HERBAL MONOGRAPHS
self-experiment with 100 gm trans-isoasaron taken orally
caused severe vomiting.
The surface-tension-reducing effect of trans-isoasaron and
trans-isomethyleugenol was studied in vitro, using stalagmo-
- metry. Both substances showed a concentration-dependent
surface activity, which surpassed the effect of the control
substance tyloxapol in a normal treatment concentration.
In studies of Asarum's spasmolytic effect, bronchial spasms
induced in a guinea pig by histamine were inhibited in vivo
by trans-isoasaron, depending on the dose. The survival rate
was determined subsequent to the addition of a histamine-
containing aerosol 30 minutes after trans-isoasarin had been
administered. The control substance here was clemizole
hydrochloride, which has a similarly inhibiting effect.
The action of trans-isoasaron and of isomethyleugenol as a
local anesthetic was tested on 10 volunteer subjects, in order
to compare it with benzocaine (anesthetic index AI = 1). The
results showed a dose-related action for both drugs, with the
following anesthetic indexes of AI = 0.72 for trans-isoasarin
and AI = 0.47 for trans-isomethyleugenol.
The only available studies of Asarum's antibacterial effect
are those carried out on Asari root and herb. A double-blind
clinical trial with a placebo as alternative was carried out on
30 patients with acute bronchitis, 30 with chronic bronchitis
and an additional 30 with bronchial asthma. Eighty percent
of the patients wim acute bronchitis, 58% of the patients with
chronic bronchitis and 68% of the patients with bronchial
asthma were cured or showed improvement in both their
subjective and objective states. The contrast with the placebo
groups was significant. The treatment consisted of a daily
dose of 3 x 2 tablets, purified dry (GB) or powdered (US)
extract (30 mg phenylpropanol derivatives) taken over an
average of 7 days. However, to obtain conclusive results,
further trials are needed over a longer period and with more
patients. The drug's efficacy was also tested in a multicentric
field trial, a clinically controlled study and an open bicentric
study. However, the results are only useful to a small extent,
as there is an absence of details about placebo groups, trial
parameters, and statistical analysis.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The purified dry extract of Asarum europae-
um rootstock is used for inflammatory conditions of the
lower respiratory system (acute and chronic bronchitis), for
various causes of bronchial spasms and for bronchial asthma.
Asari root and Asari root with herb are used for similar
indications in folk medicine. In the past, the drugs were used
as emetics. Some other uses are as antitussives (cough
remedies), sneezing-powder for chronic rhinitis, for inflam-
mation of the eye, for pneumonia, angina pectoris, mi-
graines, liver disease and jaundice, for dehydration, as an
ASARUM/49
emmenagogue (menstrual stimulant) and for artificial abor-
tion. The dried, powdered leaves have been used as an
ingredient of some snuffs, helping to expel mucus from the
respiratory passages.
Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathic uses include diarrhea,
irritation of mucous membranes and exhaustion.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Older scientific literature contains reports of signs of
poisoning including burning of the tongue, gastroenteritis,
diarrhea, erysipeloid skin rashes and hemiparesis. An ex-
tremely susceptible mouse strain developed hepatoma after
exposure to asarone. Administration of the drug is not
advised.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Asarum is not to be used during pregnancy.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Asarum is taken as a sneezing-
powder, or orally as a purified dry extract in the form of
coated tablets and pills. It is obsolete as a drug.
How Supplied: Commercial pharmaceutical preparations
include coated tablets and confectionery tea mixtures.
Preparation: The air-dried rootstock is extracted with an
organic solvent, which can be mixed with water. The liquid
extract is separated from the solvent by means of vacuum
distillation. The watery portion remaining is diluted with an
equal amount of distilled water, and further extraction takes
place. Then the organic liquid extract is mixed with a
suitable excipient according to the desired percentage of
trans-isoasaron. Afterward, the extract is dried and rubbed.
Trans-isoasaron can also be produced from asarylaldehyde
by means of Perkin's cinnamic synthesis. As sneezing-
powder, the average content of the drug is 20%.
Daily Dosage: The average daily oral dose of the dry extract
for adults and children aged 13 and over is 30 mg, which
corresponds to 30 mg phenylpropane derivatives and should
be spread over 2 to 3 doses per day. Children aged 2 and
over can take an extract corresponding to 5 mg phenylpropa-
nol derivatives 3 times daily. The average single dose of the
drug is 0.1 gm.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet, 5 to 10
globules 1 to 3 times daily or 1 ml injection solution twice
weekly sc; ointments 1 to 2 times daily; Dl and D2 should
not be taken for longer than 1 month (HAB1).
Storage: Coated tablets and pills that contain the purified dry
extract or the tincture from the rhizome can be stored for a
period of 28 days in conditions of high temperature,
humidity and light. Under preferred storage conditions (i.e.
