HERBAL MONOGRAPHSTanaka T et al., (1984) Chem Pharm Bull 32(1): 117.
Tanake T et al., (1985) J Chem Res (S)6:176.
Yosioka I et al., Chem Pharm Bull 19:1700. 1971.Greater Bindweed
Calystegia sepiumDESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the whole flower-
ing plant and the root.Flower and Fruit: The solitary white flowers are about 5 cm
long, the pedicle is quadrangular. Under the calyx there are 2
cordate, pointed, red-bordered bracts, which extend to cover
the calyx. There are 5 sepals. The corolla is fused and
conical. There are 5 stamens and 1 superior ovary. The fruit
is a capsule.Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is about 10 to 30 cm high
and has a creeping rhizome. The stem is angular, glabrous
and twining. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, cordate or
arrow-shaped. The base of the leaves are acuminate, and they
often have dentate lobes. Most twining plants seem to follow
the course of the sun and bind round a support from left to
right. But the Bindweed will always twine against the sun,
confounding all attempts to train it, even dying in the
process.Characteristics: The flowers close in damp weather.Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Europe and eastern U.S.Production: The upper part of the herb is harvested during
the flowering season and dried at temperatures of no more
than 40° C in a well-aired place.Other Names: Devil's Vine, Hedge Lily, Lady's Nightcap,
Rutland Beauty, Hedge Convolvulus, Old Man's Night Cap,
BearbindACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Glycoretines: polymeric, resinous glycosides of hydroxy
fatty acids (C12-C16) with oligosaccharides; the hydroxyl
groups have been esterified with acetic, propionic, isobutyric
and valeric acids, among othersTanninsEFFECTS
The drug has a powerful effect; activity in the smooth
muscle area is stimulated, intestinal peristalsis is increased,
and there is an increase in bile production.
GREEK SAGE/367INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Greater Bindweed is used for fevers, urinary
tract diseases, as a purgative for constipation and to increase
the production of bile.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. It is conceivable that an overdose of the drug would
trigger intestinal colic.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The pressed juice, powdered root
and an infusion are used internally. The drug is rarely used
anymore due to its strong intestinal effects.Preparation: An infusion is prepared by adding 1 to 2
teaspoons of cut drug per cup of water.LITERATURE
Asano N, Kato A, Oseki K, Kizu H, Matsui K, Calystegins of
Physalis alkekengi var. francheti (Solanaceae). Structure
determination and their glycosidase inhibitory activities. Eur J
Biochem, 14:369-76, 1995.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 4. Aufl., Bde 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Peumans WJ, Winter HC, Bemer V, Van Leuven F, Goldstein
IJ, Truffa-Bachi P, Van Damme EI, Isolation of a novel plant
lectin with an unusual specificity from Calystegia sepium.
GlycoconJ J, 14:259-65, 1997.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte.- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg / Lech 1993.
Van Damme EJ, Barre A, Verhaert P, Rouge P, Peumans WJ,
Molecular cloning of the mitogenic mannose/maltose-specific
rhizome lectin from Calystegia sepium. FEBS Lett, 14:352-6,
1996.
Greek Sage
Salvia trilobaDESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the leaf.Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in false whorls of 2 to 6
blossoms. The calyx is campanulate, dentate, 5 to 8 mm
long, often purple and pubescent. The corolla is 16 to 25 mm
long, typically lilac or pink but occasionally white.Leaves, Stem and Root: Salvia triloba grows as a semi-shrub,
up to 1.2 m high. The leaves are petiolate and tomentose.
The lamina is simple or pinnatifid with 1 to 2 pairs of lateral
leaf sections and a large elongate-ovate end section. The