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Glossy privet

Glossyprivet is a plant whose ripe fruit is used to make medicine. One should not confuse glossy privet (Ligustrum Lucidum) with other plants of the Ligustrum family such as common privet (Ligustrum Vulgare), oval-leaved privet (Ligustrum Ovalifolium) or Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). Glossy privet is used to promote hair growth, reduce dark spots on the face, promote youthfulness and extend lifespan.

Other uses of glossy privet include the treatment of rheumatic joint pain, swelling, tumors, balance disorders, colds, constipation, numbness, fever, headaches, palpitations, liver disorders, sleep problems and chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to this, glossy privet is used to promote sweating, improve the function of the immune system and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer. Furthermore, glossy privet is used for blurred vision, dizziness, tinnitus and painful knees and back.

How does glossy privet work?

It is not yet known exactly how glossy privet might work. There are indications that it could stimulate the immune system and help fight cancer.

How effective is glossy privet?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective glossy privet is for rheumatic joint pain, swelling, tumors, balance problems, irregular or rapid heartbeat, colds, constipation, fever, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, liver problems, and sleep problems, as well as when used to promote hair growth, reduce dark spots on the face, improve immune system function, and reduce the side effects of cancer therapy. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of glossy privet in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Glossy privet could be safe and harmless for most adults when used appropriately. Some people may experience allergic reactions such as runny nose or asthma to glossy privet.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the use of glossy privet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid glossy privet.

Allergies to pollen from olives and related plants: Glossy privet could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Oleaceae family. Members of this family include common privet (Ligustrum vulgare), olive, ash and lilac. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before using glossy privet.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining glossy privet with the following medications:

Lithium

Glossy privet could have a dehydrating (diuretic) effect. Taking glossy privet may interfere with the body's excretion of lithium, which could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, it is important to consult your doctor before using glossy privet if you are taking lithium. The lithium dosage may need to be adjusted.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of shiny privet depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for glossy privet. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Batanero E, Gonzalez De La Pena MA, Villalba M, et al. Isolation, cDNA cloning and expression of Lig v 1, the major allergen from privet pollen. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:1401-10.
  2. Khoo KS, Ang PT. Extract of astragalus membranaceus and ligustrum lucidum does not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Singapore Med J 1995;36:387-90.
  3. Lau BH, Ruckle HC, Botolazzo T, Lui PD. Chinese medicinal herbs inhibit growth of murine renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Biother 1994;9:153-61.
  4. Niikawa M, Hayashi H, Sato T, et al. Isolation of substances from glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.) inhibiting the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene in bacteria. Mutat Res 1993;319:1-9.
  5. Pajaron MJ, Vila L, Prieto I, et al. Cross-reactivity of Olea europaea with other Oleaceae species in allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergy 1997;52:829-35.
  6. Rittenhouse JR, Lui PD, Lau BH. Chinese medicinal herbs reverse macrophage suppression induced by urological tumors. J Urol 1991;146:486-90.
  7. Sun Y, Hersh EM, Talpaz M, et al. Immune restoration and/or augmentation of local graft versus host reaction by traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Cancer 1983;52:70-3.