PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS IMMORTELLE 417

OVERDOSAGE

Symptoms of poisoning can occur after ingestion of one

bean. Strychnine doses of as little as 1.5 mg (30-50 mg of the

drug) initially cause restlessness, feelings of anxiety, height-

ening of sense perception, enhanced reflexes, equilibrium

disorders and painful stiffness of the neck and back

musculature. Later, twitching, tonic spasms of the masseter

and neck musculature, and finally, painful convulsions of the

entire body are triggered by visual or tactile stimulation.

Dyspnea comes following spasm of the breathing muscula-

ture. Death occurs through suffocation or exhaustion. The

lethal dosage for an adult is approximately 50 mg strychnine

(1-2 gm of the drug). Chronic intake of subconvulsive

dosages can also lead to death under similar conditions after

a period of weeks. This is due to an accumulation of drug in

the body, particularly in those who have liver damage.

Following the administration of a watery suspension of

activated charcoal, the therapy for poisoning consists of

keeping external stimulation to a minimum through place-

ment in a quiet, warm, darkened room. Convulsions should

be treated with dosages of diazepam or barbital (i.v.). High-

calorie glucose infusions should also be given. Intubation

and oxygen respiration may also be required. Gastric lavage

should be avoided, due to the danger of triggering convul-

sions. Analeptics or phenothiazines should not be adminis-

tered. Because of the possibility of unwanted effects

occurring in conjunction with the administration of therapeu-

tic dosages, one should forgo any administration of the drug.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: It is used in the manufacture of

strychnine and brucine.

Daily Dosage: If the drug is taken internally, the maximum

single dose is 0.1 gm; the maximum daily dosage is 0.3 gm.

Homeopathic Dosage: from D4: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10

globules every 30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily

(chronic); parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc, acute: 3 times daily;

chronic: once a day (HAB1).

Storage: Mark the container as "poisonous" and keep

tightly sealed; protect the drug from cool air and light.

LITERATURE

Bisset NG, Phillipson JD, JNP 39:263. 1976.

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-

1994.

Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug

Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.

Madaus G, Lenrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Marini-Bettolo GB, Advances in the research of curare and

Strychnos. In: Rend Accad Naz 40:1975-1976, 1-2. 61-76.

1977.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte.

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologic Chemie.
   Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika. Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart. Jena. New
   York 1995.

Ilex aquifolium

See Holly

Ilex paraguariensis

See Mate

Illicium verum

See Star Anise

Immortelle

Helichrysum arenarium

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the composite

heads and the whole of the flowering plant.

Flower and Fruit: The small orange flowers are in dense

clustered cymes. The bracts are dry-membranous and usually

lemon-yellow. All the florets are tubular and funnel-shaped.

The fruit is pentangular with a tuft of hair.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant grows from 10 to 30 cm

high. The stem is erect, unbranched and gray-tomentose. The

leaves are alternate. The lower leaves are spatulate and the

upper ones lanceolate, acute and as gray-tomentose as the

stem.

Characteristics: Immortelle has a weak aroma.

Habitat: The plant grows in Europe and the U.S.

Production: Immortelle consists of the dried flowers of

Helichrysum arenarium gathered shortly before fully

unfolding.