PDR for Herbal Medicines

768/TRAGACANTH PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Production: Tragacanth is the latex that exudes primarily

from immediately under the bark of Astralagus gummifer

and other varieties. It is extracted by making an incision in

the trunk and branches of shrubs growing in the wild. When

dried, it forms flakes that swell in water to form a gelatinous

mass.

Other Names: Gum Dragon

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Polysaccharides (water-soluble part, approximately 40%):

tragacanthine, which can decompose into tragacanthic acid

(galacturonane with side chains consisting of D-xylose, L-

fucose, D-galactose)

Arabino-galactane-protein complex (non-water soluable

part, approximately 60%): containing bassorin, a composi-

tion similar to that of tragacanthine

EFFECTS

Tragacanth has a laxative effect, primarily due to stimulating

stretching of the intestinal wall, which results in increased

peristalis.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Tragacanth is used as a laxative. Folk

medicine uses in Europe and the Arab world have included

treatment for tumors of the eyes, liver and throat. Efficacy

has not been proven.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. Allergic reactions have been observed in rare cases.

Insufficient fluid supply following intake of large quantities

of tragacanth can lead to obstruction ileus, as well as to

esophageal closure.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Tragacanth is used in various

combinations and preparations.

Daily Dosage: Recommended daily dosage is not specified.

A typical single dose is 1 tsp. granulated drug (approximate-

ly 3g) added to 250 to 300 ml liquid for oral administration.

Storage: Tragacanth cannot be stored for any significant

length of time because of its instability.

LITERATURE

Anderson DMW, Bridgeman MME, PH 24:2301-2304. 1985.

Aspinall GO, Baillie J, J Chem Soc: 1702-1714. 1963.

Fang S et ah, (1982): You Ji Hua Xue 2: 26.

Gralen N, Karrholm M, J Colloid Sci 5:21-36. 1950.

Osswald H, (1968) Arzneim Forsch 18: 1495.
Srimal RC, Dhawan CN, (1973) J Pharm Pharmacol 25: 447.

Whistler RL et al., (1976) Adv Carbohydr Chem Biochem 32:

235.

Further information in:

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H. Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg. New York, 1992-

1994.

Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used

in Food Drugs, Cosmetics. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York

1980.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss~; Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Trailing Arbutus

Epigae repens

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fresh or dried

leaves.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in apical dense racemes.

They are white with a reddish tinge and are very fragrant.

They are divided at the tip into 5 segments which open in a

star shape.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a fragrant evergreen

branching shrub with rust-colored, pubescent, round stems.

Roots develop at the stem nodes, which spread quickly. The

leaves are petioled, broadly ovate, 2.5 to 4 cm long and

about 2 cm wide, coriaceous, entire-margined, reticulate,

witfi a cordate base and short pointed apex and short hairs on

the undersurface. The branches, petioles and leaf nerves are

very pubescent.

Characteristics: The plant has a similar action to Buchu on

the urinary system.

Habitat: Indigenous to North America, established as an

ornamental plant in.Europe.

Production: Trailing Arbutus is the aerial part of Epigae

repens.

Other Names: Eleuthero, Gravel Plant, Ground Laurel,

Mountain Pink, Water Pink, Winter Pink

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Arbutin (hydroquinone glucoside)

Tannins