PDR for Herbal Medicines

740/SUMMER SAVORY PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Kem W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. AufL, Bde 1-8: Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Leung AY: Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used

in Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York

1980.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Opdyke DLJ (1976) Food Cosmet Toxicol: 14.

Zani F et al., Studies on the genotoxic properties of essential

oils with Bacillus subtilis rec-assay and Salmonella/microsome

reversion assay. Planta Med, 57:237-41, 1991 Jun

Sundew

Drosera ramentacea

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the whole herb.

Flower and Fruit: Size: The plant is from 7 to 20 cm tall.

The flowers are white and arranged in racemes turned to one

side. There are 5 sepals, 5 petals and 1 ovary with 3 to 5

styles. The fruit is capsular.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The leaves are basal rosette, long-

petioled and thickly covered in red glandular hairs. The

thickened ends have a drop of viscid juice to trap insects.

Characteristics: The herb has a sour, bitter, hot taste.

Habitat: Europe, India, China, North and South America, on

wet and peat ground.

Production: Sundew consists of the dried, above- and below-

ground parts of Drosera ramentacea.

Not to be Confused With: Asian varieties.

Other Names: Dew Plant, Lustwort, Youthwort, Red Rot

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Naphthoquinone derivatives:

If the source is Drosera rotundifolia: plumbagin,

ramentaceone

If the source is Drosera ramentacea: ramentone, ramenta-

ceone, biramentaceone, plumbagin

If the source is Drosera madagascariensis: 7-methyI juglone,
plumbagin

If the source is Drosera peltata: plumbagin, droserone, 8-
hydroxydroserone

EFFECTS

The drug has secretolytic, broncho-spasmolytic, and antitus-

sive effects.

The pharmacological mode of action can be traced to 1, 4

naphtoquinone and plumbagin. Plumbagin showed an anti-

phlogistic effect in vitro through the inhibition of prostaglan-

din synthesis and an antimicrobial and cytostatic effect in

animal experiments.

A possible immune-stimulant effect is the subject of recent

studies, the results of which are not yet available.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved By Commission E: " "

• Cough/Bronchitis

Sundew is used for respiratory problems, particularly for

coughing fits and dry coughs.

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Sundew is used for

asthma and warts.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Liquid and solid preparations for

external and internal application. The plant is a protected

species and is in danger of extinction.

Preparation: To prepare an infusion, pour boiling water over

1 to 2 gm drug and strain after 10 minutes.

Daily Dosage: The average daily dose is 3 gm drug. The

dosage of the infusion when used as a broncholytic is 1 cup,

3 to 4 times daily.

LITERATURE

Ayuga C et al., (1985) An R Acad Farm 51(2):321.

Budzianowski J et al., Ellagic acid derivatives and further

naphthoquinones from Dionea muscipula and four species of the

genus Drosera in vitro cultures. In: PM 59(7)54. 1993.

Croft S et al., (1985) Ann Trop Med Parasitol 79(6):651.

Franz G, Workshop uber Sonnentaukraut. In: DAZ

135(47):4431-4433. 1995.

Krenn L, Langer R, Kopp B, DAZ 135:867. 1995.

Langer R, Kopp B, Qualitatsprufung von Sonnentaukraut. In:

DAZ 135(8):657-664. 1995.

Schilcher H, Elzer M, Drosera - der Sonnentau, ein bewahrtes

Antitussivum. In: ZPT 14(1):50. 1993.

Vichnanova SA et al., (1973) Planta Med (Suppl):185.

Wunderer H, Zentral und peripher wirksame Antitussiva: eine

kritische Ubersicht. In: PZ 142(11):847-852. 1997.

Zenk MH, Furbringer M, Steglich W, PH 8:2199. 1969.