PDR for Herbal Medicines

8/AFRICAN POTATO PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

shoot, which has a diameter of 5 to 8 cm and is crowned with

a ring of bristle-like hairs.

Habitat: Hypoxis rooperi is indigenous to South Africa.

Production: Bantu tulip is the fresh or dried rhizome tuber of

Hypoxis rooperi. The plant is collected in the wild, cut and

then dried in the sun.

Other Names: Bantu Tulip, Sterretjie

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Lignans (3.5 to 4.5%): particularly hypoxoside (norlignan

glucoside)

Steroids: sterols, including beta-sitosterol (ca. 0.2%), beta-

sitosterol glucoside

Polysaccharides: starch

EFFECTS

The phytosterols, which have not as yet been more closely

identified (beta-sitosterol is possibly the chief active ingredi-

ent), are said to have anti-exudative effects in animal

experiments. The positive effect of the drug on benign

prostate hyperplasia (reduction of the residual urine volume,

increase of the uroflow, improvement of subjectively experi-

enced complaints) is explained by the phytosterols' inhibi-

tion of local prostaglandin synthase.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Used internally for micturition complaints

resulting from benign prostate hyperplasia, cystitis (South

Africa/decoction) and lung disease (Botswana). It is used

externally as a vulnerary (Africa). Efficacy for these

indications has not yet been proven.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole and cut drug preparations

for internal and external use.

How Supplied: Commercially produced capsules.

LITERATURE
Brauer H, Schomann C, Tolerance of beta-sitosterin from
Hypoxis rooperi in patients with limited liver function. Results
of a controlled double-blind study, Fortschr Med, 96:833-4,
1978 Apr 20.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. AufL, Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.

Aga

Amanita muscaria

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The fungus is used to prepare homeopathic

dilutions.

Flower and Fruit: Aga belongs to the group of lamella fungi,

genus Amanita. The hymenium in the inside of the fruiting

body is exposed by unfolding the cap on the underside.

Characteristics: The poisonous fungus has a basidia which is

dirty white, as are the cuffs and underside of the cap. The

mushroom's cap is orange at first, then strong red with a few

dirty white to yellow spots.

Habitat: Aga grows in the Northern Hemisphere as far north

as the tundra and thrives in sandy, acid soils.

Production: Aga is the above-ground part of Amanita

muscaria.

Other Names: Fly Agaric

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Ibotenic acid (0.17% to 1%)

Muscimol

Muscarine (traces)

Muscazone

Betalains (skin pigment): muscaflavin, muscaaurins and

muscapurpurins

Amavandin (compound containing vanadium)

EFFECTS

The drug, containing ibotenic acid, has a psychotropic and

hallucinogenic effect and is toxic in higher doses. The

decarboxylation product muscimol is similar in structure to

the neurotransmitter GAB A and attaches itself to the latter's

receptor complex as a selective and direct antagonist. The

drug is initially stimulating then paralyzing in its effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Homeopathic Uses: The fungus is used to treat neuralgias,

fever, anxiety, alcohol poisoning and joint pains.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

The drug is highly toxic. Signs of poisoning include

dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, movement disorders,

muscle cramps and psychic stimulation, followed by deep

sleep.

OVERDOSAGE

The intake of more than 10 g of the fresh mushroom can lead

to coordination disorders, confusion, illusions and manic