HERBAL MONOGRAPHSThe Hgustilide-containing essential oil has an antispasmodic
effect on smooth muscle.
The folk use for gastric complaints is probably based on the
specific odor caused by phthalide as well as on the bitter
taste, which increases saliva and gastric secretions.
*
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:- Infections of the urinary tract
- Kidney and bladder stones
Lovage is used for flushing-out therapy for inflammation of
the lower urinary tract and flushing-out therapy for preven-
tion of kidney gravel.
Unproven Uses: The folk medicine uses include dyspeptic
complaints, such as indigestion, heartburn, feelings of
fullness, flatulence, menstrual complaints. Lovage is also
used as a secretolytic for respiratory catarrh.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Because of the irritating effect of the volatile oil, the drug
should not be administered in the presence of inflammation
of the kidneys or of the urinary drainage passages, nor with
reduced kidney function. No irrigation therapy is to be
P carried out in the presence of edema resulting from reduced
cardiac and kidney function.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. The drug possesses a low potential for
sensitization. An elevation of UV-sensitivity among light-
skinned people is possible (phototoxic effect of the
furocoumarins).
Pregnancy: Not tffbeT used during pregnancy.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb and other galenic
preparations for internal use.
Daily Dosage: 4 to 8 gm drug. Ample intake of liquid is
essential. Tea: 2 to 4 gm drug to 1 cup, several times a day
between meals.
Infusion: 1.5 gm per cup.
£ Storage: Protect from light and insects in well-sealed
containers. The whole drug should be stored not longer than
18 months; the powdered drug, not longer than 24 hours.
LITERATURE
Albulescu D et al., (1975) Farmacia 23:159.
Bjeldanes LF, Kim I, (1977) J Org Chem 42:2333.
Fischer FC, Svendson AB, (1976) Phytochemistry 15:1079.
Gijbels MJ et al., (1981) Chromatographia 14(8):451.
LUFFA/483Gijbels MJ et al., (1982) Planta Med 44:207.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. AuflL, Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Lawrence BM, (180) Perf Flav 5:29.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Vollmann C, Levisticum officinale - Der Liebstockel. In: ZPT
9(4): 128. 1988.
Yu SR, You SQ, (1984) Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao 19(8):566.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.Luffa
Luffa aegyptica
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the dried network of
vascular bundles of the ripe cucumber-like plant. When
dried, the dense vascular network mat-makes up the fruit
becomes the Loofah; which is used to scrub and soften the
skin.
Flower and Fruit: The plant bears solitary, yellow, female
flowers, which are 5 to 10 cm wide and have an oblong,
clavate calyx tube. The fruit is cylindrical or oblong-clavate.
It is not ribbed, prickly or sharp-edged. It is somewhat
tomentose, up to 40 cm long and 5 to 15 cm thick. The seeds
are blackish, smooth and winged.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is an annual climbing plant
that grows from 3 to 6 m high. The stems are thin and
pentangular. The leaves are cordate-indented, 15 to 30 cm
long and wide and 3- to 7-lobed.
Habitat: The plant probably originated in India and was
brought to Egypt in the Middle Ages. Today, it is cultivated
in the tropical regions of the world.
Production: Luffa sponge consists of the dried fiber structure
of the ripe cucumber-like fruits of Luffa aegyptica. The ripe
fruit is freed of soft material by banging and washing.