PDR for Herbal Medicines

108/BLESSED THISTLE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Volatile oil: components including n-nonane, n-undecane, n- ,

tridecane, dodeca-l,ll-dien-3,5,7,9-tetrain (polyyne), p-cy-

mene, fenchon, citral, cinnamaldehyde

Triterpenes: alpha-amyrin, multiflorenol

Flavonoides: including apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin,

astragalin

EFFECTS

The main constituent is the amaroid cnicin, which is

antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antitumoural. The amaroids

stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices. In animal

tests an anti-edemic effect was demonstrated.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Dyspeptic complaints


• Loss of appetite
  Unproven Uses: St. Benedict Thistle is used as a cholagogue.
  Internal folk medicine applications include loss of appetite,
  anorexia, fever and colds, and as a diuretic. External
  application for wounds and ulcers is noted.
  CONTRAINDICATIONS
  St. Benedict Thistle is not to be used during pregnancy.
  PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
  Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
  tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The
  drug exhibits a strong potential for sensitization (cross-
  reactions with mugwort and cornflower, among others);
  however, allergic reactions have been seen only rarely.
  DOSAGE
  Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug and dried
  extracts for infusions or other bitter-tasting galenic prepara-
  tions for internal use.
  How Supplied:
  Capsules — 340 mg, 360 mg

Extract — 1:1

Tablets

Preparation: Infusions are prepared by pouring boiling water

over 1.5 to 2 gm of drug, allowing to set, then straining after

10 to 20 minutes.

Daily Dosage: Four to 6 gm of drug. The dosage for the

aromatic bitter is 1 cup 1/2 hour before meals. One cup of tea

is taken 3 times a day.

i- , Harnischfeger G, Stolze H, notabene medici 11:652. 1981.

Urzua A, Acuna P, (1983) Fitoterapia 4:175

Vanhaelen-Fastre R, PM 24:165. 1973.

Vanhaelen-Fastre R, Vanhaelen M. (1976) Planta Med 29:179.

I, Further information in:

Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Vol. 1, 2nd Ed.,

CRC Press 1975.

s Hausen B, Allergiepflanzen, Pflanzenallergene, ecomed

s Verlagsgesellsch. mbH, Landsberg 1988.

1 Kern W, List PH. Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. AufL. Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg. New York, 1969.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K. Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
   Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
   Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel. 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
   mbH Stuttgart 1997.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.
   Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
   Stuttgart 1997.

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are roots and the whole

plant.

Flower and Fruit: The plant bears a white flower with 8 to

12 petals on a 15 cm long scape. It is wax-like and has

golden stamens. The seed is an oblong, narrow capsule

approximately 2.5 cm long.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The perennial plant grows to about

15 cm high. The rhizome is thick, round, fleshy and slightly

curved at the end. It is 2.5 to 10 cm long and has orange-red

rootlets. The 1 basal palmately-lobed leaf appears when the

flower dies. The down-covered, grayish green leaf is

clasping, 15 to 25 cm long and has 5 to 9 lobes. Protruding

ribs are recognizable on the under surface.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the northeastern U.S.

Production: Canadian Bloodroot is the root-stock (rhizome)

of Sanguinaria canadensis.

LITERATURE
Banhaelen M, Vanhaelen-Fastre R, (1975) Phytochemistry 14:
2709.
Farnsworth NR et al., (1975) J Pharm Sci 64(4):535.