PDR for Herbal Medicines

392/HENNA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Naphthalene derivatives (1,4-naphthaquinones): in particular

lawsone (2-hydroxy-l,4-naphthaquinone), arising during de-

hydration of the leaves out of the precursor 1,2,4-trihydroxy-

naphthalen-4-beta-D-glucoside

Tannins

EFFECTS

The drug is an astringent and a diuretic, and has an

antibacterial effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The drug is used externally for eczema.

scabies, fungal infections and ulcers. It is also used for

amebic dysentery and gastrointestinal ulcers. In African folk

medicine, it is used as an abortifacient. The drug is also

contained in facial and hair lotions and is used to treat

dandruff.

Indian Medicine: Henna root preparations are used to treat

leprosy, skin diseases, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. Henna

leaves are used to treat wounds, ulcers, dysuria, coughs,

bronchitis, one-sided headache, rheumatism and anemia. The

flowers are used for headache, fever and acute psychosis.

Henna seeds are used to treat intermittent fever, diarrhea and

dysentery.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

Stomach complaints are possible due to the tannin content.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Henna is used rarely for internal

use in ground form or as an infusion. Henna is applied

externally as an ingredient in hair and skin lotions.

Daily Dosage: For internal use, 3 gm of powder leaves to be

taken daily, for amebiasis and ulcers.

LITERATURE

Bardwaj DK et al., (1978) Phytochemistry 17:1440.

Karawya MS et al., (1969) Lloydia 32:76.

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. AufL, Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Mahmood ZF et al., (1983) Fitoterapia 4:153.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. AufL, Wiss. Verlagsges.
mbH Stuttgart 1997.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. AufL, Wiss. Verlagsges. mbH
Stuttgart 1997.

Hepatica nobilis

See American Liverleaf

Heracleum sphondylium

See Hogweed

Herb Paris

Paris quadrifolia

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the whole fresh plant

when the fruit begins to ripen.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are solitary and terminal. The

sepals are lanceolate, acuminate, 3-veined and 4 times as

wide as the linear-awl-shaped petals. The stamens are thread-

like to awl-shaped and bear linear anthers in the middle. The

ovary has 5 thread-like stigmas, both of which are purple-

brown. The fruit is a blue-black globular berry the size of a

small cherry.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The 15 to 30 cm high plant is a

perennial herb with a creeping, fleshy rhizome. The stem is

erect, round, unbranched and crowned by 4 acuminate

leaves. The leaves are whorled, almost obovate, acute,

entire-margined and glabrous. The leaves have 3 to 5 ribs.

They are dark green and matte above, pale and slightly

glossy beneath.

Characteristics: The plant has an unpleasant smell and is

poisonous.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Europe and Asian

Russia.

Production: Herb Paris is the fresh plant of Paris quadrifolia,

when the fruit is ripe.

Not to be Confused With: Poisoning can occur in children

when they confuse the fruit of the Herb Paris plant with that

of blueberries.

Other Names: One Berry

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Steroid saponins: chief components are pennogenin triglyco-

side, pennogenin tetraglycoside, and their bisdemosidic

precursors (26-O-glucosides), including 1-dehydrotrillenoge-

nin