PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Resins (smelling terpene-like, mastic-like)

Volatile oil

Inulin (in the root)

EFFECTS

The active agents are resin, with 19% terpene and 37% of a

resin acid, and inulin in the root. The drug has antispasmod-

ic, diuretic and diaphoretic effects.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Homeopathic Uses: In homeopathy, the drug is used for the

treatment of digestive 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: Rosinweed is available as a tincture

or liquid extract.

LITERATURE * v

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Rosmarinus officinalis

See Rosemary

Round-Leafed Wintergreen

Pyrola rotundifolia

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves.

Flower and Fruit: The white, sometimes reddish flowers are

in many-blossomed, nodding racemes turning to all sides.

The calyx is divided in 5 almost to the base and has

lanceolate, revolute, splayed tips. vThe corolla has 5 petals

and is flatly campanulate. The 10 stamens are curved

upward. The ovary is superior with 5 sections and a

downward curving style. The fruit is a 5-sectioned capsule.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant grows from 15 to 30 cm
high. The stem is erect, obtusely angular and glabrous; it has
2 sheath-like bracts. The leaves in die basal rosette are

RUBIA TINCTORUM / 647

petiolate, orbicular and glabrous. They are grass-green,

glossy, somewhat cordate at the base, shallowly crenate,

coriaceous and evergreen.

Characteristics: The flowers have a slight, pleasant fra-

grance, and the leaves are astringent.

Habitat: The plant originated in the South Sea islands but is

now naturalized in other climates.

Production: Wintergreen leaves are the leaves of Pyrola

rotundifolia.

Other Names: Wintergreen

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY " :~

COMPOUNDS

Hydroquinone derivatives (4-8%): chief components isoho-

moarbutin, additionally homoarbutin (arbutin)

Naphthacene derivatives (naphthoquinone): chimaphilin

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

Tannins (up to 18%)

EFFECTS

No information is available.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Wintergreen is used for bladder inflamma-

tion and urinary tract diseases, diseases of the prostate and

kidney disorders.

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.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is administered ground

and as an extract.

LITERATURE

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 York, 1969 (unter Pirola rotundifolia).

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979 (unter Pirola

rotundifolia).

Rubia tinctorum

See Madder