PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

Larher F et al., (1983) Plant Sci Lett 29(2/3):315.

Malinow MR et al., (1977) Steroids 29:105.

Morton JF, (1975) Morris Arbor Bull 26:24.

Nowacki E et al., (1976) Biochem. Physiol Pflanz. 169:183.

W Tapper BA et al., (1975) J Sci Food Agric 26:277.

Further information in:

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,

Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.

Wagner H, Wiesenauer M. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und

pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New

York 1995.

Alisma plantago-aquatica

See Alisma (Ze-Xie)

Alisma (Ze-Xie)
Alisma plantago-aquatica
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fresh rhizome.
Flower and Fruit: The peduncle is triangular. There are
long-pedicled, white or reddish flowers in leafless, loose
panicles. There are 3 sepals, 3 petals and 3 stamens in the
flower. The fruit is small and obtuse and is formed by 15 to
30 ovaries.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The water leaves are ribbon-like.
Wt There are long-stemmed, swimming leaves. The aerial leaves
are basal, long-stemmed, cordate or oblong-ovate, and
spoon-like.

Characteristics: The rootstock of Alisma has a bitter taste; it

is poisonous when fresh.

Habitat: The plant is distributed widely throughout Europe,

northern Asia and North America.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Triterpenes: including alisol-A, alisol-B, alisol-C and their

3 monoacetates

Sesquiterpenes (guaian type): alismol, alismol oxide

Flavone sulfate

Caffeic acid derivatives: chlorogenic acid sulfate

EFFECTS

No information is available.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Alisma is used for diseases of the bladder

and urinary tract.

Chinese Medicine: The drug is used to lower blood sugar,

blood pressure and cholesterol levels; it is also used as a

diuretic.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with die proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is available as an extract

for oral use. The root is also used in homeopathy.

LITERATURE

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Murata T et al., (1968) Tetrahedron Letteers 103:849.

Murata T et al., Chem Pharm Bull 18:1369. 1970.

Oshima Y et al., PH 22:183. 1983.

Alkanet

Alkanna tinctoria

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the root of the plant

(the dried roots and rhizomes).

Flower and Fruit: The calyx is 4 to 5 mm in the flower, 5 to

6 mm in the fruit and eglandular. The corolla is blue and

glabrous outside. The funnel is as long as or slightly longer

than the calyx. The limb is 6 to 7 mm in diameter. There are

5 stamens, and the anthers are fused with the corolla tube.

The nutlets are 2 mm in diameter, irregularly reticulate and

tuberculate.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Alkanet is a short-bristled, perennial

Other Names: Mad-Dog Weed, Water Plantain, Ze-Xie half-rosette shrub. The stems are 10 to 20 cm, procumbent or

Hegnauer R, Chemotaxonomie der Pflanzen, Bde 1-11,

Birkhauser Verlag Basel. Boston, Berlin 1962-1997.

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used

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

York 1980.