HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CONDURANGO /217Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in umbel-like inflores-
cence. The calyx and the campanulate to funnel-shaped
corolla have 5 sepals and petals. Pollination is only possible
by insects. The fruit is a follicle containing the seeds, with a
tuft of hair.Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a climbing shrub with
pubescent shoots. The trunk can have a diameter of 10 cm.
The transverse section shows granular, yellowish-white,
scattered, fine and silky fibers. The outer surface is
brownish-gray, often warty, with patches of lichen. The
tough, ovate, 8 to 11 cm long and 5 to 8 cm wide leaves are
very pubescent. They are crossed opposite.Characteristics: The taste is bitter and acrid. The odor is
faintly aromatic.Habitat: The plant grows on the western slopes of the Andes
in Ecuador, Peru and Columbia.Production: Condurango bark consists of the dried bark of
branches and trunk of Marsdenia condurango.Not to be Confused With: Asclepias umbellata or Elcomar-
rhiza amylaceaOther Names: Eagle VineACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Pregnane- and pregn-5-ene glycosides (mixture known as
condurangin): including condurango glycosides A, A0, Al,
BO, C, CI, DO, E0, E2Caffeic acid derivatives: including chlorogenic acid, neo-
chlorogenic acidFlavonoids: including trifoliin, hyperoside, quercitrin, rutin,
and saponarinEFFECTS
The drug contains bitter condurango glycosides (conduran-
gin). As with other amaroid drugs, a reflexive increase of
saliva and gastric juice secretion is to be expected. The drug
stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juices. It has an
antitumoral effect in animals.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:- Dyspeptic complaints
- Loss of appetite
Unproven Uses: Condurango is used for loss of appetite. In
folk medicine, it is used for atonia of the stomach, painful
nutritional disorders, for stomach cancer to alleviate nausea,
as an appetite stimulant and to increase tolerance of food.
Homeopathic Uses: Condurango is used for cracked skin,
constriction of the alimentary canal, and for ulceration of the
lips and anus.
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: Comminuted drug for infusions and
other bitter-tasting preparations for internal use.Preparation: An infusion is prepared by adding 1.5 gm
comminuted drug to cold water and bringing to a boil; strain
when cold. The drug is also added to wine; 50 to 100 gm of
the drug per liter.Daily Dosage: The average daily dose of aqueous extract is
0.2 to 0.5 gm; tincture, 2 to 5 gm; liquid extract, 2 to 4 gm;
bark, 2 to 4 gm; Infusion and wine: 1 cup or 1 liquor glass 30
minutes before meals.Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every
30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);
parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute, 3 times daily; chronic: once
a day. Apply ointment 1 to 2 times a day (acute and chronic)
(HAB1).Storage: Condurango should be kept tightly sealed and
protected from light.
LITERATURE
Berger S et al., Arch Pharm 320:924. 1987.
Berger S et al., PH 27:1451. 1988.
Hayashi K et al., (1980) Chem Pharm Bull 28:1954.
Hayashi K et al., (1981) Chem Pharm Bull 29:2725.
Steinegger E, Koch H, Pharm Acta Helv 56:244 et 57:211.
1982.
Takase M et al., (1982) Chem Pharm Bull 30:2429.
Tschesche R, Kohl H, Tetrahedron 24:4359. 1968.
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.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
mbH Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.