HERBAL MONOGRAPHS INDIAN NETTLE /419Characteristics: The plant has an acrid taste and is to a
certain degree poisonous.Habitat: The plant is found mostly in the U.S. and Canada.Not to be Confused With: Indian Hemp (Cannabis indica),
W though both species contain latex and their tough, fibrous
bark can be used as a substitute for hemp, hence the name.Production: Indian Hemp root is the root of Apocynum
cannabinum, which is gathered (and sometimes dried), in
autumn. The plant is cultivated as a crop in Germany and
Russia.Other Names: Bitterroot, Catchfly, Dogbane, Fly-Trap,
Honeybloom, Milk Ipecac, Milkweed, Mountain Hemp,
Wallflower. Wild Cotton, Canadian HempACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Cardioactive steroid glycosides (cardenolids): in particular
cymarin, k-strophantoside, apocannoside, cynocannosideEFFECTS
The high content of cardenolide glycosides causes bradycar-
dia and increased contraction of the heart. Blood pressure is
W lowered, and rebound vagotonia hypertension can occur. The
drug increases diuresis and stimulation of the vasomotor
centers. It causes more severe irritation of the intestinal
mucous membrane than digitalis and strophantus prepara-
tions. It has a lower therapeutic effect on atrial fibrillation
than digitalis.Cardenollide glycoside cymine has an effect that is similar
but generally weaker than glycoside strophantine, with the
exception of the stronger diuretic effect in edema. It is less
cumulative.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The juice of the fresh plant is used in the
treatment of condylomatosis and warts. American Indians
use the roots for asthma, dropsy, coughs, syphilis and
rheumatism. In folk medicine, the root is used to strengthen
weak heart muscles following pneumonia, valvular insuffi-
ciency and senile heart. It is also used as a diuretic.Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathic uses include cardiac
•fff. insufficiency, renal inflammation with edema, and vomiting
with diarrhea.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
The drug should be administered only by someone who is
expert in its use. Topical irritation of the mucous membrane
of the alimentary canal, accompanied by nausea and
vomiting, is more common than in other drugs containing
cardenolid glycosides. Vomiting and gastrointestinal irrita-
tions can occur, even with the administration of therapeuticdoses of the drug because of the mucous membrane-irritating
resin fraction.
OVERDOSAGE
For possible symptoms of overdose and treatment of
poisonings see Digitalis folium. Despite the strong efficacy
of the drug's cardioactive steroid glycosides in parenteral
application, serious poisoning in the course of peroral
administration is unlikely, due to the low resorption rate.
DOSAGE
Daily Dosage: The average daily dose of die liquid extract is
10 to 30 drops to be taken 3 times daily or 0.3 to 0.6 ml. of a
1:10 tincture.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every
30 to 60 minutes (acute) or every 1 to 3 days (chronic);
Parenterally: 1 to 2 ml 3 times daily sc (HAB1).
Storage: Store in secure area as the drug is poisonous.
LITERATURE
Belkin M et al., (1952) J Nat Cancer Inst 13:742.
Desruelles J et al.. Therapie 28:103-113. 1973.
Kupchan SM et al.. J Med Chem 7:803-805. 1964.
Further information in:
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, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
York 1995.
Indian Nettle
Acalypha indica
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the whole
flowering plant.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is spike-like, has 3 to 7
female flowers below, which consist only of a 3-carpeled-