PDR for Herbal Medicines

512/MEADOWSWEET PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

above-ground parts of Filipendula ulmaria, harvested during

flowering season, as well as its preparations. The plant is

combed off during the flowering season and air-dried in a

dark place.

Not to be Confused With: May be confused with elder

flowers and Filipendula hexapetala.

Other Names: Bridewort, Dolloff, Meadsweet, Meadow

Queen, Meadow-Wort, Queen of the Meadow, Lady of the

Meadow, Spireaea ulmaria

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: MEADOWSWEET FLOWER

Flavonoids: chief components - spiraeoside (quercetin-4'-0-

glucosides, 3-4%), further including among others kaempfer-

ol-4'-0-glucosides, hyperoside, rutin

Volatile oil (0.2%): chief components salicylaldehyde and

methyl salicylate (yielded through dehydration from mono-

tropitin - salicylaldehyde primveroside - and spiraeine -

salicylic acid ester primveroside), further, a little vanillin and

heliotropine

Tannins: ellagic tannins

EFFECTS: MEADOWSWEET FLOWER

Meadowsweet has antiphlogistic and astringent effects. The

drug, which contains salicylate, has an antimicrobial, antipy-

retic and diuretic effect. In animal tests the flavonoid fraction

had a positive effect on die healing of stomach ulcers and a

tone-increasing effect on smootJi muscle was observed.

COMPOUNDS: MEADOWSWEET HERB

Etheric oil (traces): including salicylic acid ester

Flavonoids: including rutin, hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-glu-

curonide, auercetin-3-O-arabinoside

Tannins: ellagic^tafinins

EFFECTS: MEADOWSWEET HERB

The drug, which contains salicylate, has an antimicrobial,

antipyretic and diuretic effect. In animal tests the flavonoid

fraction had a positive effect on the healing of stomach

ulcers and a tone-increasing effect on smooth muscle was

observed.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Cough


• Bronchitis


• Fever and cold
  Meadowsweet is used as supportive therapy for colds, for
  febrile colds, and as a diuretic.
  Unproven Uses: In folk medicine Meadowsweet is used as a
  diuretic, for rheumatism of the joints and muscles, for gout,

for bladder and kidney disease and for headaches. Meadow-

sweet herb is used for stomach complaints with hyperacidity,

prophylaxis and therapy of stomach ulcers and for diarrhea

in children.

Homeopathic Uses: Filipendula ulmaria is used for rheuma-

tism and inflammation of mucous membrane.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Preparations are contraindicated when sensitivity to salicy-

late exists.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with die proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdosage can lead to queasiness and stomach complaints.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug and other galenic

preparations for infusions. Meadowsweet flower is contained

in various tea mixtures which are used for the flu,

rheumatism, kidney and bladder inflammations.

Preparation: To prepare an infusion, pour boiling water over

3 to 6 gm cut drug, steam for 10 minutes and then strain.

Fluid extract (herb): 1:1 in 25% ethanol (BHP83). Tincture

(herb): 1:5 in 45% ethanol (BHP83)

Daily Dosage: 2.5 to 3.5 gm of Meadowsweet flower or 4 to

5 gm Meadowsweet herb. Infusion dosage is 1 cup several

times a day (1 tsp. = 1.4 gm drug). Liquid extract (herb)

daily dose: 1.5 to 6 ml; Tincture (herb) daily dose: 2 to 4 ml

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

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

D6: parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute: 3 times daily; chronic:

once a day (HAB1)

Storage: Should be protected from light and moisture.

LITERATURE

Barnaulov OD, (1978) Rastit Resur 14(4):573.

Barnaulov OD et al., (1977) Rastit Resur 13(4):661.

Barnaulov OD, Denisenko P, (19809 Farmakol Toksicol

43(6):700.

Csedo K et al., The antibiotic activity of Filipendula ulmaria.

1988. In: PM 59(7)75. 1993.
      Genig AY efal., (1977) Mater S'ezola Farm B SSR 3:162.
      Grafe AK, Besonderheiten der Arzneimitteltherapie im
      Sauglings- und Kindesalter. In: PZ 140(30):2659-2667. 1995.
      Haslam E et al., (1985) Ann Proc Phytochemistry Soc Eur 25:


1989. 
      

      Horhammer L et al., Arch Pharm 61:133. 1956.
      I Kasamovski LS, (1962) Tr Khar'kovsk Farmats Inst 2:23.