PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS AMMONIAC GUM 29

greenish and is usifally purple-tinged. The stipules are

triangular to reniform.

Characteristics: The flowers have a sweet fragrance.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the eastern part of North

America. It is found as far south as Mexico, El Salvador and

the West Indies, and has been naturalized in parts of western

Europe.

Production: American White Pond Lily root is the rhizome

of Nymphaea odorata and other varieties. The drug is

derived from the cut and dried rhizome and, in powdered

form, is yellowish to gray-brown.

Other Names: Water Cabbage, Cow Cabbage, Water Lily,

Water Nymph

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Tannins (gallotannins, ellagitannins)

Only a very small amount of research work has been carried

out on the drug, but American White Pond Lily root is

known to contain large amounts of gallic and ellagic tannins.

EFFECTS

The astringent and antiseptic effects of the American White

Pond Lily can be attributed to the high tannin content. Only

limited amounts of research have been carried out on the

drug.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Chronic diarrhea is a common internal

application. Externally, the plant has been used in the

treatment of vaginal conditions and as a gargle in the

treatment of diseases of the mouth and throat. Traditional

folk medicine uses also included dysentery, gonorrhea and

leukorrhea, and the leaves and roots were applied as a mash

poultice for boils, tumors, scrofulous sores and inflamed

skin.

Homeopathic Uses: Morning diarrhea is one use in
homeopathy.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
OVERDOSAGE
No poisonings have yet been observed among humans but
animal experiments have been performed with fatal results.
Even though very high dosages were used with the animals,
these results should be taken as a warning to exercise care.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: As a decoction or liquid extract
used for washes, poultices and gargles or taken internally.

Preparation: The fluid extract is produced by percolation:

1:1 using ethanol 25%.

Daily Dosage: Internally: in a single dose of 1 to 2 g drug as

an infusion; 1 to 4 ml of liquid extract.

Homeopathic Dosages: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every

30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic):

parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute, 3 times daily; chronic: once

a day (HAB1).

LITERATURE

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.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel. Bde 1-5.

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Odinstsova NV, (1960) Farmakol i Toxicol 23:132.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen. Pflanzengifte.

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Su KL et al., (1983) Lloydia 36:72 and 80.

Ammi Visnaga

See Bishop's Weed

Ammoniac Gum

Dorema ammoniacum

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is a resin

exuded from the flowers and stems.

Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is an umbel which

grows from the axils of the upper leaves. Because of the very

short flower stems, the individual inflorescences appear very

globular. The flower structures are in fives, the flowers radial

and small, the calyx teeth indistinct, the petals white with

revolute tips. There are 5 stamens. The ovary is inferior, 2-

chambered, densely haired, witfi a conical style cushion with

2 styles. The fruit is double achene.

Leaves, Stem and Root: This herbaceous perennial grows up

to 2.5 m high. The leaves are arranged in spirals, with clearly

developed sheaths, and the lamina is often only rudimentary.

The stem is hollow, gnarled, blue-striped, and up to 5 cm

thick. The taproot is tuberous.

Habitat: The plant is found growing in areas from Iran to

southern Siberia.