PDR for Herbal Medicines

712 /SPIKENARD

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is administered internally

as a fluid extract.

Preparation: It is prepared as a liquid extract (1:1);

information on the ethanol content is unavailable.

Daily Dosage: When the drug is prepared as an infusion, the

recommended daily dosage is approximately 15 g per 500

ml, to be drunk, one cup at a time, during the course of the

day. The recommended dosage of the liquid extract is 0.9 g

to 1.8 g.

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

globules, 1 to 3 times daily or 1 ml injection solution twice a

week sc (HAB1).

LITERATURE

Ann Y-J, Kim M-J, Yamamoto T, Fujiwawa T, Mitsouka T,

(1990) Selective growth responses of human intestinal bacteria

to Araliaceae extracts. Microbial Ecol Health Disease 3:223-

229.

Hansen L and Boll PM, (1986) Phytochemistry 25 (2):285.

Further information in:

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.

Hoppe HA (1975-1987) Drogenkunde, 8. Aufl., Bde 1-3, W. de

Gruyter Verlag, Berlin, New York.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
   Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.

Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Spinach is an annual plant that can
be planted at various times during the vegetation period to
guarantee a year-round supply. The stems may grow up to 1
m or more,and are erect. The leaves are ovate to deltoid-
hastate, entire or dentate. When the plant ripens, the
bracteoles are almost orbicular-obovate, usually wider than
long. They often have a divergent spine at the apex.

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Habitat: The plant probably originated in Iran and is

cultivated worldwide today.

Production: Spinach consists of the fresh or dried leaf of

Spinacia oleracea.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY ™

COMPOUNDS

Triterpene saponins: including among others spinach sapo-

nins A and B

Oxalic acid (in young leaves 6-8%, in older leaves up to

16%)

Histamine (up to 140 mg/100 gm fresh weight)

Flavonoids: including among others patuletin, spinacetin,

spinatoside

Chlorophyll (0.3-1.0%)

Vitamins: including among others ascorbic acid (vitamin C,

40-155 mg/100 g)

Nitrates (depending on the fertilizer, 0.3-0.6%)

EFFECTS

No information is available.

4

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Spinach preparations are used for ailments

and complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, as a blood-

generating remedy, to stimulate growtii in children, as an

appetite stimulant, for fatigue and for supporting

convalescence.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: No health hazards or side effects are known in

conjunction with the proper administration of designated

therapeutic dosages. The relatively high nitrate content

makes it advisable to forgo consuming spinach as a foodstuff

too often. Circumstances that lead to reduction (e.g., leaving

spinach standing at room temperature) should also be

avoided to prevent nitrite formation. In addition, the oxalate

content of spinach could reduce calcium resorption.

Pediatric Use: Infants should not receive spinach as a

foodstuff until after their fourth month (danger of methemo-

globin formation through nitrites).

DOSAGE '

No information is available.

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.