Allium ursinum Aloe ferox wild garlic bear’s garlic ramsons bitter aloe Cape aloe

Colchicum autumnale Tapping of Aloe ferox

Allium ursinum Convallaria majalis Aloe ferox Leaf in transverse section and aloe lump (Cape aloes)

Description A typical early spring flower in broad- Active ingredients Several sulfur-containing Description The bitter aloe or Cape aloe is a ro- Active ingredients The main purgative leaved forests in Europe. It is a perennial bulbous plant compounds (up to 12% in the bulbs) are responsible bust, single-stemmed succulent with broad, spiny principle (15–30% of aloe lump) is the anthrone C- with oval-elliptic bright green leaves and white flowers for the typical smell. Fresh leaves (that are not wilted) leaves and usually bright red or orange flowers in erect, glucoside aloin (=barbaloin). Aloin occurs as an equal on long stalks that emerge from numerous small bulbs. and bulbs contain methyl-L-cysteinesulphate, alliin, candle-shaped clusters. mixture of two stereoisomers, aloin A and aloin B. When the trees become leafy in summer and sunlight is dithiine, -glutamylpeptide and flavonoids as main Origin Southeastern parts of South Africa. The The wound-healing properties of the gel are ascribed reduced, the leaves of wild garlic plants start to senesce compounds. Alliin is enzymatically converted by al- products are wild-crafted on a sustainable basis. to polysaccharides and glycoproteins and to hydrating, and the aboveground parts die back. liinase, first to an unstable intermediate product and Parts used The bitter, yellow leaf juice is dried to insulating and protective effects. Origin Northern, western and central Europe. then to allicin (which is often the main compound in form a dark brown resinous solid, known commercially Pharmacological effects Aloin is converted Parts used Freshly harvested leaves (Allii ursini processed material. Minor compounds that are produ- as aloe lump or Cape aloes (=Aloe capensis). The gel in the colon by bacteria into aloe-emodin anthrone. herba), sometimes the bulbs (Allii ursini bulbus). Most ced include methyl- and dimethylajone. (non-bitter, inner fleshy part of the leaf) is used in Anthrones are responsible for a stimulant laxative of the sulfur compounds are lost during drying. Pharmacological effects Same as for onion tonics and cosmetics. action. Molecular targets include a chloride channel Therapeutic category Lipid-lowering, preven- and garlic. Therapeutic category Bitters: laxative, tonic; and less importantly the Na+/K+-ATPase. Anthra- tion of arteriosclerosis, antibacterial, antiviral. Warning Wild garlic leaves may be confused with Gel: tonic, wound-healing. noids enhance peristalsis and the secretion of water Uses and properties Wild garlic leaves are a those of poisonous plants such as autumn crocus (Col- Uses and properties Cape aloes is an important laxa- and inhibit its resorption in the colon. Aloe extracts popular spring vegetable and culinary herb in Europe. chicum autumnale) and lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria tive and is included in bitter tonics. The gel has become have antimicrobial, antiviral and cytotoxic properties. Some commercial products (especially dietary sup- majalis) which also grow in open broad-leaved forests popular as a health drink. Minor uses include the treat- Warning The product has a griping and abor- plements) contain wild garlic as an ingredient. The in spring. Wild garlic can easily be distinguised by the ment of arthritis, eczema and conjunctivitis. Extracted tifacient effect and should therefore not be used plant is used in traditional medicine against digestive typical taste and smell from similar-looking poisonous and spray-dried leaf gel is used in skin care products. during pregnancy. Laboratory studies indicate that ailments, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, as plants because the latter have no smell but an extre- Preparation and dosage A commercial prepa- anthraquinones may be carcinogenic. Anthraquinone- well as skin rashes. mely bitter taste or they cause a burning sensation in ration or a small crystal of the drug (0.05–0.2 g) can containing laxatives should not be taken for prolonged reparation and dosage Intact, freshly harvested the mouth and throat. These plants can cause serious be taken orally as a laxative. Half the laxative dose is periods, since K+ homoeostasis will be changed. leaves are used because alliin is converted to biologi- or even fatal poisoning. taken for arthritis. Fresh bitter sap is instilled directly Status Traditional medicine; PhEur8; Comm.E+; cally active allicin only in fresh leaves. Status Traditional medicine; dietary supplement. against conjunctivitis and sinusitis. ESCOP; WHO 1; HMPC.

Allium ursinum L. family: Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae) Aloe ferox Mill. family: Xanthorrhoeaceae (formerly Asphodelaceae) ail des ours (French); Bärlauch (German); aglio orsino (Italian); ajo de oso (Spanish) aloès féroce (French); Kap-Aloe, Gefährliche Aloe (German); aloe del Capo (Italian) 42 43 Alpinia officinarum Althaea officinalis galangal Siamese ginger lesser galangal marshmallow white mallow

Alpinia officinarum rhizome Althaea officinalis flowers

Alpinia officinarum flowers Alpinia officinarum dried rhizomes Althaea officinalis Alcea rosea flowers

Description A robust, leafy perennial herb of more as a tincture, decoction or in powder form. Description An erect perennial herb of about 2 m water). It may be sipped or gargled. For external appli- than 1 m high that grows from thick, fleshy rhizomes Active ingredients Galangal is highly aro- in height, with hairy leaves and attractive pink flowers. cation, powdered leaves are mixed into ointments. below the ground. Clusters of attractive white and matic and contains essential oil (0.5–1%). The main Origin The plant is indigenous to Asia, but has Active ingredients All parts of the plant con- purplish flowers are infrequently borne on the stem ingredients are monoterpenoids (-pinene, cineole, been distributed from Europe to China and became tain mucilages (polysaccharides), mainly composed of tips. The plant resembles ginger (Zingiber officinale). linalool), methyl cinnamate and eugenol. The pungent naturalised in America. It is cultivated for medicinal galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabi- Origin Galangal is indigenous to eastern and south- principles are various non-volatile diarylheptanoids purposes and as ornamental in Europe. nose, and rhamnose, located in special mucilage cells. eastern Asia and is widely cultivated, mainly in China, (formerly known as galangol), together with phenyl Parts used Mainly the roots (Althaeae radix); also Roots harvested late in the autumn give the highest Malaysia, Thailand and India. alkyl ketones (known as gingerols). Flavonoids (mainly the leaves (Althaeae folium) and flowers (Althaeae flos). yield of mucilage (about 15%), while leaves and flow- Parts used Fresh or dried rhizomes (Galangae quercetin and kaempferol glycosides) are also present. Therapeutic category Anti-irritant, emmolient; ers usually have less than 10%. rhizoma). Pharmacological effects Galangal has expectorant. Pharmacological effects The polysaccha- Therapeutic category Carminative, digestive proven antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial Uses and properties Marshmallow root infu- rides form a protective film over inflamed mucosal tonic, anti-emetic. and antimycotic properties. The diarylheptanoids (and sions or extracts are traditionally taken orally as a tissues and thus reduce irritation. The presence of Uses and properties The main medicinal use also the phenyl alkyl ketones) are known to inhibit soothing medicine for cough, peptic ulcers and inflam- mucilage leaves no doubt that the herb has anti-irritant of galangal is as a stomachic to treat dyspepsia and prostaglandin biosynthesis. mation of the mucosa of mouth, throat and stomach. properties, but there is some evidence for anti-inflam- appetite loss. Galangal is a popular ingredient in Notes Other Alpinia species that are used in tradi- Leaf infusions or marshmallow syrup (Sirupus Althaeae) matory or other beneficial effects. A hypoglycaemic Chinese cooking and is traditionally used in China as tional medicine include greater galangal (A. galanga) are used specifically for dry cough associated with ir- activity has been observed in mice after injection of a medicine (TCM) against indigestion, stomach pain, in Southeast Asia, A. oxyphylla (fruit; yi zhi ren) ritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Ex- A. officinalis polysaccharides. nausea and hiccups. It is also used in traditional Indian and A. katsumadai (cao dou cou) in China, and ternally, preparations are applied to burns, sores and Notes The well-known marshmallow sweets were and European medicine. A. calcarata (rasna) in India. Seeds of the West African ulcers. Commercially, only the roots are used, while once made from root extracts of this plant. Hollyhock Preparation and dosage Tea made from about Aframomum melegueta (Zingiberaceae) are known as leaves and flowers are popular for self-medication. flowers, from Alcea rosea (=Althaea rosea), seem to be 0.5–1 g of dried rhizome is taken half an hour before “grains of paradise” and are used medicinally for the Preparation and dosage A daily dose of 6 g of useful for respiratory and inflammatory ailments and meals. A daily dose of 2–4 g of the dry product (or its same indications as galangal rhizome. the dried root, 5 g of the leaf (or 10 g marshmallow syrup, as colourant and brightener in herbal teas. equivalent in fresh form) can be taken. It is also used Status Traditional medicine; Pharm.; Comm.E+. in a single dose) is recommended. The herb is extracted Status Pharm.; PhEur8; Comm.E+; ESCOP; in cold or lukewarm water, or in alcohol (but not in hot WHO 2, 5; HMPC. Alpinia officinarum Hance family: Zingiberaceae Althaea officinalis L. family: Malvaceae gao liang jiang (Chinese); galanga (French); Echter Galgant (German); galanga (Italian); galanga (Spanish) guimauve (French); Eibisch (German); bismalva, altea (Italian); malvavisco (Spanish) 46 47 Elettaria cardamomum Eleutherococcus senticosus cardamom Siberian ginseng eleuthero

Elettaria cardamomum flowers

Elettaria cardamomum plant Cardamom fruits and seeds Eleutherococcus senticosus Aralia racemosa

Description Cardamom is a leafy perennial herb Preparation and dosage A daily dose of 1.5 g Description Siberian ginseng is a woody shrub with a popular tonic in the former USSR. with hairless leaves neatly arranged along thick fleshy crushed or ground seeds (or equivalent extracts and erect, prickly stems, compound leaves and inconspicu- Preparation and dosage A daily dose of stalks. The attractive flowers are borne at ground level tinctures) is recommended. ous flowers produced in multi-flowered umbels. It is 2–3 g of dry root, taken as tea or as alcoholic extracts on much-branched flowering stems and they develop Active ingredients The seeds contain essential closely related to various North American species of (or equivalent preparations), is recommended. into small green, white or brown three-valved capsules, oil in concentrations of about 4% of dry weight. The Aralia that are also used in traditional medicine and is Active ingredients The roots and rhizomes each containing several brown seeds. main compound is 1,8-cineole (representing 50% or sometimes confused with them. These are American contain a diversity of phytochemicals – so-called Origin India and Sri Lanka. It is commonly culti- more), with smaller amounts of -terpineol, borneol, spikenard (Aralia racemosa), the roots and rhizomes eleutherosides (a confusing name, since various classes of vated in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Guatemala. camphor, limonene and -terpenyl acetate. of which are a traditional panacea (cure all) of the compounds are involved, such as coumarins, lignans, Parts used Fruits and seeds (Cardamomi fructus) or Pharmacological effects The monoterpenes Native Americans; wild sarsaparilla (A. nudicaulis), and phenylpropanoids). These include triterpenoids the seed oil (Cardamomi aetheroleum), rarely the rhi- show antibacterial, antimycotic and antiviral activities which is used in much the same way; and Hercule’s and triterpene saponins (eleutherosides I–M), lignans zomes. The seed capsules are hand-harvested just before and spasmolytic properties. These constituents would club (A. spinosa), the bark of which has been used in and their glycosides (such as sesamin and syringa-resin- they split open and are dried in the sun. Cardamom seeds also plausibly explain the claimed carminative, anti- the eastern parts of the USA as traditional medicine. ol), coumarins (isofraxidin), -sitosterol, daucosterol, are easily adulterated with seeds of other species; the spasmodic and expectorant effects. Fruit extracts Origin Northeastern Asia (eastern Siberia). liriodendrin and polysaccharides. capsules less easily. As a result, whole fruits with seeds are promoted the secretion of gastric juices and bile in Parts used Dried roots and rhizomes (Eleuthero- Pharmacological effects Several animal and preferred as raw material, even though the capsules on rats and rabbits. cocci radix). E. gracilistylus (=Acanthopanax gracilisty- human studies have been carried out in Russia, indi- their own do not contribute to the yield of essential oil. Warning According to Ayurvedic practice, carda- lus) is also used. cating that the product is comparable to real ginseng. Therapeutic category Cholagogue, antimicrobial. mom should be avoided during pregnancy; not re- Therapeutic category Tonic. It appears to improve endurance, immune competence Uses and properties The seeds have been used commended for patients with gallstones. Uses and properties Siberian ginseng is used as and stress resistance. as a spice since ancient times but are also an important Notes Cardamom is an important spice and fla- an adaptogenic tonic, in the same way as real ginseng Warning The use of Siberian ginseng should be Ayurvedic aphrodisiac and remedy in case of digestive vourant, used in cooking (e.g. curry powders), baking (Panax ginseng). It is used to counteract fatigue and limited to a maximum period of three months and is problems, asthma, bronchitis and urinary complaints. and various drinks. The essential oil is an ingredient stress, decreasing physical and mental capacity and as considered unsafe for persons with high blood pressure. It is used against bad breath, cough and nausea and of perfumes. support during convalescence. It was used by Russian Status Traditional medicine; PhEur8; Comm.E+; may be combined with laxatives to treat indigestion, Status Traditional medicine; Pharm.; Comm.E+; athletes in the 1984 Moscow Olympics and has become ESCOP; WHO 2; HMPC. stomach pain, griping and flatulence (dyspeptic syndrome). WHO 4. Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton family: Zingiberaceae Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. [=Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms] family: Araliaceae cardamomier (French); Kardamompflanze (German); elaichi (Hindi); cardamomo (Italian); ela (Sanskrit) ci wu jia (Chinese); éleuthérocoque, ginseng de Sibérie (French); Stachelpanax, Sibirischer Ginseng (German); eleuterococco (Italian) 140 141