418 /IMMORTELLE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES
Not to be Confused With: Confusion can arise with the
capitula of Helichrysum stoechas and Helichrysum
augustifolium.
Other Names: Common Shrubby Everlasting, Eternal Flow-
er, Goldilocks, Yellow Chaste Weed
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Flavonoids: in particular isosalipurposide (intensive yellow
chalcone glycoside), naringenin-5-glucosyl-gIucoside, heli-
chrysin A and B (C-2-enantiomeric narigenin-5-O-gluco-
sides, B-salipurposide)
Phthalides: including 5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-phthaIides and
their monoglucoside
Alpha-pyrone derivatives: arenole, homoarenole
Sesquiterpene bitter principles
Volatile oil (traces)
Caffeic acid derivatives
EFFECTS
The drug has antibacterial principles, and is mildly choleretic
and mildly spasmolytic.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:
- Dyspeptic complaints
Unproven Uses: The drug is used as an adjunct in the
treatment of chronic cholecystitis and gallbladder complaints
with accompanying cramps. In folk medicine, it is used as a
diuretic and for jaundice, gout, rheumatism, kidney com-
plaints and dropsy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Because of the bile-stimulating effect of the drug, it is not to
be administered when there is biliary obstruction. The
presence of gallstone illnesses can lead to colic.
PRECAUTICNS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Immortelle is used as a comminut-
ed herb for infusions and other galenic preparations for
internal use. Pharmaceutical cholagogues contain extracts of'
the drug. It is an inactive ingredient in many tea specialties.
How Supplied: Forms of commercial pharmaceutical prepa-
rations include teas, drops and compound preparations.
Preparation: To make an infusion, pour boiling water over 2
teaspoonfuls of the drug (3 to 4 g). Allow to stand for 10
minutes and then strain. Drink throughout the day and make
a fresh batch daily.
Daily Dosage: The average daily dose is 3 g of drug.
Storage: Store Immortelle protected from light and moisture.
LITERATURE
Derkach AI et al., Chem Nat Comp 6:722. 1986.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.). Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. AufL, Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food, Dmgs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Mericli AH et al., Sci Pharm 54:363. 1986.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel. 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
mbH Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Impatiens biflora
See Jewel Weed
Impomoea hederacea
See Morning Glory
Indian Hemp
Apocynum cannabinum
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the root and the
juice obtained from the fresh plant.
Flower and Fruit: The small whitish-green, occasionally
pink to violet flowers are on pods that grow to 2 to 4 mm in
length. The calyx is deeply lobed and half as long as the
corolla. The petals are oblong-lanceolate. The tufts of hair on
the seeds are 2 to 3 cm long.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Indian Hemp is a perennial up to 2 m
tall. It has an erect stem, which branches at the top. The
whole plant is glabrous or downy. The short-petioled leaves
are 5 to 11 cm long, yellowish-green and oblong or oblong-
ovoid. The tips of the leaves are initially rounded and then
terminate abruptly in a thorny tip.