PDR for Herbal Medicines

14/ALKANET PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

ascending and glandular. The basal leaves are 6 to 15 cm by

0.7 to 1.5 cm, linear-lanceolate; the lower ones are cauline,

oblong-linear and cordate at base. The bracts are slightly

longer than calyx and oblong-lanceolate. The neck of the

root is covered with the remains of leaves and the stems. The

root is spindle-shaped, curved, up to 25 cm long and 1.5 cm

thick, with purplish root bark.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to southeastern Europe and

some parts of Turkey and Hungary. It is cultivated in other

parts of Europe, Britain and northern Africa.

Production: Alkanna rhizomes are the dried roots and

rhizomes of Alkanna tinctoria Tausch.

Other Names: Anchusa, Dyer's Bugloss, Spanish Bugloss,

Alkanet Root, Alkanna

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Naphthazarine derivatives: including the ester of the (-)-

alkannin (stained red)

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Tannins

EFFECTS

Antimicrobial action: In the agar diffusion test, Alkanet root

extracts and Alkannin esters impaired the growth of Staphy-

lococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, however

Alkannin worked only against Candida albicans.

Healing action for wounds: In a double-blind study, 72

patients suffering from ulcers of the leg (Ulcus cruris) caused

by varicose veins, were treated with Histoplastin Red® over

a period of three years. After 5 to 6 weeks of daily

administration, 80% of the patients' ulcers had healed or

were considerably reduced in size.

The results are difficult to assess, as details concerning the

patients, the treatment pattern and control groups are

unavailable.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Used by the ancient Greeks to heal wounds;

also for skin diseases and diarrhea.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hepatotoxicity and carcinogenity are expected, due to the

pyrrolizidine alkaloids with 1,2-unsaturated necic parent

substances in its makeup. Alkanna should not be taken

internally for this reason and is recommended for external

use only.

DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Seldom used as a drug. Internal
administration is not recommended, due to the drugs toxic

characteristics and its uncertain efficacy." Alkannin and

extracts of the root are used externally in pharmacy.

Preparations: Extractum alcannae: almost black, green

glistening mass (no extraction information).

Histoplastin Red® Ointment: The ointment approved in

Greece, contains 76.5 gm loosely defined ethereal oily

Alkanet root extract with lipophil ointment base (beeswax,

mastic rubber and olive oil q.s. ad 100 gm).

Daily Dosage: Maximum 0.1 meg pyrrolizidine alkaloids

with 1.2 unsaturated necin framework and their N-oxides.

LITERATURE

Majlathova L, (1971) Nahrung 15:505.

Papageorgiou VP, (1980) Planta Med 38(3): 193-203.

Papageorgiou VP, PM 31:390-394. 1977.

Papageorgiou VP, Digenis GA, PM 39:81-84. 1980.

Roder E, Pyrrolizidinhaltige Arzneipflanzen. In: DAZ

132(45):2427-2435. 1992.

Roder E, et al., PH 23:2125-2126. 1984.

Wiedenfield H et al.. (1985) Arch Pharm 318(4):294.

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.

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

Stuttgart.

Alkanna tinctoria

See Alkanet

Allium cepa

See Onion

Allium sativum

See Garlic

Allium schoenoprasum

See Chives