692 /SHORT BUCHU PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESon both edges. The leaves are lanceolate, have a long,
serrated, saw-shaped margin and a blunt apex. They are
yellowish green and up to 4 cm long with an oil gland at the
apex and indentations on the margin. There are smaller oil
glands spread over the leaf blade.
Characteristics: The leaves have a peppermint odor.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the Cape region of South
Africa.
Production: Short Buchu leaf consists of the dried leaves of
Barosma betulina harvested when in flower and in fruit. In
South Africa, collection of the leaves is strictly controlled by
the government to prevent destruction of the plant in the
wild.
Not to be Confused With: Other Barosma and Diosma
species.
Other Names: Buchu
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil: chief components diosphenol and psi-diosphe-
nol (as a mixture known as buccocamphor), limonene, (+)-
menthone, 8-9-isomenthone, pulegone, furthermore (-)- cis-
and (+)-trans-8-mercapto-p-menth-3-one (odor-determining,
so-called cassis aroma)
Flavonoids: including rutin and diosmetin
EFFECTS
No studies of the drug are currently available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Short Buchu leaf is used for inflammation
and infection of the kidneys and urinary tract, for bladder
irritation, as a disinfectant of the urinary tract and as a
diuretic. In Europe the drug has been in use since the 16th
century for the treatment of gout, various bladder disorders
and rheumatism, and for the prostate gland. In South Africa
it is still widely used, typically as a brandy made from the
plant and used to treat stomach complaints.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Short Buchu is not to be used during pregnancy.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages, but it is noted that the volatile oil could lead to
signs of irritation.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Since the claimed efficacy has not
been documented, the application of Buchu leaf cannot be
recommended. Buchu is used in various preparations and
combinations.
How Supplied: Short Buchu is available as an extract,
tincture and infusion.Preparation: A fluid extract is prepared using 1000 parts
powdered Buchu leaves plus 400 parts 90% ethanol (V/V)
7:3 water produce 1000 parts fluid extract (EB6).Infusion —. fluid extract 1:1 90% ethanol (V/V) (BHP83).Buchu leaf tincture — 1:5 60% ethanol (V/V) (BHP83).
Daily Dose: The daily dose of the drug is 1 g to 2 g. Fluid
extracts of 0.3 to 1.2 ml are taken 3 times daily. Dosage for
the tincture is 2 to 4 ml up to 3 times daily. Infusion usage is
typically 1 g per cup.Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet, 10 globules every 30
to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);
parenterally: 1 to 2 ml 3 times daily sc (HAB34).Storage: The drug must be kept cool, dry and away from the
light in sealed containers.
LITERATURE
Didry N, Pinkas M, (1982) Plant Med Phytother 16 (4): 249.
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.
Kaiser R et al., (1975) J Agric Food Chem 23: 943-950.
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.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.Siam Benzoin
Styrax tonkinensis
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the resin
obtained from the trunk.Flower and Fruit: Styrax tonkinensis is a tree that grows up
to 20 m high. It is very similar to Styrax benzoin, but the
flowers are smaller, the calyx is 3 to 4 mm long, the corolla
is white and up to 9 mm long. The fruit is up to 12 mm long.Leaves, Stem and Root: The leaves are oval, 4.5 to 10 cm
long and 2 to 6 cm wide.