PDR for Herbal Medicines

586/PETASITES PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Other Names: Blatterdock, Bog Rhubarb, Bogshorns, Butter-

bur, Butter-Dock, Butterfly Dock, Capdockin, Flapperdock,

Langwort, P. Vulgaris, Umbrella Leaves

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: PETASITES LEAF

Sesquiterpene alcohol esters: chief components including

among others according to chemotype - petasitine, neopetasi-

tine and isopetasitine, or furanopetasin and 9-hydroxy-

furanoeremophilone

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: senecionine, integerrimine, senkir-

kine, presumably only in traces

Volatile oil: including, among others, dodecanal (aroma-

bearer)

Flavonoids: including among others, isoquercitrin, astra-

galine

Mucilages

Tannins

EFFECTS: PETASITES LEAF

A spasmolytic effect has been demonstrated in animals.

COMPOUNDS: PETASITES ROOT

Sesquiterpene alcohol esters: including among others, chief

components according to chemotype - petasitine, neopetasi-

tine and isopetasitine or furanopetasine and 9-

hydroxyfuranoeremophilone

Volatile oil (0.1-0.4%): including among others, 1-nonen,

eremophilone, furanoeremophilone

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: senecionine, integerrimine

EFFECTS: PETASITES ROOT

In animals, the* pfyrrolizidine alkaloids mhibir leukotriene

synthesis and are spasmolytic and spasmoanalgesic as well

as cytoprotective. In humans, it provides analgesia for

nervous headaches. Its application for psychasthenic symp-

toms seems plausible.

In higher doses and with chronic use, a hepatotoxic,
mutagenic, teratogenic • and carcinogenic effect may be
expected.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
PETASITES LEAF
Unproven Uses: Petasite leaves are used to stimulate the
appetite and to treat nervous cramp-like states and states
associated with pain, colic and headaches. In folk medicine,
the leaves are used internally for respiratory disorders, liver,
gallbladder or pancreas disorders, as a prophylaxis for
agitation and to induce sleep. Externally, the leaves are used
to heal wounds and as a poultice for malignant ulcers.

PETASITES ROOT

Approved by Commission E:

• Kidney and bladder stones

Unproven Uses: The underground stem is used as an adjunct

in the treatment of acute spastic pain in the efferent urinary

tract, particularly if stones are present. It is also used for

respiratory disorders, particularly for coughs, whoopin»

cough and bronchial asthma. Other uses include gastrointes-

tinal disorders, migraine and tension headaches.

Homeopathic Uses: Smooth muscle cramps.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

All forms of the drug should not be used during pregnancy or

by nursing mothers.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

PETASITES LEAF

General: One should entirely forgo any administration of the

drug, due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids with

hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects in the parts of the plant

above ground, as even mere traces of the alkaloids present a

danger. The industrial manufacture of extracts virtually free

of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is possible. The drug should not be

used without knowledge of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids

content.

Note: Alkaloid-free varieties are cultivated.

Pregnancy: The administration of the drug during pregnancy

is to be completely ruled out.

Nursing Mothers: The drug should not be consumed by

nursing mothers.

PETASITES ROOT

One should unconditionally forgo any administration of the

drug, due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids with

hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effect. The industrial manufac-

ture of extracts virtually free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is

possible.

DOSAGE

PETASITES LEAF

Preparation: To make an infusion, pour boiling water over

1.2 to 2 gm comminuted drug and strain after 10 minutes.

Daily Dosage: Drink 2 to 3 cups of the infusion per day.

Note: The herb should not be used unless the pyrrolizidine

content is known. The maximum daily dose of pyrrolizidine

alkaloids is 0.1 micrograms.

PETASITES ROOT

Mode of Administration: Extracts obtained with ethanol or

lipophilic solvents and other galenic preparations for internal

use.