PDR for Herbal Medicines

368/GREEK SAGE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

stem is square, appressed pubescent, grayish-white beneath

and green above.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Greece, the Common-

wealth of Independent States, Albania, Turkey and Cyprus.

Various species are particularly widespread in the Mediterra-

nean region.

Production: Greek Sage leaves are the dried leaves of Salvia

triloba, which are harvested once a year if collected in the

wild and three times a year when cultivated.

Other Names: Three-Lobed Sage, Turkish Sage

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Volatile oil (1.5 to 3.5%): chief component 1.8-cineole (40

to 67%), camphor (2 to 25%), thujone (5 to 6%), including

as well camphene, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, alpha-pi-

nene, beta-pinene

Flavonoids: including 7-O-gIucosides and 7-O-glucuronides

of apigenin, chrysoeriol, hispidulin, luteolin, 6-methyl luteo-

lin, as well as salvigenin, jaceosidin

Caffeic acid derivatives: rosmarinic acid (1.0 to 2.5%)

Diterpenes: including carnosol (0.5%)

Triterpenes (8%): ursolic acid, oleanolic acid

EFFECTS

The chief active ingredient (cineole) of the drug's essential

oil has an antimicrobial effect. The combined action of the

essential oil and the tannins is antiseptic and anti-inflamma-

tory, particularly in the region of the mouth and throat.

Decoctions and infusions of the leaves exhibit antihyperten-

sive, spasmolytic and blood sugar-reducing effects in animal

experiments, during which the plasma insulin levels remain

unchanged. The hypoglycemic effect is traced to the

inhibition of intestinal glucose resorption. A sedative effect

has also been described.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Salvia triloba is used internally for diabetes

in Israel and Cyprus, and elsewhere for cardiac symptoms,

lung complaints, colds, coughs, nervousness and digestion

problems. Externally it is used to treat skin damage.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with die proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Aqueous decoctions and infusions

prepared from the whole, cut and powdered drug are used

internally. The fresh cut leaves are applied topically.

Preparation: The literature contains no detailed descriptions.

Storage: Store tightly sealed and protected from light.

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.

Ulubelen A, Ozturk S, Isildatici S, A new flavone from Salvia

triloba L.f (Labiatae). J Pharm Sci, 57:1037-8, 1968 Jun.

Green Hellebore

Helleborus viridis

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The drug derived from the plant's rhizome

and roots is obsolete in medicine today.

Flower and Fruit: There are 2 to 3 flowers with a diameter

of 4 to 7 cm and 5 ovate, grass-green, broad flower bracts.

The petals are in the form of petaloid honey glands, and

there are numerous stamens. The ovary is superior with the

carpels only fused at the base. The fruit is a 25 to 28 mm

long follicle with beak. The seeds have a narrow longitudinal

strip with a ring at the end.

Leaves, Stem and Root: This herbaceous perennial grows

upright, up to 40 cm high. There are 2 basal, long-petioled

leaves; the lamina is divided like a foot into 7 to 13 sections

that are narrow-lanceolate, serrate and dark green. The stem

is upright, branching higher up and leafless to that point. The

cauline leaves are similar to the basal ones but sessile and

smaller. The rhizome is usually branched.

Habitat: The various species of Hellebore grow mainly in

mountainous regions of Europe and North America. The

plant is most commonly found in the Alps; Helleborus viridis

is found growing as far north as northwest France.

Production: Green Hellebore root is the dried rhizome with

roots of Helleborus viridis.

Not to be Confused With: Adulteration and mistaken identity

can occur with Hellebori nigri rhizoma, Actaea spicata,

Adonis vernalis, Trollius europaeus and Eupatorium

cannabium.

Other Names: Bear's Foot

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Cardioactive steroid glycosides (bufadienolids, 0.5 to 1.5%):

chief component hellebrin, including deglucohellebrin

Alkaloids of unknown structure: celliamine, sprintillamine,

sprintilline