| English Name | Botanical Name | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| COLEUS | Plectranthus barbatus | |
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Synonyms: Coleus barbatus (Andrews) Benth., Coleus forskohlii auct., P. forskohlii auct. Actions: Adrenergic (1; KEB); Antiaggregant (1; APA; KEB); Anticancer (f; APA); Antidepressant (f; APA); Antidiuretic (1; APA); Antiglaucomic (1; KEB); Antimetastatic (f; APA; KEB); Antispasmodic (1; APA); Bronchodilator (1; APA; KEB); Bronchospasmolytic (1; KEB); cAMP-genic (1; APA; KEB); Cardiotonic (1; APA; KEB); CNS-Depressant (1; APA); Gastrostimulant (1; APA); Gluconeogenic (1; KEB); Glycogenolytic (1; KEB); Hypotensive (1; APA; KEB; SKJ); Immunosuppressant (1; APA); Lipolytic (1; KEB); Myorelaxant (1; APA); Neurogenic (1; APA); Pancreatostimulant (1; KEB); Positive Inotropic (1; KEB); Secretagogue (1; APA; KEB); Sialagogue (1; KEB); Thyrotropic (1; AKT; KEB); Vasodilator (1; KEB). Indications: Asthma (1; APA; KEB); Cancer (f; APA); Cardiopathy (1; APA; KEB); Congestive Heart Failure (1; APA); Convulsion (f; APA); Cramp (1; APA); Depression (f; APA); Dermatosis (f; APA); Dyspepsia (f; KEB); Dysuria (f; APA); Eczema (f; APA); Glaucoma (1; APA; KEB); High Blood Pressure (1; APA; KEB; SKJ); Hypothyroidism (f; APA; KEB); Infertility (f; KEB); Insomnia (f; APA); Ischemia (1; KEB); Myocardosis (1; KEB); Obesity (1; KEB); Psoriasis (f; APA; KEB); Respirosis (f; APA); Thrombosis (1; KEB); Water Retention (1; APA). Dosage: Not covered (AHP; KOM; PHR). I think of this as a food farmaceutical containing a powerful drug with many activities. But as Albert Leung so often and skillfully reminds us, the plant does not necessarily share the activities of its best known chemical constituent (present in tubers at levels ca. 0.45%). Contraindicated in hypotension. Forskolin may potentiate other drugs. Forskolin acts synergistically with calcitonin in inhibiting osteoclastic activity. Acts synergistically with hawthorn, which probably inhibits phosphodiesterase, which breaks down cAMP. Combining coleus and hawthorn should raise cAMP levels by stimulating production and inhibiting decomposition of cAMP. Responses to forskolin are reduced in muscle cells of failing hearts, but since forskolin also raises cAMP, it renders the coleus possibly useful even here. Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; KOM; PHR). I think of this as a food farmaceutical containing a powerful drug with many activities. But as Albert Leung so often and skillfully reminds us, the plant does not necessarily share the activities of its best known chemical constituent (present in tubers at levels ca. 0.45%). Contraindicated in hypotension. Forskolin may potentiate other drugs. Forskolin acts synergistically with calcitonin in inhibiting osteoclastic activity. Acts synergistically with hawthorn, which probably inhibits phosphodiesterase, which breaks down cAMP. Combining coleus and hawthorn should raise cAMP levels by stimulating production and inhibiting decomposition of cAMP. Responses to forskolin are reduced in muscle cells of failing hearts, but since forskolin also raises cAMP, it renders the coleus possibly useful even here. |
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| COLOCYNTH, BITTER APPLE, WILD GOURD | Citrullus colocynthis | |
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Synonyms: Colocynthis vulgaris Schrad., Cucumis colocynthis L. Actions: Abortifacient (f; CRC; WBB); Acaricide (1; BIB); Alterative (f; KAP; MPI); Anthelminthic (f; WO2); Antiaggregant (1; WO2); Antibacterial (1; WO2); Anticholinergic (1; MPI; WO2); Antihistaminic (1; KAB; MPI; WO2); Antipyretic (f; BIB; CRC; KAB); Bitter (1; KAB); Cardiodepressant (1 WO2); Carminative (f; CRC; KAB; WO2); Depurative (f; WO2); Diuretic (1; KAP; MPI; WO2); Ecbolic (f; BIB; CRC); Emetic (1; MPI); Emmenagogue (f; CRC; WBB); Expectorant (1; MPI; WO2); Hepatoprotective (1; WO2); Herbicide (1; WO2); Hydragogue (f; CRC); Hypoglycemic (1; WO2); Insecticide (1; BIB; KAP; WBB; WO2); Irritant (1; PH2); Laxative (1; CRC; MPI; PHR; PH2; WBB); Mucoirritant (1; PHR); Negative Chronotropic (1; MPI); Negative Inotropic (1; MPI); Nematicide (1; WO2); Poison (1; PHR); Protisticide (1; WO2); Repellant (f; CRC); Uterorelaxant (1; WO2); Vermifuge (1; BIB; CRC). Indications: Adenopathy (f; CRC; JLH); Alopecia (f; WBB); Amenorrhea (f; BIB; CRC); Anemia (f; CRC; KAB); Arthrosis (f; CRC); Ascites (f; CRC; KAP; PH2; WBB); Asthma (f; CRC; KAB); Bacteria (1; WO2); Biliousness (f; BIB; CRC; KAP); Bite (f; KAP; WBB); Blood (f; WO2); Breast (f; CRC); Bronchosis (f; CRC; KAB); Cancer (f; CRC; KAB); Cancer, abdomen (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, bladder (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, colon (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, eye (f; CRC); Cancer, liver (f; CRC); Cancer, sinew (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; CRC); Carcinoma (f; CRC); Catarrh (f; HHB); Childbirth (f; KAB; PH2); Cholecystosis (f; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; KAP); Constipation (1; CRC; PHR); Corn (f; CRC; JLH); Cough (f; WO2); Cramp (f; HHB; WO2); Cystosis (f; HHB; JLH); Debility (f; CRC); Diabetes (1; BIB; WO2); Dropsy (f; BIB; CRC; KAP); Dysmenorrhea (f; HHB); Dyspepsia (f; CRC; KAB); Dysuria (f; CRC; KAP; WBB); Elephantiasis (f; CRC; KAB; PH2); Encephalosis (f; CRC); Endothelioma (f; CRC; JLH); Enterosis (f; KAP; WO2); Epilepsy (f; CRC; KAP; WBB); Epithelioma (f; JLH); Fetal Atrophy (f; CRC); Fever (f; BIB; CRC; KAB; WO2); Frostbite (f; BIB; CRC); Gangrene (f; CRC; WO2); Gas (f; CRC; KAB; WO2); Glaucoma (f; KAP); Gray Hair (f; KAP; WO2); Headache (f; WO2); Hemicrania (f; CRC; KAB); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC; WO2); Hepatosis (f; KAP; PHR; PH2; WO2); Hyperglycemia (1; WO2); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (1; WBB); Inflammation (f; CRC; WO2); Jaundice (f; BIB; CRC; WBB); Leishmaniasis (1; WO2); Leprosy (f; CRC); Leukemia (f; CRC; JLH); Leukoderma (f; CRC); Migraine (f; KAB; WO2); Nephrosis (f; HHB); Neuralgia (f; HHB; KAP; WO2); Neurosis (f; HHB); Ophthalmia (f; CRC; WO2); Pain (f; JLH); Paralysis (f; WO2); Parasite (f; KAP); Pharyngosis (f; CRC; KAB); Protozoa (1; WO2); Rheumatism (f; CRC; KAB; KAP; WBB); Sarcoma (f; JLH); Sciatica (f; KAP); Scirrhus (f; JLH); Snakebite (f; CRC); Splenomegaly (f; CRC); Sting (f; WBB); Swelling (f; WO2); Throat (f; CRC); Ticks (1; BIB); Tumor (f; CRC); Urogenitosis (f; BIB; WO2); Uterosis (f; CRC; KAB); Varicosis (f; BIB; CRC; WO2); Water Retention (1; KAP; MPI; WO2); Worm (1; BIB; CRC; WO2); Wound (f; CRC; WO2). Dosage: The purgative action is so drastic as to have caused fatalities. One woman who took 120 g to induce abortion died in 50 hours. In case of poisoning, stomach evacuation is recommended, followed by oral or rectal administration of tincture of opium, followed by stimulating and mucilaginous beverages (CRC). Toxic doses (600–1000 mg) may cause colic, diarrhea, hematchezia, nephrosis, and vomiting; lethal doses (as low as 2 g) may cause convulsions, paralysis, and possibly death due to circulatory collapse (PH2). Contraindications: The purgative action is so drastic as to have caused fatalities. One woman who took 120 g to induce abortion died in 50 hours. In case of poisoning, stomach evacuation is recommended, followed by oral or rectal administration of tincture of opium, followed by stimulating and mucilaginous beverages (CRC). Toxic doses (600–1000 mg) may cause colic, diarrhea, hematchezia, nephrosis, and vomiting; lethal doses (as low as 2 g) may cause convulsions, paralysis, and possibly death due to circulatory collapse (PH2). |
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| COLOMBO | Jateorhiza palmata | |
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Synonyms: Cocculus palmatus DC, Jateorhiza calumba Miers., J. miersii Oliv., Menispermum palmatum Lam. Actions: Anthelminthic (f; EFS); Antiseptic (f; EFS); Aperitif (f; EFS); Bitter (f; WOI); CNS-Paralytic (1; HH2; WOI); Emetic (1; WOI); Fungicide (1; HHB); Gastrotonic (f; EFS); Hypotensive (1; WOI); Laxative (f; WOI); Narcotic (f; PH2); Stomachic (f; WOI); Tonic (1; WOI). Indications: Anorexia (f; EFS); Cholera (f; HHB); Colitis (f; PH2); Constipation (f; WOI); Diarrhea (f; HH2; PH2; WOI); Dysentery (f; WOI); Dyspepsia (f; HH2; PH2; WOI); Enterosis (f; PH2); Fungus (1; HHB); Gastrosis (f; PH2; WOI); High Blood Pressure (1; WOI); Infection (1; HHB); Mycosis (1; HHB); Pulmonosis (f; HH2); Sore (f; WOI). Dosage: Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2). High doses can lead to signs of paralysis and unconsciousness (PH2). LD50 (extract) = 2400–5000 mg/kg orl mouse (HH2). Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2). High doses can lead to signs of paralysis and unconsciousness (PH2). LD50 (extract) = 2400–5000 mg/kg orl mouse (HH2). |
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| COLORADO FOUR O’CLOCK | Mirabilis multiflora | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Anorectic (f; DEM); Antiseptic (f; DEM); Hallucinogen (1; CRC); Narcotic (1; CRC). Indications: Childbirth (f; DEM); Divination (f; CRC); Dropsy (f; DEM); Gastrosis (f; CRC); Hunger (f; DEM); Plethora (f; DEM); Stomachache (f; CRC); Rheumatism (f; DEM); Swelling (f; DEM); Wound (f; DEM). Dosage: Contraindications: |
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| COLTSFOOT | Tussilago farfara | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Antiaggregant (1; APA; CAN); Antibacterial (1; CAN; CRC; PH2); Anticholinergic (f; CRC); Antiedemic (1; CAN; HH2); Antihistaminic (f; CRC; FAD); Antiinflammatory (2; CAN; KOM; PH2); Antiirritant (2; PHR); Antimitotic (2; KOM); Antispasmodic (1; CAN; CRC; HH2); Antitussive (1; CAN; CRC; DAA); Calcium Antagonist (1; CAN); Callus- Promoter (2; KOM); Carcinogenic (1; APA; CRC; PH2); Cardiotonic (1; CAN); CNS-Depressant (1; DAA); Collyrium (f; CRC); Demulcent (1; CAN; CRC; FAD; PH2); Diaphoretic (f; CRC; MAD; PIP); Diuretic (f; CRC; PIP); Emollient (f; CRC); Expectorant (1; CAN; CRC; FAD); Fumitory (f; PH2); Hemostat (f; CRC); Hepatotoxic (1; APA; CAN; FAD; PH2); Hypertensive (1; APA); Immunostimulant (1; CAN); Pectoral (f; CRC; MAD); Phagocytotic (1; CAN); Respirotonic (1; CAN); Tonic (f; CRC); Vulnerary (1; PIP). Indications: Adenopathy (f; PHR; PIP); Ague (f; CRC); Anorexia (F; MAD); Apoplexy (f; CRC; DAA); Asthma (1; APA; CAN; GMH; PHR); Bacteria (1; CAN; CRC; DAA; PH2); Bleeding (f; CRC); Bronchosis (2; CAN; FAD; KOM; PH2); Cancer (f; CRC); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, lung (f; CRC; LMP); Carbuncle (f; HAD); Catarrh (2; CAN; CRC; GMH; KOM); Cold (2; CRC; PIP); Congestion (f; CRC; FAD; LMP); Cough (2; FAD; GMH; KOM; PH2; PIP); Cramp (1; CAN; CRC; HH2); Diarrhea (f; CRC; POP); Dyspepsia (f; CRC); Dysphagia (f; DAA); Edema (1; HH2); Emphysema (f; HH2); Enterosis (f; FEL);Erysipelas (f; GMH; MAD); Escherichia (f; HH2); Fever (f; CRC; DAA; MAD; PIP); Flu (f; CRC; DAA; LMP; MAD; PHR); Fistula (f; HAD); Gastrosis (f; CRC; FEL); Headache (f; CRC; FEL); Hematemesis (f; HAD); Hemoptysis (f; CRC; DAA; LMP); Hoarseness (2; APA; KOM; MAD; PIP); Immunodepression (1; CAN); Induration (f; CRC; JLH); Infection (1; CRC); Inflammation (2; CAN; FAD; KOM; PH2); Laryngosis (1; CAN; FEL); Low Blood Pressure (1; APA); Mucososis (2; CRC; FAD; KOM; PH2); Neurosis (f; CRC); Nicotinism (f; PH2); Ophthalmia (f; CRC); Pertussis (f; CAN; FEL); Pharyngosis (2; KOM; PH2; PIP); Phthisis (f; CRC; DAA); Plethora (f; CRC); Pleurosis (f; MAD); Pulmonosis (f; CRC; FAD); Respirosis (2; KOM; 2; PIP); Rheumatism (f; CRC; PH2); Rhinosis (f; CRC; FEL); Scrofula (f; CRC; FEL; GMH); Sinusosis (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; PHR; PIP); Stomatosis (2; APA; PHR; PH2; PIP); Swelling (1; CAN; CRC; HH2; MAD); Tonsillosis (f; PHR; PIP); Tracheosis (f; MAD); Tuberculosis (f; CRC; DAA; DEM; MAD); Tumor (f; CRC); Wart (f; MAD); Water Retention (f; CRC; PIP). Dosage: Class 2b, 2d (flower); longterm use discouraged. 2b, 2c, 2d (leaf); do not exceed recommended dose; not for long-term use (AHP). Commission E reports flower, herb, root not permitted for therapeutic use. Contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in all plant parts. Leaf is permitted for oral use. Contraindications in pregnancy and lactation. CAN cautions that the PAs are genotoxic, carcinogenic, and hepatotoxic. Because of the PAs, coltsfoot use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). Dosage maximum 10 g PA/day (herbal tea) or maximum 1 g PA/day (extracts, expressed sap) for maximum 4–6 weeks/year (AEH). Commission E advises not to take more than 4 to 6 weeks of the year at 4.5 to 6 g/day. This is the only herb (1.5–6 g leaf/day) except related Petasites with toxic PAs still tolerated by Commission E. Still, CAN cautions that coltsfoot is phototoxic in guinea pig skin. In guinea pig sensitization experiments, it showed weak allergenic capacity, possibly due to the sesquiterpene lactones present in the plant. PAs are toxic to humans, with liver damage with cirrhosis and ascites, or seneciosis, or veno-occlusive disease (VOD) reported in almost all cases of severe or fatal intoxications, from intakes of 0.5 mg/kg to 3.3 mg/kg (AEH1). Effective July 1996, the AHP Board of Trustees recommends that all products with botanical ingredient(s) that contain toxic PAs, including Borago officinalis, display the following cautionary statement on the label, “For external use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing†(AHP). Canadians do not allow in food (Blackburn, 1993). Bisset says there is no danger of acute poisoning when used as prescribed (Bisset, 1994). Hepatotoxicity of coltsfoot may be due to senkirkine (~150 ppm), highlighting the dangers of chronic exposure to even low doses of PAs. Rats fed more than 4% coltsfoot in their diet develop hepatic tumors. Newborn rats are more susceptible than weanlings to hepatotoxicity of senkirkine despite lacking the hepatic microsomal enzymes required to produce the toxic pyrrholic metabolites. Fatal hepatic venoocclusive disease was documented in a newborn infant whose mother chronically consumed herb teas during pregnancy (coltsfoot and senecio specified). The mother exhibited no signs of hepatic damage again suggesting increased sensitivity of the fetal liver to PA toxicity. Animal studies document placental transfer and secretion into breast milk of unsaturated PAs (CAN). Excessive doses may interfere with blood pressure and heart therapy (CAN). Contraindications: Class 2b, 2d (flower); longterm use discouraged. 2b, 2c, 2d (leaf); do not exceed recommended dose; not for long-term use (AHP). Commission E reports flower, herb, root not permitted for therapeutic use. Contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in all plant parts. Leaf is permitted for oral use. Contraindications in pregnancy and lactation. CAN cautions that the PAs are genotoxic, carcinogenic, and hepatotoxic. Because of the PAs, coltsfoot use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). Dosage maximum 10 g PA/day (herbal tea) or maximum 1 g PA/day (extracts, expressed sap) for maximum 4–6 weeks/year (AEH). Commission E advises not to take more than 4 to 6 weeks of the year at 4.5 to 6 g/day. This is the only herb (1.5–6 g leaf/day) except related Petasites with toxic PAs still tolerated by Commission E. Still, CAN cautions that coltsfoot is phototoxic in guinea pig skin. In guinea pig sensitization experiments, it showed weak allergenic capacity, possibly due to the sesquiterpene lactones present in the plant. PAs are toxic to humans, with liver damage with cirrhosis and ascites, or seneciosis, or veno-occlusive disease (VOD) reported in almost all cases of severe or fatal intoxications, from intakes of 0.5 mg/kg to 3.3 mg/kg (AEH1). Effective July 1996, the AHP Board of Trustees recommends that all products with botanical ingredient(s) that contain toxic PAs, including Borago officinalis, display the following cautionary statement on the label, “For external use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing†(AHP). Canadians do not allow in food (Blackburn, 1993). Bisset says there is no danger of acute poisoning when used as prescribed (Bisset, 1994). Hepatotoxicity of coltsfoot may be due to senkirkine (~150 ppm), highlighting the dangers of chronic exposure to even low doses of PAs. Rats fed more than 4% coltsfoot in their diet develop hepatic tumors. Newborn rats are more susceptible than weanlings to hepatotoxicity of senkirkine despite lacking the hepatic microsomal enzymes required to produce the toxic pyrrholic metabolites. Fatal hepatic venoocclusive disease was documented in a newborn infant whose mother chronically consumed herb teas during pregnancy (coltsfoot and senecio specified). The mother exhibited no signs of hepatic damage again suggesting increased sensitivity of the fetal liver to PA toxicity. Animal studies document placental transfer and secretion into breast milk of unsaturated PAs (CAN). Excessive doses may interfere with blood pressure and heart therapy (CAN). |
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| COLUMBINE | Aquilegia vulgaris | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Astringent (f; CRC); Cholagogue (f; MAD; PHR); Collyrium (f; MAD); Cyanogenic (f; PH2); Diaphoretic (f; CRC; WO2); Diuretic (f; CRC; WO2); Emmenagogue (f; CRC); Litholytic (f; MAD); Narcotic (f; CRC); Oxytocic (f; WO2); Poison (1; HH2); Resolvent (f; CRC); Tranquilizer (f; HH2; PHR; PH2). Indications: Agitation (f; PHR; PH2); Cancer, breast (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; CRC; JLH); Cholecystosis (f; PHR); Debility (f; MAD); Dermatosis (f; HH2; MAD; WO2); Dropsy (f; MAD); Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC; HH2; MAD; PH2); Eczema (f; CRC); Enterosis (f; PHR); Erysipelas (f; MAD); Fever (f; CRC; WO2); Fistula (f; CRC; HH2); Fracture (f; MAD); Gastrosis (f; PHR); Globus Hystericus (f; PH2); Halitosis (f; MAD); Headache (f; MAD); Hepatosis (f; CRC; MAD); Hysteria (f; CRC; PH2); Insomnia (f; CRC; MAD); Jaundice (f; CRC; HH2; MAD; PHR; PH2); Measles (f; MAD); Menopause (f; PH2); Nervousness (f; HH2; MAD; PHR; PH2); Ophthalmia (f; CRC; HH2); Pertussis (f; MAD); Pharyngosis (f; WO2); Photosensitivity (f; MAD); Psoriasis (f; MAD); Rash (f; MAD); Respirosis (f; MAD); Scurvy (1; PHR; PH2); Sore (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; CRC; WO2); Splenosis (f; MAD); Stomatosis (f; CRC; HH2; WO2); Stone (f; CRC; MAD); Syncope (f; MAD); Tremor (f; CRC); Uterosis (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; CRC; WO2); Wound (f; MAD). Dosage: Not covered (AHP). None known (PHR). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2). Poisoning due to HCN not observed (PHR). Human fatalities reported (LEL). Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). None known (PHR). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2). Poisoning due to HCN not observed (PHR). Human fatalities reported (LEL). |
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| COMFREY | Symphytum | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Alterative (f; CRC); Analgesic (1; CAN); Antiaging (f; CRC); Antihemorrhagic (f; CAN); Antiinflammatory (2; APA; KOM; PH2; WAM); Antileukocyte (1; PH2); Antimitotic (1; PHR; PIP); Antimutagenic (1; PNC); Antipsoriatic (1; PNC); Antitumor (1; FAD); Astringent (1; APA; FAD; FEL; PNC); Callus-Promoter (1; PHR); Carcinogenic (1; APA; CRC); Demulcent (1; CAN; FEL; PH2; WAM); Emollient (1; CRC; WAM); Expectorant (f; CRC; MAD); Hemostat (f; CRC); Hepatotoxic (1; APA); Hypotensive (1; PH2); Tonic (f; FAD); Uterotonic (1; CAN); Vulnerary (1; APA; CAN; WAM). Indications: Adenopathy (f; CRC); Amenorrhea (f; CRC); Anemia (f; FEL); Angina (f; PHR); Arthrosis (1; CRC; PNC; PH2); Asthma (f; CRC); Backache (f; CRC); Bleeding (1; APA; CAN; CRC; MAD); Bronchosis (1; APA; CRC; FAD); Bruise (2; APA; FAD; KOM; PH2; SHT); Bug Bite (1; APA); Cancer (1; CRC; FAD; FNF; PNC); Cancer, bone (f; CRC); Cancer, lung (1; CRC; FNF); Candida (f; CRC); Catarrh (f; MAD); Chafing (1; APA); Cholecystosis (f; CRC); Colitis (1; APA; CAN); Congestion (f; APA); Constipation (f; DEM); Contusion (f; PIP); Cough (f; CRC; FAD); Debility (f; FEL); Decubitis (1; APA; JAD); Dermatosis (1; APA; FAD); Diabetes (f; MAD); Diarrhea (f; FAD; MAD; PH2); Duodenal Ulcer (2; CAN); Dysentery (f; CRC; DEM; FAD); Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC; MAD); Dyspepsia (f; APA); Eczema (1; PNC); Enterosis (1; CRC; PHR; PH2); Epicondylosis (1; PH2); Fracture (1; APA; CAN; WAM); Gallstone (f; CRC); Gastrosis (1; CRC; PHR; PH2); Gastric Ulcer (f; CAN); Gingivosis (1; APA; PHR; PH2); Gonorrhea (f; DEM; MAD); Gout (f; CRC); Heartburn (f; DEM); Hematemesis (f; CAN; FAD); Hematochezia (f; CRC); Hemoptysis (f; MAD); Hemorrhoid (f; MAD); Hepatosis (f; CRC); Hernia (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2); Hoarseness (f; CRC); Hysteria (f;FAD); Indolent Ulcer (2; JAD); Inflammation (2; APA; CAN; KOM; PH2; WAM); Itch (f; APA); Leukorrhea (f; CRC; MAD); Mastosis (1; FAD; FEL); Metrorrhagia (f; FEL); Myosis (1; WAM); Nephrosis (f; CRC; MAD); Ophthalmia (f; CRC); Osteosis (f; PH2); Pain (1; CAN); Pertussis (f; CRC); Pharyngosis (1; PHR; PH2); Phthisis (f; MAD); Pleurosis (f; PHR; PH2); Psoriasis (1; APA; PNC); Pulmonosis (f; CRC); Rash (1; APA); Respirosis (f; MAD); Rheumatism (1; CRC; PH2; PNC); Scrofula (f; CRC; FEL); Sore Throat (f; CRC; PH2); Sprain (2; CRC; KOM; PH2; SHT); Stomatosis (f; CRC); Strain (1; APA; SHT); Sunburn (f; APA); Swelling (f; MAD); Tendovaginosis (1; PH2); Tonsilosis (f; CRC); Tuberculosis (f; MAD); Tumor (1; FAD); Ulcer (f; CRC; MAD); Ulcus cruris (1; FNF; MAD);Vaginosis (f; CRC; PH2); Varicosis (f; PED); VD (f; DEM); Wound (1; APA; CAN; MAD); Yeast (f; CRC). Dosage: Class 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. Longterm use discouraged (AHP). Commission E reports the herb, leaf, and root permitted for external use only. Skin should be intact and pregnant users should first consult physician. External dosage of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) maximum 100 g/day for a maximum 4–6 weeks/year (AEH). Comfrey root may cause liver damage if taken internally (WAM). Contains PAs. Internal use may cause severe hepatic damage. PAs are toxic to humans, with liver damage with cirrhosis and ascites, or seneciosis, or veno-occlusive disease (VOD) reported in almost all cases of severe or fatal intoxications, from intakes of 0.5 mg/kg to 3.3 mg/kg (AEH1). Chronic comfrey use implicated in at least one instance of hepatic VOD (PNC). Effective July 1996, the AHP Board of Trustees recommends that all products with botanical ingredient(s) that contain toxic PAs, including Borago officinalis, display the following cautionary statement on the label, “For external use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing†(AHP). CAN cautions the PAs are genotoxic, carcinogenic, and hepatotoxic. Because of the PAs, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. Animal studies document placental transfer and secretion into breast milk of unsaturated PAs (CAN). May speed up metabolism of other drugs (stimulates metabolism of aminopyrine-N-demethylase, a drug metabolizing enzyme) (CAN). Internal use for more than 4–6 weeks is discouraged (SHT). Canadians do not allow in food (Blackburn, 1993). “No human being or animal should eat, drink, or take comfrey in any form†(Br. Med. J. 6163: 596; 1979). According to studies reported in the Lawrence Review of Natural Products, rats fed comfrey roots or leaves for 600 days developed hepatocellular adenomas, with signs of liver toxicity developing within 180 days. Urinary bladder tumors developed also, even in those on the lowest levels of comfrey. The incidence of liver tumors was higher with dietary roots than with dietary comfrey leaves. Alkaloids of Russian comfrey caused chronic liver damage and pancreatic islet cell tumors after 2 years administration in animal models (LRNP, October 1990). Extracts (Comfrey) — Extracts antiinflammatory in vitro and in vivo, perhaps due to rosmarinic acid (PNC). Allantoin a well known dermatological agent (PNC). Aqueous extract stimulates release of prostaglandin-like material from rat gastric mucosa (PNC). Two nonhepatotoxic PAs, platyphylline and sarracine, have been used for GI hypermotility and peptic ulceration. Yes, aqueous extracts increase survival time of mice with spontaneous tumors, and decrease tumor growth, and have antimutagenic activity (PNC). Is comfrey more likely to cause, cure, or prevent cancer? This is what we really should be studying. Contraindications: Class 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. Longterm use discouraged (AHP). Commission E reports the herb, leaf, and root permitted for external use only. Skin should be intact and pregnant users should first consult physician. External dosage of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) maximum 100 g/day for a maximum 4–6 weeks/year (AEH). Comfrey root may cause liver damage if taken internally (WAM). Contains PAs. Internal use may cause severe hepatic damage. PAs are toxic to humans, with liver damage with cirrhosis and ascites, or seneciosis, or veno-occlusive disease (VOD) reported in almost all cases of severe or fatal intoxications, from intakes of 0.5 mg/kg to 3.3 mg/kg (AEH1). Chronic comfrey use implicated in at least one instance of hepatic VOD (PNC). Effective July 1996, the AHP Board of Trustees recommends that all products with botanical ingredient(s) that contain toxic PAs, including Borago officinalis, display the following cautionary statement on the label, “For external use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing†(AHP). CAN cautions the PAs are genotoxic, carcinogenic, and hepatotoxic. Because of the PAs, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. Animal studies document placental transfer and secretion into breast milk of unsaturated PAs (CAN). May speed up metabolism of other drugs (stimulates metabolism of aminopyrine-N-demethylase, a drug metabolizing enzyme) (CAN). Internal use for more than 4–6 weeks is discouraged (SHT). Canadians do not allow in food (Blackburn, 1993). “No human being or animal should eat, drink, or take comfrey in any form†(Br. Med. J. 6163: 596; 1979). According to studies reported in the Lawrence Review of Natural Products, rats fed comfrey roots or leaves for 600 days developed hepatocellular adenomas, with signs of liver toxicity developing within 180 days. Urinary bladder tumors developed also, even in those on the lowest levels of comfrey. The incidence of liver tumors was higher with dietary roots than with dietary comfrey leaves. Alkaloids of Russian comfrey caused chronic liver damage and pancreatic islet cell tumors after 2 years administration in animal models (LRNP, October 1990). Extracts (Comfrey) — Extracts antiinflammatory in vitro and in vivo, perhaps due to rosmarinic acid (PNC). Allantoin a well known dermatological agent (PNC). Aqueous extract stimulates release of prostaglandin-like material from rat gastric mucosa (PNC). Two nonhepatotoxic PAs, platyphylline and sarracine, have been used for GI hypermotility and peptic ulceration. Yes, aqueous extracts increase survival time of mice with spontaneous tumors, and decrease tumor growth, and have antimutagenic activity (PNC). Is comfrey more likely to cause, cure, or prevent cancer? This is what we really should be studying. |
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| COMMON BUCKTHORN | Rhamnus cathartica | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Antitumor (1; FNF; HOX; PNC); Collyrium (f; DEM); Depurative (f; HHB; MAD; PHR; PH2); Diuretic (f; EFS; HHB; MAD; PHR; PH2); Emetic (f; EFS); Laxative (2; DEM; EFS; KOM; PNC); Peristaltic (f; PHR). Indications: Anemia (f; MAD); Appendicitis (f; MAD); Asthma (f; MAD); Cachexia (f; MAD); Cancer (1; FNF; HOX; JLH; PNC); Chlorosis (f; MAD); Colic (f; MAD); Constipation (2; EFS; KOM; PHR; PH2; PNC); Diarrhea (f; MAD); Dropsy (f; MAD); Exanthema (f; MAD); Gout (f; MAD); Hemorrhoid (2; KOM; PHR; PH2); Herpes (f; MAD); Itch (f; DEM); Nausea (f; MAD); Obesity (f; MAD); Ophthalmia (f; DEM); Proctosis (f; PH2); Rheumatism (f; MAD); Sore (f; MAD); Stomatosis (f; MAD); Tumor (1; FNF; HOX; PNC); Uremia (f; MAD); Water Retention (f; EFS; HHB; HH2; MAD; PHR; PH2). Dosage: Class 2b (AHP). Commission E reports for fruit, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives (AEH). Contraindicated in obstruction of the bowel or intestines, acute inflammation of the bowels as in appendicitis, colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Do not use if under 12 years of age, or pregnant (KOM; PH2). See anthranoids in introductory section. Berry extract induce tumor necrosis in mice (PNC). Contraindications: Class 2b (AHP). Commission E reports for fruit, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives (AEH). Contraindicated in obstruction of the bowel or intestines, acute inflammation of the bowels as in appendicitis, colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Do not use if under 12 years of age, or pregnant (KOM; PH2). See anthranoids in introductory section. Berry extract induce tumor necrosis in mice (PNC). |
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| COMMON DAFFODIL | Narcissus pseudonarcissus | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Antimitotic (1; HHB); Antispasmodic (f; FEL; GMH); Aphrodisiac (f; GMH); Astringent (f; EFS); Cardiotoxic (1; EFS); Depurative (f; EFS); Emetic (f; EFS; HHB); Emmenagogue (f; EFS); Mydriatic (f; FEL); Narcotic (f; EFS; GMH); Paralytic (f; EFS); Poison (1; EFS; GMH; PH2). Indications: Alopecia (f; GMH); Asthma (f; PH2); Bronchosis (f; GMH; HHB; PH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (1; FNF; JLH); Catarrh (f; FEL; GMH; PH2); Chorea (f; FEL); Cold (f; PH2); Cramp (f; FEL; GMH); Diarrhea (f; FEL; HHB); Dysentery (f; FEL; GMH); Epilepsy (f; FEL; GMH); Fever (f; FEL); Hysteria (f; FEL; GMH); Induration (f; JLH); Malaria (f; FEL); Mucososis (f; PH2); Pertussis (f; HHB; PH2); Rheumatism (f; FEL); Rhinosis (f; HHB); Sore (f; HHB); Swelling (f; JLH); Tumor (1; HHB); Uterosis (f; JLH); Worm (f; FEL). Dosage: Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD). Potentially allergenic. Intoxication (confused with onion bulbs) can cause CNS disorders, diarrhea, GI irritation, salivation, and vomiting (FEL; PH2). Contraindications: Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages†(PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD). Potentially allergenic. Intoxication (confused with onion bulbs) can cause CNS disorders, diarrhea, GI irritation, salivation, and vomiting (FEL; PH2). |
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| COMMON GROMWELL | Lithospermum officinale | |
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Synonyms: Actions: Antiestrogenic (1; WOI); Antigonadotropic (1; WOI); Antithyroid (f; WOI); Contraceptive (1; WOI); Depurative (f; WOI); Diuretic (f; CEB; EFS); Litholytic (f; EFS; WOI); Sedative (f; WOI). Indications: Bladder Stone (f; EFS); Calculus (f; CEB; FEL); Cystosis (f; WOI); Dermatosis (f; WOI); Gout (f; WOI); Insomnia (f; WOI); Itch (f; WOI); Kidney Stone (f; EFS); Measles (f; WOI); Nephrosis (f; EFS); Nervousness (f; WOI); Smallpox (f; WOI); Stone (f; DEP; EFS; WOI); Water Retention (f; CEB; EFS). Dosage: Not covered (AHP; PH2). If it contains the same shikonins and PAs, or nearly so, as the Chinese Lithospermum, it should probably be avoided. Contraindications: Not covered (AHP; PH2). If it contains the same shikonins and PAs, or nearly so, as the Chinese Lithospermum, it should probably be avoided. |
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