PDR for Herbal Medicines

184 /CHINESE MOTHERWORT PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

EFFECTS

When taken internally, the alkaloid-containing drug (chief

active ingredient leonurine) is said to have a contracting

effect upon the uterus and to have generally anti-inflam-

matory effects upon various organ systems.

Topical application is said to reduce edema connected with

injuries.

Watery drug extracts reduce blood pressure in animal

experiments.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Chinese Medicine: Chinese Motherwort is used internally for

inflammation of the kidney, the throat and the retina; for

disturbances of menstruation, and in obstetrics for lochias-

tase. Externally, the fruit is used for swelling of the tissue

after trauma.

Homeopathic Uses: The drug is used as a cardiac tonic, for

nervous cardiac disturbances, anxiety states and nervous

breathlessness.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages.

OVERDOSAGE

Feelings of weakness, outbreaks of sweating, enhanced

sensitivity to pain and feelings of closeness in the chest can

all follow intake of higher dosages of the drug (starting at

30 g).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Not to be used during pregnancy.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole and powdered drug. Prepa-

rations are administered internally and externally

Preparation: Infusion: 4 to 10 g drug

Daily Dosage: Not specified in the literature

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.

Chinese Olive

Canarium species

DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the resin.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are arranged in helicoid or

scorpiod cymes; the structures are in threes. The 3 petals are

thick and often coriaceous; the 3 sepals are usually fused into

a cup- or jug-shaped calyx. There are 6 stamens, and the

ovary is 3-chambered with an ovule in each chamber; the

stigma is 3-lobed. The fruit is an ovoid drupe with a thin,

resin-rich mesocarp.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The tree is monoclinous or diclinous,

reaching heights up to 15 m. The leaves are odd pinnate. The

leaflets are short-petiolate and very irregular. The stipules

are round or slit.

Habitat: The tree is indigenous to the Spice Islands,

Philippines, China, Melanesia, and Moluccas.

Production: Elemi is the oleoresin (soft) exuding from fresh

cuts made in Canarium luzonicum and the residual resin

(hard) left to dry on the tree. The soft elemi is obtained by

cutting split secretion channels and, after knocking off the

hard elemi, collecting the resin which dries on that tree.

Other Names: Elemi

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Triterpenes (70 to 80%): particularly alpha- and beta-amy-

rin, including alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-elemic acid, brein,

maniladiol

Volatile oil (20 to 30%): chief component limonene (25%),

also including alpha-phellandrene, elemol, eudesmol, carva-

crol, methyl eugenol

EFFECTS

The resin is credited with promoting the healing of wounds.

An immunostimulating effect was demonstrated in animal

experiments. Topical administration causes skin irritation.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The resin is used in folk medicine as an

expectorant for coughs as well as for gastric complaints,

ulcers and rheumatism (plaster).

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages. According

to older sources, stomach complaints, kidney irritation and

hemorrhagic erosions have been observed following admin-

istration of the essential oil. Topical application causes skin

irritation.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Preparations of the resin are used

topically.

Preparation: Elemi resin is prepared by melting the resin at

low heat and putting it through a filter. This cleaning process