594 /PINEAPPLE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESDOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Available as tablets, granules and
galenic preparations for internal use; compounded prepara-
tions for external use.
Daily Dosage: Internal application: 80 to 240 mg of raw
bromelain in galenic preparations, corresponding to 200 to
600 FIP units.
Storage: Seal tightly and air dry.
LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen). Springer Verlag Berlin. Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Harrach T, Eckert K. Schulze-Forster K. Nuck R. Grunow D,
Maurer HR, Isolation and partial characterization of basic
proteinases from stem bromelain. J Protein Chem. 57:41-52,
1995 Jan.
Holtum JA, Summons R. Roeske CA, Comins HN, O'Leary
MH, Allergic reactions, including asthma, to the pineapple
protease bromelain following occupational exposure. Clin
Allergy, 57:443-50, 1979 Sep.
Hotz G. Frank T, Zoller J, Wiebelt H, Antiphlogistic effect of
bromelaine following third molar removal. Dtsch Zahnarztl Z,
57:830-2, 1989 Nov.
Taussig SS, Batkin S, Abortifacient effect of steroids from
Ananas comosus and their analogues on mice. J Reprod Fertil,
22:461-2, 1976 Mar.
Taussig SJ. Batkin S, Bromelain, the enzyme complex of
pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An
update. J Ethnopharmacol, 22:191-203, 1988 Feb-Mar.
Taussig SJ. Batkin S, Modulation of pulmonary metastasis
(Lewis lung carcinoma) by bromelain, an extract of the
pineapple stem (Ananas comosus). Letter Cancer Invest, 22:241-
2, 1988.Pink Root
Spigelia marilandica
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried rhizomes
and roots.
Fruit and Flower: The inflorescences are terminal, some-
times branched spikes inclined to one side. The flowers are
erect. The high leaves are tiny or awl-shaped in fives, and
they are narrow. The 5-petaled corolla is red or yellow. The
fruit is a 2-valved capsule. The seeds are angular and packed
tightly in the fruit.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a perennial that grows
up to 45 cm high and has fibrous, twisted roots. The stem is
quadrangular and glabrous. The foliage leaves are opposite,
membranous, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, rounded
at the base, entire-margined and sessile. The stipules are
small.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the U.S.
Production: Pink Root and herb are the rhizome and aerial
parts of Spigelia marilandica.
Other Names: American Wormgrass, Indian Pink, Maryland
Pink, Pinkroot, Starbloom, Wormgrass
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
The drug has not been investigated in recent times. Older
sources include, among others, references to the presence of
acidic resins, volatile oil, tannins, waxes and a volatile base
(presumably identical with isoquinoline).
EFFECTS
Pink Root has anthelmintic actions.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The herb is used for worm infestation, as a
febrifuge and for malaria.
Homeopathic Uses:- Spigelia marilandica is used as a
calmative during states of excitement.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
According to older sources, the drug allegedly contains a
toxin that paralyzes the spinal marrow and leads to death
through asphyxiation.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: As a powdered root or herb or as a
liquid extract.
LITERATURE
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.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.Pinus Bark
Tsuga canadensis
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the latex, which
exudes from the plant and the essential oil.
Flower and Fruit: The pedicle of the male flower is shorter
than the scale sheath. The cones are small (1.5 to 2.5 cm
long) and light brown. The wood contains no resin.