362 /GOUTWEED PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil
Polyynes: only in freshly-harvested leaves
Flavonol glycosides: including hyperoside, isoquercitrin
Cajfeic acid derivatives: including chlorogenic acid
Ascorbic acid
EFFECTS
No information available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The herb is used internally as an infusion
for gout and rheumatic diseases. It is used externally in
macerations for poultices and baths for hemorrhoids, gout
and rheumatic diseases, as well as for kidney and bladder
disorders and intestinal disorders.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Internally as a tea; externally, the
fresh herb is squeezed for poultices.
Daily Dosage: There is no exact dosage. A daily recom-
mended dose consists of 1 to 2 dessertspoonfuls (30ml) of
the juice of the fresh plant.
LITERATURE
Bohlmann F et al., Chem Ber 93, 981. 1968.
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.
Harborne JB, Williams CA, PH 11 (5): 1741-1750. 1972.
Schneider V, Ernahr-Umschau 31(2):54-57. 1984.Grains-of-Paradise
Aframomum melegueta
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the ripe seeds.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are solitary, mauve and wax-
like. The fruit is 10 cm long, pear-shaped and scarlet. The
seeds are small, hard, shiny, reddish-brown and oyster-
shaped. They have an aromatic and pungent taste and smell.Leaves, Stem and Root: Aframomum melegueta is a reed-
like plant, 1 to 2.5 m high. The leaves are long and narrow.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to tropical West Africa.
Not to be Confused With: The seeds can be mistaken for
peppercorns.
Other Names: Guinea Grains, Melegueta Pepper, Mallaguet-
ta Pepper
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil
Pungent substances: including hydroxyphenylalkanones and
hydroxyphenylalkanolesTannins
Starch
Fatty oil
EFFECTS
The seed is a stimulant.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Grains-of-Paradise was used as a stimulant.
Now it is obsolete as a drug.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
OVERDOSAGE
Due to the constituent pungent substances, the intake of
larger dosages may lead to irritation of the stomach and the
urinary tract.
LITERATURE
Connell WD, J Chem 23:369. 1970.
Hoppe HA, (1975-1987) Drogenkunde, 8. Aufl., Bde 1-3, W.
de Gruyter Verlag, Berlin, New York.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.Grape
Vitis vinifera
TRADE NAMES
Grape Seed Extract (Available from numerous manufactur-
ers), Red Wine Extract, Grape Seed, Activin, Dr. Masqueli-
er's Authentic OPC
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves, the fruit
and the juice.