PDR for Herbal Medicines

*

22/ALPINE RAGWO"RT

(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

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

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

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.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Alpinia officinarum

See Lesser Galangal

Alstonia constricta

See Fever Bark

Althaea officinalis

See Marshmallow

Amanita muscaria

See Aga

Amaranth

Amaranthus hypochondriacus

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The entire plant is used medicinally

Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is bifurcated, solitary
and oblong-spicate in dense spike-like terminal clusters with
very short internodes, often composed of twigs. In some
species they are all in the leaf axils. The plant is monoecious,
dioecious or mixed. Bracteoles are 4 to 6 mm, ovate, with a
mucro that is about twice as long as the perianth. The
perianth segments are narrowly ovate, usually acute and
about as long as the fruit. The segments are dry-skinned,
whitish- or reddish-green to red. The ovary is ovate. The
fruit is one-seeded, ovate, dry-skinned, and forms a trans-

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

versely dehiscing capsule. Seeds are lentil-shaped, erect,

circular, smooth and usually black.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a tall, glabrous annual,

occasionally perennial, and grows up to 2 m tall. It is erect,

glabrous or sparsely pubescent above. The leaves are

rhomboid-ovate and alternate, with occasionally undulating

or ruffled margins.

Habitat: Amaranth is common in temperate and warm

climates.

Production: Amaranth is the complete plant in flower of

Amaranthus hypochondriacus.

Other Names: Lady Bleeding, Lovely Bleeding, Love-Lies-

Bleeding, Red Cockscomb, Velvet Flower, Pilewort,

Prince's Feather

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Saponins

Betacyans

Protoalkaloids

EFFECTS

The drug is said to have an astringent effect (possibly due to

the saponins, betacyans and protoalkaloids). There are no

studies available on efficacy.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Amaranth has been used for diarrhea,

ulcers, and inflammation of the mouth and throat.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Amaranth is administered orally as

a liquid extract.

LITERATURE

Martindale. The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 27th Ed. Pub. The

Pharmaceutical Press (1977) UK.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus

See Amaranth