PDR for Herbal Medicines

478 /LINDEN

Sterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, stigmastenol and their

fatty acid esters

Triterpenes: squalene

EFFECTS: LINDEN WOOD

The djjUxetjc, hypotensive, and choleretic effects ascribed to

the drug are insufficiently documented. In animal experi-

ments, an increase of bile secretion and a lowering of arterial

pressure have been described. Aqueous extracts of the drug

are antimicrobial.

COMPOUNDS: LINDEN FLOWER

Flavonoids (1%): including chief constituents astragalin,

isoquercitrin, kempferoI-3-O-rhamnoside, quercitrin, tiliro-

side (astragalin-6"-p-cumaroylester), including as well rutin,

hyperoside, afzelin, kempferitrin

Mucilages( 10%): arabino galactans with uronic acid share

Volatile oil (0.01-0.02%): including linalool, germacrene,

geraniol, 1,8-cineole, 2-phenyl ethanol, phenyl ethyl benzo-

ate, alkanes

Caffeic acid derivatives: chlorogenic acid

Tannins

EFFECTS: LINDEN FLOWER

The antitussive, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative,

and analgesic effects attributed to the drug have not yet been

widely supported by experimental data. The toxic principle is

unknown.

An alcoholic extract of the flowers is antimicrobial in vitro

with the tannins, glycosides, and the essential oil the active

components. Tilia flavonoids, which have not been described

in detail, are anti-edemic in animal experiments. In addition,

varioifs^peTimeotal rjesults point to a sedative effect. The

diaphoretic effect is controversial. After steam inhalation

with a lime flower additive, an improvement of the

symptoms of uncomplicated colds was observed in compari-

son to a control group (only steam).

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

LINDEN CHARCOAL

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Linden charcoal are used

internally for intestinal disorders and externally for ulcus

cruris (leg ulcers).

LINDEN LEAF

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Linden leaf are used as a

diaphoretic.

SILVER LINDEN FLOWER-
Unproven Uses: Preparations of Silver Linden flower are
used for catarrhs of the respiratory tract and as an antispas-
modic, expectorant, diaphoretic and diuretic.

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

LINDEN WOOD

Unproven Uses: Preparations of Linden wood are used for

diseases and ailments of the liver and gallbladder systems

and for cellulitis.

LINDEN FLOWER

Approved by Commission E:

• Cough


• Bronchitis

Unproven Uses: The flowers are used for catarrh of the

respiratory tract and as a diaphoretic for feverish colds and

infectious diseases, where a sweating cure is needed. It is

occasionally used as a diuretic, a stomachic, an antispasmod-

ic and a sedative.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

LINDEN FLOWER

Mode of Administration: The drug is available as a commi-

nuted herb for teas, infusions, and other galenic preparations

for internal use. The drug is a component of some

standardized urologic, antitussive, and sedative preparations;

it is also found in cold remedy tea mixtures.

Preparation: To make a tea, pour boiling water over 2 gm

drug, or add the drug to cold water and boil briefly; steep 5'

to 10 minutes and strain (1 teaspoonful = 1.8 gm drug).

Daily Dosage: The recommended daily dosage is 2 to 4 gm

of drug.

LITERATURE

LINDEN LEAF

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8: Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

SILVER LINDEN FLOWER

Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Atherisches Lindenbliitenol -

Aromastoffanalyse. In: DAZ 132(15):748. 1992.

Further information, in:

Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Vol. 1, 2nd Ed,

CRC Press 1975.

Hegnauer R, Chemotaxonomie der Pflanzen, Bde 1-11:

Birkhauser Verlag'Basel, Boston, Berlin 1962-1997.

Rodi L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   LINDEN WOOD
   Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
   Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8: Springer Verlag
   Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.