Product Review – Progast® Multi-targeted Action Drops

This herbal tincture contains ten botanical extracts and is a popular natural remedy for those seeking an effective drug-free solution for their digestive issues.

THE GUT AND BRAIN CONNECTION

For many, the symptoms of gut disorders go hand in hand with stress and anxiety – we experience the effects of the brain on the gut every day. Furthermore via signalling, the gut plays a specific role in the regulation of behaviour and mood.

The gastrointestinal tract is sometimes described as our second brain (enteric nervous system) and is controlled by its own complex nervous system, comprising more neurotransmitters than in the entire brain.

It is the connection and bidirectional communication between the gut and brain through the vagus nerve (gut-brain axis) that regulate, control and modulate changes in the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and changes in the brain, such as memory performance and cognition.

GUT BARRIER PERMEABILITY

In addition to its critical role in immune health, the gut lining absorbs nutrients while acting as a barrier to macromolecules and toxins. The gut microflora provide an additional barrier that forms the biofilm. The thickness of the biofilm and its spread, decreases with inflammation, increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

Alterations in barrier function through intestinal permeability can lead to increased intestinal inflammation and tissue damage. Chronic inflammation of the small intestine injures the villi, reducing the available surface area of the small intestine, resulting in a tremendous impact upon vitamin and nutrient absorption.

Stress significantly increases intestinal permeability, and with that the overall toxic burden, and is a leading precursor for many autoimmune diseases. One of the modes of action of the actives used in Progast^® appears to interact with your neurological system and counteract the effects of stress and other psychosocial factors via your gut-brain axis.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE

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^® Multi-targeted Action Drops 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^® MULTI-TARGETED ACTION DROPS

1. Ulmus Rubra Muh. (Slippery Elm)

2. Zingiber Officinale L. (Ginger)

3. Matricaria Recutita (German Chamomile)

4. Angelica Archangelica   (Norwegian Angelica or Wild Celery)

5. Carum Carvi (Caraway)

6. Silybum Marianum L. Gaertn. (Milk thistle)

7. Melissa Officinalis (Lemon balm)

8. Cynara scolymus L. (Artichoke)

9. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)

10. Menth x Piperita (Peppermint)

1. Slippery Elm

Ulmus Rubra Muh. (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

2. Ginger

Zingiber Officinale L. (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

3. German Chamomile

Matricaria Recutita (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-inflammatory¹⁵, 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

4. Norwegian Angelica or Wild Celery

Angelica Archangelica (Norwegian Angelica or Wild Celery)

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

5. Caraway

Carum Carvi (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

6. Milk thistle

Silybum Marianum L. Gaertn. (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.

7. Lemon balm

Melissa Officinalis (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.³³Lemon balm possesses high antioxidant activity and is effective in preventing and treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

8. Artichoke

Cynara scolymus L. (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

9. Liquorice root

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)

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}

10. Peppermint

Menth x Piperita (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

Vegan friendly; sugar, soy, GMO, dairy, casein, yeast, artificial colors, flavors, and gluten free. Produced in a GMP and SAHPRA licensed facility.

For product information, see the package insert. For more information, visit Tara Pharmaceuticals.

MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS IN THIS RANGE:

Progast FloraCare Plus

Progast Colon Cleanse

Progast Buterate Complex

Progast Pro-liver Ultra

The information published here, does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product reviewed has not been evaluated by any regulatory body and is not intended to diagnose treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information given here is not meant to be a substitute for seeing a health professional. It is our opinion only, based on several years of research, in consultation with world experts. We’re sure you’ll find it useful, but please use it wisely and always exercise common sense.

References:

1. Butler A, Keating R. Old herbal remedies and modern combination therapy. Scott Med J 2011; 56: 170–173.
2. Wagner H. Synergy research: a new approach to evaluating the efficacy of herbal mono-drug extracts and their combinations. Nat Prod Commun 2009; 4: 303–304.
3. Gilbert B, Alves LF. Synergy in plant medicines. Curr Med Chem 2003; 10: 13–20.
4. Sherbakova A, Ulrich-Merzenich G, Kelber O, Abdel-Aziz H: Combining plant extracts resulting in the elimination of undesired mode of action. BMC Complement Altern Med 2017; 17:P146.
5. Rösch W, Liebregts T, Gundermann KJ, Vinson B, Holtmann G: Phytotherapy for functional dyspepsia: a review of the clinical evidence for the herbal preparation STW 5. Phytomedicine 2006; 13(suppl 5):114–121.
6. Jason A. Hawrelak, Stephan P. Myers. Effects of Two Natural Medicine Formulations on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Jnl of Alt & Comp. Med. Oct 2010. Available from: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2009.0090
7. Simmonds N J, Rampton D S. Inflammatory bowel disease–a radical view. Gut. 1993 Jul; 34(7): 8865-68. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1374216/
8. Langmead L, Dawson C et.al., Antioxidant Effects of Herbal Therapies used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Jan 2002.
9. Platel K, Srinivasan K. Influence of dietary spices or their active principles on digestive enzymes of small intestinal mucosa in rats. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 1996; 47:55–59.
10. Yamahara J, Huang QR, Li YH, Xu L, Fujimura H. Gastrointestinal motility enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem & Pharmaceutical bulletin. 1990; 38:430–431
11. Yunyoung K, Dong-Min K, Yeon Kim, Y. Ginger Extract Suppresses Inflammatory Response and Maintains Barrier Function in Human Colonic Epithelial Caco‐2 Cells Exposed to Inflammatory Mediators. Jnl of Food Science, Mar 2017. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.13695
12. Zick S, Turgeon D, et.al. Pilot clinical study of the effects of ginger root extract on eicosanoids in colonic mucosa of subjects at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Molecular Carcinoenisis. Apr 2014. Available form: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mc.22163
13. Saxena R, Rida P, et.al., Ginger augmented chemotherapy: A novel multitarget nontoxic approach for cancer management. Mol Nutr & Food Research. Feb 2016. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.201500955
14. Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmartdoost A, Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition. Nov 2018 Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.807
15. Bhaskaran, N; Shukla, S; Srivastava, JK; Gupta, S. Chamomile: an anti-inflammatory agent inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by blocking RelA/p65 activity. Int J MolDec 2010; 26 (6): 935–40.
16. Mehmood, M. H., Munir, S., Khalid, U. A., Asrar, M., & Gilani, A. H. Antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K+-channels activation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015; 1.
17. Sebai H, Jabri MA, Souli A et.al, Available from: Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Mar 2014; 152 (2): 327-32. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874114000610
18. Cwikla C, Schmidt K, Matthias A, et.al. Investigations into the antibacterial activities of phytotherapeutics against Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni. Phytoter Res. 2010 May;24(5):649-56. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2933. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19653313
19. Kelber O, Bauer R, Kubelka W. Phytotherapy in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Dig Dis. 2017;35(suppl 1):36–42 Available from: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/485489
20. Khayyal MT, el-Ghazaly MA, Kenawy SA, Seif-el-Nasr M, Mahran LG, Kafafi YA, et al. Antiulcerogenic effect of some gastrointestinally acting plant extracts and their combination. 2001; 51:545-53.
21. Oliveira C, Spindola D, Garcia D et.al., Medicinal properties of Angelica archangelica root extract: Cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells and its protective effects against in vivo tumor development, Journal of Integrative Medicine. Mar 2019; Vol17(2), P132-40 Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496419300123
22. Dasgupta A, Antiinflammatory Herbal Supplements. Translation Inflammation Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/angelica
23. Side Effects and Benefits of Caraway, Herbal Resource. Available from: https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/caraway-seeds.html
24. J Thomson Coon; E Ernst, Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2002, (16) 1689-99.
25. Anupam Kr. Sachan, Doli R. Das and Mukesh Kumar, Carum carvi – An important medicinal plant. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. 2016, 8(3):529-533.
26. Sticher O, Heilmann J, Zündorf I: Hänsel/Sticher Pharmakognosie Phytopharmazie, ed 10. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft, 2015.
27. Translational Inflammation – A volume in Perspectives in Translational Cell Biology. Amitava Dasgupta. 2019
28. Saikat Sen, Raja Chakraborty. Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antioxidants, Gastrointestinal Tissue. 2017, Pg 259-74
29. Kenneth F, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) for the Therapy of Liver Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology: 998 Feb, 93(2): 139-43.
30. Schroder FH, Roobol MJ, Boeve ER, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in men with prostate cancer and rising PSA: effectiveness of a dietary supplement. Eur Urol. 2005, 48: 922-930.
31. Post-White J, FAAN EJ, Ladas MS, Kelly KM, MD, Advances in the Use of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Integrative Cancer Therapies 6(2); 2007
32. Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective, Sepide Miraj, PhD, Rafieian-Kopaei, PhD, Sara Kiani, September 11, 2016, Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine.
33. Antibacterial, antifungal, and GC–MS studies of Melissa officinalis, SA Journal of Botany,August2019,W.A. Abdel-NAime, J.R> Fahim et el.
34. Matuschowski P. Testing of Cynara scolymusin the isolated perfused rat liver. 43rd Ann Congr Soc Med Plant Res1996;3-7.
35. Kraft K. Artichoke leaf extract – Recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Phytomedicine1997;4(4):369-378.
36. Edwards SE, Rocha I, Williamson EM, Heinrich M, Phytopharmacy: An evidence-Based Guide to Herbal Medical Products. Feb 2015. Chapter 4.
37. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis.
38. F. Zhu, H. X. Zhang, R. Lo Antifungal activity of Cynara scolymusL. extracts. Fititerapia. 200
39. Colak E, Ustuner MC, Tekin N, et al. The hepatocurative effects of Cynara scolymus leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury in rats. Springerplus. 2016; 5: 216.
40. Bahmani M, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Jelodari M, Eftekhari, Z, Delfan B, Zargaran, A, & Forouzan, S. A review of the health effects and uses of drugs of plant licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) in Iran. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2014 4(S2), S847-S849.
41. Morgan AG, McAdam WA, Pacsoo C, et al. Comparison between cimetidine and Caved-S in the treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy. Gut. 1982; 23(6): 545–551.
42. Turpie AG, Runcie J, Thomson TJ. Clinical trial of deglycyrrhizinized liquorice in gastric ulcer. Gut. 1969l; 10(4): 299–302.
43. J Assoc Physicians India 1978; 26:811-4; Lancet 1982;2:817
44. Practitioner 1973; 210: 820-3
45. J Drug Chem Toxicol. 1998; 21:355- 70
46. Arch Pharmacol Res. 2000; 23:172-77
47. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2004; 54:243-6
48. Planta Med 2007; 73:P104
49. Arzneimforsch 1995; 45:697-700
50. Bulletin officielle 90/22 bis: Menthe; feuille, sommité fleurie
51. Alam MS, Roy PK, Miah AR, et.al., Efficacy of Peppermint oil in diarrhea predominant IBS – a double blind randomized placebo – controlled study. Mymensingh Med J. 2013 Jan;22(1):27-30
52. Effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ2008; 337:a2313

Acknowledgement:

1. Dinesh Kumar, ZA Bhat, and MY Shah would like to thank the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India, and UGC – Delhi for their interest and help with this manuscript.
2. Bhat Z A, Kumar D, Shah M Y. Angelica archangelica Linn. is an angel on earth for the treatment of diseases. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis 2011;1:36-50
3. Donald I. Abrams and Andrew Weil: Integrative Oncology
4. Timothy Culbert and Karen Olness: Integrative Pediatrics
5. Gerard E. Mullin: Integrative Gastroenterology
6. Victoria Maizes and Tieraona Low Dog: Integrative Women’s Health
7. Randy Horwitz and Daniel Muller: Integrative Rheumatology
8. Daniel A. Monti and Bernard Beitman: Integrative Psychiatry
9. Stephen Devries and James Dalen: Integrative Cardiology