PDR for Herbal Medicines

532/MUIRA-PUAMA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

leaves are matte with a dark green to black upper surface and
a dark gray undersurface. The ribs are pinnatifid, curved,
becoming distinct at the margin and protruding on the
undersurface. The petioles are deeply grooved and do not
thicken.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Guyana and the Amazon
region of Brazil.
Production: Muira-Puama consists of the wood from the
trunk and/or roots of Ptychopetalum olacoides and/or Pty-
chopetalum unicatum.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Triterpene acid esters (0.4-0.5%): chief components are
behenolic acid esters of lupeol (60%), including, among
others, fatty acid esters of beta-sitosterol
Sterols: beta-sitosterol, campesterol, lupeol
Volatile oil: chief components are alpha-pinene (25%),
alpha-humulene (10%), beta-pinene (8%), beta-caryophyl-
lene (8%) camphene (7%), camphor (6%),
EFFECTS
No information is available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Muira-Puama is used internally for diarrhea,
loss of appetite and for the prevention of sexual disorders.
The herb is also used externally for the prevention of sexual
disorders.
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: Muira-Puama is administered
whole, ground, as a powder and as an extract.
Preparation: To prepare a liquid extract, mix the.powdered
herb in a ratio of 10:2:1 with spirit of wine and glycerine.
Then percolate the mixture with spirit of wine, yielding 10
parts liquid extract.
Daily Dosage: When used internally, a single dose is 0.5 gm
drug. The daily dosage for the liquid extract and the
decoction is 0.5 to 2 ml 3 times daily. For external use, die
herb can be added to baths.
LITERATURE
Auterhoff H, Momberger B, Arch Pharm 304:223-228. 1971.

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.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Mullein

Verbascum densiflorum

TRADE NAMES

Mullein Leaf, Alcohol-Free Mullein Leaves, Mullein Leaves

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the herb at die

beginning of the flowering season, the flowers and the root.

Flower and Fruit: The large, yellow flowers with a diameter

of 30 to 35 mm are in apical spike-like racemes. The calyx is

divided deeply into five. The corolla is rotate, has a short

tube and a 5-lobed, uneven margin. There are 5 stamens of

uneven length. The 3 upper ones are lanate and have long

anthers. There is 1 superior ovary. The fruit is a 2-lobed

capsule.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is biennial. It has petiolate

basal leaves and is up to 2 m high. The stem is erect,

undivided or lightly branched above. It is tomentose like the

leaves and calyx. The leaves are alternate, turned downward

and finely crenate. The lower ones are lanceolate or oblong

lanceolate; the upper ones, ovate.

Characteristics: The flowers have a honey-like fragrance

and an almond-like taste. The leaves are slimy and bitter.

Habitat: The plant is widespread in Europe, temperate Asia

and North America.

Production: Mullein flower consists of die dried petals of

Verbascum densiflorum and/or of Verbascum phlomoides.

Not to be Confused With: Other Verbascum species.

Other Names: Torch Weed, Aaron's Rod, Blanket-Leaf,

Candlewick Plant, Flannelflower, Feltwort, Hedge-Taper,

Jacob's Staff, Shepherd's Club, Velvet Plant, Shepherd's

Staff, Torches, Our Lady's Flannel, Blanket Herb, Woollen,

Rag Paper, Wild Ice Leaf, Clown's Lungwort, Golden Rod,

Adam's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Clot-Bur, Cuddy's lungs,

Duffle, Fluffweed, Hare's Beard, Hag's Taper

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Mucilage (3%): including among others, arabino galactans,

xyloglucans

Triterpene saponins: chief components verbascosaponine

(0.007%)

Iridoide monoterpenes: including among others, aucubin,

6beta-xylosylaucubin, catalpol, isocatalpol, methyl catalpol