PDR for Herbal Medicines

534 /MUSKMALLOW PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is an annual erect herb

about 1 to 2 m high with star-shaped, pubescent stem, stalks

and leaves. The leaves are 15 to 25 cm long, cordate to round

with 3 to 7 lobes, which taper to a point. The petioles are as

long or longer than the leaves. The stipules are oblong and

pubescent.

Characteristics: The seeds have a strong, musky smell, and

the taste is oily. The seed pods have an aromatic flavor and

are used in some parts of the Middle East to mix with and

flavor coffee.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Africa, India, Java and

South America and is cultivated in all tropical regions.

Production: Muskmallow seeds are the dried seeds of

Hibiscus abelmoschus. The seeds are dried in the open air.

Not to be Confused With: Foenugraeci semen.

Other Names: Muskseed, Ambrette Seed, Abelmosk, Am-

bretta, Egyptian Alcee, Target-Leaved Hibiscus, Okra

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Fatty oil and chief fatty acids: palmitic acid, linoleic acid,

stearic acid

Volatile oil: ambrette oil, chief components famesylacetate,

macrocyclic lactones as carriers of the musk smell such as

hexadec-7-en-16-olide (ambrettolide), tetradec-5-en-14-olide

Sterols: including beta-sitosterin, beta-sitosterin-beta-D-

glucoside

EFFECTS
Muskmallow is said to be an aromatic, a stimulant and
carminative.
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INDICATIONS AWD tf SAGE
Unproven Uses: The various preparations are used internally
and externally for snake bite, cramps, stomach and intestinal
disorders with cramps, loss of appetite and headache.
Homeopathic Uses: Muskmallow is used for feelings of
tightness in die rib cage area.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Muskmallow is used as a tea or
tincture, and is administered both internally and externally.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet, 5 to 10
globules, 1 to 3 times a day (HAB34).
LITERATURE
Maurer B, Greider A, (1977) Helv Chim Acta 60:1155.

Srivastava KC, Rastogi SC, (1969) Planta Med 17:189.

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 (unter Abelmoschus moschatus).

Myosotis arvensis

See Forget-Me-Not

Myrica cerifera

See Southern Bayberry

Myrica gale

See Sweet Gale

Myristica fragrans

See Nutmeg

Myroxylon balsamum

See Tolu Balsam

Myrrh

Commiphora molmol

TRADE NAMES

Myrrh is sold as Myrrh Commiphora, Myrrh Gum, Guggal

Resin, Wild Countryside Myrrh Gum (available from

numerous manufacturers).

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The resin, which has exuded from the bark

and dried in the air, is the medicinal part. Myrrh is the pale

yellow granular secretion that is discharged into cavities in

the bark when it is wounded. The exudate hardens to a red-

brown mass about the size of a walnut.

Flower and Fruit: The yellowish-red inflorescences are

panicled. The fruit is brown, about 7 mm long, ovate and

I acuminate.