HERBAL MONOGRAPHS BISHOP'S WEED/81Volatile oil (0.03 to 0.2%): chief constituents alpha-pinene,
alpha-terpineol
EFFECTS
The aristolochic acids have a phagocytosis- and metabolism-
activating effect. They are also thought to improve the
production of lymphokinins. Activation of phagocytes has
been demonstrated in animal tests in rabbits and guinea pigs,
along with an increase in serum bactericides and stimulation
of pMysine. In addition, in animal tests, immune resistance to
Herpes simplex viruses of the eye was proven. In the ring
test, stimulation and formation of granulation tissue was
demonstrated in rats. In mice, there was a clear increase in
the survival rate in cases of general infection. No significant
results were recorded in cases where infections had no or
only a low leucocytic immune reaction. The drug's pure
aristolochic acid acts similarly to colchicine; it is nephrotox-
ic, carcinogenic and mutagenic.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Birthwort is used to stimulate the immune
system and in the treatment of allergically caused gastroin-
testinal and gallbladder colic. The plant is used in a wide
variety of ways in the folk medicine of nearly all European
countries.
Chinese Medicine: Uses in Chinese medicine include joint
pain, stomachache, malaria and abscesses.
Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathic indications include gyne-
cological disorders and climacteric symptoms, as well as the
treatment of wounds and ulcers. It is also used as a treatment
after major surgery and in ear-nose-throat treatments.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Birthwort is contraindicated during pregnancy.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: Birthwort is highly toxic. The intake of acutely
toxic doses leads to vomiting, gastroenteritis, spasms, severe
kidney damage and eventually to death by kidney failure.
The chronic intake of low dosages among both humans and
laboratory animals led to the development of tumors.
Because of the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of the
aristolochic acids, the drug is not to be administered even in
small dosages.Pregnancy: Birthwort is not to be used during pregnancy.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Birthwort is used as a tincture in an
ethanol solution. No further information is available.
How Supplied: Birthwort is available in homeopathic dilu-
tions of Dll.LITERATURE
Che CT et al., (1984) J Nat Prod 47(2):331.
Fanselow G, Der Einflu(3 von Pflanzenextrakten (Echinacea
purpurea, Aristolochia clematitis) und homoopathischen
Medikamenten auf die Phagocytoseleistung humaner
Granulocyten in vitro. In: Dissertation Berlin. 1981.
Henrickson CU, (1970) Z Immunitats Forsch 5:425.
Mengs U, Klein M, Genotoxic Effects of Aristolochic Acid in
the Mouse Micronucleus Test. In: PM 52(6):502. 1988.
Mix DB et al., (1982) J Nat Prod 45(6):657.
Siess M, Seybold G, Untersuchungen iiber die Wirkung von
Pulsatilla pratensis, Cimicifuga racemosa und Aristolochia
clematis auf den Ostrus infantiler und kastrierter weifier Mause.
In: Arzneim Forsch 10:514. 1960.
Strauch R, Hiller K, (1974) Pharmazie 29(10/11):656.
Tympner KD, (1981) Z Angew Phytother 5:181.
Further information in:
Chan H, But P (Eds.), Pharmacology and Applications of
Chinese Materia Medica, Vol. 1, Ed. World Scientific Singapore
1986.
Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-
Ges Stuttgart 1997.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde. 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
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.
Bishop's Weed
Ammi Visnaga
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fruit.Flower and Fruit: The rays are slender and patent in the
flower, becoming erect, thickened and indurate in the fruit.
The bracts are 1 to 2-pinnatisect, equaling or exceeding the
rays, and the bracteoles are subulate. The pedicles are erect,
stout and rigid in the fruit. The fruit is 2 to 2.5 mm long.Leaves, Stem and Root: Bishop's Weed is a robust annual or
biennial that grows up to 100 cm tall. The lower leaves are