PDR for Herbal Medicines

234/CRANESBILL

Homeopathic Uses: The drug is used for stomach ulcers and

bleeding of the mucous membranes, but 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. Because of

its high tannin content, the intake of preparations of the drug

could lead to digestive disorders. Individuals with sensitive

stomachs could experience nausea and vomiting.

DOSAGE

CRANESBILL HERB

Daily Dosage: Powder/Infusion: 1 to 2 g, 3 times daily.

Homeopathic Dosage: Literature notes the drug's impor-

tance as a homeopathic medicine, but does not state dosage.

CRANESBILL ROOT

Preparation: Liquid extract - drug 1:1 45% ethanol (V/V)

percolated (BHP83).

Daily Dosage:

Decoction — 1 to 2 g drug, 3 times daily

Liquid extract — 1 to 2 ml, 3 times daily

Tincture — 2 to 4 ml, 3 times daily.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5 to 10

globules, 1 to 3 times daily, or 1 ml injection solution sc

twice weekly (HAB34).

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed.), Hagers

Handbuch der harmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Crataegus laevigata

See English Hawthorn

Grithmum maritimum

See Samphire

Crocus sativus

See Saffron

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Croton eluteria

See Cascarilla

Croton Seeds

Croton tiglium

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Paris: The seeds are the medicinal parts. The oil

is extracted from the seeds and is toxic; 1 ml can be fatal.

Flower and Fruit: Croton tiglium is a shrub or tree that

grows up to 6 m. The leaves are alternate, smooth, ovate or

acuminate. They are dark green above and paler beneath,

with an unpleasant smell. There are inconspicuous flowers in

terminal racemes. The seeds have a brown, mottled appear-

ance. The outer layer of the seed is easily removed, leaving a

hard, black coat.

Characteristics: Croton Seed oil is yellowish or reddish-

brown and rather viscid, with an unpleasant odor. It is toxic

and should be handled with extreme care.

Habitat: The tree is found throughout Asia and China.

Production: Croton oil is extracted from the seeds of Croton

tiglium.

Other Names: Tiglium, Tiglium Seeds

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Diterpenes: phorbol ester, including 12-O-tridecane olyphor-

bol-13-acetate (TPA, myristoylphoarbolacetate, MPA)

Fatty oil

EFFECTS

Croton Seed oil is a laxative, skin-irritant, co-carcinogenic,

nephrotoxic. It is a drastic irritant. TPA is a carcinogen,

affecting prostaglandin metabolism.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: At present, it is used only in Chinese

medicine and in very small doses as a remedy for gall

bladder colic, obstruction of the bowels and malaria. The

drug is obsolete in Europe.

Chinese Medicine: In China, Croton Seed oil is used for

edema, furuncles, constipation, chest and stomach pain,

worm infestation and sore throat.

Indian Medicine: Indian uses include constipation, abdomi-

nal disorders, worm infestation, convulsions and attacks of

dizziness.