PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

Further information in:

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.

Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und

pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New

York. 1995.

Ononis spinosa

See Spiny Rest Harrow

Onopordum acanthium

See Scotch Thistle

Ophioglossum vulgatum

See English Adder's Tongue

Opium Antidote

Combretum micranthum

DESCRIPTION _

Medicinal Parts: The dry leaves and stems are the medicinal

parts of the plant.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The leaves are 10 to 13 cm long and

about 6 cm wide, with 8 to 10 lateral spreading veins,

transparent in the axils. The surface of the young leaves has

small scales.

Characteristics: The taste is astringent and strong.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to China, Malaysia and

Indonesia.

Production: Combretum leaves are the dried leaves of

Combretum micramthum.

Other Names: Combretum, Jungle Weed

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Pyrrolidine alkaloid betaines: stachydrines, 4-hydroxysta-

chydrines, combretin-A (betaines drawn from the proline)

OREGANO/559

Catechin tannins

Flavonoids: including vitexin, saponaretin, orietin

EFFECTS

The drug has mild choleric and astringent effects.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The drug has been used for cholecystopa-

thy, dyspepsia and liver disease. It is obsolete as a drug and

now found only in combination preparations.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

LITERATURE

Bassene E, Plantes Med Phytotherapie 21:173. 1987.

Bassene E et al., Ann Pharm Franc 44:491. 1986.

Further information in:

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

Birkhauser Verlag Basel, Boston, Berlin 1962-1997.

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New Jfork, 1969.

Astragalus species

See Salep

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the oil extracted

from the fresh or dried leaves through a process of steam

distillation, the herb picked during the flowering season and

freed from the thicker stems and dried, as well as the fresh

flowering herb.

Flower and Fruit: The bright purple labiate flowers are in

cyme-like panicles with elliptical, pointed and usually dark

purple bracts, which are longer than the calyx. The calyx is

tubular and has 5 even tips. The upper lip of the corolla is

flat. The lower lip has 3 lobes; the middle lobe is the widest.

There are 4 stamens, the longer ones extending beyond the

lower lip.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Origanum vulgare is a woody

perennial plant, which grows up to 90 cm high. The upper

part is branched. The plant has rhizome-like runners and is

downy, bristly or velvet-like. The leaves are 10 to 40 cm