PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

COMPOUNDS: ASH BARK

Hydroxycoumarins: aesculin, fraxin, aesculetin, fraxetin,

fraxidin, isofraxidin, fraxinol, scopoletine

Tannins

^Iridoide monoterpenes: including 10-hydroxyligstroside

EFFECTS: ASH BARK

The main active principle is coumarin. Preparations of fresh

ash bark showed an analgesic, anti-oxidative, and antiphlo-

gistic action. Cyclo AMP phosphodiesterase is inhibited and

an anti-oxidative (radical trapping action) effect was proven

for scopoletine, isofraxin and fraxin.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

ASH LEAF

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Ash leaf are used for

arthritis, gout, bladder complaints, as well as a laxative and

diuretic. In folk medicine Ash leaf is used internally for

fever, rheumatism, gout, edema, stones, constipation, stom-

ach symptoms and worm infestation; and externally for

lower leg ulcers and wounds.

ASH BARK

^ Unproven Uses: Preparations of Ash bark are used for fever

^ and as a tonic.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Since the efficacy for the claimed

applications has not been documented, therapeutic applica-

tion cannot be recommended. The efficacy of Ash in fixed

combinations must be verified specifically for each

preparation.

Storage: Should be protected from light.

LITERATURE

Carnat A, Lamaison JL, Dubnand F, Plant Med Phytother

24:145-151. 1990.

Genius OB, DAZ 120:1505-1506. 1980.

Jensen SR, Nielsen BJ, PH 15:221-223. 1976.

Marekov N et al., Khira Ind 58:132-135. 1986.

£> Tissut M, Ravane P, PH 19:2077-2081. 1980.

Yamagami I, Suzuki Y, Koichiro I, Pharmacological studies on

the components of Fraxinus japonica. In: Nippon Yakurigaku

Zasshi 64(6):714-729 (jap.). 1968.

Further information in:

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.

ASIATIC DOGWOOD /51

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and

Man, Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, HMSO UK

1984.

Asiatic Dogwood

Cornus officinalis

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the tree is the fruit.

Flower and Fruit: The umbels contain 20 to 30 flowers

surrounded by 4 yellow-green, 6 to 8 mm long, elliptical-

acuminate bracts. The flower structures are in fours and the

diameter of the flower is 4 to 5 mm including the disc. The

calyx is fused and has 4 tips. There are 4 free petals, 4

stamens and a 2-chambered ovary, with 1 ovule per chamber.

The drupe is elongate- elliptical, approximately 15 mm long

and red with an elongate, 2-chambered stone kernel.

Leaves and Branches: Cornus officinalis is shrub or tree, that

grows up to 4 m high. The leaves are opposite, simple and 4

to 10 cm long. The petiole is 6 to 10 cm long. The lamina is

ovate-elliptical or ovate, long acuminate, rounded at the

base, yellow-brown and pubescent beneath. The branches are

smooth, bluish-green and the bark peels off.

Habitat: China, Japan

Production: Cornus fruit is the dried fruit pulp of Cornus

officinalis. Fruits are harvested in the late autumn or the

beginning of winter. They are scalded with boiling water or

gently heated. Cleaning of the raw drug follows kernel

extraction and drying.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Iridoids: iridoid glycosides, including loganin, cornuside,

sweroside, morronoside

Tannins: gallotannins, including cornusiens-A to -G, tellima-

grandin I and II, camptothins-A and -B

Triterpenes: including oleanolic acid, ursolic acid

Anthocyans

EFFECTS

The drug has an astringent effect due to its tannin content. It

has exhibited diuretic, blood pressure-lowering and leukocy-

topoiesis-promoting effects in clinical tests.