PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS POTENTILLA REPTANS /611

and only thickened at the stigmas. The ripe fruit is glabrous,

ovate to almost globular and grooved on the back.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a two-axis herbacious

perennial with a short, thick, branched rhizome and rosettes

of basal leaves. The stems are 80 cm long, creeping, rooting

at the nodes, softly pubescent eventually becoming glabrous.

The leaves are unevenly paired, pinnate and glossy with

silky white hairs beneath, tomentose and fresh green above.

Characteristics: The plant has an almond-like fragrance and

dry taste.

Habitat: The plant is found in temperate and colder regions

of the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Production: Potentilla herb consists of the fresh or dried leaf

and flowers of Potentilla anserina harvested shortly before or

during flowering, as well as its preparations.

Other Names: Cinquefoil, Crampweed, Goosegrass, Goose

Tansy, Moor Grass, Silver Cinquefoil, Goosewort, Prince's

Feathers, Trailing Tansy, Wild Agrimony

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Tannins (5 to 10%): chiefly ellagitannins

Flavonoids: including quercitrin

Hydroxycoumarins: umbelliferone, scopoletin

EFFECTS

The drug is astringent because of the tannin concentration.

On isolated rat uterus a paralyzing effect was proven which

is due to the presence of ammonium salts. The empirical

evidence of a spasmolytic effect in dysmenorrhea could not

be definitively proven.

INDICATIONS

Approved by Commission E:

• Diarrhea


• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx


• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Internal application for topical treatment of inflammation of

the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, adjuvant treatment of non-

specific, acute diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea symptoms.

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Potentilla is used external-

ly as a wash for poorly healing wounds.

PRECAUTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. There have been complaints of stomach irritation
associated with Potentilla.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Potentilla is available in commer-

cial forms for oral intake. It is also available in crude and

powder forms.

Preparation: To prepare a tea, pour boiling water over 2 gm

finely cut drug, strain after 10 minutes (1 teaspoon corre-

sponds to approximately 0.7 gm drug).

Daily Dosage: 4 to 6 gm of drug; Tea: 1 cup freshly

prepared several times a day between meals.

Storage: Protect from light and moisture.

LITERATURE

Eisenreichova E et al., Cesk Farm 23:82-84. 1974.

Kombal R, Glasl H, Flavan-3-ols and flavonoids from Potentilla

anserina. In: PM 61(5):484-485. 1995.

Schimmer O, Lindenbaum M, Tannins with antimutagenic

properties in the herb of Alchemilla species and Potentilla

anserina. In: PM 61(2):141-145. 1995.

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.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Schulz R, Hansel R, Rationale Phytotherapie, Springer Verlag

Heidelberg 1996.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Potentilla anserina

See Potentilla

Potentilla erecta

See Cinquefoil

Potentilla reptans

Sge European Five-Finger Grass