PDR for Herbal Medicines

268/ELECAMPANE

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Production: Bergeniae rhizoma are the dried rhizomes of

Bergenia crassifolia. They are collected in the wild and air-

dried for 2 weeks.

Other Names: Learner Bergenia, Siberian Tea

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Hydroquinone glycosides: arbutin (1.8 to 2.3%)

Phenol carboxylic acids: bergenin (6.7 to 10.1%, lactones)

Tannins (28%)

EFFECTS

The watery extracts of the drug have astringent, bacteriostat-

ic, local hemostyptic and antiphologistic effects, due to the

tannin content and that of other phenolic constituents. The

arbutin they contain exhibits urine-disinfecting effect (com-

parable to Uva ursi). A shortening of blood coagulation time

could be demonstrated in animal experiments.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Elephant-Ears have been used for fever,

tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhea, intestinal disease and

rheumatism. The drug is also used for skin leishmaniosis and

as a hemostyptic.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Preparations are contraindicated in pregnancy, breast-feeding

and children under 12 years of age.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction wim the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Because of

its high tannin content, the intake of preparations of the drug

could lead to digestive disorders; individuals with sensitive

stomachs may experience nausea and vomiting.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdose could lead to inflammatory irritation of the

mucous membranes of the bladder and urinary tract,

accompanied by urgency and blood in the urine. Long-term

administration of the drug could lead to liver damage, due to

the possible hepatotoxicity of the hydroquinone released,

particularly among children.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole drug preparations for

internal and external use.

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.

Kindl H, Conversion of (4-3H)L-phenylalanine into (4-

3H)pyrocatechol and (3-3H)hydroquinone in leaves of Bergenia

Elephant-Ears

Bergenia crassifolia

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: Whole plant has medicinal properties.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are arranged in curled cymes.

Their structures are arranged in fives and tfiey are radial with

the 2 to 3 ovaries joined only at the base. The petals are red

or pink-violet and up to 1.5 cm long. The ovary is superior,

and the fruit has numerous seeds. The seeds are brown to

brown-black, edged, up to 2 mm long and 0.5 mm thick.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Bergenia crassifolia is a herbaceous
perennial that grows up to 50 cm high. The leaves are basal,
oval, up to 20 cm long, over 10 cm wide, orbicular, fleshy,
glabrous, with indented glands and slightly dentate. The
rhizome is up to 3 cm thick, above ground and covered with
the sheaths of the previous year's leaves.

Habitat: Russia, Mongolia