PDR for Herbal Medicines

832 /WORMWOOD GRASS PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

EFFECTS

The choline esters contained in the drug are possibly

hypertensive in effect. Depending upon the dosage level,

isoquinoline is positively inotropic in effect on isolated

gerbil hearts. The experimental results in this area require

further testing. The vermifugal action mechanism credited to

the drug has not yet been proven. The isoquinoline found in

the drug is not present at levels required for protoplasma-

destroying effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Traditional folk medicine has included use

for worm infestation.

Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathic uses include angina pecto-

ris, neuralgia and headache, acute carditis and worm

infestation.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: The drug is considered to be severely poisonous.

Animal poisonings were described in older literature sources,

as was deliberate use to poison humans. The toxin is said to

be a non-volatile alkaloid. Human consumption of large

quantities of the drug is said to lead to vomiting, myositis,

dyspnea and spasms.

Homeopathic Precautions: No health hazards are known in

conjunction with the proper administration of designated

homeopathic dosages.

DOSAGE

How Supplied: Whole and cut drug.

Daily Dosage: The literature has no information.

LITERATURE

Achenbach H, H bner H, Vierling W, Brandt W, Reiter M,

Spiganthine, the cardioactive principle of Spigelia anthelmia. J

Nat Prod, 58:1092-6, 1995 Jul.

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

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

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

1994.

Wagner H, Seegert K, Gupta MP, Avella ME, Solis P,

Cardiotonic active principles from Spigelia anthelmia. Planta

Med, 378-81, 1986 Oct.

Woundwort

Stachys palustris

DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fresh and dried
herb.

Flower and Fruit: The closely sessile flowers have very

small bracteoles. They are arranged in false whorls of 6

florets joined in groups of 10 to 20 into a spike. The calyx is

tubular-campanulate, violet-tinged with awned tips. The

corolla is dull violet and the style pink. The nutlet is

globular, 2 mm long, lightly striped and glossy dark brown.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a perennial, with long

runners and barrel-like white swellings between the nodes.

The shoots are usually loose and have partly appressed,

partly patent silky hairs. They are pubescent or almost

glabrous and almost odorless. The stems are erect or

ascendent from the ground, 30 to 60 cm high, simple or

branched, tough, usually with pubescent edges. The inter-

nodes are 2 to 10 cm long. The leaves are sessile or very

short-petioled, usually clasping, ribbed, matte green and

loosely appressed pubescent on both surfaces.

Habitat: The plant is common in Europe.

Production: Woundwort is the aerial part of Stachys

palustris or Stachys sylvatica.

Not to be Confused With: S. palustris is Marsh Woundwort

and S. sylvatica is Hedge Woundwort. Several other plants

have the name Woundwort, among them, Prunella vulgaris

and Achillea millefolium.

Other Names: Marsh Stachys

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Iridoide monoterpenes

Betaines: (-)- and (+)stachydrine

Flavonoids: including among others palu^trin

EFFECTS

Woundwort is said to be a disinfectant, an antispasmodic and

a cure for wounds.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The herb is used externally for the treatment

of wounds and internally for abdominal pain, cramps,

dizziness, fever, gout and menstrual disorders.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: As an extract or poultice for

external application.

LITERATURE

Barberan FAT, (1986) Fitoterapia 57(2):67.