PDR for Herbal Medicines

642/RHATANY

Production: Rhatany root consists of the dried root of

Krameria triandra Ruiz et Pavon as well as its preparations

collected in the wild, washed and air-dried in the shade.

Not to be Confused With: roots of other Krameria species

Other Names: Rhatania. Krameria Root, Mapato

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Tannins (JO-15%): oligomeric proanthocyanidins

Tanner's reds (phlohaphenes): polymeric, insoluble oxyda-

tion products of the tannins

Neolignans: including among others rhatany phenols I—III

(0.3%)

EFFECTS

In vitro the drug is antimicrobial, fungitoxic and astringent.

Because of the tannin and lignan content, local treatment of

oral and pharyngeal mucous membrane inflammation seems

reasonable.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine used internally as an

antidiarrheal agent for enteritis, inflammation of female

genital organs and urinary tract. It is used externally to

strengthen gums and clean teeth.

Homeopathic Uses: Krameria triandra is used for bleeding

mucous membranes and painful conditions of the rectum.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. Internal administration can lead to digestive com-

plaints because of the secretion-inhibiting efficacy. Allergic

mucus membrane reactions have been observed in rare cases.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb for decoctions

and other galenic preparations for topical application,

especially in oral and pharyngeal areas.

The drug is a component of various standardized prepara-

tions of pharyngeal remedies.

Preparation: 1.5 to 2 gm coarsely powdered drug in boiling

water, strain after 10 to 15 minutes (1 teaspoonful = approx.

3 g drug).

Daily Dosage: About 1 gm comminuted drug in 1 cup of
water as decoction or 5 to 10 drops of Rhatany tincture in 1
glass of water, 2 to 3 times daily.

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Undiluted Rhatany tincture painted on the affected surface 2

to 3 times daily. Tea: freshly prepared as a rinse or gargle 2

to 3 times a day.

Storage: Rhatany should be protected from light.

LITERATURE ^

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

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufi., 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.

SchoJz E, Rimpler H, Osterr Apoth Ztg 48:138.-1994.

Scholz E, Rimpler H, PM 55:379. 1098.

Scholz R, Rimpler H, (1986) Planta Med (6):58P.

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

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

-Williams V et al., (1983) Phytochemistry 22:569.

I

Rheum palmatum

See Chinese Rhubarb

(Da-Huang)

Rhododendron ferrugineum

See Rust-Red Rhododendron

Rhododendron ponticum

See Pontian Rhododendron

Rhus aromatica

See Sweet Sumach

Rhus toxicodendron

See Poison Ivy