PDR for Herbal Medicines

10 /AGAR PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Schmid OJ, Marina (Hamburg) 1:54. 1959.

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

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Vessal M. Mehrani HA. Omrani GH, Effects of an aqueous

extract of Physalis alkekengi fruit on estrus cycle, reproduction

and uterine craetive kinase BB-isoenzyme in rats. In: ETH

34(l):69-78. 1991.

Agrimonia eupatoria

See Agrimony

Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The drug consists of the flowering plant,

which is cut a few fingers width above the ground and dried.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are yellow, arranged along

small, spike-like racemes. They have an epicalyx and 5

sepals, 5 ovate petals. 5 to 20 stamens and 2 ovaries. The

calyx is rough-haired with deep furrows. The fruit is

obconical and thorny (burdocks).

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is fifty to 100 cm high,

with a villous, erect stem. The leaves are alternate and

irregularly pinnate. The leaflets are deeply serrate and downy

beneath.

Characteristics: Agrimony has a slight pleasant fragrance

and a tangy, bitter taste.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to middle and northern

Europe, temperate Asia and North America.

Production: Agrimony herb consists of the dried, above-

ground parts of Agrimonia eupatoria and/or Agrimonia

procera gathered just before or during flowering, as well as

its preparations in effective dosage.

Other Names: Stickwort, Cocklebur, Liverwort, Common

Agrimony, Philanthropos, Church Steeples, Sticklewort

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Catechin tannins

EFFECTS
Agrimony is an astringent.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Diarrhea


• Inflammation of the skin


• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx

Unproven Uses: Agrimony is used internally for mild,

nonspecific, acute diarrhea, cholestasis, inflammation of oral

and pharyngeal mucosa, inflammation of kidney and bladder,

diabetes and childhood bedwetting; externally for poorly

healing wounds, chronic pharyngitis, psoriasis, seborrhoeic

eczema as well in hip-baths for lower abdominal conditions.

Chinese Medicine: Agrimony is used as a hemostyptic. It is

also used for certain forms of cancer and as an anthelmintic.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. Because of the constituent tannins, the intake of

larger quantities could lead to digestive complaints and

constipation.

DOSAGE

Daily Dosage: Internally, the average daily dose is 3 to 6 gm

of herb or equivalent preparations. Externally, a poultice

prepared from a decoction (10%) several times a day is

applied.

LITERATURE

Bilai AR. et al., A flavonol glycoside from Agrimonia

eupatoria. In: PH 32:1078. 1993.

Chon SC, et al., (1987) Med Pharmacol Exp 16(5):407-413.

Drozd GA, et al., (1983) Khim Prir Soed 1:106.

Patrascu V, et al., (1984) Ser. Dermato-Venerol 29(2): 153-157.

Peter-Horvath M, et al., (1964) Rev Med 10(2):190-193.

Further information in:

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl.. Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Agropyron repens

See Triticum