110 /BLUE COHOSH PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESProduction: Blue Cohosh is the dried root and root-stock of
Caulophyllum thalictroides. It is collected in the wild.
Other Names: Papoose Root, Squawroot, Blueberry Root,
Beechdrops, Blue Ginseng, Yellow Ginseng
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Quinolizidine alkaloids: main alkaloids (-)-anagyrines, (-)-
N-methyl-cytisines, and (-)-baptifolineIsoquinoline alkaloids: magnoflorine
Triterpene saponins: caulophyllosaponinCaulosapogeninEFFECTS
An unspecified glycoside, which has been localized from the
drug and then injected into the ears of rabbits, causes a
strong local irritation. Applying a solution into the rabbit's
eyes leads to inflammation. Glycoside is supposed to have an
oxytoxic effect.
The weak estrogenic, spasmolytic effect is probably caused
by, as yet unknown constituents; the ensuing nicotine effect
is possibly caused by N-methylcytisine.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Internally it has been used for amenorrhoea,
dysmenorrhoea, threatened miscarriage, contraction-like
spasms, rheumatic symptoms, and in particular conditions
resulting from uterus atonia.Indian Medicine: In India, die drug is known as a treatment
for gynecological disorders. In English and American
medicine, the drug has been used since the beginning of the
20th century for worm infestation, dehydration, menstrual
ailments, cramps, and mainly to stimulate contractions and
act as an antispasmodic during labor.Homeopathic Uses: Uses include for problems of menstrua-
tion and labor, as well as rheumatism of the fingers and toes.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages.
Pregnancy: The drug should not be taken during the first
three months of pregnancy due to its estrogenic effect and
possible teratogenic action of the anagyrines.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The drug is used internally as a
decoction or a liquid extract.How Supplied:
Liquid — 1:1 |
Preparation: Infusion (no specifications); liquid extract 1:1,
in ethanol 70% (V/V)
Daily Dosage: The average single dose is 0.3 to 1 gm of
drug; 0.5 to 1 ml of liquid extract.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet, 10 globules 30 to 60
minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times a day (chronic); parenterally:
1 to 2 ml 3 times a day sc (HAB34).
LITERATURE
Benoit PS et al., (1976) Lloydia 39:160.
Di Carlo FI et al., (1964) J Reticuloendothelial Soc 1:224.
Flom MS et al., (1967) J Pharm Sci 56:1515-1517.
Strigina LI et al., (1975) Phytochemistry 15:1583.
Strigina LI et al., (1976) Khim Prir Soedin 5:619.
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.
Hegnauer R, Chemotaxonomie der Pflanzen, Bde 1-11,
Birkhauser Verlag Basel, Boston, Berlin 1962-1997.
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.
Bog Bean
Menyanthes trifoliata
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the dried
herb.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are white or reddish-white,
medium-sized and have many blossomed racemes on long,
leafless peduncles. There are 5 sepals. The corolla is fused
with 5 tips and is pubescent inside. There are 5 reddish
stamens and 1 superior ovary. The fruit is an ovate capsule.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Menyanthes trifoliata is a perennial
green, glabrous aquatic plant that grows from 15 to 30 cm
high. The herb has a small, finger-thick creeping rhizome.
The decumbent stem varies in length according to condi-
tions. Leaf sheaths surround the stem. The leaves are on
long, fleshy, grooved petioles. They are trifoliate, 5 cm long
and 2.5 cm wide, and have obovate leaflets.Characteristics: The herb has a strong bitter taste.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Europe, Asia and
America.