonum
bistorta, Guaiacum officinale and Hamamelis virginiana in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol.
1994 Apr;46(4):286-90. [14] Broadhurst CL, et al, Insulin-like biological activity of
culinary and medicinal plant aqueous extracts in vitro.J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Mar;
48(3):849-52.
BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Witch Hazel grows in North America and Europe. Native Americans
believe that its leaves and bark may have benefits on hemorrhoids,
wounds, painful tumors, insect bites, and skin ulcers. [1] Some
studies have shown its anti-inflammatory activities. [2,3] A study
showed its benefits of topical use on eczema while another trial
didn't. [4,5] Actually, there is a report that Witch Hazel caused
contact dermatitis or allergy. [11] Side Effects of the internal use
of Witch Hazel include stomach irritation and cramping.[6]
How does Witch Hazel benefit skin conditions?
Extracts from Witch Hazel bark have long been used in therapy of
skin diseases and in cosmetic formulas. Researchers from
Glycopharmacy Research Group, Switzerland, isolated two major
classes of constituents, namely polymeric proanthocyanidins and
polysaccharides from Witch Hazel bark. They found that the
proanthocyanidins strongly increased the proliferation of the
cultured human keratinocytes, but not influenced the differentiation
significantly. Within a preliminary cumulative in vivo study on SLS-
irritated skin, researchers proved that proanthocyanidins
(ProcyanoPlus) could reduce transepidermal water loss and
erythema formation. Furthermore, a clinical scoring indicated that
procyanidins could influence irritative processes significantly. [7]
TNF and actinomycin D caused significant DNA fragmentation and
cytotoxicity of EAhy926 endothelial cell. Researchers from The
University of Greenwich, UK, found that hamamelitannin from Witch
Hazel inhibited the TNF-mediated endothelial cell death and DNA
fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. The observed anti-
TNF activity of hamamelitannin may explain the antihamorrhaegic
use of Witch Hazel in traditional medicine and its claimed use as a
protective agent for UV radiation.[8]
Why some people believe that Witch Hazel may
have anti-cancer activities?
Researchers from Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-
Nurnberg, Germany, showed the antimutagenic activities of a
commercial tincture and a methanolic extract in a dose-dependent
fashion. The mutagenicity was induced by 2-nitrofluorene.
However, They found tannin-free samples did not display any
inhibition. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of
two active fractions which were shown to contain oligomeric,
proanthocyanidins. They were capable of inhibiting the mutagenicity
of selected nitroaromatic compounds. The proanthocyanidins acted
as direct-acting desmutagens. The antimutagenic effect increased
with an increasing degree of polymerisation in the
proanthocyanidins. The most active fraction consisted of catechin
and gallocatechin oligomers with an average polymerisation degree
of 9.2. [10]
Witch Hazel may have benefits of antiviral and antiphlogistic
activities.
Erdelmeier CA from Dr. Willmar Schwabe Arzneimittel,Germany,
demonstrated that a fraction of Witch Hazel extract had a
significant antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1
(HSV-1). In addition, a concentrate of Witch Hazel extract
displayed radical scavenging properties, inhibited alpha-glucosidase
as well as human leukocyte elastase (HLE), and exhibited strong
antiphlogistic effects in the croton oil ear edema test in the mouse.
This concentrate was found to contain mainly hamamelitannin,
catechin, and some unidentified constituents. [12]
Does Witch Hazel have anti-inflammatory activities?
Researchers from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK,
demostrated the anti-inflammtory activities of aqueous ethanolic
extracts of Witch Hazel in a study of induced carrageenan rat paw
oedema. [13]
Does Witch Hazel have benefits in diabetes?
In a rat epididymal adipocyte assay, researchers from U.S.
Department of Agriculture noticed the insulin activity of Witch Hazel
extract. They found the extracts they tested contained mainly
phenolics. [14]
What are the active ingredients?
Researchers found that Witch Hazel contains gallic acid, ethyl
gallate, quercetin, and kaempferol. [9]It also contains
proanthocyanidins. [10] Hamamelitannin seems to be important to
its health claims. [13]
THOUGH WITCH HAZEL SEEMS TO HAVE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS, CLINICAL
STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO PROVE THE CLAIMS. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR
REFERENCE ONLY. YOU HAVE TO CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS. BEFOER USING ANY HERBS, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006.
References 1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1985, 221. 2. Bernard P, Balansard P, Balansard G, Bovis A. Venotonic
pharmacodynamic value of galenic preparations with a base of hamamelis leaves. J
Pharm Belg 1972;27:505–12. 3. Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Hart H, et al. Anti-
inflammatory activity of Hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. Eur J Clin
Pharmacol 1993;44:315–8. 4. Swoboda M, Meurer J. Treatment of atopic dermatitis
with Hamamelis ointment. Br J Phytother 1991/2;2:128–32. 5. Korting HC, Schafer-
Korting M, Klovekorn W, et al. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and
hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;48:461–5. 6.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products AssociationÂ’s
Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 105. [7] Deters A, et
al, High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from
Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and
differentiation and influence on irritated skin.Phytochemistry. 2001 Nov;58(6):949-
58. [8] Habtemariam S.Hamamelitannin from Hamamelis virginiana inhibits the
tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-induced endothelial cell death in vitro.Toxicon.
2002 Jan;40(1):83-8. [9] Kostalova D, Misikova E, Gaborova G.Polyphenol
compounds from Hamamelis virginiana L.Ceska Slov Farm. 2001 Jan;50(1):51-3.
[10] Dauer A, Metzner P, Schimmer O.Proanthocyanidins from the bark of
Hamamelis virginiana exhibit antimutagenic properties against nitroaromatic
compounds.Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):324-7. [11] Granlund H.Contact allergy to
witch hazel.Contact Dermatitis. 1994 Sep;31(3):195. [12] Erdelmeier CA, et al,
Antiviral and antiphlogistic activities of Hamamelis virginiana bark.Planta Med. 1996
Jun;62(3):241-5.[13] Duwiejua M, et al, Anti-inflammatory activity of Polygonum
bistorta, Guaiacum officinale and Hamamelis virginiana in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol.
1994 Apr;46(4):286-90. [14] Broadhurst CL, et al, Insulin-like biological activity of
culinary and medicinal plant aqueous extracts in vitro.J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Mar;
48(3):849-52.
