90 /BLACK ALDER PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESPreparations: The bark is prepared as a decoction.
LITERATURE
Freudenberg K, Weinges K, (1967) Tetrahedron Letters 17: 19.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Auff., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Hoppe, HA (1975-1987) Drogenkunde, 8. Aufl., Bde 1-3, W.
de Gruyter Verlag, Berlin, New York.Black Bryony
Tamus communis
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the root.Flower and Fruit: The flowers are small greenish-white and
in loose clusters. They consist of 6 petals and are found on
various plants in fertile and infertile form. The fertile flowers
develop into crimson berries.Leaves, Stem and Root: Tamus communis is a glabrous
climber. The stem dies back in winter but the root is
perennial. The leaves are cordate, smooth, acute and glossy.
The root is almost cylindrical with a diameter of 2 to 3 cm.
The root is 6 to 8 cm long and has scattered, thin root fibers.
Externally, the root is blackish-brown. Internally, it is
whitish and produces a slimy paste when it is peeled.Characteristics: The taste of the root is acrid and the odor is
slightly earthy.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to parts of Europe.Production: Black Bryony root is the root of Tamus
communis. Ths roots are gathered at the end of the
vegetation period. They are dug up and the bark is peeled off
and cut into slices or pieces. During this procedure, gloves
should be worn to protect the hands, as the fresh roots cause
serious reddening of the skin.Other Names: Blackeye Root
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Histamine-oxalate: in the form of skin- and mucous mem-
brane-irritating needlesMucilages (2.5-5%)Volatile oil (1%)
Phenanthrene derivativesSteroid saponins, aglycone diosgenin
EFFECTS
Black Bryony stimulates die external nerve ends. A sub-
stance similar to histamine increases blood circulation in
areas of the skin to which it is applied.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The plant is used for agitation and redness
of the skin, bruises, strains, torn muscles, gout and other
rheumatic disorders. Black Bryony is also used for irritation
of the intestine mucous membrane and as an emetic. It is also
used as a tonic for hair loss, as it improves blood circulation
to the scalp.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Skin contact with the fresh plant leads to the formation of
rashes, swelling, pustules and wheals, due to the skin- and
mucous membrane-irritating oxalate needles and histamine.
Internal administration triggers signs of severe irritation in
the mouth, pharyngeal space and gastrointestinal tract,
combined with vomiting and intense diarrhea. Extracts from
the plant are toxicologically harmless. Skin lesions are
treated with cortisone foam and sterile coverings; tetanus
prophylaxis might be required. If taken by mouth, following
gastric lavage with burgundy-colored potassium permanga-
nate solution and administration of activated charcoal, treat
spasms with diazepam (i.v.) and colic with atropine.
Monitoring of kidney function is essential. Intubation and
oxygen respiration may also be necessary.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The ground root is applied external-
ly as a lotion.LITERATURE
Aquino R et al., (1985) J Nat Prod 48(3):502.
Aquino R et al., (1985) J Nat Prod 48(5):811.
Barbakadze V, Usov Al, Isolation and characterisation of
glucans from roots of Tamus communis L. In: PM 62,
Abstracts of die 44th Ann Congress of GA, 127. 1996.
Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apodieker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-
Ges. Stuttgart 1997.
Ireland CR et al., (1981) Phytochemistry 20:1569.
Kern W, List PH, Hdrhammer 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.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.