PDR for Herbal Medicines

4 /ACACIA

EFFECTS

The drug has an astringent effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The drug is used as a decoction for gum

disease and inflammations of the mucous membrane of the

mouth and throat (rarely used today).

Indian Medicine: Acacia is used as a decoction in the

treatment of diarrhea and vaginal secretions, and as an

enema for hemorrhoids.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Large doses taken internally can lead to indigestion and

constipation.

LITERATURE

Berger F, Handbuch der Drogenkunde, W Maudrich Verlag

Wien 1964.

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.

Trease GE, Evans WC (Eds.), Pharmacognosy, 12th Ed.,

Bailliere Tindall 1983.

Acacia arabica

See Acacia

Acacia catechu

See Catechu

Acacia Senegal

See Gum Arabic

Acalypha indica

See Indian Nettle

Acer rubrum

See Red Maple

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Achillea millefolium

See Yarrow

Achillea ptarmica

See Sneezewort

Aconitum napellus

See Monkshood

Acorus calamus

See Calamus

Actaea spicata

See Baneberry

Adam's Needle

Yucca filamentosa

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves and the

roots of non-flowering plants.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are ivory-colored and located

in nodding, many-blossomed terminal panicles. The perigone

is simple, campanulate, tinged greenish on the outside, with

6 tepals. The flower has 6 stamens, and the stigma is 3-

sectioned.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is 120 to 240 cm in height.

The leaves are in a basal rosette. They are sword-shaped and

erect with a recurved tip. They are short-thorned, broadly

grooved and. covered on the margin with long, twisted,

whitish or yellowish threads.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the southern United

States and is cultivated mainly as an ornamental plant in

Europe.

Production: Adam's Needle leaves are the leaves of Yucca

filamentosa.