PDR for Herbal Medicines

604/POLEY PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Leaves, Stem and Root: Poley is a dwarf shrub that grows up

to 45 cm high. The leaves are decussate, obovate to elongate,

crenate, involute and pubescent. The stem is densely covered

with white, greenish or golden hairs.

Habitat: Mediterranean region

Production: Poley herb is the dried aerial part of Teucrium

polium collected during the flowering season.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Diterpenes: including picropolin, picropolinol, picropolinon,

teucrin A, teucrin PI , teucrin H3 , montanines B and C,

teupolins I to V, gnaphalidin. the diterpene spectrum varies a

great deal according to both the subspecies being investi-

gated and its source

Volatile oil (0.1 to l%): the following have been demon-

strated to be chief components, varying according to

chemical race, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, alpha-cadinol,

alpha-humulene, beta-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide,

cedrol, gamma-cadinene, delta-cadinene, limonene, linalool,

menthofurane, myrcene, ocimene, T-cadinol, terpine-4-ol

Iridoids: iridoid glycosides, including 8-O-acetyl harpagide,

harpagide, teucardoside

Flavonoids: including apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-

glucoside, acacetine, apigenin, cirsiliol, cirsimaritin. eupato-

rin, luteolin, salvigenin

EFFECTS

The antidiabetic and anti-ulcer efficacy with which the drug

has been credited has not yet been documented in definitive

clinical studies. A reduction of the ulcer index was described

in connection with animal experiments; furthermore, a

definite reduction of the blood sugar levels was exhibited

following the I.V. administration of a 4% decoction of the

dried herb. The drug is additionally antibacterial, antipyretic

and possibly anti-edematic and antiexudative in effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Poley is used for diabetes (Israel), gastric

complaints (North Africa), fever (Italy) and as a vulnerary

(Spain).

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Cut drug and liquid extract for

internal use.

Daily Dosage: Single dose for infusion: 1.5 gm drug per cup

Storage: Should be tightly sealed and protected from light.

LITERATURE

Autore G, Capasso F, De Fusco R, Fasulo MP. Lembo M,

Mascolo N, Menghini A, Antipyretic and antibacterial actions of

Teucrium polium (L.). Pharmacol Res Commun, 16:21-9, 1984

Jan.

Capasso F, Cerri R, Morrica P, Senatore F? Chemical

composition and anti-inflammatory activity of an alcoholic

extract of Teucrium polium L. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper,

59:1639-43, 1983 Nov 30.

Gharaibeh MN, Elayan HH, Salhab AS. Hypoglycemic effects

of Teucrium polium. J Ethnopharmacol, 24:93-9. 1988 Sep.

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpier H, Schneider G (Ed), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Mattei A, Rucay P, Samuel D, Feray C. Reynes M, Bismuth H,

Liver transplantation for severe acute liver failure after herbal

medicine (Teucrium polium) administration, letter J Hepatol,

22:597, 1995 May.

Rizk AM, Hammouda FM, Rimpier H, Kamel A, Chemical

composition of the wild Egyptian plant Teucrium polium L.

Pharmazie, 22:540-1, 1974 Aug.

Rizk AM, Hammouda FM. Rimpier H. Kamel A, Iridoids and

flavonoids of Teucrium polium herb. Planta Med. 22:87-8, 1986

Apr.

Rizk AM, Hammouda FM, Rimpier H, Kamel A, On the

essential oil of Teucrium polium L. Pharmazie. 22:351-2, 1974

May.

Suleiman MS, Abdul-Ghani AS, Al-Khalil S. Amin R, Effect of

Teucrium polium boiled leaf extract on intestinal motility and

blood pressure. J Ethnopharmacol. 22:111-6, 1988 Jan.

Polygala amara

See Bitter Milkwort

Polygala senega

See Seneca Snakeroot

Polygonatum multiflorum

See Solomon's Seal

Polygonum aviculare

See Knotweed