PDR for Herbal Medicines

194 /CLEAVERS PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Cleaverwort, Goose Grass, Gosling Weed, Hedge-Burs,

Stick-a-Back, Sweethearts

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Iridoide monoterpenes: asperuloside

Benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids: including protopine

Beta-carbolin alkaloids: harmine

Quinazoline alkaloids: l -hydroxydesoxypeganin, 8-hydroxy-

2,3-dehydrodesoxypeganin

Flavonoids

EFFECTS

No information is available.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

The drug is used internally as well as externally for ulcers,

festering glands, lumps in the breast and skin rashes. It is

also used for lithuresis and calculosis and as a diuretic for

dropsy, bladder catarrh and retention of urine (ischuria).

Efficacy has not been proven.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Used topically in alcoholic extracts.

Internally as a tea and juice.

Daily Dosage: As a tea, add 4 teaspoonfuls (3.3 to 4.4 gm)

of the drug to 2 glasses of hot water. Drink in sips during the

course of the day.

LITERATURE

Berkowitz, WF et al., (1982) J Org Chem 47:824.

Bhan MK et al., (1976) Ind J Chem 14:475.

Buckova et al., (1970) Acta Fac Pharm Univ Comeniana 19:7.

Burnett AR, Thomsom RH, (1968) J Clin Soc (6):854.

Corrigan D et al., (1978) Phytochemistry 17:1131.

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.

Inouye H et al., (1974) Planta Med 25:285.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Clematis

Clematis recta

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fresh, flowering

plant.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in many blossomed

terminal cymes. The individual blossoms are white and

similar to Clematis vitalba, except that the bracts are only

downy on the edges. The nutlet is glabrous, with a thickened

edge and a long tail.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant grows to about 50 to 125

cm high. The stem is non-climbing, erect, leafy and glabrous.

The leaves are pinnatifid. The leaflets are smaller than those

of Clematis vitalba.

Characteristics: The plant is poisonous.

Habitat: The plant grows in Europe.

Production: Clematis herb is the whole fresh flowering plant

of Clematis recta. The herb is gathered when the plant is in

full flower. It is turned regularly while being dried in the

shade.

Other Names: Upright Virgin's Bower

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Protoanemonine-forming agents in the freshly harvested

plant: presumably, the glycoside ranunculin changes enzy-

matically when the plant is cut into small pieces (and

probably also when it is dried) into the pungent, volatile

protoanemonine that quickly dimerises to anemonine. Once

dried, the plant may not be capable of protoanemonine

formation.

Saponins

EFFECTS

The fresh plant induces blistering on the skin and mucous

membranes and is a fungicide. Sun plants are more effective

than shade plants.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Clematis was formerly used as a remedy for

venereal diseases (syphilis), chronic skin conditions, gout,

rheumatism and bone disorders, as well as a diuretic. In the

pharmaceutical industry, it is used for rheumatic pains,

headaches and varicose veins. In folk medicine, it is used for

blisters and as a poultice for festering wounds and ulcers.

Homeopathic Uses: Clematis is used in homeopathic dilu-

tions for ulcers and poor wound healing.