PDR for Herbal Medicines

228 /COSTUS PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Steroids: sterols, including beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol

EFFECTS

The drug contains large quantities of essential oil with the

sesquiterpene lactones, costunolid and dehydrocostus lac-

tone. Various drug extracts exhibit antimicrobial and fungi-

static efficacy, and have an influence over liver metabolism

and liver sugar levels. The saussure amines it contains inhibit

the formation of stress-related stomach ulcers. A broncho-

spasmolytic effect has also been described. A dry extract of

the drug administered in 500 mg dosages p.o. 3 times daily

over a 3-month period led to a statistically significant

reduction of angina pectoris attacks among patients with

coronary heart disease.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Indian Medicine: The root has been used in India since

ancient times as a universal antidote and as a contraceptive

(Tschirch manual). It was also used medicinally as an

aromatic and stimulant (according to Hoppe's work on drugs

• 1958).

Chinese Medicine: Internal uses include gastric complaints,

flatulence, coughs, cholera, loss of appetite and asthma.

Externally, it has been used for poorly healing wounds and

skin conditions. 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. It is

conceivable that the plant could cause allergic reactions due

to its sesquiterpene lactone content, but no cases of this have

as yet been documented.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole and powdered drug prepara-

tions for internal and external use.

LITERATURE

Cheminat A, Stampf JL, Benezra C, Farrall MJ, Fr chet JM,

Allergic contact dermatitis to cosrus: removal of haptens with

polymers. Acta Derm Venereol, 61:525-9, 1981.

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.

Costus specious

See Cane-Reed

Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the seeds.

Flower and Fruit: Single axillary, radial flowers are

structured in fives. The calyx is approximately 4.5 cm long,

fused, divided into 5 and surrounded by 3 large, deeply

dentate, epicalyx sepals. The 5 petals are 5 to 7 cm long,

free, white to cream-yellow. The stamens are numerous, and

the filaments are fused into a tube. The ovary is superior, and

the carpels are fused. There is 1 style, with 3 to 5 stigmas

that project through the stamen tube. The fruit is a walnut-

sized capsule that opens on 3 to 5 sides and has 8 to 10

reniform, 3 to 5 mm thick, black seeds. These are covered in

single-celled hair up to 46 mm long.

Leaves, Stem and Root: This evergreen shrub grows up to 2

m high and is typically cultivated as an annual. The leaves

are alternate, long-petiolate, 3- to 7-lobed, with serrate

margins, a rounded base and stipules that drop.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the U.S., China,

Commonwealth of Independent States, India, Pakistan and

Egypt.

Production: Cotton seeds are the ripe seeds of Gossypium

hirsutum, Gossypium oleum and Gossypium herbaceum, as

well as other cultivated Gossypium species. Cotton seed oil

is the refined, fatty oil from the seeds. The oil is extracted

using solvents or pressing followed by refinement with a

yield of approximately 19%. Gossypium semen is derived

from the industrial extraction of cottonseed oil.

Not to be Confused With: Mistaken identity can occur with

sesame and kapok oil, which are sometimes used to

adulterate Cotton oil preparations.

Other Names: American Cotton Plant, Cotton Seed

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: COTTON OIL

Fatty oil: chief fatty- acids include linoleic acid (55%),

palmitic acid (22%), oleic acid (15%), myristic acid (5%), as

well as stearic acid, eicosanoic acid, di- cyclopropene-fatty

acids malvalic acid and sterculiac acid

Lignans: gossypol (traces)

Steroids: sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol, as well as

campesterol, stigmasterol, delta7-stigmasterol, 24-methyl

cycloartenol

Tocopherols (vitamin E): including 0.04% alpha-tocopherol,

0.04% gamma-tocopherol