PDR for Herbal Medicines

20 /ALOE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Hoppe HA, (1975-1987) Drogenkunde, 8. Aufl., Bde 1-3, W.

de Gruyter Verlag, Berlin, New York.

Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug

Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.

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

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und

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

York 1995.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Aloysia triphylla

See Lemon Verbena

Alpine Cranberry

Vaccinium vitis-ideae

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried leaves

and the ripe dried fruit.

Flower and Fruit: The white to reddish-tinged flowers are in

clusters of various sizes. The 10 stamens are pubescent at the

base and the anthers are two-tipped and have no appendage.

The white berries initially turn scarlet and contain numerous

rust-brown seeds that are 1.5 to 2 mm long.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a low shrub up to 30 cm

high with scaly underground runners. The shoots sprout from

the axillary buds of the runners. The sprouts are downy when

young and later become glabrous. The leaves are alternate,

short-petioled, obovate and coriaceous. The upper surface is

dark green and the under surface pale green and covered in

glandular hairs.

Habitat: The plant is common in the Northern Hemisphere.

Production: Cranberry leaves are die foliage leaves of
Vaccinium vitis-ideae. Collection takes place in uncultivated

regions (Scandinavia, England). The leaves are dried in the

open air.

Other Names: Cowberry, Red Bilberry, Whortleberry

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY *

COMPOUNDS

Hydroquinone glycosides: arbutin (3-5%), pyroside (6'-ace-

tyl-arbutin), hydroquinone gentiobioside, 2-O-caffeoyl

arbutin

Tannins (10-20%): chiefly condensed tannins, proantho-

cyainidine

Flavonoids: including among others, avicularin, hyperoside,

quercitrin, isoquercitrin

Triterpenes: including among others, beta-amyrin, oleanolic

acid, ursolic acid

EFFECTS

The drug is antiviral and a urine disinfectant due to the

tannin fraction. It also raises cyclooxigenase activity through

the flavonol glycosides.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Alpine Cranberry is used to treat urinary

tract irritation, gout, rheumatism, and calculus (stone com-

plaints). It is also considered a substitute for Bearberry

leaves.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, and in

children under 12 years of age.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No healtii hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Individuals

widi gastric sensitivity may experience queasiness and

vomiting following intake of preparations made from the

drug with high tannin content. Liver damage is conceivable

with administration of the drug over extended periods,

particularly with children, due to the possible hepatotoxicity

of the hydroquinones released.

Because the urine-disinfecting effect of the hydroquinonesr

released in the urinary tract only occurs in an alkali

environment, the simultaneous administration of medication

and food that increases uric acid concentration in the bladder

should be avoided.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Available as whole, cut, and

powdered drug.

Daily Dose: The internal dose is 2 gm as a single dose; as a

decoction, the concentration is 2 gm per cup.

Aloe barbadensis/capensis/

vera

See Aloe