PDR for Herbal Medicines

702/SOAPWORT PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

autumn, after the herb has been mown. The root is cleaned

and then dried artificially at 50° C.

White Soapwort root consists of the dried, underground parts

of Gypsophila species, particularly Gypsophila paniculata.

The roots of Gypsophilae radix are dried quickly under high

temperatures or in direct sunlight. The roots are cut into 5

mm thick slices to avoid a separation of the sugars from the

saponines.

Not to be Confused With: Saponaria officinalis should not be

confused with Gypsophilae species and Solanum dulcamara.

Other 'Names: Soapwood, Soap Root, Latherwort, Bouncing

Bet, Fuller's Herb, Bruisewort, Crow Soap, Sweet Betty,

Wild Sweet William, Dog Cloves, Old Maids' Pink

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: SOAPWORT HERB

Triterpene saponins: chiefly aglycone quillaic acid

Flavonoids: including among others, saponarine (C-glyco-

syl-flavone)

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (in the seeds)

EFFECTS; SOAPWORT HERB

Because of the high saponin content, the drug is antibiotic,

expectorant, antiphlogistic, cholesterol-lowering and spermi-

cidal. In high doses, it becomes irritating to the mucous

membrane, cytotoxic and emetic.

COMPOUNDS: SOAPWORT ROOT

Triterpene saponins (2 to 8%): aglycones quillaic acid,

gypsogenic acid

EFFECTS: SOAPWORT ROOT

Because of the high saponin content, the Soapwort root is

antibiotic, expectorant, antiphlogistic, cholesterol-lowering

and spermicidal. The drug is expectorant because of its effect

on the gastric mucosa. In high concentrations, it has been

shown to be irritating to the mucous membranes, cytotoxic

and emetic.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

SOAPWORT HERB

Unproven Uses: In addition to uses as an expectorant for

cough and other diseases of the respiratory tract, folk

medicine internal uses also encompass constipation, gas-

trointestinal disorders, liver and kidney disorders, rheumatic

gout, neurasthenia and oxyuriasis. External folk medicine

indications include skin rashes, eczema and as a gargle for

tonsillitis.

SOAPWORT ROOT
Approved by Commission E:

• Cough/bronchitis

The drug is used for inflammation of the mucous membranes

of the upper respiratory tract.

Unproven Uses: In addition to respiratory applications,

internal folk medicine uses occasionally include diseases of

the liver, gallbladder and kidney, constipation, gout and as

an emmenagogue. Among external uses are skin disorders,

lingual mycoses and rheumatic complaints.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

SOAPWORT HERB AND ROOT

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Localized

skin and mucus membrane irritations are possible with the

administration of larger dosages.

DOSAGE

SOAPWORT HERB

Daily Dosage: As an aqueous extract, take 1 to 2 g daily.

Constipation—2 glasses daily of a decoction, (Preparation

instructions are not given.)

Storage: The herb should be stored in a container that

protects it from light and moisture.

•SOAPWORT ROOT

Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb for teas and

other galenic preparations for internal use. Drug extracts are

contained in a few standardized preparations of antitussives.

Preparation: To prepare tea, use 0.4 g of medium fine cut (1

teaspoonful is approximately equal to 2.6 g of the drug).

Decoction—10 g/180 g drug with the addition of 1 g sodium

carbonate and simple syrup to 200 g.

Daily Dosage: The average daily dose is 30 to 150 mg of the

drug corresponding to 3 to 15 mg of gypsophilia saponin. As

an expectorant, 1 dessertspoonful of the decoction is taken

every 2 hours.

Storage: The root should be stored tightly sealed and

protected from light.

LITERATURE

SOAPWORT HERB

Kern W, List PH, Horhamrner 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.

SOAPWORT ROOT

Carzaniga R et al., Planta 194:461. 1994.

Henry M et al., Plantes Med Phytother 15:192. 1981.

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

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

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.