PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

connective. The stigma is head-like. The fruit is oblong with

a short beak fitted into the semi-globular receptacle.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The herb is a 7 to 15 cm high, hardy

perennial with a short, fibrous, dark brown rhizome. The

•^t numerous leaves are basal, long-petioled, coriaceous, green

above and usually more or less violet beneath. They are

cordate and 3-lobed at the base, deeply indented, broadly

ovate, with blunt to acute lobes. The young leaves, including

the stems, are densely covered in silky white hairs. The

leaves later become glabrous and appear after flowering.

Liverwort is a protected species in Germany, Austria,

Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and

Hungary.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to almost all of Europe

except the Atlantic regions, Denmark and northwest Germa-

ny. It is also indigenous to Korea, Japan and temperate North

America.

Production: American Liverleaf consists of the fresh or dried

above-ground parts of Hepatica nobilis. The herb is harvest-

ed when in bloom and air-dried in the shade. The roots must

be left in the ground because they are a protected species.

Other Names: Herb Trinity, Kidneywort, Liverleaf, Liver-

weed, Round-Leaved Hepatica, Trefoil

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Protoanemonine-fonning agents (0.07% in the freshly har-

vested plant, based on weight): presumably, the glycoside

ranunculin changes enzymatically when the plant is cut into

small pieces (and probably also during dehydration) into the

pungent, volatile protoanemonine that quickly dimerizes to

anemonine. Once dried, the plant is not capable of protoane-

monine formation.

Flavonoids: including isoquercitrin, astragalin, querci-

meritrin

Saponins

EFFECTS
The main active agents are lactone-forming glycosides,
flavo-glycosides and anthocyane. The fresh plant contains
K* protoanemonine, which causes skin irritation.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Preparations of American Liverleaf herb are

used for liver ailments, liver diseases of all origins, jaundice,

gallstones and gravel.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

AMERICAN PAWPAW / 27

Extended skin contact with the freshly harvested, bruised

plant can lead to blister formation and cauterizations mat are

difficult to heal due to the resulting protoanemonine, which

is severely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. If

taken internally, severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract,

combined with colic and diarrhea, as well as irritation of the

urinary drainage passages, are possible.

Symptomatic treatment for external contact consists of

mucilaginosa, following irrigation with diluted potassium

permanganate solution. In case of internal contact, adminis-

tration of activated charcoal should follow gastric lavage.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug can be taken internally or

used externally as a rinse.

Preparation: To make a rinse, a cataplasm can be made of

the squeezed fresh plant; alcohol can be used if necessary. A

liniment can be made with added fats, oils or alcohol.

Daily Dosage: When used internally, a single dose consists

of 2 to 4 gm as an infusion, or 2 to 3 cups from a 3 to 6%

infusion. The daily dosage is 4 teaspoonfuls, or 3.8 gm drug.

LITERATURE

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.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K: Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachveriag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Ruijgrok HWL, PM 11:338-347. 1963.
   Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
   Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.

American Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the seeds, bark and

leaves.

Flower and Fruit: The axillary flowers are dull purple and

solitary. They are about 3.5 cm wide. The petals are round,

ovate and marbled. The outer ones are almost circular and 3

to 4 times as long as the sepals. The fruit is yellowish,

oblong-ovoid. The fleshy pods are about 7.5 by 2.5 cm and

contain 3 flat, brown seeds. The seeds are slightly polished

with darker brown lines on the surface. They are oblong-

oval, with a grayish hilum at one end. The taste and smell are

resinous.