PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS LARCH /457

Schimmer O, Felser C. Alchemilla xanthochlora ROTHM.- Der

Frauenmantel. In: ZPT 13(6):207. 1993.

Schimmer O, Lindenbaum M, Tannins with antimutagenic

properties in the herb of Alchemilla species and Potentilla

anserina. In: PM 61(2): 141-145. 1995.

Further information in:

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.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim. 1979.

Wagner H, Wiesenauer M. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und

pflanzliche Homoopathika. Fischer-Verlag. Stuttgart, Jena, New

York. 1995.

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

Stuttgart. 1997.

Laminaria hyperborea

See Kelp

Lamium album

See White Nettle

Larch

LarfxaecTducL.. _

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the outer bark

separated from its outermost layer.

Flower and Fruit: The female flowers are cone-shaped,

erect, 2 cm long, short-pedicled, round-ovate and encircled

by scales at the base. The covering scales turn dark red when

in bloom. The male catkins are sessile, about 1.5 cm long,

sulfur yellow, ovoid-globular. The seeds are light brown,

glossy with 13 mm long and 5 mm wide wings.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Larch is a deciduous tree that grows
up to 54 m high tree (stunted at high altitudes) with a straight
trunk, brown-red bark and pyramid-shaped, sparsely foliated
crown. The main branches are horizontal and turned up at the
tips. The secondary branches are hanging. The foliage is
light green with delicate needles, arranged singly in spiral
rows on long shoots and in bushels on short ones. They fall
in autumn.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to central Europe, cultivated

in North America. It was first introduced to England in 1639.

Production: The balsam of Larix decidua is obtained by

drilling into the trunks. The balsam contains up to 20%

essential oil.

Other Names: European Larch, Common Larch

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Volatile oil (14-15%): chief components: (-)-alpha-pinene

(70%), Delta3-carene (10%) (-)-beta-pinene (6.5%), beta-

pyrones (3%)

Resins: including among others oleoresin acids (50-65%):

including among others laricinolic acid, alpha- and beta-

laricinolic acid

EFFECTS

When used externally the drug has a hyperemic and

antiseptic effect due the essential oil content. Its use for

catarrhal infections of the upper respiratory tract also seems

plausible.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Fevers and colds


• Cough/bronchitis


• Tendency for infections


• Blood pressure problems


• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx


• Rheumatism


• Common cold

Unproven Uses: The drug has been used to treat neuralgic

discomforts and furuncles.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Inhalation may cause acute inflammation of the airway

passages.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper external administration of designated thera-

peutic dosages.

OVERDOSAGE

Resorptive poisonings, such as kidney and central nervous

system damage, are possible with large-area administration.

Kidney damage is conceivable with internal administration.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Available in form of ointments,

gels, emulsions and oils.

Preparation: Liquid and semi-solid preparations 10 to 20%.