PDR for Herbal Medicines

418 /IMMORTELLE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Not to be Confused With: Confusion can arise with the

capitula of Helichrysum stoechas and Helichrysum

augustifolium.

Other Names: Common Shrubby Everlasting, Eternal Flow-

er, Goldilocks, Yellow Chaste Weed

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Flavonoids: in particular isosalipurposide (intensive yellow

chalcone glycoside), naringenin-5-glucosyl-gIucoside, heli-

chrysin A and B (C-2-enantiomeric narigenin-5-O-gluco-

sides, B-salipurposide)

Phthalides: including 5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-phthaIides and

their monoglucoside

Alpha-pyrone derivatives: arenole, homoarenole

Sesquiterpene bitter principles

Volatile oil (traces)

Caffeic acid derivatives

EFFECTS

The drug has antibacterial principles, and is mildly choleretic

and mildly spasmolytic.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Dyspeptic complaints
  Unproven Uses: The drug is used as an adjunct in the
  treatment of chronic cholecystitis and gallbladder complaints
  with accompanying cramps. In folk medicine, it is used as a
  diuretic and for jaundice, gout, rheumatism, kidney com-
  plaints and dropsy.
  CONTRAINDICATIONS
  Because of the bile-stimulating effect of the drug, it is not to
  be administered when there is biliary obstruction. The
  presence of gallstone illnesses can lead to colic.
  PRECAUTICNS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
  Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
  tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.
  DOSAGE
  Mode of Administration: Immortelle is used as a comminut-
  ed herb for infusions and other galenic preparations for
  internal use. Pharmaceutical cholagogues contain extracts of'
  the drug. It is an inactive ingredient in many tea specialties.

How Supplied: Forms of commercial pharmaceutical prepa-
rations include teas, drops and compound preparations.

Preparation: To make an infusion, pour boiling water over 2
teaspoonfuls of the drug (3 to 4 g). Allow to stand for 10

minutes and then strain. Drink throughout the day and make

a fresh batch daily.

Daily Dosage: The average daily dose is 3 g of drug.

Storage: Store Immortelle protected from light and moisture.

LITERATURE

Derkach AI et al., Chem Nat Comp 6:722. 1986.

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used

in Food, Dmgs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New

York 1980.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Mericli AH et al., Sci Pharm 54:363. 1986.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel. 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

mbH Stuttgart 1997.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Impatiens biflora

See Jewel Weed

Impomoea hederacea

See Morning Glory

Indian Hemp

Apocynum cannabinum

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the root and the

juice obtained from the fresh plant.

Flower and Fruit: The small whitish-green, occasionally

pink to violet flowers are on pods that grow to 2 to 4 mm in

length. The calyx is deeply lobed and half as long as the

corolla. The petals are oblong-lanceolate. The tufts of hair on

the seeds are 2 to 3 cm long.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Indian Hemp is a perennial up to 2 m

tall. It has an erect stem, which branches at the top. The

whole plant is glabrous or downy. The short-petioled leaves

are 5 to 11 cm long, yellowish-green and oblong or oblong-

ovoid. The tips of the leaves are initially rounded and then

terminate abruptly in a thorny tip.