PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS HYDRANGEA/413

yohimbine, corynantheine, dihydrocorynantheine, corynox-

ine, corynoxeine

EFFECTS

The alkaloid-containing drug (yohimbine-corynantheine

^ type) affects the CNS by inhibiting motility in animal

experiments. The drug is spasmolytic, blood pressure reduc-

ing and also mildly analgesic and locally anesthetic in effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Hvvema Bark preparations

are used for fever and malaria (infusion), leprosy (decoc-

tion), colds, and to lower blood pressure (dry extract).

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages. The LD50

in mice was determined to be 4.9 mg dry extract/kg body

weight, I.V. The symptoms observed included convulsions

and dyspnea.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdoses among humans could conceivably lead to signs of

poisoning.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole and cut drug, liquid and

solid preparations for internal use; solid preparations for

external use.

Preparation: To prepare a dry extract (10:1), the bark

powder is succussed for 30 minutes at 95°C with a 10-fold

amount of isotonic Nacl solution. It is filtered after cooling

and the solution is concentrated to double the weight of the

drug. Freeze-drying follows a 48-hour clarification period.

This produces a brown powder. Drugmative dry extract is

10:1.

Daily Dosage: Dry extract — 200 mg 1 to 4 times daily.

How Supplied: Tablets, capsules, suppositories and drink

ampules.

Storage: Hwema Bark should be stored in a dry place.

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

Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Hydnocarpus species

See Chaulmoogra

DESCRIPTION ,

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried rhizome

and the roots.

Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is flat cymes of umbels

with creamy white flowers. They are androgynous or

completely sexless and have inferior ovaries. The fruit is a

schizocarp or capsule.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Hydrangea is a marsh plant, a bush

up to 3 m high whose leaves are only pubescent on the veins

of the undersides. The petiole is 2 to 5 cm long. The leaves

are simple or lobed and opposite. There are no stipules. The

bark is rough and tends to peel off. The roots are of various

lengths and widths. They are pale gray on the outside and

solid with a slight splitting structure.

Habitat: Indigenous to the eastern U.S. as far south as

Florida.

Production: Hydrangea root is the root of Hydrangea

arborescens.

Other Names: Seven Barks

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Saponins

Flavonolids: including, among others, rutin

Volatile oil

Isocoumarin derivatives: including, among others,

hydrangenol

EFFECTS

The drug has a diuretic effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Hydrangea is used in the treatment of

conditions of the urinary tract, particularly bladder and

kidney stones.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. According to information in older medical litera-

ture, the intake of larger dosages can lead to dizziness,

feelings of constriction in the chest and central nervous

system disorders. The plant has a weak potential for

sensitization (chief allergen hydrangenol).

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: As a liquid extract, in compounded

preparations.