4 /ACACIA
EFFECTS
The drug has an astringent effect.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The drug is used as a decoction for gum
disease and inflammations of the mucous membrane of the
mouth and throat (rarely used today).
Indian Medicine: Acacia is used as a decoction in the
treatment of diarrhea and vaginal secretions, and as an
enema for hemorrhoids.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Large doses taken internally can lead to indigestion and
constipation.
LITERATURE
Berger F, Handbuch der Drogenkunde, W Maudrich Verlag
Wien 1964.
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.
Trease GE, Evans WC (Eds.), Pharmacognosy, 12th Ed.,
Bailliere Tindall 1983.
Acacia arabica
See Acacia
Acacia catechu
See Catechu
Acacia Senegal
See Gum Arabic
Acalypha indica
See Indian Nettle
Acer rubrum
See Red Maple
PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES
Achillea millefolium
See Yarrow
Achillea ptarmica
See Sneezewort
Aconitum napellus
See Monkshood
Acorus calamus
See Calamus
Actaea spicata
See Baneberry
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves and the
roots of non-flowering plants.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are ivory-colored and located
in nodding, many-blossomed terminal panicles. The perigone
is simple, campanulate, tinged greenish on the outside, with
6 tepals. The flower has 6 stamens, and the stigma is 3-
sectioned.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is 120 to 240 cm in height.
The leaves are in a basal rosette. They are sword-shaped and
erect with a recurved tip. They are short-thorned, broadly
grooved and. covered on the margin with long, twisted,
whitish or yellowish threads.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the southern United
States and is cultivated mainly as an ornamental plant in
Europe.
Production: Adam's Needle leaves are the leaves of Yucca
filamentosa.