PDR for Herbal Medicines

708 /SOYBEAN PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

margined and, particularly on the margins and on the ribs of

the lower surface, pubescent.

Habitat: The soya plant is indigenous to east Asia but has

never been found in the wild. Glycine soja is found in the

Amur-Ussuri area, northern China, Taiwan, Korea and

Japan.

Production: Lecithin consists of the phospholipid mixture

from Glycine soja seeds and its preparations. Virgin Soybean

oil is mixed with 2% water at 60° to 80° C. After the

swelling times it is separated by centrifugation and the

lecithin paste is evaporated at 100° C in a vacuum until the

remaining water content is 0.2 to 0.8%.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Phospholipids (45-60%): in particular phosphatidylcholine,

phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol

Fatty oil (30-35%)

Steroids: Phytosterols (2-5%)

EFFECTS

The phospholipids extracted from soya lecithin was shown to

have lipid-reducing properties in animal experiments and

clinical trials.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Raised levels of cholesterol

Unproven Uses: Soybean is used for less severe forms of

hypercholesterolemia when dietary measures are required.

Soybean is also used for liver and gallbladder complaints,

anemia, poor concentration, cerebral and nerve conditions,

and general debility.

Chinese Medicine: Soybean is used for hyperhidrosis, night

sweats, confusion and joint pain.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or major side effects are known in

conjunction with the proper administration of designated

therapeutic dosages. Minor side effects include occasional

gastrointestinal effects, such as stomach pain, loose stool and

diarrhea.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Preparations for oral admin-

istration.

Daily Dosage: The average dose is 3.5 gm of phospholipids

(phosphatidylcholine).

Storage: Soybean preparations must be protected from light
and tightly sealed.

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 (unter Glycine).

Steinegger E, Hansel R: Pharmakognosie, 5. AufL, Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E. Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. AufL, Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Spanish Chestnut

Castanea sativa

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves collected

and dried in autumn, and preparations of the fresh leaves.

Flower and Fruit: The male, monoecious, yellowish-white

flowers are in 12 to 20 cm long, erect catkins consisting of

numerous, 7-flowered clusters. These are located in the leaf

axils, of the upper branches. There are 3 to 6 female flowers -

at the base of unopened male catkins. When the fruit ripens

in October, the outer soft thorny husk bursts into 4 lobes,

revealing a brown-skinned sweet chestnut that needs "wine

weather" to ripen.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The tree grows from 15 to 30 m

high. The bark is smooth at first, olive green, later dark

brown, and vertically reticulate. The leaves are 8 to 25 cm

long, coriaceous, oblong-lanceolate with long, pointed,

serrated teeth.

Habitat: Northern temperate hemispheres; prefers maritime

climate.

Production: Spanish Chestnut leaves consist of the leaves of

Castanea sativa collected from September to October. The

leaves are collected and air-dried.

Other Names: Sweet Chestnut, Husked Nut, Jupiter's Nut,

Sardian Nut, Chestnut

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Tannins (6 to 8%): ellagitannins, including pedunculagin,

tellimagrandin I and II, casuarictin, potentillin, castalagin,

vescalagin

Flavonoids: including rutin, quercitrin, myricetin

EFFECTS

No information is available.