Progast^® Gastrointestinal Support Drops – Real Ingredients

Progast^® – The Power of Ten

The art of the combination of herbal preparations is a typical feature within phytotherapy¹ and has been at the heart of herbal medicine for thousands of years and in all ancient cultures. A combined herbal preparation has the potential of becoming more than the sum of its parts².

As a general rule, the action of a single herb does not usually meet the requirements for the treatment of a complex condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Typically, combinations of, for example, aromatic and bitter substances are used in synergy.^3,4

One herb taken repeatedly (unless it is a tonic such as ginseng) is limited in its scope of action. Phytotherapy has always been an important part in the therapy of gastrointestinal diseases. A good example to combining herbs successfully for the relief and discomfort of gastrointestinal disorders, was demonstrated in an evidence-based study.⁵

The herbal extracts in Progast^® were selected because of its similar purpose, targeting different symptoms. One herb has a primary function, the others either facilitate that function or counterbalances any possible negative reaction. And not only are the presenting symptoms attended to but also the underlying constitutional imbalances that give rise to them.

Ingredients in Progast^® Gastrointestinal Support Drops

1. Ulmus Rubra Muh. (Slippery Elm) – we use the bark

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm alludes to the mucilaginous (thick, gluey) inner bark and has long been used (dried and powdered) as a demulcent, forming a soothing film over mucous membranes. It is traditionally used to coat the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines.

Demulcents (such as  honey and glycerine) are known as muco-protective. Herbalists prescribe slippery elm as a coating against acidity and to ease the discomfort caused by acid reflux, pain and inflammation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, slippery elm causes reflex stimulation of nerve endings in the GI tract, leading to mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect against stomach ulcers and excess acidity.

Slippery elm was an active in two IBS remedies tested in a pilot study, and both remedies showed enhanced bowel movements in patients with constipation-predominant inflammatory bowel conditions.⁶

The damaging effect of reactive oxygen metabolites (the by-product of oxygen metabolism) to normal tissue and cell growth, have been shown in patients with inflammatory bowel disease⁷. The antioxidant effect of slippery elm interferes with oxidative metabolism.⁸

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2. Zingiber Officinale L. (Ginger) – we use the root

Ginger

Generally used to alleviate nausea, cramping, bloating and indigestion, ginger works by stimulating digestive enzyme secretions in the gut.⁹

This popular herb helps to relax the smooth muscles in your gut lining and assists with digestion by speeding up the movement of food in the intestinal tract.¹⁰

Promising research shows ginger improves, maintains and protects the barrier function during gut inflammation. It did so by decreasing the levels of nitrite.¹¹

Ginger with its numerous bioactive molecules was shown in a cancer study to not only target cancer cells, but can also reduce chemotherapy‐associated side effects.^12,13

Anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiulcer effects of ginger have been proven in many scientific studies, and some of the ancient applications of ginger as a home remedy has been confirmed.¹⁴

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3. Matricaria Recutita (German Chamomile) – we use the flower

German Chamomile

Matricaria Recutita or more commonly known as German Chamomile, has long been used for its gentle & powerful relaxation from anxiety.

As an anti-inflammatory,¹⁵ the herb eases irritated, spastic smooth muscles in the digestive tract and assists with cramping. Chamomile is particularly helpful in dispelling gas and relieving constipation and indigestion. It possesses anti-oxidant, anti-secretory and anti-spasmodic activities.¹⁶

Recent findings confirmed chamomile’s use in traditional medicine as a potent anti-diarrheal.¹⁷ It also inhibits Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach ulcers.¹⁸

Chamomile has both carminative and spasmolytic effects, making it one of the most useful medicinal herbs in acute gastric diseases. The flower heads contain flavonoids, which contribute to the spasmolytic activity and is therefore used in painful gastrointestinal spasms as well as acute gastritis, ulcers, and dyspepsia (spastic complaints of the upper gastrointestinal tract).¹⁹

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4. Angelica Archangelica  Linn. (Norwegian Angelica or Wild Celery) – we use the root

Norwegian Angelica

Because it is a bitter herb, ingesting it assists in bile production necessary for digestion. Angelica (holy or angel plant) has been used traditionally as a digestive tonic, and is one of the most respected medicinal herbs in Nordic countries.

In traditional Chinese medicine, angelica root is used for tonifying, replenishing, relieving pain and lubricating the intestine.

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia describes the actions of Angelica as ‘spasmolytic, diaphoretic, expectorant, bitter aromatic, carminative, diuretic’ and says it is indicated for, amongst other conditions, dyspepsia. Angelica showed anti-ulcerogenic activity²⁰ against gastric ulcers and antitumor effects in breast cancer.²¹ Angelica root has an excellent anti-inflammatory profile.²²

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5. Carum Carvi (Caraway) – we use the fruit

Caraway

Caraway is a much-loved family herb in many traditional cultures, and a particularly key remedy in the treatment of infant colic.²³

According to the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, the plant exerted many pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antioxidant, analgesic and diuretic. Caraway relieves gastrointestinal cramps, flatulence, indigestion and symptoms associated with irritable bowel by smoothing muscle contraction, especially when used as a herbal preparation.²⁴ It has sown effective in relieving dyspeptic symptoms. Caraway protects the colon by stimulating the tone of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, increasing mucus secretion¹⁹ and shows antimicrobial and antifungal activity.²⁵

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6. Silybum Marianum L. Gaertn. (Milk thistle) – we use the fruit

Milk thistle

This thorny herb’s fruit contains a series of bitter-tasting chemicals that work to stimulate the production of bile in the liver and the release of bile into the duodenum.

Poor bile release or production, results in symptoms like indigestion and flatulence or bloating.²⁶ Milk thistle has anti-inflammatory²⁷ and antioxidant activity as it modulates the immune response.²⁸ It has long been used in the treatment of liver diseases and decreases the activity of tumor promoters.²⁹ As an antioxidant, it protects against cell damage caused by free radicals and it may have the ability to destroy cancer cells.^30,31 The German Commission E (Phytotherapy and herbal substances), recommends milk thistle for dyspeptic complaints. This may be possible due to the regulatory effect milk thistle has on cell permeability and stabilizing membranes.

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7. Melissa Officinalis (Lemon balm) – we use the leaf

Lemon balm

Lemon Balm has many properties and is used by phytotherapists to treat colic, spastic colon,¹⁶ cramps and flatulence.

According to herbologist Michael Tierra, lemon balm calms the nervous system. The leaves have been used traditionally as a mild sedative and in Iranian folk medicine for their digestive, carminative and antispasmodic properties, as well as for functional gastrointestinal disorders.³²

Its antimicrobial (antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral, etc) potential  and noteworthy activity as an antifungal against Candida albicans, has just been demonstrated.³³ Lemon balm possesses high antioxidant activity and is effective in preventing and treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

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8. Cynara scolymus L. (Artichoke) – we use the leaf

Artichoke

Artichoke extract helps stimulate the production of bile – a very important factor to keep the digestive process healthy – as demonstrated in vitro studies.³⁴ The leaf (the most studied component of artichoke) is used for the symptomatic relief of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia³⁵ and also irritable bowel syndrome.³⁶

In a study³⁷ carried out at the University of Readingon those who suffer from IBS and dyspepsia, one in four patients showed a significant reduction in the incidences of IBS, including a normalisation of bowel movement. Even better results were observed in those with dyspepsia with a decrease in symptoms of gas, bloating and indigestion in over 40% of the cases.

It is an antifungal³⁸ and is used in spastic states of the gastrointestinal tract.¹⁶ Artichoke is an antioxidant and has a positive effect on the pathway of the regulatory mechanism allowing repair of DNA damage.³⁹

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9. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) – we use the root

Liquorice

Liquorice is mainly known for its anti-inflammatory and mucosa-protective properties and its ability to reduce spasm of smooth muscle.¹⁶

Liquorice has a long history of use for dysfunctions of the gut barrier as it has the ability to soothe irritated and  inflamed sections the digestive tract.⁴⁰

Several studies^41,42 have shown the ability of liquorice to heal ulcers. This is done far more effectively than ulcer medications, by improving the protective lining of the intestines instead of reducing the acid needed for a healthy microbial balance and for the absorption of calcium. In another small study⁴³ of 40 people who were referred for surgery because their ulcers were so severe, took 3g of liquorice for 8 weeks and 4.5g of liquorice for 16 weeks. None of the patients required surgical intervention during the year of follow-up.

It is now known that one of the leading causes of ulcers is the H. pylori bacteria. Liquorice possesses anti-H. pylori activity^{44 – 49}

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10. Menth Piperita L. (Peppermint) – we use the leaf

Peppermint

In folk medicine, according to WHO monographs, peppermint has been used for centuries in European countries, as a carminative herbal medicine, to treat diarrhoea, nausea and for the painful component of spasmodic colitis.⁵⁰

In the Indian Materia Medica (Nadkarni’s 1982), infused peppermint leaves are used in cases of vomiting, gastric colic, cholera, diarrhoea, flatulence and to strengthen a weak digestion. The British Herbal Compendium noted the action of peppermint leaves as carminative, spasmolytic and choleretic (Bradley 1992).

Peppermint is a popular remedy to decrease of frequency and duration of the episodes of infantile colic. Peppermint calms the stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). This makes it suitable for people who have indigestion. The UMM notes that peppermint may kill some types of viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The antioxidant capacity and significant antiviral activity of peppermint has been determined.

Scientific studies have suggested that peppermint, in various forms, can help treat abdominal pain in patients with diarrhea due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).⁵¹ A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) concluded that peppermint was helpful as an antispasmodic in treating IBS.⁵²

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References ↓

Acknowledgements ↓

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