20 /ALOE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES
Hoppe HA, (1975-1987) Drogenkunde, 8. Aufl., Bde 1-3, W.
de Gruyter Verlag, Berlin, New York.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
York 1995.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Aloysia triphylla
See Lemon Verbena
Alpine Cranberry
Vaccinium vitis-ideae
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried leaves
and the ripe dried fruit.
Flower and Fruit: The white to reddish-tinged flowers are in
clusters of various sizes. The 10 stamens are pubescent at the
base and the anthers are two-tipped and have no appendage.
The white berries initially turn scarlet and contain numerous
rust-brown seeds that are 1.5 to 2 mm long.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a low shrub up to 30 cm
high with scaly underground runners. The shoots sprout from
the axillary buds of the runners. The sprouts are downy when
young and later become glabrous. The leaves are alternate,
short-petioled, obovate and coriaceous. The upper surface is
dark green and the under surface pale green and covered in
glandular hairs.
Habitat: The plant is common in the Northern Hemisphere.
Production: Cranberry leaves are die foliage leaves of
Vaccinium vitis-ideae. Collection takes place in uncultivated
regions (Scandinavia, England). The leaves are dried in the
open air.
Other Names: Cowberry, Red Bilberry, Whortleberry
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY *
COMPOUNDS
Hydroquinone glycosides: arbutin (3-5%), pyroside (6'-ace-
tyl-arbutin), hydroquinone gentiobioside, 2-O-caffeoyl
arbutin
Tannins (10-20%): chiefly condensed tannins, proantho-
cyainidine
Flavonoids: including among others, avicularin, hyperoside,
quercitrin, isoquercitrin
Triterpenes: including among others, beta-amyrin, oleanolic
acid, ursolic acid
EFFECTS
The drug is antiviral and a urine disinfectant due to the
tannin fraction. It also raises cyclooxigenase activity through
the flavonol glycosides.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Alpine Cranberry is used to treat urinary
tract irritation, gout, rheumatism, and calculus (stone com-
plaints). It is also considered a substitute for Bearberry
leaves.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, and in
children under 12 years of age.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No healtii hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Individuals
widi gastric sensitivity may experience queasiness and
vomiting following intake of preparations made from the
drug with high tannin content. Liver damage is conceivable
with administration of the drug over extended periods,
particularly with children, due to the possible hepatotoxicity
of the hydroquinones released.
Because the urine-disinfecting effect of the hydroquinonesr
released in the urinary tract only occurs in an alkali
environment, the simultaneous administration of medication
and food that increases uric acid concentration in the bladder
should be avoided.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Available as whole, cut, and
powdered drug.
Daily Dose: The internal dose is 2 gm as a single dose; as a
decoction, the concentration is 2 gm per cup.
Aloe barbadensis/capensis/
vera
See Aloe