HERBAL MONOGRAPHS STRAWBERRY / 735OVERDOSAGE
External administration over large areas can lead to absorp-
tive poisonings that are characterized by kidney damage
(albuminuria, hemorrhagic nephritis).DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Storax is used in combination
preparations for coughs and bronchitis as an inhalation,
externally for wounds and ulcers.LITERATURE
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.
Huneck S. (1968) Tetrahedron 19: 479.
Leung AY. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag. Heidelberg 1992.Strawberry
Fragaria vescaDESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are dried leaves
collected during the flowering season, the dried rhizome and
ripe fruit.Flower and Fruit: The small white flowers are arranged on a
repeatedly bifurcated pedicle. They are usually androgynous.
There are 5 sepals and 5 petals. The sepals are triangular,
pointed or briefly acuminate appressed pubescent. The petals
are oribicular or ovate, glabrous and pure white. There are 20
stamens and numerous ovate, glabrous carpels and a style at
the side. After flowering the receptacle turns into a fleshy
false fruit. The receptacle is 2 cm long, ovate, globular or
clavate, carmine red when ripe. The nutlets are ovate, 0.8 to
1.5 mm long, brown and matte.Leaves, Stem and Root: The perennial, herbaceous plant
grows from 20 to 30 cm high. The rhizome is cylindrical,
horizontal or crooked and thickly covered with the residual
died off leaves and stipules. Long runners grow from die
axils of the basal leaves. The stem is erect and is slightly
longer than the basal leaves. The cauline leaves are trifoliate
and roughly serrate from the first quarter upward. The
petioles are very long and, like the stem have patent hairs.
The stipules are lanceolate, long-acuminate, entire-margined,
reddish brown, glabrous above and hairy beneath.
Habitat: Found in almost all of the temperate zones of
Europe and Asia.
Production: Strawberry leaf consists of the dried leaf of
Fragaria species, mainly Fragaria vesca. The leaves are
collected in the wild and air-dried in a shady place.Not to be Confused With: Other Fragaria species, although
they have the same value.Other Names: Wild Strawberry, Mountain Strawberry.
Wood Strawberry, Alpine Strawberry
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Caffeic acid derivatives: including chlorogenic acidFlavonoids: including rutin, quercetin
Tannins: ellagic acid tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidinsEFFECTS
Strawberry leaf has astringent and diuretic properties; but no
studies are available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Preparations of strawberry leaf are used
externally as compresses for rashes, and internally for catarrh
of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, intestinal sluggishness,
liver disease, jaundice, catarrh of the respiratory tract, gout,
rheumatoid arthritis, nervous tension, kidney ailments in-
volving gravel and stones and as a diuretic. Because of the
tannin content, its efficacy in treating mouth and throat
inflammation and diarrhea is plausible.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Healuh risks or side effects following the proper administra-
tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The
drug should not be taken in presence of strawberry allergy.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Strawberry leaves are only used
occasionally in folk medicine, the berries are used more
commonly.
Preparation: Pour boiling water over 1 gm of comminuted
drug and strain after 5 to 10 minutes.Decoction — boil 375 gm green leaves with 1.15 Liter water
until only 550 ml remain.Infusion — add 4 gm drug to 150 ml boiling water.Extract — boil 20 gm drug with 500 ml water until only half
remains.Daily Dosage: Tea: As an antidiarrheal agent, several cups
per day.Decoction — for diarrhea, 1 teaspoon every 3 to 4 hours.