PDR for Herbal Medicines

226/CORNFLOWER PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

eye washes for eye inflammation and conjunctivitis, and for

eczema of the scalp.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The

drug possesses a weak sensitization potential.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Cornflower is rarely used today.

Occasionally, it is used as an inactive ingredient in tea

mixtures.

Preparation: The infusion is prepared by adding 1 gm of

Cornus florida

See Dogwood

Cornus officinalis

See Asiatic Dogwood

Corydalis cava

See Corydalis (Yan-Hu-Suo)

Corydalis (Yan-Hu-Suo)

Corydalis cava

DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the tubers collected
and dried when the plant is dormant. The fresh tuber
collected just before flowering is also used.

Flower and Fruit: Flowers first appear in the fourth.or fifth

year. There are 4 to 5 racemes of 6 to 12 blooms, which are

symmetrically 2-sided. There are 2 entire-margined bracts

under the racemes. The flowers are dull red or yellowish-

white, seldom lilac, brown-red or dark blue. The sepals are

very small. The upper petal is drawn out into a downward

curved spur; the front end is curved upward like a lip. The

inner petals form a hood-like protective cover for the 6

stamens fused into 2 bundles. There is one ovary. The fruit is

a pale green pod 20 to 25 cm long. The seeds are 3 mm wide,

black, round, smooth and glossy.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is perennial and grows to

about 15 to 30 cm. A number of erect- stems grows from the

tuberous rhizome, which quickly becomes hollow. The stems

bear the racemes and the 2 leaves. The 2 leaves under the

racemes are long-petioled, double trifoliate, sea green above,

and whitish green beneath.

Characteristics: The flowers have a slight fragrance of resin.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to southern and central

Europe.

Production: Corydalis tubers are the rhizomes of Corydalis

cava. The tubers are dug up in autumn or in spring, once the

ground has thawed. They are thoroughly cleaned, the roots

and greenery are removed, and the remainder is sliced. The

material is dried in a well-aired place, turned regularly and

kept in temperatures not exceeding 40°C.

Other Names: Early Fumitory, Turkey Corn, Squirrel Corn,

Yan-Hu-Suo

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Isoquinoline alkaloids: very complex, breed-specific mixture

of approximately 40 alkaloids, including (+)-bulbocap-

nine and (+)-corytuberin (aporphine-type) as well as (-)-

corydaline (berberine-type)

EFFECTS

The full extract has a mildly sedative, sleep-inducing,

spasmolytic, tranquilizing and hallucinogenic effect. It

suppresses the CNS, reduces blood pressure and impedes

movement of the small intestine.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Formerly, Corydalis was used for hyper-

kinetic conditions. Today, it is occasionally used for treat

melancholia, pathological neuroses and mild forms of

depression, as well as for severe nerve damage, trembling

limbs and emotional disturbances.

Folk medicine: Corydalis was used in the past for worm

infestation, menstruation disorders, Menier's disease and

drug per cup.

Dosage: The tea should be drunk several times daily.

Storage: Store carefully and protect from light.

LITERATURE

Bandyukova V, Khalmatov K, (1967) Khim Prir Soedin 3:57.

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.

Kakegawa K et al., PH 26:2261-2263. 1987.

Suljok G, Laszló-Bencsik A, PH 24:1121-1122. 1985.

Takeda K et al., PH 27:1228-1229. 1988.