528/MOUNTAIN GRAPE
bisbenzyl isoquinoline type: including among others berba-
mine, oxyacanthine
aporphine type: including among others isocorydine
EFFECTS
The use of the drug as a tonic for loss of appetite is plausible
in view of the alkaloid and amaroid content. The berberine
has a mild mutagenic effect. It is an antipsoriatic when used
externally.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The drug is used internally for scaly skin,
psoriasis, eczema, bronchitis, gastritis, cholecystitis and
digestion problems.
Homeopathic Uses: Mountain Grape is used for dry skin
rashes (e.g., for psoriasis between the acute phases) and for
liver and gallbladder conditions.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages.
Pregnancy: The drug should not be used during pregnancy.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The drug is available in commercial
ointments for external use.
Storage: Protect from light.
LITERATURE
Anonym, Ein Lichtblick in der Psoriasistherapie. In: DAZ
134(8):646. 1994.
Augustin M, Mahonia aquifolium bei Psoriasis. In: ZPT
17(1):44. 1996.
Galle K.lfladr'-S, Wagner H, Mahonia. In: DAZ 134(49):4883.
- ..«-•**• '
Mennet-von Eiff M, Meier B, Phytotherapie in der
Dermatologie. In: ZPT 16(4):201-210. 1995.
Misik V et al., Lipoxygenase inhibition and antioxidant
properties of protoberberine and aporphine alkaloids isolated
from Mahonia aquifolium. In: PM 61(4):372-373. 1995.
Muller K, Ziereis K, Gawlik I, The antipsoriatic Mahonia
aquifolium and its active constituents II: Antiproliferative
activity against cell growth of human keratinocytes. In: PM
61(l):74-75. 1995.
Muller K, Ziereis K, The antisporiatic Mahonia aquifolium and
its active constitutents; Pro- and antioxidant properties and
inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. In: PM 60(5):421. 1994.
Niedner R, Wiesnauer M, Dermatologie: Mahonia aquifolium -
ein Phytopharmakon in der Psoriasistherapie. In: DAZ
132(37): 1890. 1992.
Petersen-Lehmann J, Homoopathische Salbe gegen
Schuppenflechte. In: PZ 137(38):2892. 1992.
Willaman JJ, Hui-Li L, (1970) Lloydia 33(3A): 1.
Further information in:
Frohne D, Pfander HJ: Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fiir
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-
Ges. Stuttgart 1997.
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 (unter
Berberis aquifolium).
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,
- Aufl., Ecomed Fach verlag Lands berg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
pflafrizliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
York 1995.
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fresh or dried
leaves.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is a compound um-
belled-raceme with numerous flowers. The flowers are red,
whitish or purple-brown to chocolate brown; solitary on long
glandular-hairy pedicles in the axils of the bracts and 2
lateral, brown bracteoles. The bud has 10 folds and spreads
out in a bowl shape. There are 10 stamens, red anthers
without appendages that burst open at irregular holes. The
fruit is an erect, orbicular, 5-to-7-valvular capsule. The
numerous seeds are flat, oblong, 1 mm long and fly easily.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a heavily branched
shrub or tree about 4 m high with reddish-brown or gray
branches. The evergreen, laurel-like, ovate-lanceolate acumi-
nate, glabrous leaves are alternate, 4 to 12 cm long and have
a 1 to 3 cm long petiole. They are red-brown on the lower
surface, have numerous glandular hairs and a distinct midrib.
The upper surface is dark green.
Habitat: Eastern U.S.
Production: Mountain Laurel leaves are the leaves (fresh or
dried) of Kalmia latifolia.
Other Names: Broad-Leafed Laurel, Calico Bush, Spoon-
wood, Sheep Laurel, Rose Laurel, Laurel, Lambkill, Moun-
tain Ivy