PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS / 147

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Indian Medicine: for febrile conditions, coughs, skin condi-

tions, retention of the placenta, post-partum bleeding,

threatening abortion, insufficient uterine contractility and

snake bites.

I

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages. It is

conceivable that gastric complaints and nausea might be

experienced, as well as kidney irritation, due to the high

level of saponin content.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdose could lead to European cholera, increased diuresis

and shock.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole herb preparations, cut and

powdered drug for internal use.

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed) Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

^.Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg. New York, 1992-

1994

Canella winterana

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the bark of the tree.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are small and seldom open.

They are violet and fused in clusters to the tips of the

branches. The involucre is sometimes fused at the base. The

stamens are fused to form a pollen tube. The fruit is an

elongate berry with 4 reniform seeds. The fruit changes color

from green to blue and then to a shiny black.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Canella winterana is a tree that
grows up to 15 m andis only branched at the top. The bark is
whitish-yellowish on the outside and chalk-like on the inside.
Jjjpie leaves are alternate, oblong, thick, and are a dark,
intense laurel-green shade.

Habitat: The tree is indigenous to the Caribbean and Florida.

Not to be Confused With: It is often sold as the rarer Cortex

winteranus.

Other Names: Canella alba, White Cinnamon, White Wood,

Wild Cinnamon

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Volatile oil (1%): chief components eugenol, cineol, pinene,

caryophyllene, myristicin

Resins (8%)

Sesquiterpenes: including muzigadial, warburganal (pun-

gent-tasting dialdehydes)

Mannitol (6-8%)

Starch (12%)

EFFECTS

Canella has a stimulant and tonic effect. The sesquiterpenes

contained in the bark have antimycotic and molluscacidal

effects.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: In Central and South America, Canella is

used internally to treat upset stomach, fever and conditions

of the mouth and throat; it is used externally for rheumatism.

In the West Indies, it is used to treat scurvy and as a spice.

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: Canella is available in whole, cut

and powdered forms.

LITERATURE

El Feraly M et al., (1980) J Nat Prod 43:407.

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Morton JF, An Atlas of Medicinal Plants of Middle America,

Charles C. Thomas USA 1981.

Canella winterana

See Canella

Cannabis sativa

See Marijuana

Capsella bursa-pastoris

See Shepherd's Purse

Canella