PDR for Herbal Medicines

680 /SCURVY GRASS

Tropane alkaloids: tropine, m-hydroxybenzoyl-tropine

(cochlearin)

Vitamin C

EFFECTS

The mustard oil glycosides in the drug, in ethereal oil and in

an ethanol solution are strong external skin and mucous

membrane irritants.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Scurvy Grass is used internally for vitamin

C deficiency, and was used in folk medicine primarily as an

agent for scurvy and scrofula. However, it was also valued

for nose bleeds, rheumatism, gonorrhea, "blood-cleansing or

purification" cures, gout, rheumatism, stomachache and as a

diuretic. External applications include use as a mouthwash

for gum disease and as a poultice for ulcers.

Homeopathic Uses: Among uses in homeopathy are eye

inflammation and stomach disorders.

Efficacy has not been proven.

V -

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The

administration of higher dosages can lead to irritation of the

mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Alcoholic extracts of Scurvy Grass

are used topically. Freshly pressed juice is for internal use.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet, 5 to 10

globules 1 to 3 times a day; or 1 ml injection solution sc

twice weekly; as an jye drop: 1 drop 1 to 3 times daily

(HAB1)

LITERATURE

Cole RA, PH 15:759-762. 1976.

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.

Scutellaria lateriflora

See Scullcap

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the ripe, yellow-red

berries.

Flower and Fruit: The plant is dioecious and has greenish-

yellow, insignificant flowers in numerous, sturdy clusters in

the axils of scales. There are 2 bracts and a simple calyx. The

male calyx is divided in 2 down to the base, with brown-

spotted ovate sepals; it has 4 stamens attached to the base.

The female calyx is a tight tube clasping-the ovary with

erect, inward-inclined tips. The fruit is a bright orange,

globular, ellipsoid, false berry.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is an angular, thorny 1.5 to

4.5 m high shrub with numerous thorn-tipped and thorny

branches. The leaves are 5 to 8 cm long, linear-lanceolate,

shoi t petioled, glabrous above, tomentose beneath. The plant

spreads by underground runners.

Habitat: Hippophae rhamnoides is indigenous to Europe and

some northern regions of Asia.

Production: Sea Buckthorn berries are the false fruit of

Hippophae rhamnoides. The fatty oil is extracted from both

the seeds and the fruit flesh. The harvest is from August to

December, until the first snow. As soon as the fruit has been

picked, it is immediately processed. The juice is produced

without any contact with metal substances.

Other Names: Sallow Thorn

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Fruit acids: chiefly malic acid, additionally acetic acid,

quinic acid

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): 0.2-1.4%

Flavonoids: in particular kaempferol, isorhamnetin-as well

as quercetin tri- and tetra-glycosides

Carotinoids: beta-carotine, gamma-carotine, lycopene

Fatty oil (in the seeds 12%): chief fatty acids oleic acid,

isolinol acid, linolenic acid, stearic acid

Sugar alcohols: mannitol, quebrachit

EFFECTS

The drug is used as a vitamin C supplement. The vitamin C

constituent encourages the healing of wounds and epitheliza-

tion. It strengthens sight and inhibits sclerosis and the aging

process.

The oil has a liver-protective, ulcer-protective, tumor-protec-

tive, anti-oxidative and wound-healing effect. The oil is said