HERBAL MONOGRAPHS MATICO/509Nitrite glycosides: menisdaurin, not cyanogenic
Volatile oilEFFECTS
The main active principles are caffeine in varying amounts,
tannins and small amounts of essential oil. Depending on the
caffeine content the drug can display analeptic, diuretic,
positively inotropic and positively chronotropic, glycogeno-
lytic and lipolytic effects.
The centrally stimulating effect of the drug is due to the
chlorogenic acids.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:- Lack of stamina
Mate is used for mental and physical fatigue.
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine Mate is used internally for
ulcers, rheumatism, anemia, neurasthenia, depression, as a
diuretic for oliguria and as a prophylaxis against fever and
infections. Externally Mate is used as a poultice for ulcers
and inflammation.
Homeopathic Uses: Ilex paraguariensis is used to treat poor
digestion.
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: Mate is available as comminuted
herb ffi^dnfusions, herb powder and as galenic preparations
for internal use.^nie-drug is available as filter teas in mono
tea form and in various tea combinations such as bladder and
kidney teas.
Preparation: To prepare an infusion, pour water that has just
been brought to boil over 1 teaspoonful drug (2 gm) and
leave to draw for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. The briefly
infused drink is more stimulating, less astringent and tastes
better (caffeine dissolves more quickly than the tannins).Roasted leaves: The dried leaves are heated for 20 minutes to
100° C and then rinsed with water. The leaves are stored for
3 to 4 days to allow the taste and aroma to develop (DAC86).
Daily Dosage: 3 gm of drug.Tea: as required (1 teaspoon corresponds to 2 gm 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
Baltassat F et al., (1985) Plant Med Phytother 18(4): 194.
Gosmann G et al., Triterpenoid saponins from Ilex
paraguariensis. In: JNP 58(3):438-441. 1995.
Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Vol. 1, 2nd Ed.,
CRC Press Boca Raton 1975.
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 (unter Ilex paraguariensis).
Kraemer KH et al., A new polar saponin from Ilex
paraguariensis. In: PM 61 (Abstracts of 43rd Ann Congr):62.
1995.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.),Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Matico
Piper elongatum
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the leaf.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is a long spike of up to
20 cm, opposite the leaf. The flowers have no tepals and are
very small with 4 stamens and an obovoid ovary with a very
short 3-stigmaed style'. The fruit is a very narrow, black, 1-
seeded drupe.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Piper elongatum is a shrub that
typically grows to over 2 m high. The leaves are alternate,
entire, up to 20 cm long and 4 cm wide, short petiolate and
coriaceous. The lamina is elongate-lanceolate, long acumi-
nate and punctate with oil glands. The leaf base is unevenly
cordate; the petiole is winged and clasps the stem. The stem
is round, conspicuously jointed and pubescent toward the
top.
Characteristics: The leaves have an aromatic smell when
rubbed and a bitter, mildly astringent taste.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Argentina, Columbia and
Tanzania.
Production: Piper elongatum is cultivated as a medicinal
plant in the countries of origin. Matico leaves are the dried
leaves of Piper elongatum. The fresh leaves are also used
medicinally.