PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS SPIKENARD 711

Sticher O et al., (1982) Planta Med 45:159.

Sticher O et al., Helv Chim Acta 62:530 et 535. 1979.

Tamas M et al., Clujul Med 57:169. 1985.

Wojcik E, Acta Polon, Pharm 38:621.

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.

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

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

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

Stuttgart 1997.

Spergularia rubra

See Arenaria Rubra

Spigelia anthelmia

See Wormwood Grass

Spigelia marilandica

See Pink Root

Spikenard

Aralia racemosa
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fresh and dried
rhizome and roots.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is a large panicle, each
branch of which carries a simple, round, 10 to 15 flower
umbel. The flowers are small and have greenish-white petals.
The drupes are dark red to crimson, roundish and 5-ribbed.
The seeds are compressed and have a similarly formed
endosperm.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Aralia racemosa is a herbaceous,
bushy, stiffly branched perennial with a woody base. The
stem extends up to 2 m high and is glabrous and grooved.
The leaflets are thin and oval. The leaflets can grow up to 20
cm long and 16 cm wide, but are usually much smaller and

cordate at the base. The rhizome is up to 15 cm long and has

a diameter of roughly 2.5 cm with prominent concave scars.

The roots are about 2 cm thick at the base, pale brown, and

wrinkled. The root fracture is short and whitish.

Characteristics: Spikenard has an aromatic odor and taste.

Habitat: The plant grows in North America from central

Canada southward to Virginia.

Production: The root and rhizome of Aralia racemosa are

gathered from the wild in summer and autumn and chopped

while fresh. The freshly chopped roots and rhizomes are

either dried or processed immediately to form a thick paste.

Not to be Confused With: It is possible to confuse Spikenard

with the Aralia nudicaulis root. However, Spikenard can be

distinguished by its lack of spotted hypodermis cells, which

are a feature of the Aralia nudicaulis root.

Other Names: Indian Root, Life of Man, Old Man's Root,

Petty Morell, Spignet

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

•COMPOUNDS

Polyynes: including falcarinole, falcarindiol

Triterpene saponins

Volatile oil (very little)

EFFECTS

Due to its saponin content, the drug's effectiveness as a

reflex expectorant for colds seems plausible. It is also

diaphoretic and stimulates tissue renewal. Its efficacy has not

been proven.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Preparations are used internally for colds,

chronic coughs and asthma. It is used as an alternative to

Sarsaparilla in the treatment of skin diseases and for

rheumatic conditions. North American Indians use Spikenard

internally to treat backache and externally for bruises,

wounds, swellings and inflammations.,

Homeopathic Uses: Spikenard is used for colds, hay fever •-

and asthma. Efficacy for colds appears plausible; efficacy for

other uses has not been documented.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: No health hazards or side effects are known in

conjunction with the proper administration of designated

therapeutic dosages. Because of the polyyne spectrum,

sensitization and dermatoses connected with the plant are

also possible through skin contact.

Pregnancy: The drug is not to be used during pregnancy.