PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS BLUE COHOSH/ 109

Other Names: Indian Paint, Tetterwort, Red Root, Paucon,

Coon Root, Snakebite, Sweet Slumber, Indian Plant, Pauson,

Sanguinaria

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Isoquinoline alkaloids of the benzophenanthridine type (4-

7%): chief alkaloid sanguinarine, further including among

others, chelerythrine. oxysanguinarine: protoberberine-type:

berberine, coptisine: protopine-type: protopine. alpha- and

beta-allocryptopine

Resins

Starch

EFFF.CTS

The alkaloid sanguinarin is antimicrobial and anti-inflamma-

tory. Its use as an antiplaque agent and for gingivitis is

plausible and has been documented in diverse studies. The

alkaloids initially act as a narcotic, causing severe cramping

that is followed by a local paralysis of sensitive nerve

endings.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

The drug was formerly used as an expectorant, as an active

antiplaque agent, and as a mouthwash.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Bloodroot is not to be used during pregnancy.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

OVERDOSAGE

The drug has an emetic effect in dosages above 0.03 g, and

was previously used therapeutically. Higher dosages of the

drug severely irritate the mucus membranes. Overdoses can

cause vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal colic, and possible

collapse.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is obsolete in most

countries. Bloodroot is still used in homeopathic prepara-

tions, as an ingredient in some pharmaceutical preparations,

and as a component of toothpaste and mouthwashes.

LITERATURE

Anonym, Medizinische Mundpflege mit Sanguinaria-Extrakt. In:

DAZ 131(l6):XLH. 1991.

Collins KR, Pat. EP 25649 (1981) Europe.

Elliott JQ, Pat. US 4515779 (1985) USA.

Ladanyi P, Pat. CH 638973 (1983) Switzerland.

Maiti M et al., Febs Lett 142:280.

Further information in:

Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur

Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-

Ges. Stuttgart 1997.

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde 1-8: Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug

Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

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

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M. Phytotherapie Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag. Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

TRADE NAMES

Blue Cohosh Root Liquid (available from numerous manu-

facturers and as a combination product)

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: Medicinal parts are the dried rhizome and

roots and preparations of the fresh roots.

Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence on the terminal leaf is

panicled, 3 to 6 cm long and surrounded by a leaf-like bract.

The flowers are yellowish-green to purple and are 1 cm in

diameter. The 6 sepals are arranged in 2 rows. The 6 petals

are markedly reduced, inconspicuous and gland-like. The 6

stamens are as long as the petals. The ovary opens before it

is ripe and contains 2 dark blue 5 to 8 mm long, roundish

seeds on solid stems. These resemble drupes because of the

fleshy seed-shell.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a leafy, 30 to 70 cm

high erect perennial with a brownish-gray, branched rhi-

zome. The leaves are inserted in the middle of the shoot with

a large, almost sessile leaf, which is tri-pinnate and

resembles 3 foliage leaves. The leaflets are stemmed,

obovate, finely divided into 3 lobes, and wedge-shaped at the

base.

Characteristics: Taste is sweetish, then bitter; almost

odorless.

Habitat: The plant is found in the damp woods of the eastern

part of North America.