PDR for Herbal Medicines

596/PIPSISSEWA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Not to be Confused With: Confusion sometimes arises with

Chimaphila maculata.

Other Names: Prince's Pine, Ground Holly, Umbellate

Wintergreen, Butter Winter, King's Cureall, Love in Winter,

Rheumatism Weed, King's Cure

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Hydroquinone glycosides: chief component isohomoarbutin,

additionally homoarbutin

Naphthacene derivatives (naphthoquinone): chimaphilin

(2,7-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone)

Flavonoids: including among others hyperoside, avicularin

Tannins: (4-5%)

EFFECTS

The drug contains quinine, which is said to be a urinary

antiseptic. (See Uva Ursi) Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of

the plant are said to have antimicrobial properties in vitro.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Internal applications include acute and

chronic cystitis and edema.

Indian Medicine: Pipsissewa is used internally by American

Indians for complaints of the kidneys and bladder, and to

regulate menstruation, both before and after giving birth. It is

also used for rheumatism and cancerous conditions. It is used

externally for skin diseases and smallpox.

Homeopathic Uses: Among uses in homeopathy are chronic

inflammation of the efferent urinary tracts, prostate gland

and mammary glands.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. The drug possesses a weak sensitizing effect, due to

its chimaphilin content. The drug is not suitable for long-

term use because of its hydroquinone glycoside content. (See

Uva-Ursi leaf.)

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Constituent of homeopathic prepa-

rations in dilutions or as a mother tincture.

Preparation: A liquid extract is prepared 1:1 with ethanol.

Daily Dosage: The usual single dose is 2 g drug, 1 to 3 g

drug in a tea, or 1 to 4 ml of extract.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet, 5 to 10
globules 1 to 3 times daily, or 1 ml injection solution sc
twice weekly (HAB1).

LITERATURE

Bolkart KH et al., (1968) Naturwissenschaften 55:445.

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.

Thomson RH, Naturally Occuring Quinones, 2nd Ed., Academic

Press New York 1971.

Walewska E, Thieme H, (1969) Pharmazie 24:423.

Piscidia piscipula

See Jamaica Dogwood

Pistacia lentiscus

See Mastic Tree

Beefsteak Plant

Sarracenia purpurea

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves and

roots.

Flower and Fruit: The androgynous flowers usually have

numerous stamens and a large 3- to 5-valved superior ovary.

The style spreads into a wide, stemmed umbrella, which

spreads over the stamens. The 5 stigma sit as small cone-like

structures on the underside of the roof of the tips. The

numerous marginal ovules are on individual axillary shafts.

The fruit is a valved capsule. The small, membranous, thin-

skinned seeds contain an abundance of endosperm.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Sarracenia purpurea is a strange,

perennial plant with leaves that are in a basal rosette and

change into a tube or beaker-like formation. The beaker

bears a long wing-like strip on the side turned towards the

stem. These beakers are often very colorful and fill up with

rainwater and insects. During hot weather they are closed

because of a concentration of fibers. The enclosed rainwater

and insects form a mass, which probably acts as a fertilizer

and has a strong odor.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the U.S.

Production: Pitcher Plant root and leaves are the root and

leaves of Sarracenia purpurea.