HERBAL MONOGRAPHS HOLLY /397Other Names: MasterwortACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY. COMPOUNDS
Furocoumarins (0.5-0.6%): in particular bergaptene, isopim-
W> pinellin, pimpinellin, isobergaptene, sphondin
Volatile oil: including those containing n-octylacetateEFFECTS
Hogweed is considered a mild expectorant; however, this has
not been scientifically proven. A phototoxic effect should be
expected after administration.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, the drug is used to relieve
muscle cramps, stomach disorders, digestion problems,
diarrhea, gastrointestinal catarrh and diarrhea following a
cold. The furocoumarin methoxsalin is used in the treatment
of psoriasis.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Phototoxic effects must be avoided following intake of the
drug due to its furocoumarin content. For that reason, UV-
^ radiation and solaria should be avoided after its administra-
tion. The same danger exists following contact with the
freshly bruised plant.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: An infusion is used internally.Preparation: To make an infusion, add 3 teaspoonfuls of
herb to 2 glasses of cold water and allow to draw for 8 hours.Daily Dosage: The preparation should be drunk throughout
the day.LITERATURE
Baerheim Svendsen A et al., PM 7:113-117. 1959.
Frohne D, Pfander HJ: Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss.
Veriagsges. mbH Stuttgart 1997.
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-Madaus G: Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Ognyanov I et al., PM 14:19-21. 1966.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K: Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,
4.Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U: Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.Holly
Ilex aquifolium
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried foliage
leaves, the fresh leaves, the young leafy branches with the
ripe berries and the flowers of the branch tips with the
leaves.
Flower and Fruit: Because of the shrinking of the one sex,
the flowers are usually dioecious. The inflorescence is a 1 to
3 flowered axillary cyme. They are white. The calyx is small
and has 4 to 5 tips. The 5-petalled corolla is rotate. The
ovary is superior. There are 4 to 5 stamens. The coral red
fruit is a 4-sectioned, sessile, berry-like, pea-sized drupe with
4 to 5 seeds.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a 10 m high evergreen
bush or tree with smooth, dark, gray-brown bark. The bark
on the younger branches is green and glossy. The branches
and foliage are glabrous. The leaves are alternate, coria-
ceous, stiff, ovate or elliptical and acute. The lower ones are
thorny denate, the upper ones entire-margined.
Characteristics: The flowers have a weak pleasant scent.
The berries are poisonous to children.
Habitat: The plant is found in central Europe, North
America and eastern Asia.
Production: Holly leaves and fruits are the leaves and fruits
of Ilex aquifolium.
Other Names: Hulver Bush, Holm, Hulm, Holme Chase,
Holy Tree, Christ's Thorn, Hulver Tree
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Saponins
Nitrile glycosides: menisdaurin, not cyanogenic
Flavonoids: including, among others, rutin, kaempferol and
quercetin glycosides
Caffeic acid derivatives: chlorogenic acid
Sterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol
Triterpenes: alpha-amyrin, alpha-amyrinester, beta-amyrin,
ursolic acid
Purine alkaloids: only traces of theobromine
EFFECTS
No information is available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Holly is used as a diuretic. Also used for
coughs, digestive disorders and jaundice.