PDR for Herbal Medicines

106 /BLADDERWORT PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Production: Bladderwort is the whole plant of Utricularia

vulgaris.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Iridoids: including globularin, scutellarioside II

Phenylpropane derivatives: 1-p-cumaroyl-glucoside

EFFECTS

The plant has diuretic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory

effects.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

The drug was formerly used internally in the treatment of

urinary tract disorders and externally for burns. The active

substances in Bladderwort increase gallbladder secretions;

consequently, the drug is used to treat skin and mucous

membrane inflammation.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is obsolete in many parts

of Germany. Bladderwort is used internally and externally in

other parts of the world.

Preparation: To prepare a diuretic infusion for internal use,

add 2 gm of drug per 100 ml of water. To prepare an anti-

inflammatory infusion for external use, add 6 gm of drug per

100 ml of water.

Daily Dosage: Internally, as a diuretic infusion, drink two

small cups daily. Externally, the anti-inflammatory infusion

is used in mouthwashes, cleansers, cosmetics and face packs.

LITERATURE

Baumgartner DL, Laboratory evaluation of the bladderwort

plant, Utricularia vulgaris (Lentibulariaceae), as a predator of

late instar Culex pipiens and assessment of its biocontrol

potential. J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 23:504-7, 1987 Sep.

Hegnauer R, Chemotaxonomie der Pflanzen, Bde 1-11:

Birkhauser Verlag Basel, Boston, Berlin 1962-1997.

Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus

TRADE NAMES
Bladderwrack (available from numerous manufacturers and
as combination product)

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried thallus

and the fresh thallus of Bladderwrack.

Flower and Fruit: Some thallus ends look grainy and it is

here that the reproductive organs are found. The fructifica-

tions consisting of 3 cm long ovoid receptacles are found in

the tips of these thalli. They are either cordate or ovately

flattened with grainy bladders.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is often over 1 m long,

olive green when fresh and black brown when dry. The stem

of the thallus is flat, repeatedly bifurcated and has a midrib

along the whole length. Beside this midrib there are often

scattered pores and numerous air-filled bladders.

Habitat: The plant is found on the North Sea coast, the

western Baltic coast, and on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Production: Bladderwrack consists of the dried thallus of

Fucus vesiculosus, of Ascophyllum nodosum, or of both

species, as well as their preparations. The algae are harvested

when the tide is out, then washed in fresh water and dried at

60° C.

Other Names: Sea wrack, Kelpware, Black-Tang, Bladder

Fucus, Cutweed, Fucus, Quercus marina, Kelp-Ware,

Rockwrack

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Inorganic iodine salts

Organically-bound iodine: in particular in proteins and

lipids, also present as diiodothyrosine

Polysaccharides: including alginic acid, fucane, fucoidine

(strongly sulfated)

Polyphenold: Phlorotannins

EFFECTS

The drug is antimicrobial, has a hypoglycemic effect in

animal experiments and leads in vitro to hemaglutination of

human erythrocytes because of the polyphenolic substances.

Its use in the treatment of thyroid conditions associated with

hypethyrosis has merit because of the high iodine content.

There is information on its apparent usefulness in weight

reduction, which must be strongly criticized for the reasons

given above.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Bladderwrack are used

internally for diseases of the thyroid, obesity, overweight,

arteriosclerosis and digestive disorders and externally for

sprains.