PDR for Herbal Medicines

212/COLUMBINE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Columbine is used internally for scurvy and

jaundice; the herb is also used to treat states of agitation due

to its supposedly tranquilizing effect.

Homeopathic Uses: The herb is used to treat menopausal

vomiting and dysmenorrhea in young women. It is also used

to treat the sensation of a lump in the throat (globus

hystericus) and nervous shaking.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

OVERDOSAGE

Poisonings from the leaves because of the cyanogenic

glycoside content have not been observed. The amount of

hydrocyanic acid that is released from the leaves is

apparently too small to cause toxicity.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Columbine is available in tablets

and capsules for internal use.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, l tablet or 5 to 10

globules l to 3 times a day or l ml injection solution sc twice

a week (HABl).

LITERATURE

Bonora A et al., PH 26:2277. 1987.

Fat LTS, Proc Kon Nederl Akad Wetensch Ser C82:l97. 1979.

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.

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.

Combretum micranthum

See Opium Antidote

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

TRADE NAMES
Comfrey (available from numerous manufacturers)

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fresh root and

the leaves.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are dull purple or violet. They

are arranged in crowded, apical, 2-fayed hanging cymes. The

calyx is fused and has 5 tips. The corolla is also fused and is

cylindrical-campanulate with a pentangular tube and 5-

tipped border. The tips are revolute and there are 5 awl-

shaped scales in the mouth of the tube. The scales close

together in a clavate form and have a glandular tipped

margin. There are 5 stamens and 1 style. The ovary is 4-

valved. The fruit consists of 4 smooth, glossy nutlets.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant grows from 30 to 120 cm

in height. The root is fusiform, branched, black on the

outside and white on the inside. The stem is erect and stiff-

haired. The leaves are wrinkly and roughly pubescent; the

lower ones and the basal ones are ovate-lanceolate and

pulled together in the petiole; the upper ones are lanceolate

and broad.

Characteristics: The root is slimy and horn-like when dried.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Europe and temperate

Asia and is naturalized in the U.S.

Production: Comfrey herb consists of the fresh or dried

above-ground parts of Symphytum officinale. Comfrey leaf

consists of the fresh or dried leaf of Symphytum officinale.

Comfrey root consists of the fresh or dried root section of

Symphytum officinale.

Other Names: Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Boneset,

Bruisewort, Consound, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Knitback,

Knitbone, Salsify, Slippery Root, Wallwort, Consolida,

Boneset

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Allantoin

Mucilages (Fructans)

Triterpene saponins: including symphytoxide A

Tannins

Silicic acid: to some extent water-soluble

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (0.03% in the leaves): including

echinatine, lycopsamine, 7-acetyl lycoposamine, echimidine,

lasiocarpine, symphytine, intermedine, symveridine.

EFFECTS

Anti-inflammatory Effect—Comfrey suppresses leukocyte

infiltration during the inflammation process (Shipochliev,

1981).