PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS KNOTWEED/449

Flower and Fruit: The inflorescences are axillary cymes
with 1 or a few flowers. The flowers are very small, short-
pedicled, inconspicuous and green or red with white
margins. The epicalyx has 5 bracts and is fused at the base.
There are 5 stamens, and the superior ovary has 3 styles. The
\ fruit is a nut, which is as long as the epicalyx and is matte
brown with wrinkled stripes, ovate to almost elliptical and
flattened on 3 sides.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a sturdy annual. The
main stem is initially erect, up to 1 m high and heavily
branched. It later becomes closely procumbent and spreads
along the ground. The leaves are alternate, entire-margined,
short-petioled with varying forms on the main and side
shoots. They are broadly elliptical to linear-lanceolate, acute
or obtuse. At the base of the leaves there is a scarious
divided leaf sheath. The thin, fusiform, brownish roots
produce a few hair-thin lateral roots.
Characteristics: The appearance depends on the location. It
may also have an ascending stem.
Habitat: The plant is found in most temperate regions of the
world.
Production: Knotweed herb consists of the dried herb,
occasionally containing roots, of Polygonum aviculare,
gathered during flowering season.

Other Names: Allseed Nine-Joints, Armstrong, Beggarweed,

Bird's Tongue, Birdweed, Centinode, Cow Grass, Crawl-

grass, Doorweed, Hogweed, Knotgrass, Ninety-Knot, Pig-

rush, Pigweed, Red Robin, Sparrow Tongue, Swine's Grass,

Swynel Grass

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Flavonoids (0.1-1%): chief components are avicularin (quer-

cetin-3-arabinoside), hyperoside, quercitrin, quercetin-3-ga-

lactoside, additionally including among others vitexin,

isovitexin, rhamnazine bisulphate

Silicic acid (1%): partially water-soluble

Tannins

Hydroxycoumarins: umbelliferone, scopoletin

Lignans: aviculin

EFFECTS

Knotweed has astringent properties. In vitro, the flavonoid

fraction is said to inhibit aggregation of human erythrocytes,

probably by an effect on cyclo-oxigenase.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Cough/bronchitis
  
  
  • Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
  
  
  
  

The herb is used as a mild catarrh of the respiratory tract for

inflammatory changes to the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine iris used as a supportive

treatment for pulmonary disorders, as a perspiration inhibitor

in cases of tuberculosis, as a diuretic, as a hemostatic in

cases of hemorrhage and for skin disorders.

Chinese Medicine: In China, Knotweed is used for gonor-

rhoea, jaundice, skin defects, dysentery (red), itching and

tapeworm in children.

Homeopathic Uses: In homeopathy, Polygonum aviculare is

used for rheumatism of the fingers.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: As a ground herb for teas and other

galenic preparations for internal use and local application.

The drug is a component of various pectoral and bronchial

teas. The extract is found in standardized preparations of

antitussives and diuretics.

Preparation: To make a tea, place 1.5 gm finely cut drug in

cold water and bring to a simmer. Strain after 5 to 10

minutes (1 teaspoonful = 1.4 gm drug).

Daily Dosage: The daily dosage is 4 to 6 gm of drug.

Tea—As a supportive treatment for coughs and bronchial

catarrh, drink 1 cup 3 to 5 times a day.

Infusion for external use—The daily dose is 5 g drug.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every

30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);

parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc, acute: 3 times daily; chronic: once

a day (HAB34)

LITERATURE

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.

Haverland F, PA 18:59-87. 1963.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.