PDR for Herbal Medicines

788 /VERONICA OFFICINALIS

Veronica officinalis

See Speedwell

Vervain

Verbena officinalis

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried aerial

parts collected during the flowering season, the fresh,

flowering herb, the flowers and the whole fresh plant.

Flower and Fruit: The small flowers are pale lilac and

arranged in thin paniculate spikes. The calyx is fused to a

short, 5-tipped tube. The corolla has a 5-tipped, bent tube

and a bilabiate margin. The mouth of the tube is closed by a

cross of hairs. There are 4 stamens and 1 ovary, which

breaks up into four, 1-seeded mericarps. These are oblong-

cylindrical, 1.5 to 2 mm long, warty on the inside,

reticulately grooved and light brown on the outside. The

seeds are grooved on the inside and have very little

endosperm.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The true variety is an annual or

biennial to perennial with a fusiform, branched, whitish root.

The stem is erect, rigid, quadrangular and branched above.

The leaves are opposite, dull green, ovate-oblong and have a

short broad petiole. They are deeply divided in 3 with

notched, crenate tips. They are wrinkled and roughly

bristled.

Habitat: The plant is probably indigenous to the Mediterra-

nean region. It is cultivated worldwide, but mainly in eastern

Europe.

Production: Verbena herb consists of the above-ground parts

of Verbena officinalis. The herb is predominantly cultivated

in eastern Europe. It is collected in the wild and harvested in

southeastern Europe. After being cut, the drug is hung in

bunches to dry.

Note: Improper drying leads to hydroiytic decomposition of
verbenalin.
Not to be Confused With: Lippiae triphyllae folium
Other Names: Enchanter's Plant, Herb of the Cross, Juno's
Tears, Pigeon's Grass, Pigeonweed, Simpler's Joy, Herb of
Grace

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Iridoide monoterpenes (0.2-0.5%): including among others
verbenalin (cornin, 0.15%), hastatoside (0.08%), dihydro-
verbenalin (0.01%)

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Flavonoids: including among others luteolin, scutellarin and

6-hydroxy-luteolin glycosides, artemitin, sorbifolin, pedali-

tin, nepetin (eupafolin)

Caffeic acid derivatives: verbascoside 0.8%), eucovoside,

martynoside

EFFECTS

The amaroid-Iike affect of the iridoid glycosides explains its

use as an astringent. The drug is weakly anti-edemic,

analgesic, cytotoxic and antitumoral. The verbenalin has

antitussive, secretolytic, and lactation-promoting properties.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Vervain are used for

diseases and ailments of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa,

such as sore throat, and for diseases of the respiratory tract,

such as coughs, asthma and whooping cough.

In addition, the drug is used internally for pain, cramps,

fatigue, nervous disorders, digestive disorders, liver and

gallbladder diseases, jaundice, kidney and urinary tract

complaints, menopausal complaints and irregular menstrua-

tion. It is also used to promote lactation and to treat

rheumatic diseases, gout, metabolic disorders, chlorosis and

edema. The drug is used externally as a gargle for cold

symptoms and for diseases of the oral and pharyngeal cavity.

Vervain is also used for antipruritic treatment of skin

diseases and minor topical burns (in France) and for arthritis,

rheumatism, dislocations and contusions.

Chinese Medicine: The herb is used for edema, chronic

malaria, dysmenorrhea and carbuncles.

Homeopathic Uses: The herb is used for bruising and

cerebral convulsions. ^

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Vervain should not 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.

DOSAGE •

Mode of Administration: Vervain is available as whole, cut

and powdered drug for internal and external use.

Preparation: The ratio for the liquid extract is I.T in 25%

ethanol; the tincture should be mixed with 40% ethanol. An

infusion is prepared by adding 5 to 20 gm drug to 1 liter

water.

Daily Dosage: For the liquid extract, take 2 to 4 ml daily.

For the tincture, take 5 to 10 ml up to 3 times per day. For

the infusion, take 2 to 4 gm up to 3 times per day.