PDR for Herbal Medicines

466/LEMONGRASS

EFFECTS

In rats, i.v. administration of an infusion caused a drop in

arterial pressure and a mild diuretic effect. The oral

administration of an imprecise amount of extract caused a

drop in temperature and tendency to lengthen intestinal

passage^ dme. Because of the small number of experiments

carried out, a hypotensive action cannot be considered as

conclusively proven. The essential oil has an antibacterial

effect in animal tests: in higher doses, it has a sedative/

analgesic effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Externally, Lemongrass is used for lumba-

go, neuralgic and rheumatic pain, sprains, and as a mild

astringent. Internally, the herb is used for gastrointestinal

symptoms and mild states of agitation.

Indian Medicine: Lemongrass is used for intestinal parasites,

stomach complaints, flatulence, leprosy, bronchitis and

fever.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

The application of salves with the volatile oil upon the skin

has led in rare cases to signs of allergy. A toxic alveolitis

was observed in 2 cases following inhalation of the volatile

oil.

DOSAGE

No information is available.

Storage: Store in air-tight containers protected from light.

LITERATURE

De Silva MG, Mfg Chemist 30:415-416. 1959.

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuchdgr Pharrnazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(r>ogenOTopringer. yejlag Berlin, Heidelberg, Newjfork, 1992-

1994. *:\ ^,
      Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
      in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
      York 1980.
      Sarer E, Scheffer JJC, Svendsen AB, Composition of the
      essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) STAPF cultivated in
      turkey. In: Sci Pharm 51:58. 1983.
      Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
      Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
      Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
      mbH Stuttgart 1997.

Leonurus cardiaca

See Motherwort

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Leonurus japonicus

See Chinese Motherwort

Lepidium sativum

See Garden Cress

Leptandra virginica

See Black Root

Lesser Celandine

Ranunculus ficaria

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fresh herb.

Flower and Fruit: The golden yellow flowers have a

diameter of 25 mm. The calyx usually has 3 sepals, the

corolla 8 or more petalswhich are glossy and spread out in a

star-shape. Since the petals are green underneath, the flowers

are inconspicuous when closed. There are numerous stamens

and ovaries. The fruit is 1-seeded and indehiscent.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant grows from 5 to 15 cm

high. The stems are decumbent and bear bulbils in the leaf

axils. The leaves, like the stems, are glabrous and fleshy. The

lower ones are long-petioled, alternate and orbicular-cordate.

The upper ones are 5-lobed. There are-fleshy, cylindrical

clavate tubers between the roots.

Characteristics: The herb has a hot, unpleasant taste and is

toxic.

Habitat: The plant is found all over Europe, western Asia

and northern Africa.

Production: Lesser Celandine is the fresh herb of Ranuncu-

lus ficaria.

Other Names: Pilewort, Figwort, Smallwort

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

The glycoside ranunculin as protoanemonine-forming agent:

The freshly-harvested plant (0.06-0.35% of the fresh weight,

of which only 3% of the overall content of the plant is

contained in the leaves, 68% in the stalks, 25% in the

blossoms) changes enzymatically when it is cut into small

pieces, and probably also when it is dried, into the pungent,

volatile protoanemonine that quickly dimerizes to non-mu-