PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

was injected intravenously with an infusion (2.5g infusion

per kg body weight). When a decoction of the fresh plant

was administered intravenously, the volume of gall secre-

tions tripled within 30 minutes.

^jF* INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Internally, Horehound is used as a sedative

in cases of hysteria and hypochondria, as a spasmolytic for

stomach cramps and complaints, for whooping cough and to

increase bile flow. Horehound is also used to treat nervous,

upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. In France, it is

traditionally used in the symptomatic treatment of nervous

disorders in adults and children, especially for mila sleep

disorders and for the symptomatic treatment of coughs.

Furthermore, Horehound enemas and suppositories are used

against worm infestation. Externally, Horehound is used for

gout. The drug's efficacy has not been adequately proven.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

m DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is used internally in the

form of liquid extracts and tinctures. It is also used

externally.

Preparation: Liquid extract: 1:1 in 25% ethanol. Tincture:

1:10 with 45% ethanol. Alcohol tincture from the fresh plant

with 90% alcohol.

Daily Dose: Single dose of the drug is 2 to 4 g (as an

infusion); Liquid extract: 1 to 3 ml; Tincture: 1 to 2 ml.

LITERATURE

Balansard J, Compt Rend Soc Biol 115:1295-1297. 1933.

Kooiman P, (1972) Acta Bot Nederl 21 (4): 417.

Savona G et al., (1976) J Chem Soc (P) 1: 1607-1609.

Savona G et al., (1977) J Chem Soc (P) 1: 322-324 et 497-

499.

£ Savona G et al., La chimica e h'ndustria 58:378. 1976.

Seidel V et al., Phenylpropanoid glycosides from Ballota nigra.

In: PM 62(2): 186-187. 1997.

Further information in:

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.

BLACK MULBERRY/99

Black Mulberry

Morus nigra

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the ripe berries and

the root bark.

Flower and Fruit: The plant is monoecious or dioecious. The

greenish flowers are in catkin-like inflorescences. The male

flowers are ovate to cylindrical; the female flowers ovate or

globular. The flowers have a 4-bract involucre, which

enlarges and becomes fleshy in the female flowers. The

female flowers have 2 stigmas, the male flowers have 4

stamens. All of the fruit from the catkins develops into

blackberry-like false berries, which are really a series of

fleshy drupes that are edible and pleasant-tasting.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The tree grows from 6 to 12 m high.

The bark is gray-brown. The leaves are alternate with flat-

grooved, somewhat hairy petioles. They are cordate or ovate.

sessile, unevenly lobed, and serrate with short rough hairs on

the upper surface.

Habitat: The plant is cultivated worldwide in temperate

regions.

Other Names: Purple Mulberry, White Mulberry

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: IN THE FRUIT

Fruit acids (1.9%): including malic acid, citric acid

Saccharose (10%)

Pectins

Ascorbic acid (0.17%)

Flavonoids: including, among others rutin

COMPOUNDS: IN THE LEAVES

Flavonoids: including among others rutin (2-6%)

The constituents of the rhizome rind are not known.

EFFECTS

The active agents are sugar, acids, pectin and rutin, but there

is no information available regarding their effects.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The drug is used as a mild laxative and in

the treatment of inflammations of the mucous membranes of

the respiratory system.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.