ONE HUNDRED AND DISCOVERING WILD PLANTS PAU D'ARCO: ONE BOTANISTS by Janice Schofield. 1989. Describes IMMUNE POWER FROM by Duane lsely. 1994. From Aristorie 147 plants with bj wdrawings of THE RAIN FOREST to George Washington Carver and an to each . Over 190 color photogra phs. by Kenneth Jones. 1995. Describes the present, this book surveys the Common nome, species, other the different varieties of this barkand achievements of the men and women names, family, habitat, growing its application in South American folk who created and sustained botanical pattern, calendar, food use, medicinal medicine, os well os giving clear science for over two millennia. use, historical use, recipes and directions for the herb 's preparation Hardcover. 358 pp. $32.95. #Bl19 cautions. Softcover. 354 pp. and dosage in the form of teas and $26.95. #B109 extracts. Reviews scientific literature and summarizes results of the most up-to-dote research on its medical benefits. Softcover. 160 pp. $8.95 . #Bl20 MEDICINAL PLANTS MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE OF THE PACIFIC WEST THE MOUNTAIN WEST DESERT AND CANYON WEST by Michael Moore. 1993. Guide to by Michael Moore. 1979. Aguide to by Michael Moore. 1989. Aguide to over 300 species geographically the identification, preparation, and identifying, preparing, and using ranging from Baja California to uses of traditional medicinal plants traditional medicinal plants found in Alaska. Details what medicinal plants found in mountains, foothills, and the deserts and canyons of the West exist, where to find them, how to upland areas of the American West. and Southwest. Exposes the botanical identify, gather, prepare, ond use 120 plant types, covering 1,000 wealth of the desert and the need to them . Softcover. 359 pp. species with o down·to-eorth practical protect it. Softcover. 184 pp. $19.95. #B114 approach. Softcover. 200 pp. $12.95. #B113 $12.95 . #B112
NATURAL PRODUCTS ANTHOCYANINS IN FRUITS, iii', MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS 2nd Edition by Raphael Ikon. 1991. VEGETABLES, AND GRAINS i by Christopher Hobbs. 1995. Contains: Biomarke rs-organic by G. Mazzo and E. Minioti. 1993. Documents the nutritional and compounds, Yeast RNA nucleic acid Acomprehensive reference covering health benefits of over 100 species studies, Reversed-phose HPLC of the chemistry, physiology, of edible fungi. Descriptions, amino acids, HPTLC of carbohydrates, chemotoxonomy, inheritance, habita ts, range, history, chemistry, Sweetness evaluation, GC/MS pharmacology, biotechnology, and pharmacology, human clinical sterols, petroleum studies, flash food technology aspects of this studies, toxicity, traditional chromatography of essential oils, and importontont group of flovinoids. medicinal uses, medical uses, optical purity. Hardcover. 360 pp. Hardcover. 362 pp. $207. #BllS preparation, dosage, related $54.95. #B117 species, and procurement. , ....._ _ _. Softcover. 251 pp. $16.95. #B 116lj FOOTPRINTS OF THE FOREST INDEX OF GARDEN PLANTS HONEYBEE FLORA KA'APOR ETHNOBOTANY-THE by Mark Griffiths. 1994. This index OF ETHIOPIA HISTORICAL ECOLOGY OF supplies authoritative names for over by Reinhard Fichri and Admoou Adi. PLANT UTILIZATION BY AN 60,000 ornamental and economic 1994. Detailed descriptions of 400 AMAZONIAN PEOPLE. plants. Each of the plants named is herbs, shrubs and 100 trees. by William Balee. 1993. Botanical described concisely but usefully, Includes cultural, traditional and and ethnobotonicol research among including range and hardiness. Plant medicinal value of these the Tupi-Guaroni speaking people, names now rejected by botanists ore honeyplonts. Index of scientific emphasizing the Ka' opor of the retained as cross-references. In names, vernacular names and plant eastern Amazon. Includes 10 addition, 30,000 cultivars and names in 27 Ethipoion languages. appendices, maps, figures, and 12,000 common names ore listed. Color photos. Softcover. 51 0 pp. tables. B/W photos. Hardcover. Hardcover. 1,234 pp. $107.#B123 396 pp. $65. #Bll 0 $59.95. #B106
CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 800/373-7105 OR FAX: 512 /331-1924 AMERICAN GINSENG, EATING ON THE WILD SIDE: PERFUMERY: PRAaiCE GREEN GOLD THE PHARMACOLOGIC, AND PRINCIPLES Revised Edition by W. Scott Persons. ECOLOGIC, AND SOCIAL by Robert Calkinond Stephan 1994. Agrowers' guide, including IMPLICATIONS OF USING Jellinek. 1994. Apractical handbook ginseng's history ond use. 144 NONCULTIGENS to the science of modern perfumery. photos ond illustrations, 8 tables. by Nino Elkin. 1994. Studies by Acomprehensive , easy-to-use guide Information on life cycle, range, anthropologists, paleobotanists, to the bosictechn iques ond evolving government regulation, medicinal primotologists, ond ethnobiologists technology of manufacturing properties, trode, growing methods, thot explore issues such os the perfumes os well os providing harvesting ond stratifying, ond consumption of unpolotoble ond guidelines for octuol formulation ond economics. Softcover, 203 pp. famine foods, comparison of ono~sis . Hardcover. 287 pp. $16.95. #Bll1 oboriginol diets of colonists ond loter $69.95. #B108 orrivols, ond self-treatment by sick chimpanzees with plants that hove healing properties. Hardcover. 305 pp. $40. #B118
THE DIVERSITY AND MURDER, MAGIC, GENTLE CONQUEST EVOLUTION OF PLANTS MURDER i¥ AND MEDICINE by Jomes Reveal. 1992. This - l\1AGIC ; --H by Lorentz Pearson. 1995. An _ : tt lld i:1" by John Monn. 1994. Evolution of beautiful book brings to life the - 1 ' exploration of evolution os the ~ ~ MEDICINE i' • modern medicine from its roots in richness, variety, ond importance of ' I ultimate couse of diversity in plants. I • ,,. folk medicine will entertain ond the discovery of North American Organized by classes emphasizing 1 inform both scientist ond general flora from the time of the similarities omong closely related reader alike. Explains the chemical Columbus voyages to the end of toxo, i.e., family, habit, hobitot - bosis of modern pharmacology, ond the American fron tier. Includes o preference, general characteristics, ' :; ~1_j' \. - ~ provides o description of how the use splendid selection of eorly botanical ond representative genera. Softcover. . ·:\ ·. _._,· :[). )I ·.· ond abuse of natural products in ort from the Ubrory of Congress 646 pp. $59.95. #B101 . ',· . ' various societies throughout the oges collection. Hardcover. 160 pp. : f.:i{~;.~;.:_. . :_ . . . hos led to the development of mony $39.95. #B102 of the drugs we now toke for granted. Softcover. 232 pp. $14.95. #B105
PHARMACY: FOREST PHARMACY: MEDICINAL AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY MEDICINAL PLANTS IN PLANTS OF INDIA by David Cowen ond William He~ond . AMERICAN FORESTS by S. K. Join ond Robert DeFilipps. 1990. Apictorial history that includes by Steven Foster. 1995. Discusses 2 vol set. 199l.Surveys the 300 illustrations, 151 in full color, historical ond continued use of medicinal plont resources of Indio which vividly portray phormocy's voried America's forest plants os powerful (including Nogolond) ond Sikkim. ond intriguing ortifocts ond sources of medicine. Outlines not only Covering 860 species, ond listing porophernolio, its shops, laboratories, early Native American use ond plants used inWestern , Unoni, ond heroes, curiosities, foibles ond declines inresearch ond use during Ayurvedic medicines. Vernacular triumphs. It includes every aspect of the nineteenth century, but also nomes ore in Hindi, Sanskrit, ond phormoceuticollore ond history, from covers Americans' resurgent interest in English, os well os regional dialects. ancient civilizations to the complex medicinal plants ond related issues of Includes medicinal common nomes, dynamics of the modern plant conservation ond governmental botanical indexes, bibliography, ond phormoceuticol industry. Hardcover. regulations. Color photos. Softcover. 133 full-poge illustrations. 272 pp. $75. #B1 07 64 pp. $6.95. #B103 Hardcover. 848 pp. $94.95 Set. #B121
CAPSAICIN IN THE 1994 QUARTERLY REVIEW STUDY OF PAIN OF NATURAL MEDICINE Ed. by John Wood. 1993. An Ed. by Donald Brown, N.D. 1994. Set. overview of recent progress in Acomprehens ive guide to current information ond understanding the mechanism ond pertinent findings in noturol heolthcare. Includes site of action of copsoicin, the active research summaries of clinical studies in the fields compound in oleoresin capsicum (red of nutrition, herbal medicine ond natural pepper). The significance of heolthcore, from over 3,000 professional journals. capsaicin in the study of poin ond Binder. $85. #B122 the recent development of novel analgesic ond onti-inflommotory drugs based on the structure of capsaicin ore discussed . Hardcover. 286 pp. $69.95 . #B104 THE COMPLETE POTTER'S NEW CYCLOPAEDIA HERBAL RENAISSANCE MEDICINAL HERBAL OF BOTANICAL DRUGS AND by Steven Foster. 1994. by Penelope Ody, foreword by PREPARATIONS Asignificant contribution to the total Mark Blumenthal. 1993. Practical by R.C. Ulron. 1988. The newest edition knowledge concerning herbs, such os guide to the healing properties of of obook first published in 1907. propagation, harvesting, drying, herbs. Historical uses, therapeutic Includes a new chemical constituents growing, phytochemistry, folklore, and uses, ports used, chemical section for each plant, on updated use usage. 124 plant species covered. 4S constituents, 2SO remedies, safety section, and regulatory status in Great line drawings, color illustrations, B/W precautions. 120 color photos. Britain. Softcover, photos, color photos. Aclassified Hardcover, 192 pp. $29.9 S 362 pp. $29.9S #BOll resources list for sources of seeds or #8039 plants. Softcover, 234 pp. $16.9S #BOS2
THE INFORMATION HERBS OF CHOICE HERBAL MEDICINE SOURCEBOOK OF by Vorro Tyler. 1994. Authoritative by Rudolf Fritz Weiss, M.D. l98S. HERBAL MEDICINE text providing information of The now classic text used by MDs in by DavidHoffmann . 1994. A traditional use, regulatory history, Herbs Germany. An indispensable modern comprehensive guide to current status, biooctive constituents, of . text in medical herbolism. Many information on western herbal pharmacology, current clinical herbs ore illustrated. Plant drugs ore medicine, providing resources on applications, safety precautions and Clloire arranged by clinical diagnoses oil topics including on-line and dosages. Arranged by therapeutic relating to particular systems. dotobose sources. Hardcover, indication. Hardcover, 209 pp. Softcover, 362 pp. $55. #8006 308 pp. $40. #BOll $24.9S #8079
THE HONEST HERBAL LIVING LIQUEURS HANDBOOK OF by Vorro E. Tyler. 1993. Third by James A. Duke. 1987 . MEDICINAL HERBS edition. Chapters on the general Useful information on the by James A. Duke. 1988. rational and irrational use of herbs culture, use, formulas, and Description and line drawings of 36S and the complex lows and folklore of plants in various HANDBOOK folk medicinal species with toxicity regulations pertaining to their sole in herbal drinks. Line drawing OF tables, chemistry, pharmacology, the U.S. Covers over l 00 commonly illustrations. Softcover, 11 0 pp. MEDICINAl ethnobotony, and more. Soon to be used herbs &provides indispensable $15 .#8010 out of print. Hardcover, botanical information, traditional folk HERBS 677 pp. $301 . #8029 uses, & discussionsof safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Softcover, JamesA . Duke 37S pp. $1S .9S #BOOS Di«IJnosislApplic«tion
BOTANICAL INFLUENCES " SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS THE ECLECTIC MATERIA ON ILLNESS by John M. Scudder. 1994. First Specific The Eclectic MEDICA. by Melvin Werboch M.D. & published in 187 4. · or. Scudder PHARMACOLOGY AND Michael T. Murray N.D. 1994. Diagnosis maintained that there was o Materia Medica, THERAPEUTICS Reviews of botanical treatments definitive relationship between Pharmacology and by Harvey W. Felter, M.D. 1994 for 60 different illnesses. known drug action and known Therapeutics First published in 1922. This Materia Medico on 26 common cond itions of disease as work prescribes on the basis of phytomedicines and annotated manifested by symptoms, and the symptoms that the agent list of resources. Hardcover, 341 upon this theory based his justly would either cure or palliate. pp. $39.9S #807 4 by John M. Scudder named book." by H arvey W. Felter, M.D. Felter's thoroughness makes -editor of the Gleaner, l87S. this text ofavorite of modern Hardcover, 387 pp. $48. #BOBS day practitioners interested in herbal medicine. Hardcover, 7 pp. $9S .#B082 ------=;.....:- AMAZO IAN SPECIALTIES--- EARTHLY GOODS SA STUN TALES OF A SHAMAN'S by Christopher Joyce. Atale of by Rosita Arvigo. Acaptivating story APPRENTICE exotic adventure and modern of American Herbologist Rosita by Mark Plotkin 1994. Adventure, medicine in the tropics. Follow a Arvigo's apprenticeship to Don Elijio anthropology, science, and humor quest for green medicines, begun Ponti, one of the lost surviving ond converge in one ethnobotanist's centuries ago by native healers and most respected traditional healers of quest among the rainforest shamans, a quest now being Belize. Set in the imperiled Belizean shamans for ancient medicines transformed by Western science into rainforest that serves os the pharmacy that may hold the cure to today's o high-stakes commercial enterprise. of ancient Mayan medicine. devastating diseases. Softcover, Hardcover, 228 pp. $23.95. Softcover, 90 pp. $11 .00. #B087. 344 pp. $11.95 #8086 #B088.
RAINFOREST REMEDIES: THE HEALING FOREST AMAZONIAN ONE HUNDRED HEALING by Richard E. Schultes ond Robert ETHNOBOTANICAL HERBS OF BELIZE F. Raffauf. 1990. Field research DICTIONARY by Rosita Arvigo and Michael spanning o half. VINE OF THE SOUL-MEDICINE A FIELD GUIDE TO THE MEN, THEIR PLANTS AND FAMILIES AND GENERA OF RITUALS IN THE COLOMBIAN WOODY PLANTS OF AMAZONIA NORTHWEST by Richard E. Schultes and Robert F. SOUTH AMERICA Raffauf. 1992. Accurate scientific by Alwyn H. Gentry. 1993. The data distilled from a long series of practical field experience of the papers by Schultes and his students. late Dr. Gentry incorporated into a An integration of ethnobotony, guide dealing with the diverse flora of chemistry, and photography. B/W -=..::.:...;::...;;...... ;;.;..___.~ the region. Common ond scientific photos, Softcover, 282 pp. $22.95. nome indices. B/W illus., Softcover, #B050. 895 pp. $45. #B044. - - - Miscellaneous- -- FIELD GUIDE TO VENOMOUS HANDBOOK OF ANIMALS & POISONOUS ALTERNATIVE CASH CROPS by James Duke &Judith duCellier. ~;~t;U PLANTSby Steven Foster and Roger Caras. 19 93 . Describes 12 8 tropical ~ 1994. Pocket size guide to safety in alternatives to conventional crops. the field . .Features 90 venomous Alphabetically ordered by genus ond animals ond over 250 poisonous species with information on ecology, plants and fungi. 340 line drawings cultivation, harvesting, economics, ond 160 color photos. From the ond biotic factors. Invaluable for Peterson Field Guide Series8 . agricultural extension agents, Hardcover, 244 pp. $24.95 #B097 farmers, and soil crop professionals. Illustrated, Hardcover, 536 pp. $143. #8045 THE SEVEN A HANDBOOK OF KREMERS AND URDANG'S SISTERS OF SLEEP AYURVEDIC HISTORY OF PHARMACY by Mordecai C. Cooke. 1989. MEDICINAL PLANTS by Glenn Sonnedecker. Revised 4th Originally published in 1860. This by L. D. Kapoor. 1990. Over 300 edition. 197 6. Comprehensive history is one of the earliest forerunners of plants providing the vernacular and leading textbook in US colleges of literature on hallucinogenic, names, habitat, parts used, Pharmacy. Originally published in psychoactive, and stimulant plants morphological characteristics, 1940, Softcover, in advanced societies of the world . description, actions, uses, chemical 571 pp. $20. #B073 Atrue classic with light·heorted constituents, pharmacological excerpts. Hardcover, 371 pp. $45. action, medicinal properties and #B013 use, ond dosage. lllus. Hardcover, 416 pp. $259. #B023 CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 800/373-7105 OR FAX: 512/331-1924 Board of Trustees Dear :Reader Herb Mark Blumenthal As this issue goes to press in late Research Executive Oiredor June, herb marketers and users anxiously await the FDA's publication of its pro James A. Duke, Ph.D. posed regulations to implement the Di Foundation etary Supplement Health and Education Professional Advisory Board Act of 1994. Each issue of H ERBA!GRAM is reviewed by Norman R. Farnsworth, Ph.D. Despite the lack of formal rules for members of the Herb Research Foundation making "structure and function" claims for Professional Advisory Board prior to publication. herbs and other dietary supplements, con siderable growth and activity is happen President-Rob McCaleb ing in the herb industry, with some Glenn Appelt, Ph.D. pharmaceutical companies positioning for Professor of Pharmacology the explosion in future sales for herbs and University of Colorado, Boulder Mark Blumenthal Editor /Publisher natural products. John A. Beutler, Ph.D. BarbaroJohnston Managing Editor One of the questions most often Natural Products Chemist Rob McCaleb Technical Editor asked by many inquiring minds these days National Cancer Institute Ginger Hudson-Maffei Art Director is, "How big is the herb market?" While Robert A. Bye, Jr., Ph.D. Penny King Coordinator hard data is hard to find in the U.S., a new Professor of Ethnobotany National University of Mexico Steven Foster Associate Editor survey shows that herb supplement sales have increased 35 percent in mass market Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D. Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine Contributing Editors retail stores. Meanwhile, in Europe solid and Preventive Health Care C. economic figures are regularly tracked. In James A. Duke, Ph.D. Dennis V. Awa ng, Ph.D. this issue we present a comprehensive re Economic Botanist Karen Dean view of the economics of the European U.S. Department of Agriculture James A. Duke, Ph.D. Phytomedicines market by Dr. Jorg Norman R. Farnsworth, Ph.D. Norman R. Farnsworth, Ph.D. Grunwald of Germany. Research Professor of Pharmacognosy Christopher Hobbs As herb sales continue to heat up, and Senior University Scholar so does the regulatory scrutiny on rna University of Illinois at Chicago Steven R. King, Ph.D. huang, the controversial traditional Chi Richard I. Ford, Ph.D. Peter La ndes nese herb. This issue reviews the botany, Professor of Ethnobotany Albert Y. Leung, Ph.D. University of Michigan chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and Harriet Kuhnlein, Ph.D. Ara Der Ma rderosian, Ph.D. current legal and regulatory challenges Professor of Nutrition Vorro E. Tyler, Ph .D. faced by this potent botanical. McGill University Andrew T. Weil, M.D. In the area of traditional ethno Albert Leung, Ph.D. botany, Enrique Salm6n reviews the uses of Pharmacognosist potentially toxic medicinal plants by the Glen Rock, New Jersey Circulation/Classified Advertising Manager hardy and presevering Tarahumara Indians Walter Lewis, Ph.D. Ma rgaret Wright of northern Mexico's high desert and can Professor of Biology yonlands in his article, "Cures of the Cop Washington University Wali Stopher Copy Editor per Canyon." As another item of historical Ara Der Marderosian, Ph.D. Ka ren Newton Editorial Assistant interest we present John Parascandola's ar Professor of Pharmacognosy Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Linda Prudhomme Receptionist ticle on the infamous Jamaica ginger adul Science Vickie Adams Administration teration of the 1920s where over 50,000 James D. McChesney, Ph.D. Joni Weismann-McCiain Distribution people suffered conditions from paralysis to Professor of Pharmacognosy death after consuming a beverage contami University of Mississippi Julie Weismann-McCiain Information Services nated with a toxic chemical. C. Dwayne Ogzewalla, Ph.D. Cecelia Thompson Accountant And, as we enter the outdoor summer Professor of Pharmacognosy Gayle Engels Customer Service season, we are grateful to welcome back University of Cincinnati George Solis Shipping Wayne Armstrong and his article on poison James Ruth, Ph.D. oak. Armstrong previously wrote articles Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in HerbalGram on botanical jewelry and University of Colorado dye plants. E. John Staba, Ph.D. Professor of Pharmacognosy Finally, we have devoted three pages University of Minnesota HERBAIGRAM is published quarterly by the American Botanical Council and the Herb of this issue to acknowledge the lives of five Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D. people who have contributed greatly to Lilly Distinguished Professor Research Foundation as an educational increasing the benefits that plants offer to of Pharmacognosy project. Educational and business offices are us all. Purdue University at the American Botanical Council, P.O. Box Phil Weber, M.D. 201660, Austin, Texas 78720. 512/331-8868. Physician FAX 512/331-1924. Subscriptions: $25/yr; Boulder, Colorado $45/2 yrs; $60/3 yrs. Foreign subscriptions, Andrew Wei!, M.D. please add $10 per year. © 1995 American Physician and Author Botanical Council. ISSN #0899-5648. Tuscan, Arizona Printed in the U.S.A. 6 • HERBALGRAM 34 The Journal of the American Botanical Council and the Herb Research Foundation Number 34 • Summer 1995 Departments Features Herb Blurbs 8 Ma huan~: Ancient Herb, Modern Medicine, 22 Yaupon, the Only North American Re~ulatory Dilemma Source of Caffeine by Mark Blumenthal ABC/HRF News 8 Perspective on Ephedra, Ephedrine, and 27 ABC Receives Moody Grant; Top 10 Best Sellers in ABC Book Store; HRF News; Caffeine Products Smithsonian & ABC Sponsor Herbal by Rob McCaleb Medicine Conference; ABC in Belize Pharmacolo~y and Public Health: 28 Research Reviews 11 The Jamaica Gin~er Paralysis by Rob McCaleb and Don Brown Hawthorn for Congestive Heart Failure; Episode of the 1930s Melissa Relief for Herpes Sufferers; by John Parascandola Saw Palmetto Extract in the Treatment Poison Oak: 36 of BPH; Ginkgo bilobo Extract-Efficacy in Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease; More Than Just Scratchin~ the Surface Lancet Editorial-Pharmaceuticals from by Wayne P. Armstrong and W . L. Epstein Plants : Great Potential, Few Funds Cures of the Copper Canyon: 44 Research/World News 16 Medicinal Plants of the Tarahumara New Center for Alternative Medicine with Potential Toxicity Research; Pfizer Enters Research and by Enrique Salmon Development Deal on Chinese Herbs; Seattle Clinic a "Natural" First for The European Phytomedicines Market: 60 Alternative Medicine Fi~ures, Trends, Analyses Le~al and Re~ulatory 18 by Jorg Grunwald, Ph .D. FDA Drops Import Alert on Evening Primrose Oil; FDA Approves Taxol but not Taxotere; Canada Approves Ginkgo for Food Use Market Report 66 Herb Sales up 35 Percent in Mass Market In Memoriam 67 Israel I. Brekhman; Cyrus L. Lundell; Mildred Mathias; Calvin Sperling; Dick Tippett Book Reviews 70 Letters 77 Access 78 Calendar 78 Classified 79 Above: Ephedra, Ephedra distachyo, also known as Ma huang; this herb is now the center of considerable regulatory concern . See article beg inn ing on page 22. Photo © 1995 Steven Foster. Cover: Copper Canyon-Barranca del Cobre-comprises a network of deep fissures in the Sierra Madre of northern Mexico. Rare stretches of level ground on the rim and within the canyon are farmed by the l'\ HERBArGRAM is printed on recycled paper. Tarahumara people, hardy survivors of the pre-Spanish era . ~ Photo : Phil Schermeister/National Geographic Image Collection. HERBALGRAM 3 4 • 7 IIIIUPON. THE ONLI/ NORTH IIMEilltiiN fOURtE OF tiiFFEINE The yaupon tree (flex vomitoria), a member of the holly fam leaves called "black drink." ily, (Aquifoliaceae), is native to Texas and eastern North America. Yaupon is related to the South American yerba mate (/. The leaves contain 0.09 percent caffeine and were formerly brewed paraguariensis), the traditional caffeine beverage of Argentina and into a tea by indigenous people native to the Texas area. The Swed a popular ingredient in some herbal teas in North America. Al ish botanist, Linnaeus, upon hearing that the natives of Texas uti though it is the only native plant north of the Rio Grande River to lized the yaupon leaf tree for ritual purposes, which included ritual contain caffeine, yaupon leaves have yet to be commercially ex vomiting, ascribed the species name "vomitoria." Possibly because ploited for their caffeine content, probably due to their relatively of this appellation, some botanists and hi storians have incorrectly low level compared to coffee, tea, mate, cola, and guarana and the assumed that there is an emetic principle in the leaves. In the nine relatively high cost of harvesting herbs in the U.S. compared to teenth century, white settlers in Texas made a dark infusion of the costs in developing countries. ABC NEWS ABC RECIPIENT OF MOODY FOUNDATION GRANT ABC has received a $40,000 grant from the Moody Founda tory modules for the courses. Additional course materials cover tion of Galveston, Texas. The funding will be used for implemention ing all the physiological systems of the human body as well as of a pharmacy home study continuing education course and courses focusing on individual herbs remain to be developed. publication of the German Commission E monographs. The Commission E monographs (the German government's ABC and the Texas Pharmacy Foundation (TPF), in a joint evaluation and approval the sale of herbs as nonprescription medi venture will provide the home study educational materials: ABC cines) project involves editing, publishing, and marketing the producing and selling the material, TPF marketing them to phar material. ABC has translated 41 0 of these monographs into English. macists on a nationwide basis. Information provided by a TPF They will be available in hardcover book format as well as computer survey showed that 74 percent of their member pharmacists were di sk versions for researchers and writers. interested in information on herbal medicine. As a result, ABC For information on ABC and its projects, contact ABC, P.O. and TPF are developing a series of Pharmacy Continuing Educa Box 201660,Austin, TX78720. 512/331-8868, Fax 512/331-1924. tion courses in phytomedicine. ABC has created three introduc- TOP TEN SELLERS IN ABC BOOKSTOR E - JANUARY THROUGH APRIL, 1995 I . Herbs of Choice: Tyler 6. The Honest Herbal: Tyler 2. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: Wichtl & Bisset 7. Herbal Medicine: Weiss 3. Complete Medicinal Herbal: Ody 8. Botanical Influences on Illness: Werbach & Murray 4. lnfor.mation Source Book of Herbal Medicine: Hoffmann 9. Amazonian Ethnobotanical Dictionary: Duke & Vasquez 5. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs, Vol. 2: DeSmet, Keller, 10. Phytopharmaceutical Technology: List & Schmidt Hansel & Chandler To order your copies from the ABC Bookstore, see page 87. 8 ° HERBALGRAM 34 ABC/HRF NEWS HRF NEWS SMITHSONIAN AND ABC By HRF President Rob McCaleb SPONSOR HERBAL FOCUS ON HEALTH: MEDICINE CONFERENCE HRF has instituted the Natural Healthcare Hotline to provide direct answers to herbal questions. The public can access the hotline by dialing 303/449-2265 and can bill the $1 per minute "Nature's Pharmacy : the Power to Heal," a confe rence on fee to a credit card. Customers of hotline sponsor companjes herbal medicine and drug di scovery from pl ants, was held at the (manufacturers of herbal products) can access the NH Hotline via Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. on May 5 and 6, 1995. special 800 numbers. The conference was organized by Smithsoni an Associates, the non The NIH's Office of Alternative Medicine cosponsored a profit educati onal di vision of the Smithsoni an Institution, and the conference in December with the FDA, at which Rob McCaleb Ameri can Botanical Council. made a presentation about the diversity of herbal products in the Presenters included Dr. James A. Duke (U.S.D.A.) , Dr. Peter USA. Goldman (Harvard Uni versity), Dr. John Riddle (North Carolina As a follow-up, the OAM and Drug Information Associates State Uni versity), Dr. Freddie Ann Hoffman (FDA), Dr. James sponsored another conference in April, also including a presenta McChesney (U ni versity of Mi ssissippi), Loren Israelson (attorn ey), tion by the HRF. Ros ita Arvigo (lx Chel Research Center, Belize), and Mark Blu menthal (ABC). The confe rence was organi zed and moderated by ENVIRONMENT: Dr. Andrew Parfitt (NIH ). HRF was in attendance at the International Conference on "Interest in herbs is becoming a nati onal obsession," said Biodiversity and Human Health cosponsored by Smithsonian Blumenthal, the conference co-sponsor. "The retail market is boom Institution in Washington DC, the NIH's Fogarty International ing." Blumenthal noted that herb use by the general public may be Center, and the National Science Foundation. HRF has joined a much hi gher than previously thought by health offici als. group of these scientists to continue work to help preserve Partial funding for AB C's co-sponsorship was made possible biodiversity and foster the use and study of traditional medicines. by donati ons from the fo llowing herb manufac turers: Celesti al Seasonings, Boulder, Colorado; Enzymati c Therapy, Green Bay, FROM BOULDER TO TlMBUKTU Wisconsin ; Indena, Seattle, Washington; Nature's Way, Springville, One of our goals is to help preserve- and in some cases rein Utah; Shaperite Concepts, Salt Lake City, Utah; and SunSource, troduce-the traditional medicine in Africa. Much of tills knowl Kihei , Hawaii. edge has been lost through assimilation of other cultures. Africa A full report of the conference will be published in the next has also become overly dependent on expensive imported drugs. issue of HerbalGram, No. 35. By fostering agribusinesses in herb crops, we can also help to pro mote appropriate low-tech health care. HRF's work, sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development, is agroeconomic ABC IN BELIZE development: helping farmers prosper in the herb business, helping On May 20, 1995, in a continuing series of expeditions spon encourage the sustainable local production of medicinals to lower sored by ABC, the Texas Pharmacy Foundation, and International health care costs, and preserving traditional medicine knowledge Expeditions, 32 travelers departed fo r Belize on a work-study trip, in local populations. HRF has made successful missions to Senegal, "Pharmacy from the Rainfo rest." Of the 28 participants, 13 were Uganda, and Zambia, and is now beginning work in one of the registered pharmacists who received up to 10 continuing educati on world's poorest nations, Mali. credits for attending the workshops. Presenters were Dr. Jim Duke: HRF prepared an update on the international herb, spice, and "Nutrition and the Tropical ' Food Farmacy,"' Dr. Ros ita Arvigo: medicinal plant market for the International Horticultural Confer "Ancient Medi cines/Modern Cures" and "Pl ant Coll ecti on fo r the ences in Bombay and New Delhi. Nati onal Cancer Institute," and Mark Blumenthal: "Herbal Re medies & Natural Products in Today's Ph arm acy POLICY Issues & Alternatives in Today's Regul atory Environment. " HRF was deeply involved in the work leading up to the pas At a reception in Belize City, Dr. Michael Balick introduced sage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, six traditional healers from the Beli ze Healers Associati on. Dr. producing thousands of pages of documentation on the safety and Balick is Director of the Institute of Economic Botany at the New efficacy of herbs, and is now working to increase distribution of York Botanical Garden and co-founder of Ix Chel Tropical Research independent "third-party" literature that presents balanced, non Foundati on. Other hi ghlights of the trip included a tour of the phar commercial herb information backed by scientific documentation. This macy of the Beli ze City Hospital, and trips to the Mayan ruins of information will be available in natural food stores and pharmacies Xunantunich in Beli ze and Tikal in Guatemala. to help the consumer make informed decisions about self care with Two more rainfo rest trips are scheduled for 1995-Costa Rica medicinal herbs. in August and th e Peru vian Amazon in October. For detail s, see page 20. HERBALG RAM 34 • 9 Herb Research Foundation's Herb Information Packet Series Has What You Need When you have an herb question, do you have time to locate and buy half a dozen books, or devote hours to research in your local library? Now there's a quick and easy solution -turn to the Herb Research Foundation for highly informative herb information packets on over 150 subjects! Each packet contains 15-30 pages of concise and informative articles, book excerpts and comments, providing you with a thorough introduction to many common herbs, health conditions and other herb-related topics. Here are a few samples of the subjects we cover: HRF Members receive special discounts and one tree packet upon joining. Nonmembers may purchase a packet for just $7.00 To order your herb information packet have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call our 800 order line: 800-307-6267. To request a complete listing of herb information packets phone HRF at 303-449-2265. Or write us at: HERB RESEARCH FouNDATION 100 7 Pearl Street Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80302 HAWTHORN fOR CONGESTIVE In Europe, an extract of dried hawthorn leaves and blossoms is used to treat chronic heart failure. Hawthorn (Crataegus) is re ported to improve the pumping capacity of the heart and to relieve angina. Prior clinical studies have documented effectiveness, but most studies have been conducted "on the basis of very simple methods, the objectivity and clinical relevance of which is not un contested." Now, a group of researchers in Cologne, Germany, has pro vided clear evidence that hawthorn extract can improve heart func tion in patients with chronic heart disease. The randomized con trolled study tested the effects of 600 mg/day of a European haw thorn extract called Faros® 300. Seventy-eight patients taking the active drug had significant gains in their stamina and endurance, as measured by a stationary bicycle, had lower blood pressure while exercising, had lower heart rates during exercise, and pumped more blood at lower pressure. Patients taking hawthorn also had fewer overall symptoms, felt less fatigue, and experienced less shortness of breath. - Rob McCaleb [Schmidt, U., Kuhn, U., Ploch, M., Hiibner, W.-D. 1994."Ef ficacy of the Hawthorn (Crataegus) Preparation LI 132 in 78 pa tients with chronic congestive heart failure defined as NYHA func tional class II." Phytomedicine. l , 17-24.] Hawthorn, Crataegus pinnatifida. ©1994 Steven Foster MELISSA RELIEF FOR A clinical multicentric study (in Germany: three dermato logical clinic and one Frankfurt-based private clinic) of 115 pa tients, combined with a double-blind study of 116 patients, offers evidence of the antiviral activity of a specially prepared dried ex tract of lemon balm (Melissa officina/is) against herpes simplex infections. The extract was a concentrated (70: 1) dry extract of lemon balm which was included at a level of 1% in a cream base. Patients applied the cream 2 to 4 times daily for 5 to 10 days. In the group receiving the active Melissa cream, there was a significant improvement in symptoms on day two compared to the placebo group and on day five over 50% more patients were symp tom-free than in the placebo group. Furthermore, scabbing in pa tients in the Melissa group was less than those in the placebo group, indicating less damage of the cells. "In the global assessment of Lemon balm, Melissa officina/is. ©1995 Steven Foster efficacy, the Melissa was judged as conclusively superior to the placebo by physician and patient alike." The authors point out that five separate studies in the U.S. healing, particularly in the first two days of the treatment, adds have revealed "no benefits distinguishable from the placebo" for corroborative evidence to this phenomenon; a further merit of the conventional drugs in the treatment of herpes. The authors con Melissa extract in its topical use is displayed by its virtue of induc e] ude, ''The effect of Melissa cream in the topical treatment of herpes ing no viral resistance."- Rob McCaleb simplex infections of the skin and transitional mucosa is statisti [Wolbling, R.H., Leonhardt, K 1994. Local therapy of herpes cally significant. To be effective, the treatment must be started in simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis." Phytomedi the very early stages of the infection. The achieved acceleration of cine 1, 25-31.] HERBALGRAM 34 • 11 RESEARCH REVIEWS SAW PALMETTO EXTRACT IN THE TREATMENT OF BPH Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens. ©1 995 Steven Foster Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens fresh berries before drying . ©1995 Steven Foster Summary: In a three-month open trial, 505 patients with increase in maximum urinary flow, 29% increase in mean urinary mild to moderate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) flow, 44.7% reduction in residual urine, and 50.4% reduction in were treated with Prostaserene®, an oral preparation of Serenoa nocturia. There was also noted a reduction in dysuria (62.5%) and repens (saw palmetto), at a daily dosage of 160 mg twice daily. post-voiding dribbling (53.6% ). 305 patients were available for evaluation at the end of the three Two excellent review articles have recently been published month period. Using the International Prostate Symptom Score, on the mechanism of action of saw palmetto extract. The first, the quality of life score, urinary flow rates, residual urinary vol published in the new journal Phytomedicine (Nieferprum, et al.), ume, and prostate size, patients taking saw palmetto showed sig explores the S-a-reductase inhibiting properties of the free fatty acids nificant improvement after only 45 days of treatment. After 90 in the saw palmetto berry. This activity is not only critical to saw days, 88 percent of the patients and 88 percent of the physicians palmetto's efficacy with BPH but may also open the door for saw considered the therapy successful. Serum prostate-specific anti palmetto as a potential deterrent to prostate cancer. gen (PSA) concentration was not modified by taking saw palmetto, The second study (Koch & Biber) examines the role that thus reducing the chance of masking potential prostate cancer. Side dihydrotestosterone, S-a-reductase, estrogen, and sexual-hormone effects were reported in only five percent of the patients complet binding globulin (SHBG) play in the pathogenesis of BPH. This ing the three-month study (Braeckman). paper not only explores saw palmetto extract's S-a-reductase in Commentary: Saw palmetto extract continues to be used as hibiting and antiedematous actions but also explores the efficacy a primary treatment for both short-term and long-term treatment of of urtica (nettle) root in the BPH treatment. A translation of this BPH. This study is another indication that the daily dose of 320 article appears in the Summer 1995 issue of the Quarterly Review mg is not only effective in the reduction of BPH symptoms but is of Natural Medicine. also relatively low in side effects-particularly when compared It is clear that the next step in clinical research with saw pal to its drug counterpart, finasteride. The therapeutic efficacy of metto extract is a comparative study with finasteride (Proscar®). saw palmetto extract is equal to that of finasteride and far more In the meantime, healthcare practitioners utilizing saw palmetto cost-effective. extract in their practices have excellent research documentation to The author of this study has recently completed a placebo support their choice. -Donald Brown, N. D. controlled, double-blind, randomized study of BPH patients taking [Braeckman, J. 1994. The extract of Serenoa repens in.the treat saw palmetto extracts. He reports that the results corroborate with ment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A multicenter open study. those demonstrated in this open-label trial. I was recently supplied Current Therapeutic Research 55: 776-85. with the results of another unpublished study which used a combi Koch, E. & Biber, A. 1994. Urologe 34: 3-8. nation of saw palmetto extract and urtica (nettle) root with 2,080 Nieferprum, H. J., Schweikert, H. U., Zanker, K. S. 1994. Phy patients with BPH. At a daily dosage of 320 mg saw palmetto tomedicine 1: 127-33.] extract and 240 mg urtica root for 12 weeks, there was a 25.8% 12 • HERBALGRAM 34 Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba leaf. ©1995 Steven Foster Summary: In a randomized, double-blind study, 40 patients tions common to the geriatric population that can be treated with with a diagnosis of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type received GBE (e.g., resistant depression, macular degeneration, intermittent either 80 mg Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) or placebo three claudication). times daily for three months. It is important to point out that the effective daily dose in this Patients were assessed with a test battery that included the study was 80 mg three times daily. This is twice higher than the SKT (test of cognitive function, memory, and attention), the Sandoz 120 mg daily dose most usually recommended for GBE. As men Clinical Assessment Geriatric Scale, choice reaction time, saccadic tioned in previous reviews, this dose may cause transient headaches eye movements (involuntary, abrupt, rapid, small movements or jerks or dizziness initially in some elderly patients. If this occurs, of both eyes simultanously in changing the point of fixation), and starting at the lower dose of 120 mg daily and then increasing to EEG. These tests were performed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 the 240 mg level over a period of six to eight weeks will usually months. Memory and attention, as measured by the SKT, improved be effective. significantly in the EGb 761 group after one month. Improvement Accumulating evidence suggests that free radical oxidation was also noted during this time in psychopathology, psychomotor and platelet-activating factor (PAF) play important roles in the cog performance, functional dynamics, and nuerophysiology. Improve nitive decline noticed in dementia. GBE's antioxidant, PAF-inhib ment continued to be noted in the ginkgo group over the three iting, and neuronal-protective properties make it one of the month course of the study. The ginkgo extract was well tolerated clinician's most useful tools for slowing cognitive decline in the and no side effects were recorded during the trial. elderly.- Donald Brown, N. D. Commentary: This is the study we've been waiting for with [Hofferberth, B. 1994. The efficacy of EGb 761 in patients Ginkgo biloba Extract (GBE). Research and clinical reports over with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, a double-blind, pla the past two decades have pointed to the potential of GBE as both a cebo-controlled study on different levels of investigation. Human preventive measure and early therapeutic intervention for Psychopharmacology 9: 215-22.] Alzheimer's disease. This study takes the first step toward estab [Note: This review previously appeared in the Winter 1994 lishing GBE as a possible therapeutic choice in the early stages of issue of the Quarterly Review of Natural Medicine.] the condition as a tool to slow progression and improved quality of life. While long-term studies with Alzheimer's patients need to be completed, these results can be added to the host of other condi- HE RBALGRAM 34 • 13 RESEARCH REVIEWS Summary of a Lancet Editorial PHARMACEUTICALS FROM PLANTS GREAT POTENTIAL, FEW FUNDS Summary: Plants have long been a in cell lines or enzyme means has largely source of medicines. In the UK and in North replaced animal models for initial screen America, almost 25 percent of the active ing. A classic example is the NIH screen for components of currently prescribed medi antiHIV agents. Much of this screening cines continue to be derived from hi gher needs to be population-specific as there are plants. Over the past 20 years interest in many "non-Western" complaints for which medicinal plants in Western society has plant medicines are utilized. WHO estimates grown enormously and at all levels of soci that 80 percent of the world's population ety, from the use of herbal products as natu relies on plant-based medicines for primary ral cosmetics and for self-medication by the health care. This focuses the need for re general public to the scientific investigation search on procedures to test for safety and of plants for their biological effects in hu the efficacy of traditional remedies and to man beings. The attitude of the phar then standardize their effective use. maceutical industry has changed. Fifteen Ethnopharmacology is the scientific years ago none of the top 250 companies study of plants used by cultural groups for had research programs in volving higher medicinal purposes. As a discipline it is rela plants. Today, over half of them have such tively new but its concepts have provided programs. However, support for plant-based © 1995 Regan Garrett for Herba/Gram the basis of the interchange of plant medi research continues to be overlooked by fund- cine information between cultures. Coleus ing bodies-exceptions include the National forskolii, from India, is a source offorskolin Cooperative Natural Products Drug Discovery Groups under the which is a unique activator of adenylate cyclase and is being devel umbrella of the National Cancer Institute. oped for treatment of glaucoma and hypertension. Artemisinin from The revival of interest in plant-derived products originates Artemisia annua is a promising antimalarial agent. from many areas. One of the major areas is natural-product anti While research programs have become common in China and cancer drugs. Examples are vincristine/vinblastine from India, little ethnopharmacological research has been carried out in Catharanthus roseus, Podophyllum species, and the taxoids from ethnic populations who live in areas of maximum biodiversity, where Taxus brevifolia and T. baccata. New natural products can offer an many plants of interest are likely to occur. alternative to established therapy because they act at different stages Also mentioned in the editorial is the scientific study of in the disease and can be useful in combination therapy. "nutraceuticals"-plant foods that may have disease preventive The renaissance of interest in plant products has also been properties. A classic example are bioflavonoids which are "clas stimulated by the use of plant extracts in chronic conditions for sic" drugs, e.g., rutin. which conventional medicine is perceived to offer little therapeu Comments/Opinions: There's not a lot to add to this edito tic success. Examples include traditional Chinese herbal combina rial from the Lancet. The success of phytotherapy in Europe has tions for atopic dermatitis. Plant extracts have yielded active con largely been based on the ability to bridge traditional herbal medi stituents with unique activity-e.g., ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba cine with modern pharmaceutical research techniques. The basis with specific platelet activating factor antagonist activity. A stan for the large majority of this research has been traditional use. While dardized extract of ginkgo leaves (EGb 761 ) is one of the most thi s article focuses quite a bit on isolating compounds, it also men frequently prescribed medicines in Germany and is taken to allevi tions plant extracts that have been successful in the modem clinical ate cerebral ischemia. setting-i.e., ginkgo and valerian. While successful isolation of It is sobering to realize that less than 10% of the estimated active constituents should be a goal of this research, the final stan 250,000 flowering plant species in the world have been examined dardized extract or herbal preparation may continue to be closely scientifically for their potential in medicine. Sixty thousand spe related to its whole-plant origins. This certainly makes for more cies of higher plants will probably become extinct by the year 2050. expedient and cost-effective use of many plant medicines. If extermination continues at the present rate this creates a sense of This editorial also drives home the important fact that urgency with regard to creating a priority for serious study of me healthcare practitioners usi ng plant medicines must develop stan dicinal plants. The detailed chemical investigation of plants has dardized and accurate methods of reporting their clinical findings. yielded interesting compounds and medical applications. One ex These "real-life" results are as important as controlled clinical stud ample would be standardized extracts of Valeriana officinal is which ies to not only reinforce areas of common use of plant medicines are used widely in Europe as sedatives, alternatives to benzodiaz but to also expand their use into new areas.-Donald Brown, N. D. epines. [Pharmaceuticals from plants: great potential, few funds (Edi Another basis of screening has been based on traditional or toriai).Lancet343: 1513-5, 1994.] ethnopharma-cological applications. Testing of biological activity 14 • HERBALGRAM 34 Manufacture ~ ! Make sure you are covered! The Dietary Supplement l;:lealth and Education Act allows herbal - ufm>turers to make "structure/function" claims about the have on the structure or function of the human be made under the followi(;lg fou conditions: •Claims m - truthful and not misleading. • They cannot oo drug claims ~tor the cure, treat revention of di e s ) . must Gerw r'i"' f"1~~..,r~i by FDA spect of herbs, spices, medicinal plants and • Health benefits of herbs • Regulatory information • Herb horticulture • Herb safety research From a few pages to comprehensive background literature, we provide online database searching, complete scientific articles and references, access to experts, consultants and more. Get the facts! For fee schedules and member discounts, phone HRF at (303) 449-2265 or write us at: ERB RESEARCH FOUNDATION l 007 Pearl Street, Suite 200 . Boulder, CO 80302 Phone 303/449-2265 . Fax 303/449-7849 RESEARCH/WORLD NEWS BOSTON'S NEW CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE RESEARCH "Alternative medicine is not a passing fad, and patients The Center for Alternative Medicine Research, under Direc and their families need and deserve dependable tor Dr. Eisenberg, will investigate how beliefs, expectations, condi information and sound clinical advice regarding these tioning, patient preferences, and patient-provider interactions may influence an individual's response to any therapy, conventional or therapies. " - David Eisenberg, M.D. otherwise. The center will also create a bibliographic database of alternative medicine research to serve as a basis for the design of The opening of the new Center for Alternative Medicine Re future studies and to aid health care providers and their patients search at Beth Israel Hospital was announced on April I at a black who are considering alternative treatment options. tie gala fund-raiser in Boston. The event was attended by over In 1990, out-of-pocket expenses for alternative therapy in the I ,000 people and featured Bill Moyers, host of the recent PBS-TV U.S. totaled more than $10 billion, close to the $12.8 billion in out series, Healing and the Mind, as keynote speaker. of-pocket expenses incurred the same year for hospitalizations. But In a landmark New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM despite the widespread use of alternative therapies, according to 1993. Vol. 3218; pp. 246-252) study on alternative therapies pub Eisenberg, there has been scant scientific study of their usefulness li shed in 1993, Dr. Eisenberg and other researchers from Beth Is and practically no hard data on the cost-effectiveness of such rael Hospital and Harvard Medical School made some interesting therapies. di scoveries about the widespread use of common therapies, includ "From a sociological standpoint, alternative therapies can be ing the use of herbal remedies. During the study year, Americans defined as practices that are not in conformity with the standards of made 425 million visits to providers of alternative medicine prac the medical community. In functional terms, alternative therapies tices, exceeding the 388 million visits made to primary care pro can be defined as practices used for medical intervention, health viders in the same year. In addition, one in three Americans re promotion, or disease prevention which are not routinely taught at ported relying on at least one alternative therapy for the treatment U.S. medical schools or routinely paid for by third party payers of a serious illness: 70 percent of these individuals did not mention within the U.S. health care system," explained Dr. Eisenberg. thi s to their personal physician. -B. Johnston PFIZER ENTERS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEAL ON CHINESE HERBS Pfizer, Inc ., has entered into a research and development The Pfizer research team includes pharmacologists, chem agreement with the Institute of Basic Theory at the China Academy ists, and biologists who will test the plants for therapeutic agents, of Traditional Medicine in Beijing. The three-year plan calls for according to the team 's knowledge of natural product chemistry, the extraction of various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) at molecular biology and biotechnology, human chemical receptors, the Beijing facility so they can be screened by Pfizer in the U.S., and gene targets. according to an announcement on January 9. The agreement was According to Paul Armond, Ph.D., assistant director of R&D concluded January 1. operations, "We are enthusiastic about this new collaboration and The institute studies TCM theory and produces new medi hope with our colleagues in China we will be successful in identi cines from Chinese herbs and herbal preparations. It has created fying novel compounds with therapeutic benefits." eight herbal products which have been approved by the Ministry of The agreement is related to another Pfizer project where Public Health in China in the past 10 years. plants from the U.S. are being collected and extracted by the New Chinese scientists will collect, identify, archive, and extract York Botanical Garden's Institute for Economic Botany in the from a variety of traditionally used plants from Chinese medicine, Bronx, New York. (See HerbalGram #30, p. 9.) This project began excluding endangered species. Extracts will be screened by Pfizer in mid-1993 and has already produced several promising compounds sc ientists in the Pfizer Central Research laboratories in Groton, in assays. The same research team is working on both the U.S. and Connecticut, where the company has its pharmaceuticals, animal the China project.- MB health , and food sc ience research and development bases. Sources: In addition to royalties that will be paid to the Institute if the Armond, P. , Personal communication, April 11 , 1995. research leads to new chemical compounds that can be approved in Pfizer Signs R&D Agreement to Study Chinese Herbals. The Tan therapy, Pfizer will also subsidize salaries and other expenses of Sheet. Jan. 23, 1995, 9-10. the institute that are related to thi s project. 16 • HERBALGRAM 34 RESEARCH/WORLD NEWS SEATTLE CLINIC A ''NATURAL'' fiRST FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE The King County council of Washington state approved the establishment of the nation's first government-run natural medi cine clinic. The Seattle clinic is expected to open in March 1996 and will be managed by Bastyr University. The clinic will be moni tored by a panel of nationally known experts. After two years of operation the panel will evaluate the clinic's cost-effectiveness, pa tient satisfaction, medical outcomes, and the potential for reducing the inflation of health care costs. Blue Cross of Washington and Alaska last year initiated a pilot program to cover natural medicine costs for I ,000 individual subscribers. A 1993 study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that more than one-thi rd of Americans use some form of natural medicine, spending $ 10.3 bil li on on alternative therapies each year. Bastyr University is the "natural" choice for such a clini c as it is the only fully accredited multidisciplinary natural medicine college in the U.S. The clinic will practice both natural and con ventional medicine. Natural medicine includes nutrition and lifestyle modification, botanical and herbal medicine, natural child birth, traditional Oriental medicine, and manipulative therapies such as exercise, massage, and hydrotherapy. - B. Johnston © 1995 Regan Garrett for Herba/Gram FEVERFEW GINKGO AMERicANG~ Tanacetum parthenium Ginkgo biloba Panax quinquefolius Steven Foster Steven Foster Steven Foster Botanical S~rin No. J/0 Botanical Series No. 304 8Qit.micaL~rit!~lL 31)8 The American Botanical Council is proud to offer the Botani cal Booklet by Steven Foster Series. These eight-page booklets, with reproductions of each plant, provide concise, authoritative, and accurate in fo rmation on major medicinal pl ants. Written by botani st/author Steven Foster in a clear, precise style, this series is an ideal resource for consumers, retail outlets, pharmacists, physicians, nurses, nutritionists, teachers, researchers, and writers. Affordably priced, these booklets are individuall y available from ABC. See pages 87 and 88 fo r other products and order form. HERBALG RAM 34 • 17 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FDA DROPS IMPORT ALERT ON EVENING PRIMOSE OIL by Mark Blumenthal The Food and Drug Administration FDA lost the district court case on (FDA) has rescinded its import alert on a summary judgement and appealed the evening primrose oil (EPO). This move lower court's decision to the U.S. 7th Cir comes as a result of the recently passed cuit Court of Appeals. FDA lost again, Dietary Supplement Health and Educa the circuit court judge calling the FDA's tion Act of 1994 (DSHEA) which states case an "Alice-in-Wonderland approach." that dietary supplements are not food (For more on this story, see Blumenthal, additives and FDA can no longer regu 1993. HerbalGram 29:32-39.). Since late them as such. According to FDA losing the circuit court case in January policy, food additives are considered 1993, FDA has still kept its import alert unsafe until approved for use by FDA in place. pursuant to a food additive petition. The rescinded ban comes in part The FDA announcement on EPO as a result of a letter written on Novem also canceled alerts on other natural sub ber 10, 1994, by New York attorneys stances that have been banned from im Robert Ullman and Steven Shapiro of the port, including products containing firm Bass & Ullman, representing bracken as well as its automatic deten Oakmont Investments, an importer of tions of flaxseed/linseed oil. The FDA EPO, requesting the cancellation under notice was addressed to FDA import the terms of the DSHEA. Ullman had program managers on December 22, previously written to FDA in March 1993 1994, from FDA Division of Import on behalf of Traco Labs and Oakmont Operations and Policy Director Thomas Investments/Health from the Sun, re D. Gardine. questing that FDA lift its ban on EPO (im The formal policy was published port alert No. 66-04) after the District and in the Federal Register on April 19, Circuit courts rulings rejecting FDA's po 1995. This notice was more wide in Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis. sition that the substance was an unsafe scope, withdrawing the previous "im- ©1995 Steven Foster food additive. port alerts, import bulletins, and com It is unclear why FDA maintained pliance policy guides because they are no and bulletins, but that the agency was do the ban for over a year-and-a-half after los longer consistent with the act" [DSHEA]. ing so because of "ongoing Congressional ing its court cases. HerbalGram contacted In addition to EPO, the Federal Register interest in the FDA's implementation of FDA for an answer to this question, but per notice covers the following: compliance DSHEA." sonnel in the public relations office at FDA policy guide (CPG) No. 7117.04, "Botani The import alert No. 66-04 has been did not provide a reply. cal Products for Use as Food" and CPG No. in effect since FDA banned the importation According to attorney Ullman, "The 7116.0 I, "Dietary Supplements-Mis of EPO in 1990. FDA claimed that EPO FDA used the DSHEA as a face-saving branding Nutritionally Insignificant Ingre was an "unapproved food additive" and thus mechanism since they did not want to ac dients." Import alerts covered are No. 24- unsafe until its safety was proven. knowledge defeat. They kept the alert on 14 (products containing bracken), No. 26- FDA did not issue a formal import EPO even after the courts proved it to be 02 (flaxseed/linseed oil), No. 54-03 (car alert on Black Currant Oil (BCO) or single ingredient. FDA should have released nitine), No. 54-05 (Ultra Bios 2000 Food borage seed oil. There was no difference EPO when the first district court decision Supplement), and No. 66-02 (ginseng). between the legal situation and the came down-especially when the second de Also covered are import bulletins 31-BOl factual situation as far as EPO and BCO cision came from the circuit court. They did (Self Heal flower, Prunella vulgaris), No. were concerned. not want to acknowledge the defeat they 54-B06 (Trichosanthes), and No. 66-B62 In 1988 FDA brought an action suffered in federal court-especially after (Ephedra). against an importer/manufacturer of BCO, their public ceremony honoring the FDA at In the Federal Register notice FDA Traco Labs of Chicago, in U.S . District torneys' work on the EPO case." wrote that it "continues to review and re Court for Central Illinois. FDA had argued Ullman was referring to the fact that vise the remaining related import alerts, that the addition of either EPO or BCO to a in 1993 FDA held an award ceremony to rec bulletins and compliance policy guides in gelatin capsule made the oil into a "com ognjze the legal staff that had litigated the order to comply with DSHEA." FDA noted ponent of food" and thus an "unsafe food EPO case. This issue was raised after testi that it was not usually its policy to publish additive" while at the same time admitting mony by FDA Commissioner Dr. David FR notices of withdrawals of import alerts that the ingestion of the oil itself was safe. Kessler before the Senate Labor and Human 18 • HERBALGRAM 34 LEGAL AND REGULATORY Resources Committee in October 1993 when These oils contain a relatively large quantity Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) asked why the FDA of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essen had spent so many man/woman hours on the tial fatty acid important in various metabolic EPO and BCO issues when there did not processes. seem to be any real public health problem HerbalGram attempted to discuss this involved. Dr. Kessler acknowledged that the article with Mr. Gardine at FDA but he was agency was more concerned about the health required to refer our inquiry to the FDA's claims being made by some manufacturers Office of Public Affairs. We received no re and marketers of EPO and BCO than it was sponse after several attempts to obtain infor public health issues. This issue is often cited mation from this office. as an example of how FDA misused its au thority by applying the food additive theory References: to herbal products. This is the primary rea Anon. 1995. Evening Primrose Oi l Alen Cancelled by FDA. The Tan Sheet. Jan. 23: 5-6. son why Section 3(b) of the DSHEA forbids Blumenthal, M. 1993. Firm Wins Appeal in Black Currant FDA regulation of dietary supplements as Oi l Case: Coun Chides FDA's "Alice in Wonderl and food additives. Approach." Herba/Gram 29: 38-39. Food and Drug Ad ministratio n. 1995. Dietary Supplements: According to Ullman, FDA's decision Borage, Baraga officina/is. Notice of Wi thdrawal of Regul atory Guidance. Docket was "too long in corning. It was hard to be No. 95N-0090. Federal Register No. 75: 19597, April © 1995 Steven Foster lieve that the agency would not accord the 19. Gardine, Thomas D. (FDA). 1995. Letter to Roben Ull man. Court of Appeals decisions the respect and Jan. 4. deference to which they are entitled. We are EPO is derived from the seeds of Ullman, R ., personal communication, April 10, 1995. Ullman, R. and Shapi ro, S. 1995. Oil of Evening Primrose pleased, however, that the Agency has finally evening primrose ( Oenothera biennis); BCO lmpon A len Revoked (news re lease). New York: Bass seen the light of day and determined to do is made from the seeds of black currant seed & Ullman, P.C., Jan . 4. 'the right thing.' It was the right thing to do, (Ribes nigrum) while borage oil comes from Ull man, R. and Shapiro, S. 1994. letter to Thomas D. Gardine (FDA). Nov. 10. whatever the reason." (Anon. 1995) the seeds of borage (Borago officina/is). Ullman, R., Laufer, J. and Shapiro, S. 1993. Letter to Tho mas D. Gardine (FDA). Mar. 22 . FDA APPROVES TAXOL BUT NOT TAXOTERE The Food and Drug Adminis of yew bark, initial concern over tration has approved the use of availability of the bark of the Pacific Bristol-Myers Squibb's semisyn yew has proved to be unnecessary. In thetic source of its anti-cancer drug 1992 and 1993, collection efforts Taxol®. Taxol is derived from the yelded over 1,500,000 pounds of dry bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus yew bark, salvaged from timber sale brevifolia). An FDA advisory com units destined for clear cutting. In mittee has rejected Taxotere, a simi 1993 and 1994, Pacific yew bark was lar semisynthetic anticancer drug de collected only from private land.) rived from the leaves of the Euro Taxotere, Taxol's major poten pean yew tree (T. baccata). tial rival, is produced by Rhone Naturally-derived Taxol was Poulenc Rorer. An FDA advisory originally approved in 1992 for use committee did not approve it for in ovarian cancer and was later ap breast cancer and non-small-celllung proved for breast cancer. After four cancer due to concerns over side ef years of research, the semisynthetic fects. In Phase III clinical trials, up version is being hailed by B-MS as to 92 percent of the patients who were a necessary alternative. The new version is Tax ol structure . administered Taxotere had low white blood derived from the much more sustainable yew Produced by Dr. Raul Cachau of the counts, while 25 % had low white blood needles rather than the bark. Structural Biochemistry Laboratory, counts with fe ver. Complications presum FDA's approval of the semisynthetic Frederick Biomedical Supercomputing abl y caused by Taxotere were associated Taxol determined that it is bioequivalent to Center, PRI/DynCorp., at the National with the deaths of four percent of the pa the Taxol produced directly from the bark. Cancer lntitute's Frederick Cancer tients. The FDA committee recommended The new product is made from compounds Research and Development Center. that R-PR complete the Phase Ill clinical derived from needles and twigs and then tri als and then resubmit data to FDA.- MB sernisynthesized into paclitaxel, Taxol's ac [Chemical Marketing Reporte r, Dec. tive ingredient. (According to a spokesman 19, 1994. and Jans, N. personal communi for Hauser Chemical, the primary extractor cati on, April 1995.] HE RBALG RAM 34 • 19 Come Join the Expeditions! Take an Ethnobotanical Tour of one Rainforest, or two! Registered Pharmacists can earn Continuing Education credit s for participation. 1995 Expeditions: Costa Rican Rainforest: August 5-13 Workshops in Tortuguero National Park Ethnobotanical Expedition to the Peruvian and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Amazon Rainforest: October 21-28: Explore this "showplace" for conservation in the trap- Expedition Highlights: ics via Field Expeditions that include Explore the dynamics of the Rainforest Canopy by ascend- Tortuguero Notional Pork Green Turtle Re- ing over 115 feet on the 114-mile Canopy Walk- search Station, Po6s Volcano Notional Park, way, the only one of its kind in the Western Hemi- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve , and the sphere. INBio (Institute Nocional de Biodiversidod) Botan ical Field Research Station . Participate in Field Expeditions that include the Medicinal Herb o.r------...... 1 Market in lquitos, the Amazon Clinic of Dr. Linnea Smith, the ACEER Medicinal Plant Trail, the jungle ceremonial site of local medicine man/Shaman Sponsored by the Ayohuoscero Antonio Montero Pisco, and meet ing with members of the local Yoguo Indian Tribe. American Botanical Council, Experience the primary rainforest at the ACEER (Amazon Cen The Texas Pharmacy Foundation, ter for Environmental Education and Research) , a International Expeditions, Inc., and recently established center located on 250,000 ACEER Foundation acres of primary rainforest and described by Mis souri Botanical Gorden researchers as one of the most botanically diverse habitats on Earth . Discover new areas of knowledge related to topics of gen For more information ,.ftln•••,.• eral interest and dealing with the rainforest eco system , with workshops and field excursions con Penny King ducted by leading naturalists and expert local American Botanical Council guides. P.O. Box 201660 Austin, TX 78720 -1660 Ph : 512/331-8868 FAX 512/331-1924 See HerbaiGram #33 for an extensive review of the 1994 tour to the Peruvian Amazon in the special section "Pharmacy From the Rainforest." To order a reprint of "Pharmacy From the Rainforest," see page 76. To order a back issue of HerbaiGram #33, see page 87. FRANK & ERNEST® by Bob Thaves M~. t>ENI~e P. A~KS', "l>tA~ t>,. t~Nie, m t>OCTO#l E,Nit / Wl~L. EATING GA~LIC, 3 ~ ANSW~~S lMP,OVf' YOU~ ";) :::0 II 0. YOUf! ,,,(.UL..ATION? m g' M~PIC.AL ~ YeS'. E~Pf'CI AL.~ Y ® QUESTION$ )> 0 AT LA,Ge nr 0 PA~TIE~. <:: 20 ° H ERBALGRAM 34 LEGAL AND REGULATORY CANADA APPROVES GINKGO FOR fOOD USE by Mark Blumenthal The Canadian Health Protection leaf and leaf extract are safe and do not Branch (HPB) has approved the sale of pose a hazard .... We hope that this is a sign ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts as that the Government recognizes and will food. The agency had earlier considered continue to modify their stance on cer banning their sale for reasons surround tain herbal products that are currently not ing possible safety concerns. The new allowed to be sold as either foods or action acknowledges that there is no tox drugs." icity issue with ginkgo leaf and its ex The Canadian action centers on tracts, made from Ginkgo biloba. two primary issues. First is the safety of The new HPB policy is encom ginkgo leaf and its extracts. The second passed in a letter dated November 9, issue is the claims for therapeutic ben 1994 to Bill Reynolds, Executive Direc efits of ginkgo-which so far are denied, tor of the Canadian Health Food Asso despite the positive assessment of promi ciation. The author of the letter is S.W. nent clinicians and the Commission E of Gunner, Ph.D., Director General of the the German Federal Health Agency. Food Directorate of HPB. The follow However, the denial of approval for ing is a majority of the letter: claims is based on the HPB 's assessment Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, © 1993 Ira that the relevant uses for ginkgo fall Kennedy after Siebold and Zuccarini, "Some time ago officials in the within prescription indications not the from Flora Japonica, 1835-1842. Food Directorate reviewed the available scope of OTC drug use. published information relating to The safety of standardized ginkgo Ginkgo biloba in an attempt to address any pert Advisory Committee on Herbs and Bo leaf extract is well established by hundreds potential health issues associated with the tanical Preparations earlier thi s year and of pharmacological and clinical studies that consumption of this product as a food. This comments from that committee have re have been conducted over the past twenty review was conducted at the request of vari cently been received on this issue. The com five years. At least five volumes of original ous firms which wanted to market Ginkgo mittee stated that while there were no safety research have been published that deal with biloba in Canada. concerns that could be related to consump the chemistry, pharmacology, and human "While the information published at tion of the Ginkgo biloba leaf or leaf ex clinical studies. A meta-analysis on ginkgo that time was considered to be inadequate tract, toxic effects had been associated with clinical studies was published in 1993 in the to fully assess the safety of Ginkgo biloba, the fruit, the fruit pulp [sic]* and the seed British medical journal The Lancet which there were, nevertheless, reports of adverse of thi s plant. The Committee also made the concluded that the quality of the scientific effects associated with the consumption of comment that Ginkgo biloba containing research on ginkgo extract is as good as the parts of the Ginkgo biloba plant. Therefore, products are being used for their pharmaco research on conventional pharmaceutical it was recommended that measures be taken logical effects. Based on a review of all of drugs. (Kle ijnen & Knipschild, 1992; to stop the sale of various Ginkgo biloba the information currently available, the Food McCaleb, 1993.) The relative safety of stan products and, in particular, the Ginkgo Directorate concurs with the view of the dardized ginkgo extract is also confirmed biloba extracts until any outstanding safety Committee that Ginkgo biloba leaf or leaf in this research, as well as its effectiveness questions could be addressed. extract does not pose a safety concern when in treating symptoms such as dizziness, dif "Since that time, numerous additional consumed as a food. ficulties of memory and concentration, head questions and concerns have been directed "Therefore, on the basis of these find aches and depressive mood. to the Health Protection Branch from both ings, HPB will not object to the sale, as a distributors and consumers of Ginkgo food, of the raw leaf or the leaf extract of *Being a gymnosperm, ginkgo does not biloba. The opinion of the overwhelming the Ginkgo biloba plant with the understand produce a true fruit. majority of users and sellers is that the prod ing that such sale may not include any di Sources: uct, and specifically the leaf extract, poses rect or implied representation of therapeu Awang, D. V.C. personal communicati on, Dec. 5, 1994. tic or pharmacological effect. However, the Canadian Health Food Association. Press Release. Novem· no hazard and should continue to be avail ber 16, 1994. able for sale. Concerns have also been ex sale of the fruit and seeds of Ginkgo biloba Foster. S. Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba. Botanical Booklet No. as a food continues to be unacceptable for 304. Austin. T x. American Botanical Council. pressed about the apparent uneven enforce Gunner. S. W. (HPB) letter to Bill Reynolds (CHFA ). No ment of the prohibition on the sale of Ginkgo safety reasons." vember 9. 1994. biloba products across the country. The Canadian Health Food Associa Kleijnen J. and P. Knipsc hild. 1992. Ginkgo biloba. The Lancet 340(7):36-39. "In an attempt to address the safety tion in a press release sent on November 16 Kleijnen J. and P. Knipschild. 1992. Ginko biloba for cere issue, additional advice on the safety of said, "We want to applaud the Health Pro bral insufficiency. Br. J. Clin. Pharmac. 34:352-58. McCaleb. R. 1993. Latest on Ginkgo. Herba/Gram 29:20-2 1. Ginkgo biloba was requested from the Ex- tection Branch for recognizing that ginkgo Reynolds, W. 1995. Personal communication. Jan. 24. HERBALGRAM 34 • 21 Ma huang, Ephedra sinica. China . © 1995 Steven Foster A R..EVIEW OF THE BOTANY, CHEMISTR--Y, MEDICINAL USES, SAFETY CONCER..NS, AND LECAL STATUS OF EPHEDR..A A.ND ITS A.LKA.LOIDS by Mark Blumenthal and Penny King Few herbs have been as misunderstood as the classic Chinese herb mahuang. Popular belief holds that the herb has been commercially cultivated for its therapeutic properties longer than any other medicinal plant, although no confirmation of this is available in the literature. Despite over 2000 years of rational and accepted use in traditional medicine, due to its high potency and potential toxicity, ma huang has now become one of the most controversial herbs used in the United States today. Alkaloids and their salts from ma huang are approved by FDA as safe and effective ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used for colds, flus, and respiratory allergies, including asthma. Numerous commercial herb products contain the whole herb ma huang or its extracts. These products are used for a variety of purposes, including aching muscles, arthritis, and edema, as well as energy and diet products most of which uses are not currently FDA approved (Dharmananda, 1995a). Concerns over the potency and safety of this herb and confusion between actions of ma huang and isolated alkaloids have prompted increased regulatory scrutiny and an industry label warning. BOTANY AND DISTRIBUTION The primary species of rna huang, also sometimes called joint tringent, due to the herb's numbing action on the tongue (Hsu, 1986); fir (Ephedra sinica) is a member of an evolutionarily primitive fam the term huang derives from the yellow color of the twigs (Tyler et ily of plants known as the Ephedraceae. There are 40 species in the at., 1988). However, another explanation is that rna means hemp, a genus Ephedra. E. equisetina is another Chinese/Mongolian spe reference to the plant's straw-like stems (Dharmanand a, 1995b). cies of commercial importance. To distinguish varieti es, the Chinese have different prefixes for the The plant has a pine-like odor and an astringent taste (Morton, names of five species of ephedra; fo r example, tsao-ma-huang re 1977). There are several explanations for the origin of the Chinese fers to E. sinica, mu-tsei-ma-huang for E. equisetina, and san-ma name rna huang. Some authors refer to the term rna meaning as- huang for E. distachya, and so on (Hsu, 1986). 22 • H ERBA LGR AM 3 4 Table 1 - Uses of Ephedra in Traditional Chinese Medicine • Colds & Flu • Bronchial Asthma • Fever • Lack of Perspiration • Chills • Nasal Congestion • Headache • Aching Joints & Bones • Edema • Cough & Wheezing Source: Leung & Foster, Encyclopedia of Common Natura/Ingredients Used in Food, The plant is a low Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons, 1995. Gamble, 1993.) It has a growing, evergreen, al "pungent, mild, bitter most leafless shrub that flavor; warm property" grows about 60 to 90 em high (23.5 to 35.5 inches high). The and operates via the lung and bladder meridians (Hsu, 1986). In stems are green, slender, erect, small-ribbed and channeled, about TCM ephedra is used for colds and flus, fever, chills, headache, 1.5 mm in diameter, usually terminating in a sharp point. Small edema, bronchial asthma, Jack of perspiration (i.e., acts as a dia triangular leaves appear at the stem nodes which are about 4 to 65 phoretic, to promote perspiration), nasal congestion, aching joints em apart (Tyler et al., 1988). The nodes are characteristically red and bones, and coughs and wheezing (Leung and Foster, 1995). dish brown. The stems usually branch from the base (Trease and TCM also employed ephedra root (called mahuanggen) Evans, 1986). an antisudorific (stops perspiration) in treatment of spontaneous Ephedra species are native to China, Mongolia, India, parts and night sweating. The powdered root is now applied topically of the Mediterranean, and North and Central America, although much (e.g., to the feet) to treat excessive perspiration (Leung and of the commercial material comes not only from China, but also Foster, 1995). northwestern India and Pakistan (Tyler et al., 1988; Morton, 1977). Ma huang has even been proposed as the source of soma, E. gerardina, E. intermedia and E. major are found in India and the divine plant revered by the Hindus and mentioned in ancient Pakistan (Trease and Evans, 1986). E. major is a tall shrub that grows Vedic scriptures (Mahdihassan and Medhi, 1989). wild in Spain, Sicily, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (Morton, 1977). E. gerardiana, a dwarf species (6 in . to 2 ft.), was formerly CHEMISTRY used in India for bronchial asthma and related conditions (USD in Ma huang usually contains a total of 0.5 to 2.5 percent of Tyler, 1993); it is native to the northwest Himalayas at high alti several alkaloids generally referred to as ephedra alkaloids tudes of 7,000 ft to 16,000 ft. in northern India, West Pakistan, (Lawrence Review, 1989). The dominant alkaloid is ephedrine, Tibet, and Szechuan and Yunnan provinces of China (Morton, 1977). which usually comprises between 30 to 90 percent of total ephedra There are ten Ephedra species in North America (Morton, alkaloids, depending on the species (Lawrence Review, 1989). 1977). E. nevadensis is native to the Ratios of ephedrine to other alkaloids deserts of the American Southwest and (e.g. pseudoephedrine, also called was used as a tea by early settlers, isoephedrine) vary according to species hence the common names Mormon of Ephedra, time of year of harvest, tea, Brigham tea, desert tea, teamster's weather conditions, and altitude where tea, whorehouse tea, and squaw tea. the plant grows. For example, one The North American plants are source lists total alkaloids for E. sinica reported to contain no pharmacologi at 1.31 percent with ephedrine at 1.12 cally active alkaloids (Lawrence percent (85.5 percent of total); E. ma Review, 1989); the same is true jor with up to 2.5 percent total alka for Central American varieties loids contains nearly 75 percent ephe (Tyler, 1994). drine. E. intermedia is low in ephe Several Ephedra species have drine but relatively high in been cultivated experimentally in Aus pseudoephedrine. Total alkaloids in E. tralia, Kenya, England, and the U.S. gerardiana range from 0.8 percent to but, due to high labor costs compared 1.4 percent, 50 percent being ephedrine, to less technologically developed while E. equisetina is reported to con countries and other factors, these crops tain about 1.75 percent total alkaloids were not commercially successful with 1.58 percent (90 percent of total) (Morton, 1977). being ephedrine (Morton, 1977). A more recent study of ephedra alkaloids TRADITIONAL USE shows the levels of individual and to Ma huang, the dried stems of tal alkaloids in twelve Ephedra species the ephedra plant, has been used in tra and varieties (Cui et al., 1991). This ditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for variation by species and other conditions over 5,000 years. From a traditional explains why some commercial samples energetics perspective, it "releases the of the same brand of rna huang may exterior and disperses cold" and "fa show different ratios of ephedrine to cilitates the movement of lung qi and pseudoephedrine and vary from one batch controls wheezing." (Ben sky and Ma huang, Eph edra equisetina. to another when analyzed chemically. China. ©1 995 Steven Foster HERBALGRAM 34 • 23 Table 2 - Pharmacology of Ephedrine Alkaloids • CNS Stimulation • Peripheral Vasoconstriction • Bronchodilation • Elevation of Blood Pressure • Cardiac Stimulation • Decrease of Intestinal Tone & Motility • Tachycardia • Mydriasis • Diuretic • Stimulation of Uteri ne Contraction Sources: Leung & Foster, Encyclopedia of Common Natura/Ingredients Used in Food, tant, CNS stimulant, and treatment for bronchial asthma Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons, 1995. The Lawrence Review of Natural (Tyler, 1994). Products, June, 1989. Ephedra also contains volatile oils which deterio rate after storage for one year. Alkaloid levels, however, Ephedra alkaloids are stable. In the commercial trade for remain stable for at least 2.5 years (Dharmananda, 1995b; Jia pharmaceutical use, a minimum level of 1.25 percent ephedrine and Lu, 1988). was required (Morton, 1977). "Since ephedrine contains two asym metrical carbon atoms, four compounds are possible. Only )-ephe PHARMACOLOGY drine and racemic ephedrine are commonly used clinically; their "Ephedrine is a potent sympathomimetic that stimulates pharmacological properties are essentially similar." (Goodman and alpha, beta1 and bera2 adrenergic receptors. It excites the Gilman, 1980.) Ephedrine al sympathetic nervous system, causes vasoconstriction and cardiac kaloids are isomeric, i.e., they stimulation, and produces effects similar to those of epinephrine contain the same number of (adrenalin). It produces a rather lasting rise in blood pressure, causes each type of atom and the same mydriasis [dilation of the pupil], and diminishes hyperemia [excess Re1ently, empirical formula, but the spa of blood in a body part]." (Tyler et al. 1988). Pseudoephedrine has tial structural re lationships of shown strong diuretic activity in experiments on dogs and rabbits ephedrine and these atoms to each other as (Leung and Foster, 1995). reflected in different optical In conventional medicine ephedrine has advantages over epi mahuang rotation values. Isomeric nephrine since it can be administered orally as well as by injection forms of ephedrine included (Morton, 1977). However, the action of ephedrine compared to have be1ome and (-ephedrine, and d- and ( epinephrine in oral administration is its longer duration of action, pseudoephedrine, with mirror more pronounced CNS actions, its hypertensive effect, and much subje1ts of image pairs (-ephedrine and d lower potency. For example, the cardiovascular effects of ephedrine pseudoephedrine being the are similar to epinephrine but last about ten times longer (Goodman naturally occurring isomers and Gilman, 1980). stientifit (Merck, 1976). Sources differ as to the TOXICOLOGY resear1h lor original isolation of ephedrine. In large doses ephedrine causes nervousness, headaches, in The earliest is cited by eco somnia, dizziness, palpitations, skin flushing, and tingling, and vom weight loss. nomic botanist Julia Morton as iting (Lawrence Review, 1989). The Handbook ofNonprescription 1885 by G. Yamanashi at the Drugs notes, "The principal adverse effects of ephedrine are CNS Osada Experimental Station in stimulation, nausea, tremors, tachycardia [rapid heartbeat], and uri Japan (Morton, 1977). How nary retention." (APhA 1986). An FDA advisory review panel on ever, Professor Yarro E. Tyler writes that ephedrine was first iso nonprescription cough, cold, allergy bronchodilator, and lated from rna huang by N. Nagai, a Japanese chemist, in 1887. At antiasthmatic drug products recommended that ephedrine be any rate, the isolated alkaloid first started appearing in the medical avoided by persons with heart disease, hypertension, thyroid literature almost 40 years later in 1924 when K. C. Chen and his disease, diabetes, or difficult urination due to enlarged prostate mentor C. F. Schmidt of the Peking Union College started (APhA 1986). publishing pharmacological studies on ephedrine. In the U.S. shortly "Since ephedrine causes the release of norepinephrine, the thereafter, physicians began using the alkaloid as a nasal deconges- administration of ephedrine to a patient who has been receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which decreases the degradation and increases the storage of norepinephrine, could result in severe hy Table 3 - FDA Approved Uses of Ephedrine and pertension. Although this is a potentially fatal interaction, there is very little clinical information available." (APhA 1986.) Pseudoephedrine in OTC Drugs The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) of 1983 offers the following warning forma huang: "Although Ephedra does not pro • Nasal Decongestant duce, in therapeutic dosage, the marked pressor effect of ephedrine, • Bronchodilator it should not be used in hypertensive cases in the presence of coro nary thrombosis or with monoamine oxidase [MAO] inhibitors." Source: Tentative Final Monograph for OTC Nasal Decongestant Drug (BHP, 1983.) Products 1/ 15/ 85 , 50 Federal Register, pp. 2220-2241. Source: Final Monograph for OTC Bronchodilator Drug Products 10/2/ 86, 51 Federal Register, pp. 35326-35340. 24 • HERBALGRAM 34 Table 4 - Ephedra (Ma huang) Comparison Chart Ephedra capsule 500 mg 2-15 mg total ephedrine alkaloids Ephedra tea 1 cup (2g dry herb) 10-50 mg total ephedrine alkaloids Over the Counter Asthma Tablets Example: Primatene® 24 mg Ephedrine hydrochloride (HCL) Prescription Asthma Pills Example: Marax® 25 mg Ephedrine sulfate THERAPEUTICS The whole plant in crude or Pseudoephedrine Tablets extract form has the following Example: Sudafed® activity: antiasthmatic, bron Tablets- Children's dose 30 mg (Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) chodilator, hypertensive, periph Tablets- Adult's dose 60 mg (Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) eral vasoconstrictor, sympath omi 1 2-Hour Tablets 120 mg (Pseudoephedrine sulfate) metic (stimul ating the sympa thetic nervous system) with alpha Some Ephedra contain1ng supplements contain concentrated extracts of the plant, and unless the alkaloid content is and beta-adrenergic action, cere listed, comparison to OTC drugs is uncertain. Source: Herb Research Foundation 1994. bral stimulant, and cardiac stimu- lant due to inotropic (affecting muscle contractility) action of pseudoephedrine (BHP, 1983). Other For bronchodilation in cases of mild asthmatic spasms, FDA ap actions include mydriasis and decrease in intestinal tone and motil proves ephedrine, ephedrine hydrochloride, ephedrine sulfate, and ity. Pseudoephedrine has activities similar to ephedrine except its racephedrine hydrochloride (FDA, 1986). hypertensive and CNS stimulation effects are weaker. Ephedrine Under the new Dietary Supplement Health and Education has also been used in anaphylactic shock (Tang and Eisenbrandt, Act of 1994 (OSHEA) rna huang, like most other herbs, is classi 1992) and (by injection) to prevent hypertension during anesthesia fied as a "dietary supplement." This would hold for powdered rna (Morton, 1977). huang herb as well as its extracts and concentrates. Under OSHEA, The indications for which the herb ma huang can be used FDA will probably have to prove that rna huang is not safe for include asthma, hay fever, urticaria (hives), enuresis (incontinence), normal use, even with warnings, in order to restrict its access to narcolepsy (temporary attacks of deep sleep), and myasthenia gravis the market. (progressive weakness of voluntary muscles) (BHP, 1983). WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS AND THERMOGENESIS DOSAGE Recently, ephedrine and rna huang have become subjects of For therapeutic effect the BHP suggests rna huang prepara scientific research for weight loss. This research and the case for tions three times per day in the following dosage forms: a decoc "thermogenics," the burning of fat caused by dietary intake, are tion of 1-4 grams dried stems; liquid extract ( 1:1) in 45% alcohol, promoted in a recent book (Mowrey, 1994). A proprietary formula 1-3 ml; tincture (1:4) in 45% alcohol, 6-8 ml (BHP, 1983). Ma containing the alkaloids ephedrine and caffeine plus aspirin has been huang can be made into a tea by decocting one heaping teaspoonful studied at Harvard Un iversity. The research was reported in the (about 2 grams) in one-half pint of boiling water for about I 0 min proceedings of a special symposium on this issue in the Interna utes. According to Tyler, if the tea is made from plant material of tional Journal of Obesity. One study resulted in a 2.2 kilogram good quality (i.e., about 1.25 percent ephedrine or hi gher), the re weight loss over eight weeks for persons taking the formula 30 sultant tea should contain about 15 to 30 mg of ephedrine, which is minutes prior to each meal. Another eight-week followup session close to the usually recommended and FDA approved dosage (Tyler, after five months resulted in a weight loss of 3.2 kg. There were no 1994). The FDA advisory panel recommended a maximum daily reports of significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or other dosage of ephedrine of 150 mg per day, equivalent to 6 doses of 25 side effects (Daly et al. 1993). However, a leading authority has mg each (APhA, 1986). (For a listing of approved OTC drug dos questioned this aspect of the study: "If the authors of that study ages for ephedra alkaloids, see "Ephedra Comparison Chart.") reported no significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or other side effects during its course, then they were obviously not REGULATORY STATUS: OTC DRUG APPROVAL OF administering therapeutic doses of ephedrine-or caffeine either, EPHEDRA ALKALOIDS for that matter. The asserted dosage regimen and the asserted The FDA has approved several ephedra alkaloids and their salts as ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant and bronchodilator drugs. As a decongestant for oral ingestion in Table 5 - States Regulating Ephedrine and Ma huang cases of common cold, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, upper respira tory allergies, and sinusitus, FDA approves pseudoephedrine hy Arizona Idaho Oklahoma drochloride and pseudoephedrine sulfate. For topical use for nasal Arkansas Missouri Oregon congestion (i.e., in the form of nasal sprays) ephedrine and its salts California Nevada Texas (ephedrine hydrochloride, ephedrine sulfate, and racephedrine Florida New Mexico Virginia hydrochloride) are approved (FDA, 1985). For oral use Hawaii Ohio pseudoephedrine is approved and generall y preferred because it is Based on Stalzer, S. 1994. Federal and State Regulation of Ephedrine and less potent than ephedrine, causing less stimulation to the CNS. Ma huang . Costa Mesa, CA: National Nutritional Foods Assn. HERBALGRAM 34 • 25 absence of changes in these parameters are simply incompatible" taining ephedra alkaloids as precursors in the illicit manufacture of (Tyler, 1995b). cat; that is, manufacturers of cat can still charge up to ten times the The apparent success of the reportedly patented thermogenic cost of the rna huang or the OTC drugs they use as starting mate formula of ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin (ECA) has led to the rial, plus the relatively low cost of the necessary chemical reagents development of numerous herbal formulas that attempt to mimic (Tyler, 1995a; Maika!, 1995). the "ECA skeleton." These combinations include, of course, rna In February 1995, the DEA published an internal report titled huang, plus cola nut (source of caffeine) and willow bark (source "The Use and Availability of Ephedra Products in the United States" of salicylates, similar to aspirin). Some experts doubt that there which attempts to document chemical information on rna huang are sufficient levels of salicylates present in white willow in some products, their potential use in illicit production of metham formulas to have much effect. FDA has expressed concern over phetamine, and its use or abuse as a stimulant (Hutchinson, 1995). herbal products based on this combination, alleging reports of ad The reports cites two instances where forensic chemists have verse reactions. Mowrey argues that the ECA is safe and effective determined that illicit batches of methamphetamine were synthe for thermogenesis (Mowrey, 1994). sized from rna huang, one in Colorado, the other in California. DEA says that pseudoephedrine can also be used as a precursor FEDERAL AND STATE ACTIONS AGAINST for illicit drugs. MA HUANG AND EPHEDRINE: Several states that have recently passed new Jaws and/or is DEA CONCERNS: EPHEDRINE AS A PRECURSOR sued regulations controlling the sale of ephedrine and/or ephedra FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS products due to concerns about the illicit drug market potential are Recently, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and several Florida, Missouri, and Oklahoma. states have raised concerns In Florida the situation is currently unclear as to whether rna over the potential uses of huang is included. The new law effective May 29, 1994, controls ephedrine in the manufacture all products containing ephedrine only as prescription drugs. OTC The issue of illicit drugs. Due to its products containing pseudoephedrine are exempted. Ma huang in chemical structure ephedrine herbal products which do not make claims do not appear to be of conversion can be utilized as a precursor included but are under investigation. material for the illegal manu In Missouri the Jaw technically includes rna huang but it was facture of methamphetamine intended to be aimed at ephedrine and related compounds. Mahuang ofma huang ("speed") and methcathinone is reportedly a low enforcement priority at this time. (also known by its street name Beginning about four years ago Nevada, Washington, and into illicit "cat"). This issue, combined Arizona began to regulate the sale of ephedrine and/or ephedra more with safety concerns by pub closely as prescription drugs. Exemptions were later made for rna drugs by lic health officials, has forced huang products in Arizona and Nevada. In 1993 the Washington rna huang into the crucible of State Board of Pharmacy exempted rna huang and OTC drug chemical intensified regulatory activity. products containing under 25 mg of total ephedrine. Some states have recently is synthesis is sued regulations or passed MA HUANG IN OHIO legislation that restricts the Regulatory activities in Ohio and Texas have focused on safety interesting. sale of products like the ephe concerns, especially the use of ephedrine-containing stimulant pills drine-containing diet and en- which have become popular among high school children as stimu ergy pills. Consequently, rna lants and diet aids. Alarmed at the death of a 17 -year-old high huang, because it contains small levels of ephedrine and related school football player who died from an overdose of pills contain alkaloids, also has been included in some of these restrictions. ing ephedrine in an isolated, purified form, the Ohio legislature The issue of conversion of rna huang into illicit drugs by passed a law in July 1994 in an attempt control the availability of chemical synthesis is interesting. The basic chemical structure of ephedrine stimulant pills. On November 14, 1994, new regulations ephedra alkaloids and those of speed and cat are similar. Although went into effect that deem all products containing any level of ephe it is theoretically possible to convert ephedrine into these illicit drine alkaloids, for whatever intended use, as schedule V controlled drugs, some academics have questioned the feasibility on an eco substances, requiring sale by licensed pharmacists to people 18 years nomic level. This argument says that the amount of ephedrine and of age or older. This is often termed "pharmacist only" or "behind related alkaloids naturally found in rna huang (about 0.5 to 2.0 per the-counter." The Ohio law mentions only ephedrine and related cent) is simply too low to make such an enterprise profitable, even alkaloids but the Ohio Board of Pharmacy has defined ephedrine to at the high prices normally associated with the illicit drug trade. include rna huang. According to Tyler, "In view of the difficulties involved in National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) filed a extracting and purifying the relatively small concentrations of ephe petition with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy requesting that the drine from the ephedra herb, and the fact that the plant serves only board's ephedrine exemption regulations should permit exemption as a minor source of the alkaloid anyway [in the commercial phar petitions for dietary supplement herbal products containing rna maceutical market where ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are now huang. This petition asks the board to exempt certain rna huang chemically synthesized], restricting the availability of the herb, al products from this regulation. NNFA suggests the following though well intended, seems an excessive measure." (Tyler, 1994). conditions for the sale of rna huang products: no sales to anyone However, since writing this he has changed his opinion on this is under 18 years, the products should consist of single entity dietary sue, primarily because an academic colleague has convinced him that it is economically feasible to use rna huang or OTC drugs con- Continued on page 43 26 o HER BALG RAM 34 PERSPECTIVE ON EPHEDRA, EPHEDRINE, AND CAFFEINE P RODUCTS RobertS. McCaleb, HRF President Based on a presentation at a Texas Department of Health DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS public hearing on Ephedra, Austin, Texas, April, 1995. Dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and other substances, are almost always concentrated. That is the nature of The Texas Department of Health (TDH), has proposed ban dietary supplements: they are concentrated ways to supplement the ning certain ephedra and ephedrine-containing products made by diet with something in a convenient form. Many herbal dietary dietary supplement companies, while preserving products of the supplements are also concentrated. Dietary supplements are regu pharmaceutical industry. This interesting-if a bit convoluted lated in the U.S. as foods under laws established by the U.S. Con proposal seeks to make the following changes in regulating prod gress. ucts in the state of Texas: • All ephedrine products would become prescription drugs, except: OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS • Ephedra (rna huang) products would be exempt only if they are The over-the counter (OTC) drugs Vivarin® and NoDoz® less than 3 percent total alkaloid (concentrated extracts would contain pure caffeine and are no longer food. However, the amount not be allowed). of caffeine in each pill is about the same as that in a strong cup of • It would be illegal to sell any ephedra or ephedrine-containing coffee, so these products still aren't considered dangerous. product in combination with caffeine or caffeine-containing Primatene® is an OTC drug which contains ephedrine, the plants including cola, tea, or guarana. major active chemical from rna huang. Millions of Americans use • A list of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs made by pharmaceuti this drug every day to treat asthma. Sudafed® contains another cal companies would be specifically exempted: Primatene®, stimulant alkaloid from rna huang, pseudoephedrine. It, too, is used Breathe-Aid®, Bronkaid®, ephedrine-based nose drops and by millions of Americans. other pharmaceuticals, plus "generic equivalents." Dietary supplements containing ephedra alkaloids, includ • It would be illegal to advertise or label ephedrine-containing ing ephedrine, are also used every day in this country. Some ephe products, including ephedra dietary supplements, with claims dra products also contain cola nuts or guarana, natural caffeine for weight loss or "energy" use. sources. There are numerous inconsistencies in this proposal, which apparently seeks to prevent the sale of even low-dose natural prod COMBINING EPHEDRINE AND CAFFEINE ucts containing these stimulant ingredients, while protecting the It is common for ephedrine and caffeine to be consumed to products of the pharmaceutical industry. Rhetoric and emotion has gether. For example, like many other Americans, most asthmatics run high on this issue. It our hope to provide a rational perspective who use OTC medications like Primatene® also drink coffee, tea, on the issue of plants which contain ephedrine and related active or cola. People taking cold remedies containing ephedra alkaloids chemicals (alkaloids) and caffeine with its related alkaloids. also routinely consume caffeinated beverages. Texas Department of Health (TDH) has proposed legislation STIMULANT BEVERAGES which implies that ephedrine and caffeine are dangerous together, Tea is a stimulant beverage with an ancient history of use. and that rna huang combinations with cola or other caffeine sources So is coffee. Another is ephedra, which the Chinese call rna huang. be forbidden. If this is truly a risky combination, then all combina Like coffee and tea, it has been brewed as a beverage for thousands tions of caffeine and ephedra alkaloids are also dangerous in simi of years and consumed for its stimulant effects. Cola nuts, which lar quantities: contain caffeine, are used to make the stimulant beverage, Coke®. For example: Legally we classify these stimulant beverages as foods. • Primatene® and Vivarin® • Primatene® and Coffee When we concentrate a food, is it still a food? • Sudafed® and tea • Instant coffee is a concentrated form of coffee, with over three • Coke® and Bronkaid® (another asthma medicine) times as much caffeine, by weight, as coffee. There are no warnings on these bronchodilator, decongestant • Instant tea is another concentrated stimulant beverage. e ine-containing foods to warn that asthmatics or cold-sufferers us • Mahuang extract is made by the same process as instant coffee, ing these medicines should avoid caffeine. and similarly concentrated, with about three times as much al These OTC drugs are freely available to all Americans, of kaloid as ephedra herb. any age, at pharmacies and groceries, because they are considered When a spoonful of any of these "concentrates" is added to a cup by FDA to be safe enough for most people to use in recommended of hot water, it makes a stimulant beverage, no more concen amounts. Those who shouldn't use them are warned on the pack trated or toxic than before it was concentrated. ages to avoid them. • Vanilla extract is another highly concentrated food substance, one used strictly for flavor and aroma. Compared to vanilla THE BOnOM LINE beans, it contains a concentrated level of the toxic compound The key issue in safety is quantity consumed. This is where coumarin, the same chemical used as rat poison. Coumarin is we need to focus our efforts. The best we can say about the safety an anticoagulant, which in sufficient quantity causes spontane of any food or drug is that is safe "when used in reasonable amounts ous internal hemorrhage. by normal consumers." "Reasonable amounts" because nearly any thing can be abused; coffee, Primatene, butter, rna huang. "Normal All of these concentrated foods can be safely used, and are consumers" because there are people who may be especially sensi every day. tive to certain things. For example, many people can't drink milk, Continued on page 42 H ERBALGRAM 34 • 27 Pharmacology and Public Health The JAMAICA GINGER Paralysis Episode of the 1930s John Parascandola, Ph.D. Public Health Service Historian, Department of Health & Human Services, Rockville, MD 20857 A preliminary version of this pa by many who used the product. This per was presented at the 1993 Ameri paper examines the ginger extract toxic can institute for the History of Phar ity episode of the early 1930s, with par macy meeting in Dallas, Texas, March ticular emphasis on the role of pharma 1993. Reprinted with permission from cologist Maurice Smith of the National Pharmacy in History, Vol. 36, No. 3 Institute (now Institutes) of Health in 1994. pp. 123-143. solvi ng the mystery of the poisoning. Early in the year 1930, newspa PROHIBITION AND POISON pers in the American South and Midwest Two Oklahoma doctors, E. Miles began to report on a strange new para and W. H. Goldfain, were apparently the lytic illness that was affecting relatively first to associate the condition with the large numbers of individuals. Victims ingestion of fluid extract of Jamaica gin of the disease would typically notice ger. On February 27, 1930, Goldfain saw numbness in the legs, followed by weak a patient suffering from multiple neuri ness and eventual paralysis with "foot tis at the Reconstruction Hospital in drop." In most cases, this was followed Oklahoma City. The condition re within about a week by a similar pro sembled in some ways the neuritis due cess in the arms, resulting in many cases to lead poisoning, but there was no in "wrist drop." The disease was rarely known history of exposure to lead and fatal, but recovery was very slow and in some of the expected symptoms of this many cases the damage to the nervous type of poisoning were missing. Before system left the patient with permanent that day was out, Goldfain saw four other disabilities. patients suffering from a similar condi Although the affliction resembled tion. Among them was a pharmacist who other neurological problems, such as dispensed Jamaica ginger to customers Landry's disease and anterior poliomy and had taken some himself about ten elitis, the symptoms did not conform ex days before the onset of the symptoms. actly to any known condition. The num Another patient gave Goldfain a list of ber of cases of this mysterious ailment 65 people living in the same geographic reached epidemic proportions over the area of the city who were similarly af course of 1930 and 1931, eventually af ,. ...., . flicted. fecting an estimated tens of thousands Goldfain consulted with City of individuals in many states, from New Health Supervisor Miles, and the two of York to California.1 them visited more than 30 of the people A bottle of Jamaica G inger, a drink widely used It did not take long after the first in the United States, which, when contaminated, on the list. All of them reported having appearance of the illness to link it to the poisoned thousands of people during the ingested Jamaica ginger about seven to consumption of fluid extract of Jamaica 1930s. The affliction was known as "Jake-leg, " sixteen days prior to the onset of their ginger, commonly referred to as "Jake" and it spawned an entire genre of blues music. symptoms. They had all secured their Photo by Nancy Pike, courtesy of John Parascandola. 28 • H ERBALGRAM 34 ginger at one of several drug stores located within an area of six to cause polyneuritic afflictions, such as lead and arsenic, nor were square blocks, and several of the employees or proprietors of these appreciable amounts of these metals found in any of the suspected stores also suffered from the paralysis. Attempts to identify a toxic samples of ginger extract. substance in the ginger extract were unsuccessful.2 Hundreds of samples of the fluid extract of ginger, many of Soon reports from other states confirmed that the onset of them positively declared to have caused paralysis, were sent to the the disease seems to have been invariably preceded by the con Treasury Department's Bureau of Industrial Alcohol for analysis sumption of the ginger extract, usually about two weeks before the early in 1930. The Bureau's chemists soon discovered the pres symptoms appeared. The majority of the victims were adult males. ence of a cresol compound, a substance that they had never before A small percentage of individuals denied having taken the ginger encountered in adulterated fluid extracts of ginger. According to extract, but in many cases it was later found that they had lied about Bureau chemist Peter Valaer, it was certain by early March that the the use of the product. 3 compound was tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) and that this sub The fluid extract of Jamaica ginger, or Jake, was a conve stance was present to the extent of about 2 percent in samples al nient way of imbibing alcohol during the era of Prohibition. It had legedly associated with paralysis.5 an alcohol content of about 70% and was readily available in phar Valaer also stated that TOCP "almost escaped blame because macies, where it was sold as a car- reference books on therapeutics minative, headache remedy, and failed to list this ester as a poison general aid to digestion. A popu or mention that it would cause pa lar method of drinking Jake was ralysis."6 TOCP was an industrial to mix the contents of the two chemical that was sold in large ounce bottle with a soft drink to quantities as a liquid plasticizer. It help dilute the strong ginger flavor. was used extensively in such prod Alcoholic extracts of ginger ucts as lacquers, leather dopes, and had been available in the United airplane finishes. 7 Proof that States since the 19th century, and, TOCP was the culprit in the poi even before the advent of Prohibi sonings came from the work of tion, they were popular as alco scientists affiliated with another holic beverages in "dry" areas of component of the Treasury Depart the country. With the coming of ment, the Public Health Service, Prohibition, only the fluid extract specifically in the Division of described in the Pharmacopeia of Pharmacology of the National the United States (U.S.P.) was le Institute of Health. gally marketable. The Prohibition Bureau classified the U.S.P. extract MAURICE SMITH AND THE as nonpotable because it contained TOXICOLOGY OF TOCP enough of the oleoresin of ginger In 1930, the National Insti to give it a very pungent taste, tute of Health ( IH) was just be which made it less desirable as a ing created out of the Hygienic beverage. Desperate individuals Laboratory, which had been estab perhaps consumed it anyway, but lished by the Public Health Service a variety of illicit preparations la (PHS) in 1887.8 A Division of belled as the official fluid extract Pharmacology was authorized for also began to appear on the mar the Hygienic Laboratory by legis ket. These products were highly lation enacted in 1902, and phar adulterated, substituting ingredi macologist Reid Hunt was ap ents such as molasses, glycerin, pointed in 1904 as the first head of and castor oil for most of the oleo the division. He was succeeded in resin of ginger, thus greatly reduc 1913 by Carl Voegtlin, who still ing the objectionable ginger taste.4 held the position at the time of the Since Jake had been in long ginger extract or Jake paralysis in use by 1930 and generally did not cident.9 produce any ill effects other than Maurice I. Smith, Senior those that could be attributed to the Pharmacologist in the Division of alcohol, the reason for the sudden Pharmacology, had the primary re Label courtesy of the American Institute of the History of appearance of many cases of pa sponsibility for the pharmacologi Pharmacy, Madison, Wisconsin . ralysis of the extremjties tied to the cal and toxicological studies on product was not immediately ob- Jake. Smith was born in Russia on vious. Was the ginger used in this particular extract contaminated November 17, 1887, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen at the with some poison? Had the manufacturer adulterated the extract age of ten. After obtaining his B.S. degree from the College of the with some poisonous ingredient not previously used in Jake? Or City of New York in 1909, he attended the Cornell University Medi was some new denaturant in the alcohol the culprit? The symp cal School, where he earned the M.D. degree in 1913. He then toms of the disease did not match those induced by poisons known taught pharmacology at the medical schools of the University of HERBALGRAM 34 • 29 Michigan and the University of Nebraska for the next few years, also briefly holding a post as a pharma cologist at the Hygienic Laboratory for part of 1918. In 1920, Smith joined the staff of the Hygienic Laboratory on a more permanent basis, spending most of the rest of his career in the PHS. He left the PHS for a brief period in 1925 to become Director of the Gl andular and Pharmaceuti cal Department of Lederle Labora tories in Pearl River, N.Y. In hi s let ter of resignation, Smith praised the working conditions at the Hygienic Laboratory but explained that "the compensation is so inadequate and the possibilities for future advance ment seem to be so uncertain" that he was compelled to take a more re munerative position. His annual sal ary at Lederle was almost $2,000 more than he earned in the PHS, $5,500 (plus royalties) as opposed to NIH chemist Elias Elvove assisted Maurice Smith in the examination of contaminated Jamaican $3,600. In 1926, he was lured back Ginger products. Photo courtesy of the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy. to the Hygienic Laboratory as Senior Pharmacologist at a salary of $5,000. He remained with the PHS, the following month, the NIH scienti sts reported that the suspected holding the title of Principal Pharmacologist at NIH from 193 1 un ad ulterated ginger extracts all showed the presence of some kind of til hi s retirement in 1950. Smith di ed on January 26, 1951 .10 phenol compound, whereas the samples believed to be harmless Maurice Smith traveled to Cincinnati and to Johnson City, and the official U .S.P. fluid extract tested negative for phenols. In Tennessee to examine personally some of the victims of Jake poi addition, the samples that tested positive for phenols were the same soning. Ginger extract was sold in Cincinnati under at least eight ones that proved toxic to rabbits in moderate doses in laboratory different brands and in Johnson City under at least four. Paralysis experiments. The other samples failed to produce toxic effects.13 could not be definitely associated or di ssociated with any particu Smith and Elvove obviously believed that the phenol com lar brand . These facts suggested to Smith and others that it was pound involved was probable that the poisoned "fluid extract" had come from one source tricresyl phosphate, at a fairly definite time and had found its way into various brands. 11 which had already There was nothing in Smith's clinical descriptions of the vic been identified as a tims that had not been reported by others. His contribution to the constituent of adul problem came in the laboratory, where he obtained experimental terated Jake. They evidence that TOCP was the cause of the poisoning. He was prepared a fluid ex assisted in the chemical side of the work by NIH chemist Elias tract of ginger that Elvove, as well as by Valaer and others at the Bureau of Industrial approximated in Alcohol and the Prohibition Bureau. composition the sus Obtaining samples of the product consumed by the victims pected gingers (with for the studies of Smith and Elvove turned out to be a difficult prob tricresyl phosphate lem. Most of the patients had completely consumed the contents as one of the ingre of the two-ounce bottles that had brought on thei r illness. Even if dients). This formu they had not, it was not always easy to locate the discarded bottles. lation produced in For example, many of these bottles had been discarded in outdoor rabbits the same toilets, and a number of these were retrieved by methods that are symptom complex, not specified. Eventually 13 samples were collected for Smith and including paralysis, Elvove. Several of these had been seized from di stributors and as did the suspected were suspected of containing the poisonous ingredient. But anum gingers. The results ber of the samples were clearly associated with patients suffering were the same when from the disease and could thus provide more conclusive evidence a 2 1/2% solution of as to its cause. Two of the samples were believed to be harmless tricresyl phosphate and presumably served as a control. 12 in 80% alcohol was In their first communication on the subject, presented at a administered to rab- Ginger, Zingiberis officinale, from conference in June 1930 and published in Public Health Reports bits.14 The Herbal, John Gerard, 1633 30 • HERBALGRAM 34 ever, Smith and Elvove were able to provide ad ditional evidence which they argued "proves al most conclusively our tentative conclusions as to the etiologic relation ship of the phenolic ester to the multiple neuritis in man." Using facilities provided by the Depart ment of Agriculture's Bu reau of Animal Industry, Smith and Elvove carried out experiments on calves that confirmed their re A photograph accompanying sults with rabbits, thus a 1931 lead story about Jake strengthening the confi leg in Collier's magazine. dence of the NIH scien Faces of the victims are ti sts in their conclusions. 16 covered to hide their "shame. " The suggestion to use Photo courtesy of John calves apparently came to Morgan, M .D. them through a country veterinarian in the Nevertheless, in this preliminary report, Smith and Elvove midwest who had given fluid extract of ginger to his ailing calf were hesitant to definitely identify tricresy l phosphate as the agent patients. The extract used unfortunately contained the poisonous responsible for Jake poisoning. They were troubled in part by the adulterant, and the calves developed paralysis.17 fact that monkeys and dogs, unlike rabbits, did not develop the symp In a second paper published in October 1930, Smith and hi s toms of poisoning when given the suspected gi ngers or the tricresyl colleagues reported on further studies that specifically identified phosphate so lution. Various experiments led them to suggest that the ortho isomer of tricresyl phosphate as the cause of the motor perhaps the phenolic compound was not directly toxic in the form paralysis of the extremities. They also established that at least some of the phosphoric acid ester, but had to be broken down in the body of the differences in species susceptibility to the compound were to liberate the toxic agent. They speculated that rabbits might break due to differences in absorbability from the alimentary canal. 18 The down the compound with ease, whereas monkeys and dogs might scienti sts felt justified in concluding that: ''The etiologic relation be unable to do so. This difference in reaction between species ship oftri-ortho cresyl phosphate to the recent epidemic of so-called caused them to frame their conclusions in very cautious terms. ginger paralysis is thus definitely established." 19 Smith and his coworkers published several other papers on "The precise tri-ortho cresyl phosphate and related compounds in the early 1930s. The fluid extract of relation ofthis phe In an effort to better understand the mechanism of action of these nolic compound ei substances, they carried out experiments on the hydrolysis of phe Jamaica ginger, or Jake, ther by itself or in nyl and cresyl phosphoric esters and the relationship of their phar 20 was a convenient way combinati on with macological activity to their chemical structure. the other ginger of imbibing alcohol constituents to the TH E FDA'S ROLE IN THE GINGER JAKE multiple neuritis in PARALYSIS EPISODE during the era of man is as yet not The toxic ginger extract was adulterated and mi sbranded and Prohibition. It had an clear. Before we thus subject to prosecution under the 1906 Federal Food and Drugs can be certain of Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in cooperation alcohol content of about the etiologic rela with the Prohibition Bureau and state health officials, seized vari 70% and was readily tionship it will be ous lots of the contaminated product. One estimate is that FDA necessary to find seized 87 different shipments originating from at least 27 firms. 21 available in pharmacies, means of reproduc In most of these cases, either no claimant appeared in court, and where it was sold as ing the human dis the shipment was thus condemned and forfeited, or the defendant ease in a nima ls pleaded guilty or "nolo contendere" and received a small fine.22 a carminative, more faithfully The product was sold under a wide variety of brand labels, than we have been and some of the firms involved existed in name only. John Morgan headache remedy, able to do so far. " 15 has noted that: and general aid In an adden Often these companies were not traceable, and all sellers in dum to the pub volved had numerous names, mailing addresses, and fronts. In more to digestion. li shed version of than one state, a grand jury indicted one'S. A. Hall' ofBrookJyn as this paper, how- HERBALGRAM 34 • 31 a conspirator in the traffic (Cincinnati A group of Jake dealers in Brook Tim es Star, April 17, 1930, p. I). This lyn had obtained a shipment of the adul was a mail-drop office used by a Brook terated ginger extract from Hub Products lyn seller and was so named because it in February 1930. They still had this ma stood next door to a Salvation Army in terial on hand at the end of the year, and stallation. 23 apparently mixed it with some of their own In spite of the confusion surround product (which was adulterated with cas ing the distribution of the product, inves tor oil). Most of this batch of Jake seems ti gators found that the bottles of poison to have been shipped to southern Califor ous Jake could almost always ultimately nia, although at least some of it was sent be traced back to a particular firm in Bos to Kansas City. A grand jury brought in ton, Hub Products. Federal grand juries dictments against five men, but the charges in several cities returned indictments against one of them were later dropped. against Hub President Harry Gross and The other four men were tried for con hi s brother-in-law, Max Reisman, a part spiracy to violate the food and drug law. owner of the firm. In February 1931 , the Maurice Smith testified at the trial as a wit various cases pending against Gross and ness on behalf of the government. Three Reisman were consolidated for trial in of the defendants were found guilty and Boston. The two men were charged with received jail sentences of from 15 to 20 conspiracy to violate both the Prohibition months. Two of the men were fined $2,500 act and the food and drug act. The con as well. The verdicts were appealed, but spiracy charge was used because con the judgements were affirmed.29 spiracy was a felony and could lead to a jail sentence, whereas violation of the CONCLUSION food and drug act was classed as a mis The poisoned Jake incident affected demeanor and was punishable in the case Maurice Smith , Senior Pharmacologist in the enough individuals that the victims actu of a first offense by a fine only (and usu Division of Pharmacology in the Hygienic ally founded the "United Victims of Gin ally a small one at that). Violati on of the Laboratory, had the primary responsibility for ger Paralysis Association," an organization Prohibition act carried greater penalties, the pharmacological and toxicological studies that claimed 35,000 membe rs. The but Federal authorities might have been on Jake. Photo courtesy of the American organization's leader hoped to be able to Institute for the History of Pharmacy. less confident of conviction on this charge obtain compensation for its members from because of an earlier Federal court ruling the federal government, but he was des that clouded the issueY tined to be disappointed in this regard.30 Gross and Reisman eventually pleaded guilty to the charges, Not surprisingly, some victims of ginger paralysis were des but apparently convinced the court that the real culprits were some perate enough to try anything that promised to cure their illness. New York bootleggers from whom they had obtained their Jake. The FDA's Food and Drug Review reported that in Kansas stories The judge imposed a fine of $ 1,000 on the Hub Products Company of "cures effected by the victims wading in oil slush ponds caused and sentenced each man to two years in prison. However, the prison many to hobble painfully to such ponds in the vicinity of refineries sentences were suspended and the men placed on two years proba at Wichita." Unscrupulous entrepreneurs are always ready to capi tion instead. As part of the conditions of their probation, the defen talize on the plight of the sick, and the Jake situation was no excep dants agreed to assist the government in efforts to locate and pros tion. The Food and Drug Review also noted that a "doctor" in ecute the parties whom they claimed were actually responsible for Wichita claimed to be able to cure paralysis victims by electrical the adulterated product.25 treatment, but his career was cut short when he was arrested for The FDA was very unhappy with the results of the convic practicing without a license.31 tion and began to conduct further investigations of its own.26 The The ginger paralysis incident also made its way into some of agency soon acquired evidence that cast serious doubts on the ex the popular songs of the day. Morgan and Tulloss have identified a istence of a New York supplier and pointed to Hub Products as the dozen songs recorded by rural southern artists that mention Jake. manufacturer of th e poisoned Jake. In 1932, Gross was charged Most of these songs, with titles such as "Jake Leg Blues" and "Jake with violation of hi s probation. Evidence was presented at a hear Walk Papa," refer specifically to the poisonous effects of the adul ing to show that Gross himself mixed the poisonous Jake. On the terated Jake and were presumably inspired by the tragedy.32 basis of this new evidence, he was ordered to serve hi s two-year In many ways this incident was a forerunner of the more fa prison term. The judge in the case refused, however, to hear the mous Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy of 1937, helping to point out the government's case for revocation of the probation of Reisman Y need for more effective food and drug legislation. Over one hun The other major federal case involving Jake resulted in a trial dred individuals, many of them children, died in the Elixir Sulfa held in Brooklyn, New York, in December 1932. This case re nilamide incidentY Although there were very few fatalities that sulted largely from a second, smaller epidemic of Jake poisoning could even conceivably be attributed to the consumption of the poi that occurred in southern California at the end of 1930 and the be soned Jake, thousands suffered long-term, sometimes permanent, ginning of 1931 . About 125 cases were reported in Los Angeles damage to the nervous system. Like the Elixir Sulfanilamide di and nearby areas. Maurice Smith traveled to California and as saster, the problem was not the active ingredient itself, but an addi sisted in confirming that the problem was indeed ginger paralysis tive. In the case of Elixir Sulfanilamide, however, the effort was due to Jake containing tri-ortho cresyl phosphate.28 not to adulterate the product but to find a suitable solvent. The 32 • H ERBALG RAM 34 solvent chosen, diethylene glycol, was unfortunately toxic, as was ure that was the chief cause of death in the Elixir Sulfanilamide the adulterant chosen in the Jake incident. In an effort to find an tragedy.34 adulterant to dilute the ginger taste of an extract designed for con The manufacturer of Elixir Sulfanilamide could readily have sumption as an alcoholic beverage rather than a medicine, one manu discovered that diethylene glycol was toxic if he had simply checked facturer selected tri-cresyl phosphate because it was soluble in al the literature. In the case of Jake, however, the fact that tri-ortho cohol, miscible with the oleoresin of ginger, and cheap. cresyl phosphate was toxic was not so well known. As noted above, Ironically, diethylene glycol was one of the chemicals tried chemist Peter Yalaer of the Bureau of Industrial Alcohol indicated as an adulterant by Gross before he settled on tri-ortho-cresyl phos that tri-cresyl phosphate was not identified as the toxic agent more phate, but it proved to be too volatile for his purposes. It is reason quickly because it was not listed as a poison in medical reference able to ask whether the adulterated Jake would have led to large works. numbers of fatalities, as in the Elixir Sulfanilamide case, if Gross In fact, Gross actually did inquire about the toxicity of the had indeed used diethylene glycol. John Morgan has calculated, cresyl phosphate. When diethylene glycol failed to satisfy Gross, however, that the dosage that Gross would likely have used for the he asked his supplier, Raffi and Swanson, for something less vola adulteration would have been much too low to be lethal. The Jake tile, and Iindo! (a trade name for cresyl phosphate) was suggested. drinker would have had to consume many bottles of the product, Benjamin Werby, a chemist working for Gross, asked John Swanson presumably within a relatively short period, to suffer the renal fail- about the toxicity of Iindo!. When Swanson contacted a manufac- Lyrics Spawned from Jake Leg I'm a jake walkin' papa from jake walk It was the jake leg too, it was the jake land. leg too. I'm not good lookin' and I'm not low Looks like old Aunt Dinah been in a hive down of bees I'm a jake walkin' papa just a hangin' This stuff they call jake leg had gone around down in her knees Now I've made this song and it may She got the jake leg too, she got the not rhyme jake leg too. But I'm a jake walkin' papa just havin' a good time. A preacher drank some ginger , he said he did it for 'flu My daddy was a gambler and a That was his excuse for having the jake drunkard too leg too Jake Leg Blues © 1977 Joss Records. If he was living today he'd have the He got the jake leg too, he got the jake jake walk too leg too. When I die you can have my hand Gonna take a bottle of jake to the Boys, Jamaica ginger sure will do its 'The Jake Walk Blues," recorded May 5, 1930, was promised land. part one of the Allen Brother's best sellers. Released Boys, Jamaica ginger will kill your first by Victor (V-40303), then on the Victor Bluebird Spoken: Now I'm feelin' kinda drunk, honest heart label, it sold 20,000-plus copies. In fact, royalties brother, I got the jake leg too, I got the jake leg were still being paid well into the 1940s. Be a wearin' jake socks after awhile too. You know they call them ir on socks* The Jake Walk Blues You know, I bet you don't know one Now you've heard my story, but I from the other, brother, which is haven't told half I can't eat, I can't talk the other? This on your tomb will be your epitaph: Been drinkin' mean jake, Lor d, now *braces I had the jake leg too, had the jake leg can't walk too. Ain't got nothin' now to. lose "I Got the Jake Leg Too, " sung by Vardaman Ray, Cause I'm a jake walkin' papa with the was recorded Novermber 21 , 1930 in Memphis My song has grown monotonous, but jake walk blues. by the Ray Brothers, of Chester in Choctaw County, one more thing I'd say Mississippi and issued in the Victor record For all you jake leggers I will always Listen her e papa, can't you see company's hillbilly series (Victor 23508). pray 'rtlu can't drink jake, and get along with I had the jake leg too, I had the jake leg me I Got the Jake Leg T oo too. 'rtlu're a jake walkin' papa with the jake walk blues I went to bed last night, feelin' mighty Thanks to Dr. John Morgan for these musical I'm a red hot mama that you can't fine notes. Dr. Morgan is presently the only member afford to lose. Two o'clock this morning, the jake leg of his interest group, pharmacoethnomusicology, went down my spine but hopes to find other members soon. He wrote Listen her e daddy while I tell you once I had the jake leg too, I had the jake leg the liner notes for an LP recording ofjake leg blues more too. songs issued by Stash Records in 1977. It was If you're gonna drink jake don't you reissued in 1994 as a CD which is available for knock at my door I woke up this mor ning, I couldn't get $20.00 which includes shipping and handling: Jake Listen here mama, have to call your out of my bed Leg Blues-HG, Stash Records Mail Order, 141 hand This stuf f they call jake leg had me West 22nd St., 12th floor, New York, NY 10011. nearly dead 212/243-4321. HERBALGRAM 34 • 33 turer of the substance, the Celluloid Corporation of Newark, New Acknowledgements Jersey, he was informed that Iindo! was not toxic. An FDA em Appreciation is expressed to Dr. John Morgan of the Sophie ployee later contacted Celluloid and confirmed that the company Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New had indeed not considered the product to be toxic. The production York, and to the FDA History Office for assistance in locating ma manager claimed that the company had at one time arranged for a terials that were useful in the preparation of thi s paper. I also wish pharmacologist (said to be a professor at to thank Dr. James Harvey Young fo r his Columbia University) to test Iindo! , and that helpful comments on the original draft of he had reported no toxic effects. Assuming the paper. that the story is true, the toxicity may have 2 Fluid Ounces failed to show up because of the experimen tal animals, doses, or modes of administra FULTON Notes and References: tion used. As we have seen, Smith and I. For a general hi stori cal overview of the incident, see John P. Morgan, "The Jamaica Ginger Paraly sis," Elvove had themselves encountered diffi • a~ND l AMA, 248 ( 1982): 1864- 1867. A useful contempo culty in producing toxic effects in all cases.35 ra ry review is John G . Kidd and Orthe ll o R. FJuid Extract Langworthy, "Jake Paralysis: Paralysis Foll owi ng th e In gestion of Jamaica Ginger Extract Adulterated with Creosote phosphate, which was used Tri -Ortho-Cresyl Phosphate," Bull. Johns Hopkins to treat tuberculosis around the tum of the of Hosp., 52 ( 1933): 39-60. Earl y report s in th e medical literature include E. Goldfain, "Jamaica Gin ger Mul twentieth century, had been reported to tiple Neuritis," J. Oklahoma Sta/e Med. Assoc., 23 cause paralysis in some cases. Creosote is ( 1930): 191 - 192; Benjamin Burley, "The 1930Typeof Polyneuritis," New England J. Med., 202 ( 1930): 11 39- a mixture of phenol and phenol derivati ves 11 42; and Seale Harri s, "Jamaica Ginger Paralys is," GINGER Southern Med. J., 23 (1 930): 375-380. obtained from the distillation of coal tar or wood tar. Improper distillation can lead to 2. Goldfain , "Jamaica Ginger"; David T. Bowden, L.A. u.s.•. Turley, and H. A. Shoemaker, "The In cidence of 'Jake the presence of ortho-cresyl phosphate, Paralys is' in Oklahoma," Amer. J. Pub. Health, 20 which is responsible for the paralysis, but A1eobol approx.BS ftC ( 1930): 11 79-11 86. 36 3. See, e.g., Hu gh J. Morgan, "Comments on the Epidemi c this was not known at the time. There have Uaea· es ab- of Sy mmetri cal Peripheral Neuriti s in Tenn essee," J. been several incidents of cresyl phosphate Tennessee State Med. Assoc., 23 ( 1930): 175- 176, and the articles cited in note I for early reports of poison poisoning since the Jake incident, includ 4•e in g linked to Jake. For examples of patients who de ing paralysis induced in several hundred Eu nied having used Jake but were later found to have li ed, see Bowden, Turley, and Shoemaker, "The Incidence," ropean women in the early 1930s who had pp. 1180- 11 8 1, and "Ginger Ex tract and Paralysis," taken apiol (an alcoholic extract derived Food, Drug, In sect. Rev., 14 (1 930): 223-226. 4. Morgan, "Jamaica Ginger," pp. 1864-1 865 , and Kidd from parsley seeds) as an abortifacient. The and Langworthy, "Jake Paralys is," p. 42. apiol was adulterated with cresyl phos 5. Peter Yalaer, "The Examination of the Cresyi-Bearing phate.37 Ex tracts of Ginger," Amer. J. Pharm ., 102 (1930): 57 1- 574. There were no requirements in the 6. Ibid. , p. 572. 1906 food and drug act for premarket test 7. Ibid., p. 573; Rene Lefaux, Pra ctical Toxicology of Plas tics, translated by Scri pta Technica Ltd., English edi ing and approval of drug products, and so ti on edited by Peter P. Hopf (London: ll iffe Books, neither Hub Products nor the manufacturer 1968), pp. 128- 129. it . 8. On the Hygieni c Laboratory and the establi shment of of Elixir Sulfanilamide broke the Jaw sim- NIH , see Victori a A. Harden, Inventing the NIH: Fed ply by putting their products on the market up eral Biomedical Research Policy, 1937- 1987 (Balti without testing them for safety. Gross and more: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1986). A.dult Deae : Oae .. 9. Parascandola, John . "The Beginnings of Pharm acology Reisman violated the food and drug law for half teaspoonful in in th e Federal Govern ment," Pharm . Hist., 30 ( 1988): selling a product that was supposedly fluid 179- 187. 10. Biographical data on Smith is taken from an obituary extract of ginger U.S.P., but which differed a eap of hot sweet· by George W. McCoy in Journal of the Washington from the standards of strength, quality, and aaecl water. Repeat Academy of Sciences, 42 ( 1952): 136, and from docu ments in hi s official personnel folder, Federal Record s purity of fluid extract of ginger as set down b o a r ly a n t il r e Center, National Archi ves and Records Administration, in the U.S.P. They were also in this par St. Loui s. The quotati on concerning Smith's reasons lieved. To thildren fo r leaving th e Hygieni c Laboratory is taken from a ticular case liable for prosecution under the letter from Smith to the Director of the Laboratory, Prohibition act. Likewise, the manufacturer under ten year• 1ive December 28, 1925, in the personn el folder. of Elixir Sulfanilamide was prosecuted for I I. Smith, Maurice 1. , and E. Elvove, with th e cooperation one third of adult of P. J. Yalaer, Jr., Willi am H. Frazier, and G. E. Mallory, misbranding and adulteration, not directly doae. " Pharmacological and Chemical Studies of th e Cau se for the toxic results, and he escaped with of So-Called Ginger Paralys is: A Preliminary Report," Bottled by Pub. Health Rep., 45 ( 1930): 1703- 17 16 (especiall y p. just a fine and no jail sentence. 1704). As the 1930s progressed, pressure for 12 . Ibid., pp. 1707- 1708; Ralph Chester Williams, Th e Faltea Sp•l• n1 Co. United States Public Health Service, 1798- /950 (Wash reform of food and drug legislation in ington, D.C.: Commi ssioned Officers Associati on of creased. In 1937, the Elixir Sulfanilamide Boston, Mau. the United States Public Health Service, 195 1) , p. 220. tragedy created enough of a public outrage In a report of one incident in Maine involving 19 people, the FDA inspector noted that none of the victims had to lead to the passage of the 1938 Food, any of the gin ge r extract left and th at not "even an empty Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This act did fi- bottle could be found." J. W. Burke, " In vesti gati on of Fluid Extract Ginger Paralysis at Caribou, Maine," records from FDA Boston Station, nall y prohibit the marketing of new drugs in interstate commerce FDA Hi story Offi ce, Rockville, Maryland. until their manufacturers provided FDA with satisfactory evidence 13. Smith and Elvove, " Pharmacological and Chemi cal Studies," pp. 1707-1 710. of their safety. 38 0 14. Ibid., pp. 17 10- 17 13. 34 • HERBALGRAM 34 15 . Ibid., p. 17 14 . Drug and Cosmetic Law: Administrative Report;-, / 907- 1949 (Chicago: Commerce 16. Ibid., pp. 17 15- 17 16 (the quotation is from p. 1715). Clearing House, 1951 ). p. 77 1 (p. 3 of ori gin al report): '"Ginger Jake' Adulterator 17 . Valaer, "The Examination," p. 572. Goes to Jail." Food Drug Rev.. 16 ( 1932): 137; Harold Hopkins, "Blues Language and 18. Smith, Maurice 1. , with the cooperation of E. Elvove and W.H. Frazier. "The Pharma the Jakewalk Blues." FDA Consumer. 14[5] (June. 1980): 6-11: Morgan. "Jamaica cological Action of Certain Phenol Esters. with Special Reference to the Etiology of Ginger," p. 1866; report of George H. Adams to Chief. Eastern Di strict. Apri l 7. 1932. So-Called Ginger Paralysis," Pub. Health Rep., 45 ( 1930): 2509-2524. pp. 12-15, records from FDA Boston Station. FDA Hi story Office. 19 . Ibid., p. 252 1. 28. Smith , Maurice 1. , and E. Elvove, "The Epidemic of So-Called G in ger Paralysis in 20. Smith, Maurice 1. , E. W. Engel, and E. F. Stahlman, "Further Studies on the Pharmacol Southern Cali fornia in 1930-3 1." Pub. Health Rep .. 46 ( 193 1): 1227- 1235. ogy of Certain Phenol Esters with Special Reference to the Relation of Chemical Con 29. otice of Judgment 20554, Notices of Judgment Under the Food and Drug Act (Food stitution and Physiologic Action," Nat. lnst. Health Bull., No. 160 ( 1932): 1-53: Maurice and Drug Administration. United States Department of Agriculture): "Lo> Angeles I. Smith and R. D. Lillie, "The Hi stopatho logy of Some Neurotoxic Pheno l E,tef' ... Station In vestigates Ginger Jake Paralysis Outbreak." Food Drug Rev.. 15 ( 1931 ): 108: ibid., pp. 54-69; Maurice I. Smith and E. F. Stohl man, "The Hydro lysis of the Phenyl Morgan, "Jamaica Ginger," 1867. and Cresyl Phosphoric and Phosphorous Acid Esters in A lcoho lic and Aqueou' Sys 30. "Editorial Comments on Claims of Jamaica Ginger Vi ctim,," Food Drug Re1·., 16 ( 1932): tems," Pub. Health Rep., 48 ( 1933): 734-739; Mauri ce I. Smith, "The Estimation of 15. Tissue Phenols," ibid., pp. 1487- 1496. 3 1. "Fakes Follow in the Footsteps of 'Jake' Paralysis." Food Drug Rev.. 14 ( 1930): 226. 21. Morgan, "Jamaica Ginger," p. 1865. 32. Morgan. John P. and Thomas C. Tulloss, "The Jake Walk Blues: A Toxicologic Tragedy 22. See Notices of Judgment Under the Food and Drug Act (Food and Drug Administra Mirrored in American Popular Music," Ann. Int. Med.. 85 ( 1976): 804-808. tion, United States Department of Agriculture) in the earl y 1930s. Some of the judg 33. On this incident, see James Harvey Youn g. "Sulfanilamide and Diethylene Glycol." in ments in volving the toxic Jake are 17452. 17605, 17773, 19505. 20746, and 25057. John Parascandola and James C. Whort on. Chemistry and Modern Society: Historical 23. Morgan, "Jamaica Ginger," p. 1865. Essays in Honor of Aaron J. Jhde (Wa shington. D.C.: American Chemical Society. 24. In June 1930, a Federal judge in New York had refused to extradite two Brookl yn men 1983), pp. 105-125. to Kentucky to face tri al after a grand jury indictment under the Prohibition act. The 34. Morgan, "Jamaica Ginger," p. 1866. defense la wyers successfully argued that the product was not labeled or sold by the 35. Letter from Cyril C. Sullivan to Haven Parker, March 30, 1932, and report from George manufacturer as an alcoholic beverage, and therefore the manufacturer should not be H. Adams to Chief, Eastern District. FDA. April 7. 19 32. p. 6. Harvard pharmacolo held li able under a law designed for deliberate bootlegging, even if some purchasers g ist Reid Hunt was also apparently unable to reproduce the ginger paralysis when he " misused" the product. See Morgan, "Jamaica Ginger,'' pp. 1865-1866. Another com tested suspected samples o f adulterated Jake on experimemal animals. Record of con mentator has indicated that prosecutions involving the sale of liquor were often brought ve rsation of Reid Hunt wi th J. J. Durrell. April 29. 1930. All of these documents may under revenue or conspiracy Jaws because it was easier to secure convictions under be found in records from the FDA Boston Station, FDA History Office. these statutes than under the National Prohibition Act in many jurisdictions. See Ed 36. Zi nn . W.M .. "Introducti on: Survey of EarlierTriaryi-Phosphate Intoxicati ons." in A. V. ward B. Dunford, "Legal Aspects of Prohibition," in Alcohol, Science and Society (New Albertini, D. Gross, and W.M. Zinn, Triaryi-Pholphate Poisoni,lg in Morocco 1959: Haven, CT: Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 1945), pp. 321-348 (especially p. Experiences and Findings (S tungart : Georg Thieme Verl ag. 1968), pp. 1-5 (especially 342). An FDA official also indicated that a stronger case could be brought against the p. 2); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Criteria for a Recom manufacturer of adulterated Jake under Prohibition legislati on than under the Federal mended Swndard.... Occupational Exposure to Cresol (Washington. D.C.: Government Food and Drugs Act. Lener from P. B. Dunbar to the Solicitor, February 23, 1932, Printing Office. 1978). p. 2: Tricre>·_,· l Phosphate, Environmental Health Criteri a II 0 records from FDA Boston Station, FDA History Office. (Geneva: World Health Organization. 1990), pp. 71-72. 25. Report from George H. Adams to Chief. Eastern Di strict. April 7, 1932, pp. 9- 12. 37. On later examples of cresyl phosphate poisoning, in cluding the apiol case. see Zinn. records from FDA Boston Station, FDA History Office. " Introduction," pp. 3-4 and Tricre;-yl Phosphate. pp. 72-73. 26. See, for example, lener from George H. Adams to W. R. M. Whart on. October 21. 3M. On the passage of the 1938 Act. see Charles 0. Jacbon, Foud and Drug Legislation in 193 1, records from FDA Boston Station, FDA Hi story Office. the New Deal (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Pres;, 1970). 27. Campbell , Walter, " 1932 Report of Food and Drug Administration," in Federal Food. The pre-eminent quarterly journal for professional acupuncturists, herbalists, and healthcare professionals • Articles • Clinical Studies • Translations • Events Calendar • News • Book Reviews • & much more For a limited time, Oriental Medicine is offering a free copy of a back issue with your paid subscription. To take advantage of this offering, call us now and we will send a list of past issues and articles from which to choose. Oriental Medicine 3723 N. Southport Chicago, IL 60613 (312) 871-0342 Voice (312) 871-0348 Fax [email protected] e-mail HERBALG RAM 34 • 35 YbisonOd: MORE THAN JUST SCRATCHING THE SURFACE by W P Armstrong and W L. Epstein Poison oak (Toxicodendron The first published records of poison ivy in North America diversilobum) and its eastern date back to the early 1600s in the counterpart poison ivy (T. writings of Captain John Smith. In fact, Captain Smith included an il radicans) are two of the most lustration of the plant and origi notoriously painful plants in nated the common name because of its superficial resemblance to North America. Although English ivy (Hedera helix) or hundreds of scholarly articles Boston ivy (Parthenocissus have been written, there are tricuspidata). The name ivy or "hiedra" was also used by early probably more myths about Mexican settlers in California who these plants than any other mistakenly thought poison oak was a kind of ivy. A little-known sub native species. Poison oak species of poison ivy, T radicans and poison ivy do not spare ssp. divaricatum, is native to south ern Baja California and Sonora, age, sex, race, or economic Mexico. Our California poison oak status. Each year thousands was noted by another British ex of people are afflicted with A climbing branch of poison oak, Toxicodendron plorer of the 19th century, Captain diversilobum, showing trifoliate leaves and Frederick Beechey, who took moderate to severe dermatitis adventitious (aerial) roots. samples back to England. Much from touching the foliage of to the chagrin of unwary garden ers, both poison oak and poison ivy were planted in English these plants. Poison oak and poison ivy account for an gardens for their graceful climbing habit and beautiful autumnal estimated ten percent of lost work time in the U. S. Forest coloration. North Americans and English gardeners are not the only ones Service. lnfact, hundreds offirefighters who battle exposed to Toxicodendron dermatitis. In his monograph of poison summer and fall blazes in California's coastal ranges are oak and poison ivy, Gillis (1971) lists four native species of so severely affected that they are unable to work. People Toxicodendron in North America, including seven subspecies of poison ivy. He also lists three species in Malaysia and China, includ who .breathe in the smoke and soot may develop serious ing two subspecies of poison ivy, one in China and one in Japan. inflammation of respiratory mucous membranes. Because Poison oak is a widespread deciduous shrub throughout moun tains and valleys of California, generally below 5,000 feet eleva of the serious economic impact due to lost employment tion. In shady canyons and riparian habitats it commonly grows as time, poison oak "injuries" are covered by Workers ' a climbing vine with aerial (adventitious) roots that adhere to the trunks of oaks and sycamores. Poison oak also forms dense thick Compensation Insurance in California. The monetary ets in chaparral and coastal sage scrub, particularly in central and cost of this affliction is approximately one percent of the northern California. It regenerates readily after disturbances such state's workers' compensation budget (Epstein, 1994). as fire and the clearing of land. Rocky Mountain poison oak 36 • HERBALGRAM 34 Clockwise from top: Poison oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum; left and right, squaw bush, Rhus trilobata and Baja California poison ivy, T rodicans spp. divaricatum . Rocky Mountain poison oak, Toxicodendron rydbergii; growing in Oak Creek, Arizona. The red, sticky fruits of lemonadeberry, Rhus integrifolia, make a lemony drink when mixed with water. Although this shrub is related to poison oak, it does not have resin ducts with urushiol. (Toxicodendron greeni sh-white rydbergii) oc flowers are curs in canyons produced in throughout the - the leaf axi ls western United of poison oak. States and Functional male and female flowers are typically produced on sepa Canada. Because the two species of western poison oak often ex rate plants (dioecious) or, occasionall y, uni sexual and bisexual flow hibit a viny growth form, they are li sted as subspecies of eastern ers may occur on the same plant (polygamous). Male flowers con poison ivy by some authors. tain five stamens and a rudimentary pistil surrounded by five The pinnately trifoliate leaves typically have three leafl ets cream-colored petals and five sepals. Female flowers have a fertile (sometimes five), the terminal one on a slender rachis (also called a pistil (gynoecium) and reduced, sterile stamens. During summer stalk or petiolule). Eastern poison ivy often has a longer rachis and and fall , female plants produce small clusters of ivory-white fruits, the leaflet margins tend to be less lobed and serrated (less each with a papery outer exocarp, a soft waxy mesocarp and a hard "oak-like"). In the similar-appearing squaw bush (Rhus trilobata) stony endocarp surrounding the seed. The fru its of related shrubs the terminal leaflet is sessile (without a stalk). Like many mem such as squaw bush, lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) and sugar bers of the Sumac Family (Anacardiaceae) new foliage and autumn bush (Rhus ovata) are reddish with a sticky-pubescent exocarp. The leaves often turn brilliant shades of pink and red due to anthocya old adage about poison oak and poison ivy is quite accurate: "Leaves nin pigments. In the eastern states poison iv y is often mi staken for of three, let it be; berries white, poisonous sight." another common native called Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus Freshly cut stems exude a sticky, terpene oleoresin that oxi quinquefolia). Virginia creeper has a similar growth habit and beau di zes and polymerizes into a shiny black lacquer resembling prun tiful autumn foliage, but typically has five leaflets rather than three. ing sealer. The resinous sap is produced in resin canals of the stems, It belongs to the Grape Family (Vitaceae) along with the common roots, leaves, and flowers. Cross sections of poison oak stems show wild grape (Vitis girdiana). distinct concentric an nual rings (ring-porous wood). Numerous resin During late spring loose clusters (panicles) of small canals appear as tiny black dots and are confined to the phloem HE RBALGRAM 34 • 37 OH PENI'ADECYLCATECHOL: OH OR OH OH OR' Fig . 1: Chemical structure of poison oak urushiol, a mixture of four pentadecylcatechols and four heptadecylcatechols. (Poison oak contains mostly unsaturated heptadecylcatechols.) Illustration by Mark Hopkins. Fig . 2 : Chemical structure of poison oak urush iol (heptadecylcatechol) and its oxidized " reactive" quinone. (The reactive quinone binds to white blood cell membranes deep in the skin.) Illustration by Mark Hopkins. Fig . 3 : Plants from around the world that contain the toxic urushiol allergen. Illustration by Ela ine M . Collin s. layer just inside the bark. [Caution: Cutting and sanding poison urushi ol (two micrograms or less than one millionth of an ounce) oak wood is extremely un wise and hazardous-even if you think on the skin to initiate an all ergic reaction (Epstein et al. , 1974). you are immune to its dermatiti s. This is how one of the authors Even the amount on a pinhead is sufficient to cause rashes in 500 (WPA) was rudely initiated into the ranks of poison oak sufferers, sensiti ve people. Approximately 80-90 percent of adult Americans after tramping through it for decades with impunity!] Dark resin will get a rash if they are exposed to 50 micrograms of purified canals (appearing as black striations) also occur in the waxy meso urushi ol (Epstein et al. , 1974). This is indeed a minute amount carp of the fruits just beneath the papery skin. Abundant resin ca when you consider that one grain of table salt weighs about 60 nals is one of the reasons poison oak is now pl aced in the genu s micrograms. An urushiol residue on the skin is difficul t to wash Toxicodendron along with poison ivy, poison sumac (T. vernix) and off and may be spread by scratching. Contrary to popul ar beli ef, it the Japanese lacquer tree (T. ve rnicijluu-the commercial source is not spread through bli ster fluids. It is a relati vely stable com of natural lacquer). In fact, Porno Indians of Californi a used the pound and can retain its potency for years in the absence of ox ida natural lacquer of poison oak to dye their baskets. The resin canals ti on. Herbarium specimens tOO years old have been known to cause also contain urushi ol, the insidious allergen that gives poison oak dermatitis. It is readil y transferred from contaminated clothing, its bad reputation. The name is derived from "kiurushi ," Japanese obj ects and fur of animals. To make matters worse it readily pen for sap of the lacquer tree. etrates the epidermal layer of the skin where it binds to proteins of Urushiol is a general term applied to the toxic substance in deeper skin cell membranes. Before the protein bond can occur, the sap causing all ergic contact dermatitis in people. It is actuall y the catechol is oxidi zed to a more reactive quinone in which the a mixture of phenolic compounds called catechols, potent benzene two OH groups are replaced by double-bonded oxygens (Figure 2). ring compounds wi th a long side-chai n of 15 or 17 carbon atoms In the conjugated state (bound to cell membranes) urushi ol is virtu (Figure I). The side chain may be saturated or unsaturated with all y impossible to wash off. By itself the urushiol molecule (also one, two, or three double bonds (Dawson, 1954, 1956). The re called a hapten) probabl y would not initiate a full-blown immune markable immune reacti on and speci- response, but when attached to the cell ficity of the catechol molecul e is de membrane it becomes a " warning termined by the long side-chain (Baer fl ag" that attracts patrolling T-cells. et al., 1967, 1968). Poison oak In addition to poison oak, poi urushi ol contains mostl y catechols son ivy, and poison sumac, a number with 17 carbo n si de-cha ins of other species in the Sumac Family (heptadecylcatechols), while poison contain urushiol mi xtures (Figure 3). ivy and poison sumac contai n mostly In Japan, derm atitis reactions have 15 carbon side-chains (pentade been reported from contact with lac ylcatechols) . Uru shiol is fo und in quered objects (from the Japanese lac resin canals onl y-it is on pl ant sur quer tree) such as bar tops, rifle stocks, faces onl y if leaves and stems are and toil et seats. Dermatitis has also bruised or attacked by chewing/ been reported in people handling man sucking insects. It does not occur in goes (Mangifera indica), shell s of pollen or honey made from poison oak cashew nuts (Anacardium fl owers. Although nonvolatile, it may occidentale), the Rengas tree (Gluta be carried in ash and dust particles and renghas), Burmese lacquer tree as minute droplets in smoke from (Melanorrhoea usitata) , and two at burning foliage. tractive Caribbean shrubs, Metopium Some people are so sensitive Illustration showing a hypothetical mechanism for toxiferum and Comocladia dodonaea. that it onl y takes a molecular trace of the poison oak scenario: a cell-mediated immune response. Continued on page 40 38 • H ER BALGRAM 3 4 Whether it's the economics of herbs and CLASSIC pharmaceuticals, medicinal plants in the BOTANICAL rain forests, or their place in modern therapy, you'll find it all in ABC's REPRINTS Classic Botanical Reprints. American Botanical Council Volume II Volume I #21 5- What is Herbal Medicine? $3 by R. F. Weiss. Reprinted from Herbal Medicine by R. F. Weiss, M.D., #201 -Traditional Medidnes: The Indian Scenario . $1 1988. By permission of Beaconsfield Publishers, Ltd., Beaconsfield, by S. B. Goel. Reprinted with permission from the International England. Ava ilable from ABC, from the publishers or from Medicina Traditional Medicine Newsletter, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Spring 1989. 4 poges. Biologica, 2037 N.E. Flanders St., Portland, OR 97232. . #202 - lntroduc:tion: Folk Lore ond folk Medidnes $2 $55 plus $3 shipping. 12 pages. by John Scarborough, editor. Reprinted from Folk Lore and Folk 11216- Gifts of the Amazon Flora to the World S4 Medicines, 1987, with permission of the American Institute of by R. E. Schuhes. Reprinted with permission from Arnoldia, 50(2):21- the History of Pharmacy. 8 pages. 34. 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Reprinted with permission from East West. 8 pages. #213 - Conservation, Ethnobotany, and the Search for New Jungle #226- Classic Botanical Reprints- Vol. II Only $29 Medicines: Pharmacognosy Comes of Age ••• Again $2 Complete set of above articles in by Mark J. Plotkin, Ph .D. Reprinted with permission from blac~ binder. $34.50 value! Save $5.50. Pharmacotherapy, Vol. 8, No. 5, 1988. pp. 257-262. 8 pages. Reprints #21 5- 225. Add $2 US/Canada, $15 foreign for postage & handling. #214 -Classic Botanical Reprints- Vol. I Only $29 Complete set of above articles in black binder. $37.50 value! Save $8.50. See pages 86 and 87 to order. Reprints #20 1 -213. FAX your order: 512/331-1"924. Add $2 US/Canada, $15 foreign for postage &handling . Credit card orders call toll-free: 800/373-7105 HERBALGRAM 34 • 39 The name Rengas actually refers to several genera of large Malay specific recognition system. The effectorT-cell then produces more sian trees with resinous sap that blackens when exposed to the air. clones of itself and releases special proteins called lymphokines The heartwood is dark red-brown with a beautiful grain, but it is which attract a legion of different white blood cells, including mac dangerous to work. Were it not for this drawback, Rengas timber rophages and cytotoxic ("killer") T-cells. The new army of white would be one of the finest decorative hardwoods. Imported Haitian blood cells releases cytokines or proteins which destroy everything voodoo dolls and swizzle sticks made from cashew nuts have in the vicinity including bound urushiol and other skin cells, thus produced dermatitis reactions similar to poison oak. Laundry producing a blistering rash. Fluid oozes from the blood vessels markings made from the India marking nut tree (Semecarpus and lymphatics (edema) and cell death and necrosis (breakdown) anacardium) have caused neck irritation and rashes, even after the of skin ti ssue occurs. Milder effects range from redness (vasodila clothing was repeatedly washed. Urushiols also occur in the seeds tion) and itching (nerve injury) to small blisters (vesicles and bullae). Explanations for natural immunity to poison oak are compli cated by myths, conflicting reports and ongoing controversies among authorities. Sensitization depends on the chance meeting of a spe- of Ginkgo biloba (G inkgoaceae) and in several gene ra of the Proteaceae. Poison oak Clockwise from top left: Cross section of poison oak, stem urushi ol causes a showing concentric annual rings and adventitious roots . complicated de Dark resin canals, appearing as tiny black dots, are present layed allergic re in the phloem layer just beneath the bark. action with the body's immune Microscopic view of poison oak stem cross secti on system. It is tech- showing circular resin canals in outer phloem layer. nically classified as a cell-mediated immune response and the "peak mi sery" may not appear until days or weeks later. It is quite differ Comocladia dodonaea, an attractive poison oak relative ent from the primary irritants of nettle ( U rtica spp.) and euphorbias with prickly leaves, is native to the Caribbean islands. (Euphorbia spp.), the effects of which are immediate. The follow Like poison oak, its sap may cause severe skin rashes on unwary sunbathers. ing "two-phase" scenario for poison oak dermatitis is summarized from Epstein (1984). PHASE I (Induction): Initial contact with poison oak may result in urushiol penetrating the stratified squa mous epithelial cells of the skin and binding to large dendritic cia! effector T-cell (with correct receptor site) and the poison oak (branched) white blood cells in the epidermi s called Langerhans allergen-a painful biochemical rendezvous. A person may not cell s (Figure 4). The Langerhans cell (with urushiol on its mem have effector T-cells with the special receptor for urushiol--or per brane) migrates to a nearby lymph node where special white blood haps your relatively few effector T-cells with precise poison oak cells, called effector T-cells, are programmed to recognize urushiol. receptor may never encounter the urushiol allergen. The allergen There are literally millions of effector T-cells roaming throughout may be absorbed and degraded before the T-cells find it. Most the blood and lymphatic system, each with special receptor mol people will probably experience some degree of dermatitis if a suf ecules on their membranes for a particular allergenic chemical, such ficient quantity of urushiol is thoroughl y rubbed into their skin. as the urushiol of poison oak. T-cells patrol our circulatory system Sensitizing may occur by a white blood cell transfusion from a sen looking for invading cell s and viruses, inspecting surface mem siti zed person. Immunity to poison oak with age, exposure ,and branes like security guards checking J.D. cards. PHASE II (Elici homeopathi c remedies may involve suppressor T-cells which in tation): If you get urushiol absorbed into the skin during a subse hibit or block the action and reproduction of other T-cells. Circu quent encounter with poison oak, an effector T-cell may encounter lating IgG immunoglobulin antibodies that block the T-cell recep it bound to a Langerhans cell and attach to it by a complicated and tor for urushiol may also be involved (Stampf et al., 1990). 40 • H ERBALGRAM 34 Since the HIV virus attacks T-cells, persons afflicted with western California covered the bulbs of soap lilies (Chlorogalum the deadly disease AIDS have a serious deficiency in cellular (T-cell) pomeridianum) with poison oak leaves and then baked them in earth immunity. AIDS patients may not have problems with poison oak ovens for food . Other northern California tribes wrapped acorn dermatitis and this likely reflects their decreased cellular immu meal with poison oak leaves during baking. nity. In fact, one treatment for AIDS patients is to try to sensitize The list of "treatments" for poison oak is bewildering and in them to another allergenic chemical (dinitrochlorobenzene) in or some cases preposterous. Just about every conceivable substance der to stimulate T-cell production (Striker et al. , 1994). has been tried for topical therapy, from morphine and kerosine to During the last century scientists have tried all sorts of ho buttermilk and gunpowder! Most authorities agree that lotions, meopathic remedies made from extracts of poison oak. Some prod creams, and sprays containing anti-inflammatory corticosteroids ucts, such as poison oak tablets and droplets, have been withdrawn (hydrocortisones) are the most effective agents to relieve painful, from the market because of severe allergic reactions in hypersensi itching rashes. Serious outbreaks may require medical attention tive people. In fact, the side effects in some people, such as severe and hospitalization. Ideally the best therapy when exposed to poi anal itching, is often unacceptable. One promising area of desensi son oak is to wash the contaminated areas thoroughly. The prob tization research involves oral pills and intramuscular injections of lem is that most ordinary bath soaps have little effect on removing related or modified urushiol: a molecule similar enough to urushiol the resinous sap. In fact, added moisturizers and oils in the soap to have the same immunological effect, but different enough to avert together with brisk rubbing may even spread the urushiol, increas its excruciating side effects. Several compounds have been used ing the area of allergic response. Strong laundry soaps, such as successfully with I aboratory ani mal s Fels aptha®, may also spread the allergen (Stampf et al., 1986). Future development and be harsh on sensitive skin. Some books currently under way may lead to a vaccine still recommend antipruritic (anti-itch) agents that blocks the specific urushiol T-cell re such as calamine lotion for mild cases. A ceptor and immunizes "high risk" people poultice made from the resi nous flowers and against urushiol for periods of time (Stampf leaves of gum plant (Grindelia robusta) was et al., 1990). In fact, Allergene, a small commonly used by Indians and early settlers biotech company in San Mateo, California, in California to relieve inflammation and has successfully produced a hybridoma itching. Native Americans also made con (fused lymphocyte and carcinoma cell) that centrated poultices from boiled leaves of the produces urushiol-binding monoclonal an common shrubs yerba santa and manzanita tibodies that prevented sensitized mice from (Eriodictyon and Arctostaphylos spp.), and reacting. These antibodies soon will un from the thick roots of mule ears (\¥yethia dergo Phase I trials in people and eventu longicaulis), a resinous, balsam-scented sun ally they will be available in a serum. flower with large basal leaves (Balls, 1970; According to Albert M. Kligman's Bean and Saubel, 1972). Other reported classic paper on poison oak (1958) there is naturopathic remedies to relieve the inflam no evidence of racial immunity to poison mation and itching of poison oak rashes in oak urushiol, not even among full-blooded clude salves made from the crushed leaves Indians; however, skin of persons of Afri of Aloe vera and narrow-leaf plantain can racial origin is slightly less susceptible. (Plantago lanceolata). A poultice made from Native American Indians were much more juicy stems of the North American jewel "in tune" with nature and probably learned Plantain, Plantago lanceolata. By weeds (Impatiens capensis and I. pal/ida), to recognize, respect ,and avoid the plant at Leonhard Fuchs, /cones Plantarum , 1545. succulent wildflowers that grow with poison Reprinted from Handbook of Plant and an early age. There is some evidence sug ivy in the eastern states, is also listed in herbal Floral Ornament, 1960. gesting that native-born Hawaiians and Ori manuals (Schwartz, 1986); although its value entals may be less susceptible to poison oak, as an effective therapy has been amply dis possibly due to early exposure to mangoes and Japanese lacquer proved (Zink et al., 1991). (Epstein & Claiborne, 1957). Eskimos also are thought to be rela A recent editorial in Mu shroom, Th e Journal (Winter 1994- tively immune, but the genetics of poison oak/ivy susceptibility are 95) discussed a mycological cure for poison oak rash which con very poorly understood on a population basis. On an individual sists of rubbing fungi such as Boletus and Polyporus on the af basis, children of very sensitive parents are highly likely to become fected skin. This treatment is based on the fact that freshly cut poison oak sufferers (Walker et al., 1989). pieces of mushrooms, apples, and potatoes turn dark when exposed It is difficult to explain how California Indians utilized poi to the air. The actual mechanism for this blackening process in son oak so extensively without suffering the ill effects of urushiol. volves the oxidation of phenolic compounds in the tissues of these Perhaps some may have acquired an immunity from early expo pieces by the enzyme tyrosinase. The resulting quinones rapidly sure to the plant, or perhaps they handled the plant very cautiously. polymerize into a brown re idue. Placing the pieces under water In addition to using poison oak lacquer as a black dye, Porno Indi prevents this "unsightly" oxidation. In fact, chefs add lemon juice, ans reportedly used it to cure warts (Saunders, 1933). The wart which contains the strong reducing agent ascorbic acid; this keeps was incised and then fresh resin was applied to the incision. Fresh the phenolics reduced. Since urushiol is a phenolic compound, ty resin was also used as a cure for ringworm and was applied to rattle rosinase would probably also detoxify it. The enzymes might also snake bites. Several tribes used the young flexible stems to weave reduce the spreading of urushiol to other parts of the body by deac baskets, although squaw bush (Rhus trilobata) branches were more tivating it at the initial site of exposure. One of the authors (WLE) commonly used. According to Balls ( 1970), Karok Indians of north- has studied an even more specific and potent oxidase for urushiol HERBALGRAM 34 • 41 called catechol 2,3 oxidase. A bacterial gene was cloned and ex bacterial spores. A chemical defense strategy against "predatory pressed to reduce this recombinant enzyme. In vitro, in a test tube, pressure" seems unlikely since the foliage and fruits are eaten by it oxidized urushiol within seconds. When applied to skin it some deer, goats, horses, cattle and a variety of birds. In fact, wood rats times prevented a rash, but only if the urushiol was inactivated be even use the branches to construct their nests. Only humans appear fore penetrating the epidermis. The efficacy of patented creams to have painful encounters with the plant, although laboratory stud containing oxidase enzymes depends on the oxidation of uru shiol ies indicate sensitivity on exposed skin of guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, at the initial site of contact before it has penetrated the skin. Once sheep, dogs, and rhesus monkeys. 0 urushiol binds to the protein of skin cell membranes, these creams would have little effect on the subsequent immune response. Literature cited A product called TECNU OAK-N-IVY® Cleanser is now Baer, H., Watkins, R. C., Kurtz, A. P., Byck, J. S. and C. R. Dawson. 1967. "Delayed Contact Sensiti vi ty to Catechols." Journal of Immunology 99: 370-375. marketed through forestry supply catalogs. It contains a mixture of Baer, H., Dawson, C. R., and A. P. Kurtz. 1968. "Delayed Contact Sensitivity to Cat organic solvents and wood pulp by-products which remove terpene echols." Journal of Immunology 101 : 1243- 1247. Balls, E. K. 1970. Early Uses of California Platits. University of California Press, Berkeley. resins and urushiol from the skin. Thorough rinsing with water is Bean, J. L. and K . S. Saubel. 1972. Temalpakh: Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of recommended. Other organic solvents, such as rubbing alcohol, Plants. Malki Museum, Inc., Banning, California. Dawson, C. R. 1954. "The Toxic Principle of Poison Ivy and Related Plants." Recent would probably also remove the urushiol residue. Of course, if the Chemical Progress 15: 39-53. allergen has already penetrated the epidermal layer and bonded to Dawson, C. R. 1956. "The Chemistry of Poison Ivy." Transactions of the New York deeper skin cells, it is too late. Interestingly enough, the original Academy of Sciences 18: 427-443. Epstein. E. and E. R. Claiborn e. 1957. "Racial and environmental factors in susceptibility TECNU product was developed to remove radioactive fallout dust to Rhus." Archives of Dermatology, Vol. 75: 197-20 I. from the skin without water (Mermon, 1987). It was supposed to Epstein, W. L. 1984. "Allergic Contact Dermatitis." In : Current Perspectives in lmmunodermatology, pp. 253-263. Churchill Livingstone. be stocked in fallout shelters across the United States. Later it was Epstein, W. L. 1994. "Occupational Poison Ivy and Oak Dermatitis." Dermatologic Clin found to be highly effective in removing paint resins and, quite by ics 12 (3): 511 -516. Epstein, W. L. , Baer, H., Dawson, C.R. and R.G. Khurana. 1974. "Poison Oak Hyposensi accident, urushiol. (TECNU is a crude di stillate of gasoline and is ti zation: Evaluation of Purified Urushi ol." Archives of Dermatology 109: 35 6-360. quite expensive compared to other solvents such as gasoline, paint Gillis, W. T. 197 1. "The Systematics an d Ecology of Poison-Ivy and the Poison-Oaks." Rhodora 73: 72- 159, 16 1-237, 370-443, 465-540. thinner and acetone.) Kligman, A. M. 1958. "Poison Iv y (Rhus) Dermatitis." Archives of Dermatology 77: 149-1 80. Another product in development for the U.S. Forest Service Mermon, D. 1987. "Life's an Itch." Outdoor Life October: 76-77, 11 9- 120. is called IVY -BLOCK. It is an aerosol spray containing activated Saunders, C. F. 1933. Western Wildflowers and Their Stories. Doubleday Doran and Company, New York. clay used in antiperspirants. IVY -BLOCK forms a barrier that both Schwartz, D.M. 1986. "Leaflets Three: The Sense and Nonsense of Poison Ivy and its prevents urushiol from touching the ski n and chemically binds with Itchsome Kin ." Blair & Ketchum 's Country Journal 13: 42-50. Stampf, J-L., eta/.. 1986. " Induction of Tolerance to Poison Ivy Urushi olin the Guinea Pig it so it becomes inactive. IVY-BLOCK is very effective but is not by Epic uta neous Applicati on of the Structural Analog 5-Methy l- 3-n a panacea for extremely sensitive people. At the present time it is Pentadecylcatechol." Journal of In vestigative Dermatology 86: 535-538. Stampf, J-L., Castagnoli, N., Epstei n, W. , eta/. . 1990. "Suppression of Uru shi ol-Induced not available pending FDA approval. Another effective blocking Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Responses in Mice with Serum lgG Immunoglobulin agent called StokoGard Outdoor Cream®, a fatty acid ester, is avail from Human Hyposensiti zed Donors." Journal of Investigative Dermatology 95: 363- able through industrial supply houses and by asking your pharma 365. Striker, R.B., eta/.. 1994. "Clini cal and Immunologic Evaluati on of HIV-lnfected Pati ents cist to order it from Stockhausen, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina. Treated with Dinitroclorobenzene." Iourna/ of American Academy of Dermatology The evolutionary significance of poison oak resin containing 3 1: 462-466. Walker, et al. 1989. Chapter 23: 61 7-636. Management of Wilderness and En vironmental urushiol is difficult to explain. The resinous sap probably helps to Emergencies. Ed. P. S. Auerback, E. C. Geehr. C. V. Mosley Co., St. Lou is) seal wounds and may retard the growth of infectious fungal and Zink, B.J., eta/.. 199 1. "The Effect of Jewel Weed in Preventin g Poison Ivy Dermatitis." Journal of Wilderness Medicine 2: 178-1 82. EPHEDRA PERSPECTIVE Continued from page 27 combination. If these combinations are not safe, then all ephe drine, pseudoephedrine, and caffeine-containing drugs should be appropriately labeled. All caffeine-containing beverages eat peanuts, or use caffeinated beverages. Some cannot safely use should also carry such warning labels. Primatene®, as the label warning states. • In the interest of timely action, government agencies and in dustry trade groups should work together to assure that these HERB RESEARCH FOUNDATION products are formulated, labeled, sold and used in a safe and RECOMMENDATIONS responsible manner. The Herb Research Foundation recommends a sensible policy toward all of these substances: IMPORTANT NOTE: • Determine at what levels ephedra alkaloids are safe for normal It is not our intention to assert that ephedrine- and/or caffeine consumers. containing products are "safe." We neither condemn nor condone • Restrict single servings to safe levels and total daily use. This their use. FDA considers them safe enough to be purchased by is exactly the way OTC drugs and most vitamin products are people of all ages in pharmacy, grocery or convenience stores. If labeled and sold. they are labeled with appropriate usage levels, and contraindications, • Apply cautionary statements to labels warning those who have they are equally safe whether sold by a drug company or a natural specific health conditions to avoid these products, or at least products company. They must be consistently regulated. seek medical advice before using. Natural source ephedrine extracts are probably safer than • FDA and/or TDH should reconsider whether they really be purified alkaloids, but to our knowledge there is no direct toxicity lieve ephedra alkaloids and caffeinated products to be a risky comparison between the two. 0 4 2 • HERBALGRA M 34 MAHUANG Table 6 - Contraindications for Continued from page 26 Ephedrine Alkaloids supplements containing rna huang in non-extract form with no more High Blood Pressure than 1-2% total alkaloids by weight, and that supplements with rna Gastric Ulcers huang combinations should be limited to 25 mg per dose. Finally, Active Heart Disease there should be signs in retail stores saying a person must be 18 Stimulant Sensitivities years or older to purchase supplements containing rna huang. Pregnancy While the petition is pending, NNFA has issued a bulletin to Lactation its members in Ohio reiterating its position that health food stores Diabetes cannot currently sell products legally which contain rna huang and Thyroid Dysfunction that such products should be pulled from the shelves. Difficulty in Urination Due to Enlarged Prostate Gland SHOWDOWN IN TEXAS In Texas concern by health officials about misuse of ephe drine was raised when several middle-school-aged girls were hos pitalized after ingesting "Minithins," a stimulant product contain would also be prohibited from marketing any ephedrine-contain ing ephedrine. ing product with claims for stimulation, energy, mental alertness, Ma huang became a front-page issue in May 1994 after a weight loss, appetite control, or any other purpose unapproved by woman in her early forties died while playing tennis in Austin, Texas. FDA (Ward, 1995). She had allegedly been using an herbal stimulant product called Motivated by concerns that the herb and health food industry "Formula One," a product containing rna huang plus numerous other trade associations were split on rna huang policy and strategy, a herbs, including cola nut (Cola nitida, which contains caffeine). group of manufacturers, researchers, and industry attorneys calling There was no indication of the total ephedrine alkaloid content on themselves the Ad Hoc Committee on Ma Huang Safety met in the label. Boulder, Colorado on April 18 to review toxicological data on rna U.S. FDA and Texas Department of Health officials have in huang and ephedrine and to plan a strategy to present their views at dicated concern over the possible synergy of rna huang combined the public hearing at TDH on April 28. with caffeine or caffeine-containing herbs. FDA claims to have About 100 people attended a public hearing at the Texas De received over 100 reports of adverse reactions related to Formula partment of Health building in Austin, Texas, on April 28 . Those One in the past year (Anon., 1995a). presenting testimony that tended to support the position that rna Formula One is sold by independent distributors through a huang should still be allowed in consumer products in Texas in network marketing system ("multi-level marketing"). The label cluded Rob McCaleb of the Herb Research Foundation; William carried a warning about some of the potential adverse effects in Appler, an attorney representing the ad hoc committee; Daniel cluding a statement that persons with a medical condition should Mowrey, Ph.D., an author and researcher on rna huang and ephe consult a physician. The case of the dead woman and Formula One drine in weight management; Neva Lindell, Executive Director of appears to have been inconclusive. No autopsy was conducted and the NNFA-Southwest Region; and consumers and numerous dis it was unclear what quantity of the product she had consumed. tributors of Formula One. Only one hearing officer and a timekeeper Despite the Formula One's label warning, health officials became were present from TDH. Testimony was presented that attempted concerned about the potential for adverse reactions to the product. to refute FDA's Hazard Analysis and Adverse Reaction Reports on After news of the woman's death hit the papers around Texas, state rna huang, one of TDH's premises for its actions (Mergentime, health officials began to receive other reports alleging adverse re 1995). HRF's McCaleb presented a lucid, rational position action to the product. comparing rna huang liquid extract or concentrate to instant coffee Based on public health concerns, the Texas Department of and instant tea, to illustrate that rna huang, when added to water to Health attempted to ban Formula One. There was considerable make a beverage, contains the level of alkaloids that in the beverage legal maneuvering between the Texas Attorney General's Office is customarily found in teas brewed with dried rna huang stalks, and Formula One's manufacturer, Alliance USA of Richardson, just as a cup of coffee made from a freeze-dried concentrate contains Texas. In November 1994 FDA sent Alliance a warning letter say a level of caffeine consistent with fresh-brewed coffee. (His ing that the product was a health hazard and unsafe, in an attempt complete remarks are found on page 27 .) TDH was going to review to remove the product from the market. Afterward FDA asked Al the testimony and publish revised regulations in June for a 30-day liance to recall its product. FDA issued a public warning on the comment period. previous version of Formula One that contained the rna huang and At press time, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Safety of Ma cola nut combination (Anon, 1995a). huang is preparing a submission to TDH which will include a safety In March 1995 TDH published proposed regulations on the review prepared by HRF, a review and analysis of FDA's adverse sale of ephedrine and rna huang-containing products. The action reaction report, and an additional analysis by Dr. Dennis Jones, a called for the prohibition of rna huang in dietary supplements ex researcher/manufacturer in Canada (Brevoort, 1995). cept for its natural form, with total alkaloid content not to exceed 2.5%. Ma huang extracts would be prohibited in dietary supple ments and natural rna huang would be prohibited as an ingredient with caffeine in the same product (Ward, 1995). Manufacturers Continued on page 56 HERBALGRAM 34 • 43 Ct1res Medici~al Pla~ts of the Taral opper L-tmara with Pote~tial -cDxiciiy .:..../r.r ' ~'-"'::-::-r ·J.J-:::J.J::-.:;-::- r·o ·.J,!;'jJ ..J · L C hE;euts h~ J oay~L h Ja uts h~ J o~J Mlllllll--' trJorr 1r g:J g u ~ r~ rr e. rne gtow o J ~L -=-=---=-=-t wh1 .c;}J J }J ~JY.e -to -t~J KE Ethnobotany Cures of the Copper CaJI\yoJI\ The prayer demonstrates the THE TARAHUMARA: PEOPLE AND PLACE The historical and archeological record of pre-contact Tarahumara of north Tarahumara s reverence for plants that em Mexico is scant. It does suggest, however, that they are descendants of the heal. Not only lilies, but many species Southwestern Basket Making cultures dating from 1,000 B.C. Several stone dwellings and storage houses have been found containing "blankets of agave ofplants the Tarahumara consider fiber, woven mats, pottery, metates and manos for grinding, and extensive use of sacred or powerful require such cultivated gourds" dating back to this period (Pennington, 1963). The Tarahumara speak aUto-Aztecan language, a fact which supports this theory and implies that prayers or songs prior to their use or they arrived to their region of Mexico with a wave of others of the same lan harvest. This practice survives since guage stock, which includes the Papago and Huichol, at an early date (Jenkinson, 1972:55, Kennedy, 1978:11-12). many plants are thought to contain The land of the Tarahumara rests within the Mexican states of Chihuahua, spirits which, unless otherwise southeastern Sonora, and northeastern Sinaloa (Salmon, R., 1977:379). The Tarahumara people prefer to live in small scattered agricultural settlements called placated, will injure the party that rancherias (Salmon, R., 1977 :380). The rancherias are generally dispersed along unceremoniously picked the plant. the drainages of the western Sierra Madre which extends south from Arizona into Mexico running parallel with the Sea of Cortes. These mountains are char Tarahumara herbalism utilizes acterized by their deep and narrow barrancas (canyons) that were cut and gouged approximately 300 plant species (Bye, by the many rivers that drain the area. These rivers include the Rio Fuerte, Rio 1985:81 ). Many of these are known by Yaqui, Rio Mayo, Rio Urique, and the Rio Verde which all, after several junc tions, confluences, and course changes, eventually empty into the Gulf of Cali the scientific community to contain fornia (Bennett & Zingg, 1935:6-8). toxic compounds harmful to humans or The mountains are constructed of Tertiary volcanic tufa that developed into the formidable barrancas which make life and travel difficult for the to at least exhibit psychotropic effects. Tarahumara. Some barrancas descend as deep as 3,000 feet, often providing From a review of the ethnobotanical two distinct ecological regions for the Tarahumara to inhabit: the habitats of the highlands and that of the gorges. In the woods of the cool highlands stand sev and pharmacological literature this eral varieties of hard and softwood trees, the most numerous consisting of pines study will identify a few plants and oaks. The most common species of pine is Pinus ayacahuite , which reaches a height of 60 feet and is valued for its straight grain, and the Douglas fir considered poisonous by Western (Pseudotsuga spp.). Other smaller pines exist here including the stunted cedar biomedicine. The pharmacological (Juniperus spp.). The two most common oaks are (Quercus spp.) and the black oak (Q. incarnata), which add color to the hi ghlands during the autumnal change. characteristics of the plants will be The highlands are understoried by many species of plants, shrubs, and cacti. revealed including those constituents Ball cacti ( Coryphantha spp.) are abundant and also no pal ( Opuntia spp.), prized for its fruit, the tuna, which is carefully freed of its spines then cooked and eaten considered harmful as well as by the Tarahumara. On the hillsides stand yucca (Yucca spp.) and sotol (Dasylirion beneficial to humans. Although all spp.), both used for their fibrous leaves, two types of agave (Agave schottii and A. patonii), and manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens). Along the high streams the plants in this study are considered and rivers stand pussy willow (Salix spp.) and choke cherry (Prunus spp.) (Bennett poisonous, as the title suggests, that & Zingg, 1935:4-5). In the winter, the Tarahumara migrate to their caves located in the walls of term is relative. One mans poison the deep barrancas to escape the cold highlands. The gorges are so deep that a may be a Tarahumara s panacea. di stinct change from alpine to tropical flora is noticed as one descend s. The giant agave, sotol, and cacti still exist on the canyon walls but deeper are found [Caution: Readers should not different species oftrees and shrubs. The fragrant laurel tree (Litsea glaucescens) consume any of these toxic can be found and also the Brazilwood tree (Haematotoxylum brasiletto), valued for its hardness. The several shrubs common to the gorges include physic nut plants, in spite of the noted (Jatropha curcas) used as a Mexican folk remedy, cotton plant (Gossypium folkloric use. -Editor] mexicanum), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), and indigo (lndigofera suffruticosa) (Bennett & Zingg, 1935:5-6). 46 • HERBALGRAM 34 Historically the name Tarahumara is a "Spanish corruption of Raramuri" (Balke & Snow, 1965:295) the word the people use to refer to themselves, but this paper will continue to use the common vernacular term Tarahumara. Both terms literally mean "Fleet Foot" or "Foot Run ners" (Balke & Snow, 1965:295, Kennedy, 1978:10). Because of the unforgiving landscape, which is even difficult for animals and vehicles to traverse, the Tarahumara prefer to run when traveling from one point to another. Running has become a trademark of Tarahumara culture, further characterized by the dramatic long distance kickball races called --· Rarajipari in which they periodically compete. During the races run ners, while kicking a baseball-sized wooden ball, may cover distances ... between 50 to 100 miles. One race was reported by a Chihuahuan histo rian, Francisco R. Almada, to have covered 435 miles (Irigoyen & Batista, 1985 :79). The author once happened upon two teams of runners near the remote rancheria of Nararachi. When asked how far they planned to run they said that they were training for a competition so they would only be running a short distance of about 20 miles. Because of the distance, the races often continue into the darkness of night requiring the runners to carry torches of Chopeke, a resinous pinewood, to illuminate their track (lrigoyen & Batista, 1985 :90). The duration of the races accentuates the Herbalist holding Yerbanis (Basig6ko), Sweet Marigold, "slow rhythm" of all aspects of Tarahumara life, which as lrigoyen Tagetes Iucida near Tecorichi. describes, "seems as though it will never begin, and once begun, it seems Photo by Enrique Salmon. as though it will never end" (Irigoyen & Batista, 1985 :80). Preceding pages: Left top: Jimson weed, Tololache Tarahumara religion is monotheistic "with the exception of a few (Uchiri), Datura inoxia. Taken in Chihuahua . minor gods" (lrigoyen & Batista, 1985:81). They worship Onoruame, Photo© 1987 Robert Bye . "the one who made all things." Onoruame's description changes from Left bottom : Yerbanis (Basig6ko), Sweet Marigold, God the father, similar to the Catholic figure among the more accultur Tagetes Iucida. Photo © 1987 Robert Bye . ated Tarahumara, to Reyenari, meaning the sun, among the more tradi Center: Isolated spire of volcanic rock formed by water tional people (lrigoyen & Batista, 1985:81). Tarahumara traditional reli erosion of the Urique River in the upper reaches of the gion is difficult to access because of the assimilation of Christian dogma Copper Canyon, near Humir6 . Note the clouds which are and the variants that occur among the separate bands. In general, how a result of the early rainy season moisture being blown up ever, Onoruame lives on a level higher than that of the people, which is th e canyon from the west. Photo © 1990 Robert Bye. above the underworld, where he is accompanied by spirits and Bisa Riwigachi, Onoruame's wife, the mother. From there, Onoruame and Bisa Riwigachi watch over the people and their cultivated fields (Merrill, 1988:72). Onoruame will sometimes ask for ceremonies and ritual sacri- fices of animals because he may become hungry. He sometimes causes the death Tarahumara culture very much, however. Technologi of a person if he gets lonely (Kennedy, 1978: 128, 130). cal innovations in the form of metal axes and plows Today the Tarahumara number between 40,000 to 60,000 people in the have only allowed the Tarahumara to clear more land state of Chihuahua, Mexico (Kennedy, 1978:26, Irigoyen & Batista, 1988:80). for growing and to produce a higher yield of crops. They subsist on an agricultural economy, growing maize, wheat, squash, beans, The domesticated animals have made some potatoes, and chile (Pennington, 1963:39). They also gather wild plants for food, Tarahumara more seasonally mobile, following their seasonings, medicine, and ceremonies (Jenkinson, 1972:58). Their society and animals into the lower barrancas to escape the winter culture are basically the same as it was in the sixteenth century. Merrill states, bite (Merrill, 1988:44-45). "the Raramuri of the sixteenth century would have little difficulty recognizing their descendants of the twentieth." Unfortunately, mining and lumber roads THE RELATIVITY OF TOXICITY have encroached into the Tarahumara region, bringing Mestizo language, val That the Tarahumara employ approximately 300 ues, and technological innovation. Domesticated animals have been introduced different plants for medicinal use may seem an exag to some Tarahumara living closer to the Mestizo settlements as well as more geration. This researcher once was told by a healer Christian theology (Merrill, 1988:44). These introductions have not altered from the isolated area of Nanirachi that he used about HERBALGRAM 34 • 47 250 plants for healing. To make the story even more remarkable, he revealed his age to be only 32 years. When asked how such a young person could learn so much about plants, he said that he began react differently when taken in various ways. learning his trade at age three. It was, he said, "the Nicotine, when administered intravenously, is 50 times more toxic than when Father above" who taught him through dreams. smoked. Water can be toxic when inhaled in large quantities (Hill, 1988:565). Western biomedicine employs well over 300 Some authors suggest that some chemicals are actually not very harmful chemical compounds for healing. To ask a physician and that some constituents in plants are present in insufficient quantities to cause to identify and demonstrate the use and preparation any harm. Because of this many people seeking alternative healing may run the of 250 of these compounds reveals the remarkable risk of causing irreparable damage to their bodies. Plants are often considered education one must receive to become a native healer. natural and organic and therefore must be benign and beneficial. However, "natu The physician at least has the aid of pharmacopeias. ral" and "organic" must not be mistaken for always meaning "safe" and "whole There are those who would say that the native healer's some." Many of the most insidious substances have been derived from natural techniques and beliefs are mere "hocus-pocus." But products (Turner & Szczawinski, 1991:1; Blackwell, 1990:xii; Mann, 1992:2). the beliefs and knowledge of the healer from Nanirachi These substances can affect the human body's digestive, circulatory, respiratory, cannot be ignored. Anthropological studies of native and nervous systems. They may also cause damage to the liver and kidneys, healing methods reveal "strong empirical underpin lower blood sugar levels, interfere with blood clotting factors, prevent normal nings [of traditional knowledge] which has not re cell division, or lower the function of the immune system. Some toxins can ceived the attention it merits (Schultes & Swain, cause external swellings, pain, redness and blisters on the skin, or damage to the 1976:147)." eyes (Turner & Szczawinski, 1991: I). Due to variations among toxins it is difficult to This discussion of toxic plant chemicals in this paper calls attention to the define exactly when a constituent becomes a poison. conflict in the suggestion that poisonous plants are used for healing. Perhaps One possible definition suggests, "Plants and parts of some plants are not actually toxic or, although the chemicals may be toxic, their plants that contain potentially harmful substances in toxicity is relative. It is often the case that only certain parts of a plant are used high enough concentrations to cause chemical injury for medicinal purposes. This suggests that although toxins are present in the if touched or swallowed are known as poisonous" plants they are not present throughout the entire plant. Chemicals occur in vary (Turner & Szczawinski, 1991:1). This definition is ing concentrations determined by the growth stage of the plant affected by vari too rigid. Salt (sodium chloride) when ingested in able factors, including light, temperature, moisture, external biotic influences, large doses can cause vomiting in adults. There have and inherited factors (Tortora et al., 1970:291). been cases of infant fatalities when excessive amounts Plant lectins are a good example of the temporal characteristics of plant of sodium were mistakingly fed to children. To the chemicals. Lectins are proteins or sometimes glycoproteins that can agglutinate average person salt is not a toxin. It is used every day cells (stimulate antibodies) but also act to precipitate polysaccharides or by millions of consumers. Pharmacologically, it can glycoconjugates. They are usually benevolent compounds but may exist as poorly be a toxin, depending on levels ingested. The same agglutinating toxins. They are compounds present in several of the plants dis does not hold when salt is poured on a snail. Some cussed in this paper, including the Solanaceae and Euphorbia spp. (Pusztai, toxins are obviously more harmful than others. 1991 :2). Lectins act as defensive and recognition agents, growth regulators, and Toxicity depends not only on the chemical na carbohydrate transporters. Their presence in many plants is temporal, increas ture of the substance but the individual ingesting it. ing or decreasing with the plant's age. They are most highly concentrated in the Among species, individuals respond differently to the seeds of plants, especially the Graminaceae and Leguminoseae (Puzstai, 1991 :39). same substance. For example, a normal human can Their presence has also been determined to a lesser strength in the roots, bulbs, ingest sugar without ill effects but to a diabetic a dose barks, and leaves of other plants (Puzstai, 1991 :43). Their temporal character is of sugar could be toxic (Hill, 1988:565). Poisons also illustrated in the growth stages of the kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. Although 48 • HERBALGRAM 34 From far left: Tarahumara trading his goods of beargrass baskets, grass brooms, and wooden spoons along with medicinal plants in the mountains north of the Copper Canyon . Photo © 1973 Robert Bye . Castor bean, (Oiiarka), Ricinis communis. Photo © 1995 Steven Foster. Hogwort, Cascarilla (Sanili), Croton fragilis. Taken in the Barranca de Batopilas. Photo © 1994 Robert Bye. all parts of the pl ant contain sapogenins present in the Sweat bath cure with lectins, they are less present ski ns of wild potatoes boughs of cupressus placed in the earl y weeks of (Solanum spp.) are ren over hot springs. Photo growth, decreasing in the dered practicall y inert af taken at the north side of the Copper Canyon. leaf stage, then increasi ng ter boiling. The same oc © 1973 Robert Bye . consistently in the follow- c urs with the toxins ing stages of growth found in manioc (from Red Sage, Peonia, (Puzstai, 1991 :47). cassava root, Manihot Lantana camara. Photo From years of tribally accumulated experience with pl ants, traditional heal spp.). Their tox in s are © 1995 Steven Foster. ers understand what parts of, or when, during their growth , plants are non-toxic . virtually strained and It is often the case that the toxins in plants are negligible enough to cause no leached into virtual non harm; as with lectins that are present to a lesser degree in the non-seed parts of existence by Amazonian the plants. Relativity of toxicity may be a result of the influence of shamanistic tribal preparations ritual and group-supported ceremony. Besides the administration of herbal rem (Johns, 1990:73; Dole, edies much of the healing practiced by traditional healers works on the level of 1978:219). culturally supported and determined psychotherapy. Taussig suggests in The The implication of the above is that the Nervous System that, cross-culturally and even in modem Western cultures, the Tarahumara recognize that some plants are harmful patient's body is a microcosm of its culture's values and that the doctor-patient to humans. They recognize the concept of toxicity relationship is more than a "technical one" ... but. .. "is very much a social interac but not with the same conceptualization that western tion which can rei nforce the culture's basic premises in a most powerful manner" biomedicine does. The Western concept of pl ants is (Taussig, 1992:86). He also suggests that symptoms of di sease act like symbols generall y one-dimensional. Plants are ei ther harmful which "the diagnostician perceives" and "interprets ... with an eye trained by the or beneficial. A weed is a weed and has no uses. West social determinants of perception" (Taussig, 1992:87). em categori zati on of plants is rigid. This is the result Studies in stress management and the influences of stress-related illness of a language that speaks onl y to reducible substances have determined that the body releases chemicals in reaction to stress or relax and objectivism. To the Tarahumara categorization ation. The scientific community now recognizes 50 different neuropeptides, of pl ants is flexible since the language allows the chemicals that mediate the brain 's responses to stimuli that capacitate self-repair speaker to envision relationships. To say "red" in En (Hurley, 1991 :3 1). The adrenal gland pumps the neuropeptide epinephrine, a gli sh is only that, red. By itself it speaks only to a hormone that boosts the heart rate and constricts blood flow, as a reaction to color, a wavelength on the light spectrum. To say red stress. Research has shown, however, that the human body counters the effects in Tarahumara, sitakame, automaticall y speaks to hues of epinephrine by increasing production of a natural nitroglycerine-like substance of corn, flowers that span the hues of red, and natural called endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF). The endothelial cell s which dyes. Many plants in the Tarahumara language in line interior blood vessels secrete EDRF which elicits bl ood vessel relaxation clude the term sita in them. Since language influ (Snyder, 1992:494). It has recently been demonstrated to be actually a simple gas ences thought, the Tarahumara language automatically called nitric oxide (NO). NO has been shown to "act as a messenger whereby conjures up relationships with their environment. macrophages exert their tumorcidal and bactericidal effects" (Snyder, 1992:494). An important aspect to this train of thought is Perhaps the optimism induced by the healer-patient relationship induces such that the Tarahumara language mai ntains no term for factors to occur in the body. Ron Wallace suggest that "optimism conjures en poison, therefore there is no room in thought to envi dorphins, enzymes, antibodies." He also suggests that "curative ceremonies sum sion a plant that is solely harmful. To the Tarahumara mon it [the chemicals] up to the forebrain" (Wallace, 1991 : 103). every plant maintains a beneficial quality. This is so Additionally, the preparation of a particular plant species prior to adminis because of their cultural view of the uni verse. All tration may alter the chemical composition of the plant's active ingredients. It is living things derive their inherent beingness, life, from often the case that plants are boiled, cold infused, smoked, and alcohol tinctured. one of three levels. In the upper level exist the Cre Perhaps some toxic chemicals are made inert by one of these preparations. The ator and the other beneficial spirits. This is also the HE RBALGRAM 34 • 49 level to where human souls go after death. The middle sufficient to cause harm to humans unless ingested in mass quantities or regu level is the one in which all mortal li ving beings ex larly over time. The result is that some of the more interesting and potentiall y ist. In the lower level exists the evilness of the uni economically useful plants such as Datura a nd Nicotiana will, of course, con verse. Here li ve Diablo and hi s malevolent allies, in tain more data than the less studied ones. cluding several species of plants. Although there is a level of the universe that contains malevolent beings, Croton fragilis ; Euphorbiaceae; Croton, Hogwort; Cascarilla; "Sanil" evilness to the Tarahumara is not absolute. Some The seeds, leaves, and stems of this species contain croton oil. Croton oil consists of glycerides, and a mi xture of terpenoid principles kn ow n as phorbols (Turner & plants from this level can be beneficial if tapped of Szczawinski , 199 1:22 7). The oil is al so a very strong purgative that is irritating to the their usefulness by knowledgeable healers. The plants skin and can be lethal if ingested in doses of onl y 20 drops (Frohne & Pfander, 1983: 11 3; from this lower level are inherently harmful but hold Turner & Szczawinski, 199 1: 227). Croton oil is also known to act as a secondary cancer within them an ability to heal if correctly prepared causing agent or carcin ogen (Turner & Szczawinski , 1991:227). The fo li age contains and administered. tannins and saponins. The tannins and saponins act as expectorants to liquefy bronchial secreti ons (Bye, 1976). The Tarahumara utilize C.fragilis fo r toothac hes and sore gum s. It is masti cated and applied to the sore areas. It is also taken as a tea to treat coughs and sore throats. C. niveus is crushed and boil ed into a tea to treat urinary and bladder ailments. The croton species is often drunk to treat intern al pains (Bye, 1985:88). Drought Relief Datura inoxia; Solanaceae; Jimson Weed, Trumpet Flower; Toloache; "Uchiri" The Tarahumaras in the Sierra Madres of This species contain s the alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, with Northwestern Mexico are suffering and dying a total alkaloid content of .25-0.7%. The genu s also contains hydrocyani c ac id , because of an extended drought. You can send isobutyraldehyde, and malic ac id (Duke, 1985: 159; Bye, Mata & Vazquez, 199 1; Turner & Szczawinski , 199 1: 11 8; Der Marderosian & Liberti , 1988: 173). a contribution in the form of a check, drawn Atropine is an anti cholinergic agent, with effects related primaril y to antagoni sm on any U.S. bank in dollars, directly by first of acetylcholine at neuroreceptor sites. The heart, brain, smooth muscl e, and most exocrone class mail to Father Luis G . Verplancken, head glands are affected. Datura leaves have had some use in the treatment of asthma. Atro of the Tarahumara Mission . Make it payable pine paralys is of vagus nerves in the pulmonary branch reli eves bronchospasms. Four to fi ve grams of the leaf approach fatal doses for children. Ingesti ons have been known to to Tarahumara Mission Hospital. He will have be fatal (Malsee d, 1990:67). Hyoscyamine is an analgesic, anticholinergic, anti spasmodi c, it exchanged to pesos by a Mexican bank. anti vinous [opposi ng the infl uence of win e], bronchodil ator, mydriati c, psychoacti ve, His address is Tarahumara Mission and sedati ve. Scopolamine, the main psychoacti ve component, is also an analgesic, anti Hospital, Apartado Postal No. 11 , Creel, cholinergic, antiinflammatory, antispas modic, bronchodil ator, psychoacti ve, and seda ti ve (Duke, 1985: 159). Chihuahua 33200, Mexico. To the Tarahumara Datura is a general medi cine (Bye, 1985:88). It is used fo r Be sure to use the right amount of postage: several medi cin al applicati ons. It has been used fo r non-medi cin al applications as well. 35 cents . Don 't use the "G" stamp. The seeds, leaves, and roots of D. discolor are sometimes added to suwi-kio (corn beer) Even as little as $25 will save a life. Where as a catalyst and to induce a good feeling and visions. In the Barranca de Batopilas, else can you do so much good, directly, with these pl ants are considered powerful and can be handled onl y by someone of authority (Bye, 1979:36-7). Bye also menti ons that when collectin g these pl ants, he was often so little? (EI Paso Times, Jan . 14, 1995.) warn ed that he would go crazy and di e because he was mi streating the pl ant. Some Tarahumara would not talk to him for several days after he pi cked the pl ant (Bye, pers. com., 1992). The Tarahumara use D. inoxia in a poultice for inflammati ons, headaches, and sprai ns. The leaves are also used in a decocti on for di arrhea (Pennington, 1963: 189). In addition, the pl ant is used as a wash fo r ulcers and smoked for asthma (Bye, 1985:88). TARAHUMARA ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY The Tarahumara fos ter a fea r of in sanity about this pl ant. The botanist, Barclay, in 1959 W hat follows are summaries that describe and recorded the fo ll owing taxa of Datu ra in southwestern Chihuahu a: D. stramonium, quercifolia, inoxia, Ianasa, discolor, and ceratocaula.· Bye menti ons th at D. ceratocaula identify the toxic plants used for medicines by the "is known to have been an important psychotomimeti c in southern Mexico and its pres Tarahumara. Each secti on identifies the plant by its ence in northern Mexico may represent its purposeful introducti on in the past. " He adds, scientific Latin nomenclature, common name in En however, "The Tarahumara .. .d o not di stingui sh among the vari ous species recognized in glish and sometimes in Spanish, and its Tarahumara the recent biosystemic treatment." (Bye, 1979:36-7) name. The medicinally acti ve biochemicals of the plant are described, followed by the pharmacological Equisetum hyemale; Equisetaceae; Horsetail ; Cola de Caball o; "Pakuchara" effects the chemicals elicit in humans. This is fol The main toxin in horsetail is a thi aminase-like compound. Thiaminase destroys thi amine in the body which may lead to vitamin B, deficiency illnesses such as beri beri lowed by a description of the traditional uses of the (Blackwell , 1990:67). The pl ants al so contain saponins, several fl avone glycosides, and plants by the Tarahumara as medicines. Individual silica (Der Marderosian & Liberti, 1988:3 12). E. hyemale contains polyphenolic fl a plant descriptions are limited to the studies that have vonoids with bacteri cidal ac ti vity. It is used for cancer and carcin omatous ulcers in Aus been performed on them. Of the 300 Tarahumara tria and Germany (Duke & Ayensu, 1985:295). E. arvense is known to contain isoquercitin, plants abo ut 30-40 are known to contain chemical beta-sitosterol, and kaempfe rol. Together these three chemi cals pl ace Equisetum on the compo unds toxic to humans or to exhibit psychotro list of possible natural remedi es toward s treating diabetes. lsoquercitin is a diureti c. Beta-sitosterol is an antihypercholesterolemi c [lowers cholesterol] . Kaempferol is also a pic effects on humans. These plants represent several diu reti c and a natriureti c [causes sodium loss], increasing urine secretions and the func families. This study could analyze all of the plants ti oning of the kidney cell s, increasin g, in turn, their permeability and circul ati on. The known to contain toxins but has chosen to omit those general result is that kidney function improves which helps the body to positively react to that have not been studied by phytopharmacologists water retention and excessive bl ood glucose levels, both of which are secondary sy mp- to a degree that reveals sufficient data. Omitted also are those plants which contai n degrees of toxicity in- Continued on page 52 50 • H ERBALG RAM 3 4 Selected Tarahumaran Medicinal Plants Species Common Name Uses Constituents Pharmacology Croton fragilis Hogwort; Toothaches Tannins, Saponins Expectorant Cascarilla Coughs Croton Oil Purgative "San iii" Sore throats (Phorbal esters) Datura inoxia Ji msonWeed Inflammations Hyoscyami ne Antiinflammatory Toloache Headaches Scopolamine Cholinergic- "Uchiri" Sprains Atropine blocking agents Diarrhea Ulcers, Asthma Equisetum hyemale Horsetail Wounds Thiaminase(toxin) Bactericidal Cola de Caballo Infections Polyphenolic "Pakuchara " Congestion Flavonoids Diuretic Urinary ailments Equisetonin Kaempferol Eupatorium spp. Snakeroot Purgative Eupahyssopin Cytotoxic "Dulubutci" Laxative Glycosides Cathartic Tremetol Laxative Sesquiterpene lactones Lantana camara Red Sage Lung, Gastro- Lantanine Anttyretic "Peonia " intestinal Umuhengerin Anti acterial, Antifungal, Childbirth Antiinflammatory Nicotiana trigonophylla Tabaco Headaches Rutin Antiinflammatory "Bawar6ka" Animal Bites Eugenol Antiseptic Analgesic Guiacol Antituberculic, Expectorant Quercitrin Antispasmodic, Diuretic Vasopressor, Viricide Pachycereus Cardon Laxative Tetrahydroisoqui- Emetic pecten-aboriginum "Wichowaka" Cathartic noline Alkaloid Purgative Phytolacca spp . Pokeweed Blood purifier Lectin Mitogen Proliferate B & "L6rio 11 Poisonous Peptide T Cells Bites Antiviral Ricinus communis Castor Bea n Headaches "Oiiarka " Inflammations Ricin Agglutinating Bruises Activating Swellings Senecio chapalensis RaJ,wort Parasites Pyrrolizidine Anthelmintic "Tc uku6 " Wounds, Cuts alkaloids Purgative 5. hartwegii Laxative Tannins 5. candidissimus Sores, Venereal disease, Toothaches Tagetes Iucida Sweet Marigold Headaches Alkaloid Yerba anis Stomach aches Volatile Oil- Carminative "Basig6ko" Pneumonia Alpha-Terthienyl Anthelmintic Flatulence Antibiotic Colds, Colic Antiinflammatory Fevers, Cough Coumarins Antispasmodic Parasites Thiophenes Antibacterial Tillandsia benthamiana Peyote Companion Purgative Raphids & "Dow6ka, Saw6la Laxative proteolytic Cathartic enzymes T. karwinskysna "Reteshiwasa" Constipation T. mooreana "War6ruwi " Rheumatism Flavonoids- Antiinflammatory Diarrhea Retusin & Artemetin Analgesic HERBALGRAM 34 • 51 Left: Pokeweed, (Lo rio}, Phytolacca americana. Right: Horsetail, Cola de Caballo (Pakuchara), Equisetum hyemafe. Photo © Steven Foster 1995. toms of di abetes (Winkelman, 1991 :2). The Tarahumara use E. laeviga tum as a wash for wounds, cuts, scratches, and surface infections. It is also used in a tea for chest conges tion, bronchial infl ammation, and chest pains. £. hyemale is used as a tea for urinary ail ments and to stimul ate urina tion (Bye, 1985 :89). This genu s contains many compounds, including ac Eupatorium spp. ; Asteraceae; etaldehyde, ammonia, anabasine, citric acid, ergosterol, Sn akeroot, Thoroughwort; ethyl alcohol, eugenol, fo rmi c ac id, guaiacol, hydrocyani c "Dulubutci" ac id, isobutyra ldehyde, isovaleric ac id, limonene, malic This species contains acid, methyl amine, nicotine, nornicotine, oxali c acid, phe tremetol and certain glycosides (Sc hmutz & Hamilton, nol, piperidine, pirrolidine, quercitrine, quinic ac id, rutin , sa li cy laldehyde, saponin, 1979:73). Tremetol is a higher alcohol. The glycosides, trimethylamin e, and tryptophane (Duke, 1985:328-334). The medicinally ac ti ve com along with the tremetol, accumulate in the milk of cows pounds are eugenol, quercitrin, guaicol and rutin. Eugenol is an analgesic, antiseptic, feeding on the plants. Ingestion of the plant or milk can anesthetic, fungicide, and larvacide. Gu aiacol is an antituberculic and ex pectorant. induce poisoning with symptoms th at incl ude weakness, Quercitrin is an anti spasmodic, diuretic, vasopressor, and viricide. Rutin is an nausea, loss of appetite, severe vomiting, tremors, li ver dam anti atherogeni c, anti edemic, antiinflamatory, anti thrombogeni c, hypotensive, spas molytic, age, labored breathing, jaundice, constipation, prostration , and vasopressor (Duke, 1985 :328-334). dizziness, delirium, convu lsions, coma, and death (Schmutz Studies among the Hui chol suggest th at when mixed with Ta getes, the mixture & Hamilton, I 979:73). The plant also contains sesquiter may produce hallu cin ogenic effects. The Tarahumara use Nicotiana alone for smoking pene lactones which act as laxatives. The Tarahumara use and for treatment of headac hes and an imal bites. Bye menti ons that: thi s pl ant as a purgative, laxati ve, and cath arti c (Bye, "the cultivated tobacco, N. tabacum ... grows as an escaped plant along the trails 1985:93). of the western barrancas and is cu lti vated occasionall y." It is known to the Tarahumara as "wipaka" and "makuchi." "The Indi an tobacco, N. rustica ... was cultivated in pre Lantana camara; Yerben aceae; Red Sage; Confituria; Columbian Mexico and is the tobacco commonly cu lti vated today by theTarahumara .... The "Peonia" dried leaves are especiall y va lued fo r smok ing during evenin g ceremonies. Traditional L. camara is known to contain an atropine-like alka Tarahumara prefer to smoke cigarettes made with dried leaves of N. Rustica. On one loid , lant annin, and a phototoxic triterpene derivative, occasion an elderl y Tarahumara was smoking tobacco in a wooden pipe wh ich he claimed lantadene-A. The green unripe fruits are the most danger was a traditional smoking implement." (Bye, 1979:40-4 1) ous. The ripe fruits are apparently not harmful but leaves Tobacco is considered an important element of ceremonies usuall y restricted to are known to be fa tal to small animals even in small amounts the ni ght. The plant is considered to have mag ical properties and is used to purify people, and induce photosensitivity in livestock when in gested. fie ld s, and animal s. Tobacco is considered by many Tarahumara to be next in importance Recent studies have demon strated that the species contai ns to hfkuri (peyote cactus, Lophophora williamsii) and more powerful than uchiri (Datura) a compound called umuhengerin which ac ts as an antibac (Bye, 1979:40-41 ). terial, antifungal, and antiinflammatory (C laeys et al. , 1988:966). The species also contain s a "quinine-like alka Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; Cactaceae; Cardon; "Wichowaka" loid call ed lantanine which acts as an antipyretic (S harma Thi s large cactus contains the alkaloid, carnegin e. Also identified as an alkaloid et al. , I099 :975). was 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenethylamine (Bye, 1979:35). From thi s genu s were found The Tarahumara crush thi s species and make an oint the chem ica ls tetrahydroisoquinoline and th e alkaloids tehuanine, pilocered ine, and ment to treat lun g and pulmonary ailments as well as a gen pi locereine (G ibson & Nobel, 1986: 193). eral and preventi ve "curing" pl ant. It is crushed again and The Tarahumara use the juice from the stems of thi s columnar cactu s to induce made into a tea to treat gastrointestinal ai lmen ts, stomach vision s. The sap may be added to suwi-ki (com-beer) (Bye, 1979:35) It is also used as a tea aches, indigestion, gas, and to help childbirth (Bye, to treat general ac hes and pains and as a purgative, laxative, and carthartic (Bye, 1985:92). 1985:88). One herbali st mentioned to the author th at the crushed root can be thrown into a pool to stupefy fis h. (Per Phytolacca spp.; Phytolaccaceae; Pokeweed; "Lario" sonal communicati on , Felicitas Cruz, July 1993.) This species contain s a bitter glycoside saponin and a glycoprotein (Schmutz & Hamilton, 1979: 175). It also contain s a res in, phytolaccatox in, as well as phytolaccigenin, Nicotiana trigonophylla; Solanaceae; Wild Tobacco; water soluble triterpene saponins, and phytolacc ine, a toxi c alkaloid (Fuller & McClintock, "Wipaka" (N. glauca), "Wipa" (N. rustica), "Machuki" (N. 1986:205). The species is known to contain a type of protein lectin mitogen that can tabacum) 52 • HERBALGRAM 34 Autumn blossoms drape the ruins of a former symbol of wealth-the 19th century silver mining operation built near Batopilas (south of the Copper Canyon) by American entrepreneur Alexander "Boss" Shepherd. Photo: Phil Schermeister/National Geographic Image Collection. cause serious and wide-ranging blood cell abnormalities (Blackwell, 1990:45). The mi cyclic diesters. are metabolized in the liver to bound pyr togen affects the division of human white blood cells and induces the proliferation of B role derivatives, both soluble and in soluble. The leaves are and T lymphocytes. The mitogens may also damage the red blood cells, although this known to contain tannins (Bye, 1976: 138). The plant can remains under further investigation (Fuller & McClintock, 1986: 132; Blackwell, also cause swelling of the abdomen, cirrhosis of the liver. 1990:243). It is mostly the rootstock and the seeds that contain the hi ghest concentration and lung damage (B lackwell, 1990:253). The stomach of the toxins although the toxins can be found in small amounts in the stem and leaves. irritating effects of the alkaloids act as a medicinal laxative The Tarahumara take this plant as a tea to purify the blood. It is also used as a (Bye, 1976: 138). The tannins act as a binding protein poultice for poisonous bites (Bye, 1985:88). The root has been used by other North tannate film. American people as an antirheumatic (Frohme & Pfiinder, 1983: 166). The Tarahumara useS. candidissimus as a wash. lo tion, or poultice to treat sores, cankers, and ve nereal dis Ricinus communis; Euphorbiaceae; Castor Bean; Higuerilla; "Oiiarka" eases. It is also used to alleviate toothaches and sore gums. This plant contains a toxalbumin lectin called ricin. Ricin is reputed to be one of A small piece of the root is placed in a dental cavity to the most toxic naturally occurring substances. It inhibits protein synthesis in the intesti relieve pain. It is also used as a tea for bladder and kidney nal wall (Der Marderosian & Liberti, 1988:268). Another lectin called ricin-agglutinin is ailments. Some make it into a poultice or ointment to treat known to coagulate and break down red blood cells (Pusztai, 1991 : 19). boils and swellings. S. chapalensis is applied as a topical The Tarahumara have many uses for this plant. It is made into a poultice to treat anthelminthic and also for wounds. cuts, scratches. and sur swellings, bruises, inflammations, headaches, and boils. It can be eaten raw for gastrointes face infections. S. hartwegii is used in a tea as a purgative, tinal ailments. The plant is made into an ointment for sores and cankers (Bye, 1985:88). laxative, or cathartic. It is also crushed into a powder and applied as an insecticide (Bye, 1985:88). Senecio spp.; Compositae; Ragwort, Groundsel; Chachacoma, Yerba Cana; "Tchukua" This species contains several pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids include Tagetes Iucida ; Asteraceae; Sweet Marigold; Yerbanis, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, senkirkine, neosenkirkine, integerrimine, retrorsine, Peric6n; " Basigo" hydroxysenkirkine, and anonamine (Zalkow et a/. , 1988:690; Tu et a/., 1988:461 ). This species contains thiophene compounds that are Pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause liver injury through the functional death of the liver cells phototoxic and antibacterial. It also contains lactones (ses and obstruction of the veins that supply blood to the liver. Death of humans in underde quiterpenes) (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 1977:84), resin acids, veloped countries has resulted from eating bread contaminated with seeds or leaves of essential oil, tannin, and an alkaloid found in the fruits. The senecio (Clark, 1982: I 02; Schmutz & Hamilton, 1979: 197). The most toxic alkaloids, essential oils are located in the "distinctive dots on the HERBALGRAM 34 • 53 T. karwinskyana is used in a tea to treat constipation. The author was told by one female herbalist that this plant would help with urinary problems. (Personal communication, Felicitas Cruz, July 1993.) The genus is used as a wash to treat rheumatism (Bye, 1985 :90). The shamans consider it a companion plant of peyote (Lophophora williamsii) although it does not grow in the same habitat (Bye, 1976:209). The companionship must, there fore, be a spiritual one. CONCLUSION The Tarahumara pharmacopeia is respectable. The above is only a small sample of the plants incorporated into this natural pharmacy. Their relationship to natural medicines differs from that of Westerners. They recognize the concept of psychotomimetics; such plants are considered sacred or powerful and there fore must be treated with respect. This was evident with the discussion of some of the hallucinogenic plants such as Datura and Tillandsia. The result is that the biodiversity of the Tarahumara environment enriches and determines, to an ex tent, their social, personal, and cultural behavior. This is especially evident when the use of the plants is interrelated with the Tarahumara concepts of disease and healing. Because of their toxic contents, many of the plants of this study should be feared and respected. But toxicity is a Western concept. Degree of toxicity is relative. The Tarahumara cultural model of plants understands that some plants contain powerful spirits, some are potentially deadly, but the same can heal. The model demands that all medicinal plants are treated with respect. Further studies of natural products will reveal more about possible me dicinal uses of these products. As more plants are gathered, more information of their medicinal roles and properties will be useful in directing modern medical science towards possible remedies of Western ills. It is to the mutual benefit of Herbalist with granddaughter near Norojachi. both Westerners and indigenous peoples to continue studies in the field of natu Photo by Enrique Salmon. ral products and their possible therapeutic effects. This type of attention can serve to maintain quickly fading traditional knowledge while helping to increase the knowledge of the scientific community. 0 leaves." These oils contain tannin, resin acids, and a vola Bibliography tile oil that contains alpha-terthienyl (Bye, 1976: 143-45). Arslanian, Robert L., Frank R. Stennitz & Luis Castedo. 1986. 3-Methoxy-5-Hydroxynavonols from Tilland sia purpurea, Joumal of Narural Producr.< , 49(6): 1177-1179. Thiophene is a phototoxin that can cause photodermatitis Bennett. Wendell & Robert Zingg. 1935. The Tarahumara: An Indian Tribe of Nonhem Mexico. Chicago: (Rampone eta/., 1986:354). Thiophenes also have demon Un iversity of Chi cago Press. strated their bactericidal effects on several laboratory bac Blackwell , Will H. 1990. Poisonous and Medicinal Planrs. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. teria (Caceres et at., 1991 ). The essential oil can be used as Bye, RobertA. 1976. The Erlmoecologyofrhe Tarahumara of Chihuahua, Mexico. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Biology, Harvard University Press. a carminative, antispasmodic, and antibiotic (Bye, - 1979. Hallucinogenic Plants of the Tarahumara, Journal of Erhnopharmacology , I :23-48. 1976: 144-5). Gastrointestinal ailments due to worms may - 1985. Medicinal Plants of the Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua, Mexico, in Tyson, Rose & Daniel Elerick, be treated by the action of alpha-terthienyl. lt also shows eds., Two Mummies From Chihuahua, Mexico, pp. 77- 104, San Diego Museum Paper No. 19, San Diego: hypotensive, bronchodilatory, and antiinflammatory prop San Diego Museum of Man. - 1992. Personal Interview, Arizona State University. Tempe, Arizona. erties (Bye, 1976: 144-5). Bye, Robert A, R. Mata & J. E. Pinentel Vazquez. 1991. Botany, ethnobotany and chemistry of Datura lanais It is "a common medicinal plant of the Sierra where (Solanaceae) in Mexico. Anales dellnstitutio de Biologfa, Uni versidad Nacional Aut6noma de Mexico, it is taken as a tea to alleviate headaches, chest pains, and Seria Notiinica 62(1 ):2 1-42. stomach ailments." (Bye, 1979:41) The author was in Caceres, Armando, Alma V. Alvarez, Ana E. Ovando, & Blanca E. Samayoa. 1991. Plants Used in Guatemala for th e Treatment of Respiratory Diseases I. Screening of 68 Plants Against Gram-Positive Bacteria. formed that a weak tea of the plant would help alleviate Journal of Erhnopharmacology, 31 ( 199 1) 193-208. coli c. (Personal communication, Jesusitas Navarres, August Claeys, M., L. Pieters, J. Corthout, D. A. VandenBerghe & A. J. Vlietinck. 1988. Umuhengerin, A New 1993.) It is a popular market herb in the Chihuahuan cities Anti mi crobially Active Flavonoid From Lantana Trifolia. Journal of Narural Producrs, 51 (5):966-968. as well as throughout Mexico. The plant is also taken as a Clark, A.M. Endogenous Mutagens in Green Plants, pp. 99- 132, in Klekowski , Edward, ed. 1982. Environ menial Muragenesis, Carcinogenesis and Plan I Biology, Vol. I. New York: Paeger Scientific. tea or in an alcohol infusion for pneumonia, gastrointesti Costa, Mirtes, L. C. Distasi, M. Kirizawa, S. L. J. Menda~olli , C. Gomes and G. Trolin. 1989. Screening in nal ailments, indigestion, pain, stomach aches, and gas (Bye, Mice of Some Medicinal Plants Used for Analgesic Purposes in th e State of Sao Paulo. Part II. Journal 1985:88). of Erlmopharmacology, 27( 1989):25-33. Cruz, Felicitas. Personal communication. July 1993. Der Mard erosian, A. D. & L. Liberti. 1988. Narural Producl Medicine: A Scienrific Guide ro Foods, Drugs, Tillandsia spp.; Bromeliaceae; Peyote Companion; Cosmerics. Philadelphia: George F. Stickley Co. Soluchil; "Dowaka" (T. bentamiana); "Rereshfwasa" (T. Dole, Gertrude E. 1978. The Use of Manioc Among the Kuikuru: Some Interpretations, in Ford, Richard I. karwinskysna); "Wararuwi" (T. mooreana). ed., Th e Narure And Srarus of Erluwborany, pp. 217-247. Anthropological Papers, Museum of This genus contains raphids and proteolytic enzymes. Anthropology, University of Michigan, p. 67. Duke, James A. 1985. Handbook Of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton: CRC Press Inc. Raphids are tiny needlelike cystals of calcium oxalate; they Duke. James A. & Edward Ayensu. 1985. Medicinal Planrs of China. Vol. I. Algonac, Michigan: Reference are skin irritants that are strengthened by the proteolytic Publications, In c. enzymes (Raven & Curtis, 1970:540; Frohne & Pfiinder, Frohne, Di etrich & Hans Hirgen Pftinder. 1983. A Colour Arias of Poisonous Planrs. Stuttgart, Germany: 1983:52). The species has been shown to contain the fla Wolfe Publishing Company. Fuller, Thomas C. & Elizabeth McClintock. 1986. Poimnous Planrs of California. Berkeley: Universit y of vonoids retusin and artemetin which may act as Californ ia Press. antiinflammatories and analgesics (Costa et a/. , 1989:25- Gibson, Arthur C. & ParkS. Nobel. 1986. The Cacrus Primer. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 33; Arslanian et al., 1986). The Tarahumara drink a tea of Hill, John W. 1988. Chemisrry For Changing Times. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co. T. benthamina to act as a purgative, laxative, and cathartic. Hurley, Thomas J. 1991. Placebos and Healing: A New Look at th e Sugar Pill. The Noetic Sciences Collec rion , 1980- 1990. Sausalito: The Noetic Sciences In stitute. 54 • HERBALGRAM 34 CLASSIC EXCLUSIVELY BOTANICAL REPRINTS FROM ABC! American Botanical Council Volume III #227 - Natural Products and Medicine: An Overview, $2 #233 - Tales from the Healing Forest $3 by Varro E. Tyler - Presented at the symposium, "Tropical Forest Medi- by John Simon. Reprinted by permission from World, Journal of the cal Resources and the Conservation of Biodiversity," sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association, Vol. VI , No. 3, May/ June 1992, Rainforest Alliance's Periwinkle Project and the New York Botanical Gor pp. 17-25. 12 pages. den 's Institute of Economic Botany, Rockefeller University, New York City, #234 - WHO Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Medicines $3 January 24-25, 1992. Bpages . Reprinted in Herba1Gram#28 . by 0. Akerele, M.D . Reprinted by permission from Rtoterapia, Vol. LXII , #228 - Natural Products and the Potential Role of the No. 2, 1992, pp. 99-110. 12 pages. Pharmaceutical Industry in Tropical Forest Conservation $3 #235 - The Materia Medica of Christopher Columbus $4 C. Findeisen, Sarah laird, Ed. -AReport Prepared by the Rainforest by George Griffenhagen. Reprinted by permission of Pharmacy in History. Alliance. 12 pages. 1992. 16 pages. #229 - Ethnobotany and the Identification of Therapeutic #236 - Medicinal Ornamentals S1 Agents From the Rainforest, $4 by Steven Foster. Reprinted by permission from Rne Gardening, by M. J. Bolick. Reproduced by permission of the Cibo Foundation, September/ October 1988. 4 pages. from D. J. Chadwick and J. Marsh, eds., 1990. Bioactive Compounds from Plants. Chichester & New York, John Wiley & Sons (Cibo #237 - World Aspects of Phytotherapy $2 Foundation Symposium 154 ). 12 pages. by Barbaro Steinhoff. Reprinted by permission of European Phytotelegram, No. 4, July 1992, pp. 5-9. 4 pages. #230 - Medicinal Plant Production: Breaking into the Marketplace $2 by Steven Foster. Reprinted with permission from IHGMA Newsletter, #238 - Materia Medica Americana: An Historical Review $3 September 1992. 8 pages. by John Uri Uoyd. 1900. Reprinted by permission of American Druggist and Pharmaceutical Record. 8 pages. $ #231 - Ancient and Medieval Chemotherapy for Cancer $3 by John Riddle. Reprinted by permission from ISIS, 76:319/330. #239- Classic Botanical Reprints- Vol. 3 Only 29 1985. 16 pages. Complete set of above articles in black binder. #232 - Oral Contraceptives in Ancient and Medieval Medicines $3 $37.50 value! Save $8.50! by John Riddle. Reprinted by permission of American Scientist, Reprints #227 - 238 Journal of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Add S2 US/Canada, S15 foreign for postage & handling. May/June 1992. 12 pages. See pages 86-87 to order. For credit card orders call toll-free: 800/373-7105. FAX your order: S12/331-1924. - lrigoyen, Fructuoso Rascon & Jesus Manuel Palma Bati sta. 1985. Raraj ipari : T he Kic k Salmon, Roberto M. 1977. Tarahumara Re>istance to Mission Congregation in Northern ball Race of the Tarahu mara In dians. Annals of Sports Medicine. 2(2):79-94. New Spain . Ethnohistory. 24(4):379-393. Jenkinson, Mi chael. 1972. The Glory of the Long Di stance Runner. Natural Hi. H ERBALGRAM 3 4 • 55 MAHUANG amended for 18-year-olds) but has taken the additional step to adopt Continued from page 43 measures that were discussed at the joint AHPA-NNFA meeting in Orlando. NNFA policy includes setting a limit on all rna huang containing solid dosage forms (i.e., capsules and tablets) at 10 mg HERB INDUSTRY POLICY total alkaloids with the recommendation that not more than 20 mg Prior to the Formula One incident in Texas, in March 1994 be ingested at any time, with a limit of 60 mg total alkaloids ingestion the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) issued a policy per day (NNFA, 1995). How this policy is expected to be applied statement which included a recommended warning to be affixed to to liquid extracts atinctures containinging rna huang is not clear. all herbal products containing rna huang. This policy, as later Both AHPA and NNFA have recommended that raw material amended to raise the age limit from 13 to 18, is consistent with the suppliers and manufacturers refrain from using any ingredients usual medical precautions concerning the use of ephedra alkaloids: which contain "added synthetically derived Ephedra alkaloids" and "Seek advice from a health care practitioner prior to use if that member companies "analyze and verify, as soon as appropriate you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have high blood pressure, testing methods are validated" that there is no such material added heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty in urination due to pros to natural rna huang (McGuffin, 1994a; NNFA, 1995). tate enlargement, or if taking an MAO inhibitor or any other pre AHPA and NNFA have yet to resolve this difference in policy. scription drug. Reduce or discontinue use if nervousness, tremor, Both organizations state that they are concerned about what they sleeplessness, loss of appetite or nausea occurs. Not for children perceive to be in the best interests of the public and their respective under 18. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN." (AHPA, 1994; members. McGuffin, 1995) In September 1994, CONCLUSION AHPA sponsored a meeting The foregoing discussion of rna huang raises some interest in Baltimore where all ing questions for consumers of herbs, herb manufacturers and mar In a society manufacturers of rna huang keters, and state and federal regulators. What role, if any, can rna products (whether AHPA huang play as an ingredient in consumer products? To what extent tltat is members or not) were is rna huang safe to use and at what dosage levels? Does the fact enamored witlt invited to discuss that the alkaloids in rna huang exhibit such potent and potentially appropriate industry policy toxic activity in isolated form and the fact that rna huang itself as increasingly and development of an herb, either in crude form or especially in concentrated extracts, analytical protocols for the also shows considerable potency necessitate the total removal of exotic varieties chemical analysis of rna huang from the marketplace, or would proper labeling and commercial rna huang warnings be adequately protective? What about ephedrine-caffeine of coffee, products. AHPA held potential toxicity? Should caffeine be prohibited from rna huang tlte ma ltuang another similar meeting products, and, if so, should FDA require warnings on caffeine exclusively for beverages about the use of ephedrine and pseudoephrine-based OTC issue falces on manufacturers of rna huang drugs, and vice versa? Should an upper limit of concentration of products, co-sponsored rna huang extracts be stipulated in consumer products? Should a particular with the NNFA, in total daily intake be indicated? Or, is rna huang simply too potent • December in Orlando, to be used without professional medical supervision? 1rony. Florida. At this meeting Further, are there some benefits associated with the use of additional concerns about rna huang in addition to those the federal government allows for its rna huang were reportedly alkaloids as OTC drug ingredients? Is there a proper role for rna discussed including some revisions in the AHPA rna huang policy huang in weight loss and diet products or in products designed to and further development of analytical techniques to attempt to enhance energy and performance? Perhaps a new review of such determine whether any commercial rna huang materials might be considerations is in order. "spiked" with synthetic ephedra alkaloids (McGuffin, 1994b ). In a society that is enamored with increasingly exotic variet The AHPA Board of Trustees extended the rna huang label ies of coffee, the rna huang issue takes on a particular irony. Yes, warning from children under 13 to children under 18. AHPA and rna huang and its ephedra alkaloids are generally more potent CNS NNFA also considered amending the warning statement to include stimulators than coffee and caffeine. Yes, rna huang and its alka a limit on the amount of total ephedra alkaloids that should be present loids do have more generally agreed-upon contraindications than in each solid dosage unit and setting a maximum daily limit for coffee and caffeine. But this is a question of degree. When viewed total alkaloid ingestion which would be consistent with or lower dispassionately, coffee and caffeine probably should be sold with than FDA's current level of allowable alkaloids in OTC drug prod some responsible label warnings. But coffee is generally recog ucts. AHPA members were given the opportunity to vote on this nized as a food and is sold without label warnings. Yet it is highly point in a memo sent to them on December 20 by Michael McGuffin, subject to abuse, producing hypertension, insomnia, irritability, and AHPA vice-president and Chair of the Standards Committee addiction in untold millions of Americans. A recent medical jour (McGuffin, 1994a). Membership response was divided and conse nal article on this subject referred to this phenomenon euphemisti quently, AHPA has not formally approved such action. cally as the "caffeine dependence syndrome" (Strain, 1994)- a However, NNFA (which, unlike AHPA, is a national trade clear indication that caffeine is America's drug of choice and people association of health food retailers, distributors, and manufacturers, are best advised not to meddle with America's favorite drug, even only some of them herbal manufacturers) has adopted the policy of with its drawbacks. This comparison ought to provide some per approving the label warning as originally developed by AHPA (as spective and balance to the rna huang debate. 56 • HERBALGRAM 34 The questions surrounding the Charles C. Thomas Publishers. Mowrey. D. B. 1994. Far Management: The use of rna huang may not be easily Thermogenic Factor. Lehi . UT: Victory Pub answered. The real issue is one of lications. National Nutritional Foods Assn. 1995. NNFA responsible usage. Can consumers Announces Ma Huang (Ephedra) Policy. choose to use conventional foods, di Feb. 8. etary supplements including herbal Stolzer. S. 1995. Personal communication. June 5. Stolzer, S. 1994. Federal and State Regulation products, and even approved OTC of Ephedrine and MaHuang. Report ro the drugs in ways that are not injurious to National Nutritional Food.\· Association. Dec. I. their health? Will consumers heed Stolzer, S. 1994. Personal communication. Dec. label warnings and other directions for 12 . Strain. E. C.. G. Mumford. K. Si lverman. and R. responsible use? Can the herb indus Griffiths. 1994. Caffeine dependence try develop and effectively maintain syndrome. Evidence from case histories and experimental evalu ations. JAMA 272: I 043-8. a policy of self-regulation that respon Tyler. V. E. 1995a. Personal communication. sibly labels rna huang products, and May 2. protects the public health to an extent Tyler, V. E. 1995b. Personal communication. April 24. that sati sfies regulators? At thi s point, Tyler, V. E. 1994. Herbs of Choice: Th e Th era the answers to these questi ons and peutic Use of Phwomedicinals. Binghamton. NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press. the future for rn a huang re ma ins Tyler. V. E. 1993. Th e Honest Herbal. 3d uncertain. 0 ed.Binghamton. NY: Haworth Press. Tyler. V. E .. L.R Brady, and J.E. Robbers. 1988. Pharmacognosy ,9th ed. Philadelphia: Lea References: & Febiger. American Herbal Products Assn. Policy Statement Ward, P. 1995. Health board proposes li mits on on Ephedra sinica (Ma huang). Austin, TX. ephedrine. Austin American-Sraresman. Mar. March 30. 1994. 20. Anon. 1995a. FDA warns against using Nature's Wei I, A. 1995. Personal communication. May II . utrition Formula One. Pharmacy Today, Vol. I. no. 8. April 15. Anon. 1995b. Ma Huang Position Reiterated. Vita min Retailer, April. Anon. 1994. Ephedrine OTC Status Opposed by FDA Advisory Committee. The Tan Sheer. ov. 21. Anon. 1989. The Ephedras. Lawrence Review of Natural Products. June. Bensky, D and Gamble. A. 1993. Chinese Herbal Ephedra or Mormon Tea, Ephedra spp. Medicine: Materia Medica, revised edition. Sonoran Desert, Arizona. © 1995 Steven Foster Vi sta, CA: Eastland Press. Brevoon, P. 1995. Personal communication, Jun 16. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1983. Bournemouth, England: British Herbal Medicine Assn. Cui. J. F. , iu , C. Q. , Zhang, J.S. 199 1. GLC Determination of Ephedra Alkaloids in Mahuang. Acta Pharmaceurica Sinica 26( II ):852-857. 2!Jive the beauty, Daly, P. A. era/. 1993. Ephedrine. caffeine and aspirin: safety and efficacy for the treatment of human obesity. lnremariona/ Journal of Obesity 17 (Suppl I ):S73-S78 Dharmananda. S. 1995a. Personal communication. April 24. Dharmananda, S. 1995b. Personal communicati on. April 25. e;5hale the knomLetJfje Dillard, C. 1994. Personal communication, December 6. Evans, C. E. 1989. Trease and Evans' Pharmacognosy 13th ed. London: Bailleire Tindall. Food and Drug Administration. Tent ati ve Final Monograph for OTC Nasal Decongestant Drug Products. Federal Register 50 (Jan. 15 , 1985): 2220-2241. Food and Drug Administration. Final Monograph for OTC Bronchodilator Drug Products. The Native American Federal Register 50 (0ct.2, 1986): 35326-35340. Gi lman, A. G., Goodman, L. S .. and Gilman, A. 1980. Goodman and Gilman's The Phar Medicinal Plant Note Cards macological Basis of Th erapeutics, 6th ed. NY: MacMillan Publishing Co. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs ,8th ed. 1986. Washington, DC: American Pharma ceutical Assn. In this series of twelve designer Herb Research Foundation. Ephedra (Mahuang) Comparison Chan. Boulder. CO. Hsu, H. Y. 1986. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Long Beach. CA: Oriental cards, botanist Steven Foster's Healing An s Institute. Hutchinson. K. 1995. The Use and Avai lability of Ephedra Products in the United States. photographs are complemented by Washington, DC: Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Office of Diversion Control. Drug Enforcement Administration , Feb. 23. a breif description of the traditional Ji a, Y. Y. and F. X. Lu . 1988. Changes in alkaloids and volatile oil in Ephedra sini ca due to shel vi ng. Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials. 11 (3):38-40. use and geographic range of Leung, A. Y. and S. Foster. 1995. Common Narural lngredienrs Used in Foods. Drug.> and each plant. Cosmetics. NY: John Wiley (in press). McGuffin, M. 1995 . Personal communication, June 5. All cards are printed on McGuffin, M. 1994a. Memo to AHPA members. AHPA , Dec. 20. McGuffin, M. 1994b. Personal communication, Dec. 7. recycled paper. Purchase of these Mahdihassan, S. and Medhi , F.S. 1989. Soma of the Ri gveda: An Attempt to Identify it. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 17, nos. 1-2: 1-8. cards supports educational projects Maika!, R. 1995 . Personal communication, May 9. The Merck Index. 1976. Rahway, NJ: Merck & Co. of the American Botanical Council. Mergentime, K. 1995. Texas Moves to Ban Most Ma Hu ang Products. Natural Foods Merchandiser. June. Only $1S for a set of all twelve cards . Morales, D. 1995 . Morales Settles Case wi th Formula One. Office of the Attorney Gen ivv1ERICAN eral, State of Texas. Press Release. Also available individually. BoTmiCAL Monon, J. F. 1977 . Major Medicinal Plant: Barany, Culture and Uses. Springfield, II : See page 86-87 for titles and order form . COUNCIL HE RBALGRAM 34 • 57 r "aclc issues # 3 1 aren't old issues••• # 32 BACK PACK I #17- Summer 88. (24 pp.) Sarsaparilla, A Literature Review; Hops/ #1 -Summer 83. (4 pp.) Eucalyptus Repels Fleas, Stones Koalas; FDA Metaboli zation of Toxins; Chinese Herb Products Regulated; Interview with Pro OTC Panel Reviews Menstrual & Aphrodisiac Herbs; Tabasco Toxicity?; Garlic fessor H. Wagner; Herbal Cancer Remedies; Antibioti c Arsenal; Antiviral Alka Odor Repels Deer: and more. loids/ AIDS Virus: Neurological Disease/Plant Seeds; lndoles; Cardiac Benefits I #2 - Fall/Winter 83-84. (8 pp.) Appeals Court Overrules FDA on Food Tienchi Gi nseng; Antitumor Effects/Sophora; Chinese Arthritis Treatment;Gin Ads Safety; Beware of Bay Leaves; Tiny Tree, Cancer Cure?; Comfrey Tea Recall ; I Herbal Traditional Medicine of China; and more. and more. #3 - Spring 84. 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( 12 pp.) Scull cap Substitution; Therapeutic Ginkgo Trees; Gin Bad Cholesterol; Update/Regulations fo r Herbal Formulas Sold in Canada; Revi seng & Potency: Dahli a as New Sweetener: Herbal Cures for Heroin & Opium; sion of Endangered Species Act; Special Report: Compound Q (Trichosanthes Jojoba vs. IR S: Aromatherapy for Stress: Bloodroot in Oral Hygiene: and more. kirilowii) New Hope in the AIDS-relief Search?; New Strategy Against AIDS: Castor #8- Winter 86. (12 pp.) Call for Government Sponsored Natural Drug Bean Complex; NCI Upgrades Natural Products Research; Antitumor Properties Research. by Dr. Jim Duke; Ginseng & Ageing; Chinese Herbs Treat Altitude Sick of Chl orell a; Garlic Fights Candi da/Cancer; Feverfew: A Literature Review; and ness: Sweet Wormwood for Malaria; Feverfew for Arthritis?; Coca Leaf Tea: and more. more. #21 - Fall l989. (52 pp.) In Memoriam: Nathan Podhurst; Goldenseal Mask #9- Spring 86. 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( 16 pp.) Plant Drugs in the 21st Century; Natural Blood #22- (52 pp.) Black Pearls Lose Their Luster; Sesame Flowers/Treatment Thinners; Chinese Antitumor Plants; Banana Peel/Plantar's Warts; and more. of Warts; Onions/Red Wine: Cancer Diet?; Juglone Kills Algae .. . and Fish; A New #12- Spring 87. (16 pp.) Ayurveda; Thai Medicinal Plants; Herbal Dream Look at Botanical Medicine; Science Notes Medicinal Plant Research; New York Inducer; Mexican Vani ll a Revi si ted: Eleuthero and Soviet Athletes; and more. Tim es Slant on Herbs; Search for Soma; Motherwort/Heart; Ginkgo for Brai n #13- Summer 87. (16 pp.) Economic Significance of Herbs: Court Ruling/ Damage?; Natural Oral Contraceptives; Herbal Extract/Fracture Healing; Tannins Evening Primrose Oil; Court/ FDA DALS: Ginseng/Anti-agin g; Immune-enhanc as Free Radical Scavengers; Eclipta Alba Research; "Traditional Herbal Medi ing/Ginseng; Anti-ulcer/Germander; Saikosaponin/Kidney Disease:and more. cines" in Current Drug Category; Hawthorn: A Literature Review; Natural Prod #14- Fall87. ( 16 pp.) Anti-diabetic Effect/Ginseng; Chaparral/M osquito Lon ucts On-line Data Base; The Pores Have It; Age Has Nothing to Do With It; Shoo, gevity; Mood-elevating Bananas; Herbal Data Bases; and more. Bossy!; and more. #15 -Winter 88. (24 pp.) Export controi/Ladyslipper; Canada Bans Com #23- (52 pp.) Proving It; Researchers Abuzz over Plant Repell ent; Basil Oil frey Leaf; Tea Tannins/Cholesterol; Feverfew for Physicians: Licorice Retards Tooth Protects Seeds From Fungus; Garlic Research Smell s Good; Focus on Chinese Decay; eem Extract- atural Pesticide; EP /Use of Herbicide Alachlor; and more. Medicinals; Chinese Herbs for Eczema; Herbal Burn Therapy; Spice Imports In #16- Spring 88. (24 pp.) FDA Rules on GRAS Substances; Fresh Ginger crease; New Immunostimulants from Japanese Ginseng ; Nature's Medicine for Juice in Treatment of Kitchen Burns; Interview- Dr. I. I. Brekhman; Rain Forest Memory Loss; Germander Tea Diet?; Japanese AIDS Research; Phellodendron Update: Valerian Effectiveness; Fungal Studies; Heart Peppers; Yew Continues to Bark Shows Multiple Anti-u lcer Activities; Chinese Medicine for Brain Oxygen Amaze; Ginseng in Perspective; Poisonous Plants Update; and more. ation: Oriental Alcohol Antidote; Herb Protectors Against Radiati on; GLQ223™ H ERBALGRAM BackPacks complete your library of information on herbal issues, books, research, conferences, laws, and related topics. See page 87 for ordering information. Order toll-free 800/373-7105 or FAX 512/331-1924 # 24 # 29 # 28 # 23 # 25 til you've read tltem. Update; CITES Committee Protects Indian Medicinals; Shedding New Light on Drug Policy/ Widespread Support Prompts NLEA Moratorium : Herb Industry and Snake Oil; Special Feature: Chinese Medicinals by Albert Leung, Ph.D.; FDA FDA Issue Chaparral Warning: Natural Products and Medicine: The Botani cal Al Declares 258 OTC Ingredients Ineffective; FDA Reclassifies OTC Prostate Prod ternative; and more . ucts to Rx Status; FDA Collecting Information on Herb Products to Assess Safety ; #29- (72 pp.) The Roots of Paper; Hot Peppers are fo r the Birds: Monumen The Farnsworth Symposium; and more. tal Herbicide; Fiery Iceman: Echinacea Hi ghlighted as Cold and Flu Remedy; Apotik #24- (54 pp.) Broccoli Battles Breast Cancer; Garlic for Soil Acidification?; Hidup, Indonesia's Living Apothecary: FDA and Herb Industry Di spute Contin Almond Oil Lowers Blood Cholesterol; Marshmallows; Onions and Asthma; Agave ues; Antioxidant. Antitumor. and Cardi ovascul ar Actions of Garlic: Ginger and Gas?; Desert Plants for Diabetes; Garlic in Wall Street Journal; The Healing For Atractylodes as an Anti-i nfl ammatory; Clinical Proof for Echinacea: Adaptogen est; Soupreme Court Says: Tomato Is no Fruit; The Hunt for Accurate ID of Poi Research: The Whole is Better. .. ; Latest on Ginkgo; Anti stress Astragalus;The Car sonous Pl ants and Fungi; Antidiabetic Fenugreek; Herbal Treatments for Diabetes; damom/Coffee Connection; Botanical Jewelry; Feverfew Fever; Special Supple NTH Hypericin Trial Set; Antiviral Effect of Mango Leaves; Spirulina Reduces ment : Relative Safety of Herbal Medicines: Food Safety Evaluation; Surgeon's Kidney Damage; Nettles vs. Hay Fever; Astragalus and Viral Heart Disease; Ginkgo Son Puts Faith in Herbali st: Pl ants. Drugs & Pioneers: Nati onal Herbali sts Asso for the Heart; FDA/OTC Diet Drug Ingredients; Special Features: Harvesting ci ation of Au stralia; First World Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plant s for Medicinals in the Wild and Folklore and Folk Medicines;The Need for Coop Human Welfare; and more. eration Between Modem and Traditional Medicine; Ancient Magnolia Leaves; #30 - Tribute to AI Gentry: Post-partum Pot?; ... and Pass the Pl ant Wax; China's "Living Fossil" Dogwood; Nature' s Reforestation ; House Plants Filter In AIHP Award ; NYBG/Pfizer Quest fo r U. S. Pl ant Medici nes; Grant to Morri s door Air Pollutants; Natural Products Conference in Germany; European Har Aboretum for Medicinal Trees Exh ibit; Ant i-cancer Effects of Herbs; The Late. tin mony in Phytotherapy Conference; and more. 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American Herbal Regul ati on; Cana Oil Therapy for Acne; Capsicum; WHO Symposium on Plants and Health for All; dian Advisory Committee on Herbs: Insect Bites/Lyc ium Leaf: Review-" Introduc Government Stops Legitimate Medical Use of Marijuana; FDA Ban on OTC Weight ti on to Herbal Pharmacol ogy"; Natural Dyes: Ginkgo Leaf poem: Commercial Herb Loss Ingredients; Botanical Ingredient Review: Pros and Cons; and more. Production; Poisoning by Gordolobo: Urine Tests for Drug Use: Passionfl owers; #27 - (64 pp.) Patented Pepper; Sisal Surgery; Focus on Rainforest Rem Society for Economic Botany Conference Report : In Memoriam: Vi ctor Cordovi edies; Global Politics Affect Herb Markets; U. S. 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Healing Herbs, and Phytomedicinals; A nal; Reports on Regulatory Dilemma; Salute to Schultes; WHO Guidelines for the Ribereiios Medicinal Garden: On the Am azoni an Trail of Useful Pl ants : Paradise Assessment of Herbal Medicines; Harvard's Incredible Glass Flowers; Ethnic Foods Lost; Symposium on Botanicals; Dmg Di scovery and Commercial Opportunities Popularity Warms U.S. Spice Sales; Mental Function & Gotu Kola; Te sting in Medicinal Plants; The Fifth Intern ati onal Mycol ogical Congress; Chinese Dump Feverfew's Potency; Cure for Hepatitis B?; Moringa Bark; The Pharmacology of Garlic in the U.S .; Supplement and Herb Sales Increase; Herbs and the Commodi Extinction; European/ Ameri can Phytomedicines Group Moves to Expand FDA OTC ti es Market; In Memori am. Dr. Ben Stone: and more. The European Phytomedicines Market Figures, Trends, Analyses Jorg Grunwald, Ph.D. Director, Medical-Scientific Department, Lichtwer Pharma GmbH Berlin, Germany EUROPEAN ROOTS OF ation of phytomedicines on the European tained from IMS in 19943 and The Herbal PHYTOTHERAPY market, to interpret actual changes, and to Medical Data Base in 1993,4 indicating the In many cultures prehistoric man used analyze the importance of these facts for the largest sales with $6 billion U.S. retail sales plants to treat physical complaints. Besides United States. price (RSP) in Europe compared to $2.1 bil China, Central Europe produced the most lion in Japan, $2.3 billion in the rest of Asia, solid documentation of early plant use as DEFINITION OF PHYTOMEDICINES and approximately $1.5 billion in North medicines. Most importantly, Greek and The expressions phytotherapy and America. The annual growth rates in all Roman medical practices, as preserved in phytomedicines were first introduced by the regions are impressive, as indicated in Table the documents of Hippocrates and Galen, French physician Henri Leclerc ( 1870- 2. Since Europe has the strongest market provided the patterns for later Western medi 1955). Per definition phytomedicines are position, growth rates are smaller compared cine. The first European document on the therapeutics based only on plant material, to Asia or the U.S. properties and uses of medicinal plants was either from the complete plant or extracts, One important reason for the strong compiled by the Greek physician used for treatment purposes. Approximately market position of phytomedicines in Eu Dioscorides in the first century A. D. This 500 plants are therapeutically used as start rope is their historic acceptance and high compendi urn described the use of more than ing material for the production of medicines. share in the reimbursement system for drugs. 500 plants and remained the major reference For example, 40 percent of drugs in the While in Germany and France approxi up to the 17th century. "Rote Liste" (German medicines li st) are mately 40 percent of all herbal remedies are In later periods special treatment based on plant material. 1 In the United reimbursed, the situation is very different in forms developed: the system of homeo States 23 percent of all prescriptions con the U.K., the U.S., or Canada, where only pathic medicine, founded in the 19th cen tained plant substances, at least in 1976.2 purchaese of plant laxatives are partially tury by Samuel Hahnemann, or the water reimbursed. cure, from the German physician Sebastian THE WORLD MARKET OF HERBAL The reason for the strong market Kneipp. REMEDIES growth of phytomedicines in the last decades In recent time the use of herbal medi Few data exist regarding the world is most probably due to several changes in cines in Europe is rather diversified. In some market of phytomedicines or herbal medi the health environment. Due to the increas countries, such as Germany, France, or Italy, cal sales. Table I summarizes the data ob- ing age of the population, the number of the treatment with phytomedicines chronic diseases is growing and the is well established and regulated by results of conventional treatments in the health authorities. Uses of Table 1. Herbal Medical Sales by Selected Regions these cases are often unsatisfactory. many phytomedicines are even re Many patients refuse to swallow imbursed by the health insurance Country Million US $ RSP more and more chemical drugs with system. In other countries, Great long lists of side-effects and ask their Britain and the Netherlands, most physician for "natural" biological al phytomedicines are regarded as EU 6,000 ternatives. If the physician is not food supplements without any Rest of Europe 500 willing to provide other forms of medicinal claims. Due to the Eu Asia 2,300 complementary medicine, patients ropean Union harmonization Japan 2,100 will look elsewhere for more patient there will be dramatic changes in orientated therapeutic approaches. the European phytomedicine N . America 1,500 The typical consumers of market soon. complementary medicine tend to The purposes of this article Total 12.4 billion US $ have less faith in conventional medi are to summarize the present situ- RSP=retail sales prices cine. They believe that one can build Source: IMS 1994 and The Herbal Medical Database 1993 60 • HERBALGRAM 34 up resistance to disease and they want to This situation might change quickly E. U. Every member of the European com have control over their own health. Most of when the American health authorities real munity spends a mean of$17.4 U.S. per year them are better educated and have more than ize the demand of the population for well on phytomedicines (Table 3). a median income.5 proven alternatives in medical treatment. Phytomedicines cover a broad range Whenever public funding for phytomedicine of different indications. The categories are REGIONAL DIFFERENCES research becomes available in greater indicated in Figure 2, showing that the larg AND TRENDS amounts, the scientific community will find est proportion is spent on herbal drugs in Phytomedicines can be regarded as out about the European data in this area and fluencing the cardiovascular system, fol bridging the gap between traditional based try to catch up quickly. lowed by the respiratory system for coughs complementary medicine and the highly and colds, the gastro-intestinal system for scientific conventional medicine. THE MARKET SITUATION IN EUROPE digestive improvements, tonics, hypnotics, As shown in Figure I this link is best The market si tuation in Europe is di and sedatives, as well as topicals.6 established in the European medical com versified regarding the sales of herbal drugs. The leading European products are munity. For example, in Germany more than The leading market is in Germany with an indicated in Table 4. The most successful 80 percent of all physicians regularly use nual sales of $3 billion U.S. RSP. Germany single plant in Europe is Ginkgo biloba used plant medications. Even in Europe the trend covers 50 percent of the E. U. market with for the improvement of blood supply to the of complementary medicine is still increas spending of $37 annually per inhabitant. brain, high in prescriptions in Germany and ing, especially the scientifically well-docu The second pl ace with $ 1.6 billion U.S. and France. The leading product, Tebonin®.. mented phytomedicines that are more and 26.5 percent of the E.U. market is France, from the Schwabe company, sells for ap more accepted and appreciated, not only by followed by Italy, the UK, Spain, the Neth proximately $200 million U.S. manufacturer patients but also by most physicians. erlands, and Belgium. sales price (MSP). In Asia both therapeutic forms This gives an overall annual sales fig Following is Ginsana®, the leading complementary and conventional medi ure of $6 billion U.S. for herbal drugs in the Ginseng product from Pharmaton/ cine-are practised in parallel, but neither is regarded as the only valid therapy. The situation in the U.S. is different Figure 1. Conventional and Complementary Medidne: Regional Differences and Trends from the two above-mentioned regions. Complementary medicine and conventional medicine are far apart and regarded by both sides as "enemies." The basis for this dis crepancy certainly has historic reasons but Asia also stems from a lack of information for many physicians in the U.S. While every student of medicine in Germany has to learn about complementary medicine, especially phytomedicine, the education for U.S. stu dents neglects these treatment forms. On the other hand, the community supporting USA complementary medicines does not see a need for clinical proof of effectiveness so often demanded by supporters of traditional medicine elsewhere. ••• Additionally, most of the scientific papers regarding phytomedicines published in European journals are often not in En glish, since their market is, e. g., Germany, Europe France, or Italy. HERBALGRAM 34 • 61 European Phytomedicines Market Table 2. Annual Growths by Region (%} Region Growth Growth Forecast 1985-1991 1991-1992 1993-1998 N . America 10 12 12 EU 10 5 8 supplement in the U.K. and in the Nether lands. Another example: Garlic is available Rest of Europe 12 8 12 in Germany as a "semiethical" [although pri Japan 18 15 15 marily prescribed by a physician (ethical), SE Asia 15 12 12 these are not RX-only products, but may also India and Pakistan 12 15 15 be purchased in the pharmacy as an OTC product] reimbursed product for cholesterol Source: The Herbal Medical Database 1993 lowering. In France garlic had a traditional claim without reimbursement and in the Netherlands it is sold as a food supplement. Boehringer Ingelheim, accounting for ap Register). The situation for hypericum (St. John's proximately $50 million U.S. Next is the Phytomedicines could be marketed Wort) is similar: reimbursed semiethical as leading garlic product K wai®from Lichtwer according to the indications mentioned in well as OTC in Germany, only OTC in Pharma with approximately $40 million the monographs. If those indications are France and food supplement in the Nether U.S .4 generally reimbursed by the health insurance lands. system, there is no difference in reimburse The European situation will change REGISTRATION STATUS OF ment for chemical- or plant-based products. dramatically in the near future since all PHYTOMEDICINES IN EUROPE In France there exists a list of over member states have to adapt to E.U. Jaws. In the past the situation in Europe dif 200 plants with 37 indications of their tra According to directive 65/65 phyto-medi fered a lot regarding the registration status ditional use. In France, as well as in Ger cines are treated as drugs and registrations of phytomedicines. In Germany, for ex many, many phytomedicines are reimbursed. based on quality, safety, and efficacy will ample, a special commission (Kommission In the U.K. most phytomedicines are in the be needed. 7 E) of the Bundesgesundheitsamt (the Ger General Sales List category and are sold as The European Scientific Cooperative man FDA) was responsible for developing food supplements without any reimburse for Phytotherapy (ESCOP) prepares Euro plant monographs. Based on safety and ef ment possibility. pean monographs or summaries of product ficacy data, more than 230 positive mono This diversification within Europe led characteristics (SPC's), which should be graphs were published in the to the situation that a single product, for used as the basis for European registrations Bundesanzeiger (equivalent to the Federal example ginkgo biloba, was reimbursed in of phytomedicines. Besides national regis Germany and France and sold as a food trations in every member state therenow exists the decentralized registration proce dure since January 1995. Figure 2. Europe: Phytomedicine Categories If a drug is registered in one E.U. member state, the registration holder can ap Cardiovascular ply for mutual recognition in other member 27.2% states. The other countries have to answer within 90 days. If no agreement can be reached, the central E.U. agency (Commit tee for Proprietary Medicinal Products, Respiratory CPMP) has to find a E.U.-wide decision, 15.3% binding for all member states. In addition there will be national regulations regarding traditionally used medicines with lower lev els of indications. THE GROWTH RATE OF Other Topicals PHYTOMEDICINES IN EUROPE 12% 7.4% The European phytomedicine market Hypnotic/sedative is still growing at a higher percentage than Tonics 9.3% 14.4% the overall pharmaceutical market. Accord- Source: N. Hall Co., 1994 62 • HERBALGRAM 34 European Phytomedicines Market Table 3. OTC Herbal Drug Soles in European Union Member Annual retail sales (US$) State total in millions 0/o per capita Germany $3 ,000 50.0 $37.0 France 1,600 26.5 28.0 ing to the Nicolas Hall Company6 the growth Italy 600 10.0 10.5 rates in 1993 for selected countries were: Spain 35 percent, Germany 15 per United Kingdom 300 5.0 5.0 cent, Italy 11 percent, U.K. 10 percent. Spain 230 4.0 6.0 The high increase in Spain is explain Netherlands 100 1.5 6.5 able by a rather small phytomedicine mar Belgium 40 1.0 4.0 ket in Spain. The recent growth is higher from a percentage point of view, although it Rest 130 2.0 4.5 is much smaller fro m a dollar perspective, Total $6,000 100.0 $17.4 compared to the other markets. In the U.K. the overall growth by 10 percent was highlighted by several products Source: IMS, 1994 selling extremely well, such as garlic with a plus of 16 percent in 1993. in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Health Care and two German companies, PHYTOMEDICINES IN GERMANY Some of them are over 100 years old; many Schwabe and Madaus. In 1988 Madaus As indicated earlier, Germany has the are still privately owned. Murdock was founded between Madaus and largest market share of phytomedicines in In the last decade a tendency of mul Murdock Healthcare from the U.S. Europe. Figure 3 illustrates the situation of tinational pharmaceutical companies to buy A further group of multinational phar the prescription free drug market in German smaller phytomedicine-oriented companies maceutical companies market phytomed pharmacies from the year 1993.8 Almost one in Europe can be observed. Table 6 icines produced by smaller companies spe third of all non "prescription-only" drugs summarises such acquisitions. Several cializing in phytomedicines. Such collabo were phytomedicines (27 percent). This cat American companies, namely American rations exist, e.g., between the Ciba Geigy egory is divided in two parts: 12 percent are Home Products, Bausch and Lomb, Johnson subsidiary Zyma, which sells a special prescribed and reimbursed semiethical & Johnson, Pfize, and Searle can be found. phytomedicines line called "Valverde," pro phytomedicines, accounting for a volume of Other developments in this regard are joint duced by the phytomedicines company $0.9 billion U.S. and 15 percent are pure ventures between European phytomedicine Zeller AG in Switzerland. OTC phytomedicines, accounting for $ 1.1 companies and American partners. Nature's Also, BASF subsidiary Knoll in Ger- billion U.S . in retail sales prices. Way was fo unded in 1969 between Murdock The most prescribed herbal mono preparations in Germany are listed in Table 5. 9 The leading product again is Ginkgo Figure l.Phytomedidnes in German Pharmacies biloba with total sales of $280 million U.S . 15% RSP, followed by horse-chestnut with $ 103 $1.18 million U.S. OTC Phytomedicines Among the non-prescription phytomedicines, garlic tablets are the lead ing product category. According to actual 12% $0.98 surveys 7 million Germans or about 8 per Prescribed cent of the German populationtake garlic semi-ethical supplements regularly . The leading garlic Phytomedicines product Kwai® holds about 50 percent of the pharmacy market share with an annual turn over of $50 million U.S. CHANGES IN THE PHYTOMEDICINE 73% INDUSTRY $6.58 The majority of the leading companies Retail sales prices in Billion US$ OTC that specialize in phytomedicines are located Non-plant drugs Source: BAH/ IMS HERBALGRAM 34 • 63 European Phytomedicines Market Table 4. Leading European Products Product Manufacturer Million US$ Plant (manufacturer's selling price) Tebonin Schwabe $195 Ginkgo biloba Ginsana Pharmaton/ 50 Ginseng Boehringer lng. Kwai Lichtwer 40 Garlic Efamol Scotia Pharm. 30 Evening Primrose Echinacin Madaus 30 Echinacea Source: The Herbal Medical Database 1993 many sells products from Zeller AG. In se One approach is the European American lected regions Boehringer Ingelheim (Swe CURRENT OBSTACLES AND Phytomedicine Coalition (EAPC), which den), Lederle (Australia), and Schering (Bel OPPORTUNITIES leading European phytomedicine companies gium and Hungary) sell phytomedicines, in The European market situation of have joined to undertake a common ap these cases the garlic product K wai® from phytomedicines indicates which develop proach to the U.S. market. Difficulties oc the German company Lichtwer Pharma. ment might be possible in the United States. cur with the U.S. health authorities since the The overall development makes clear There is an international strong growth of OTC legislation restricts information from that the historic situation of European com complementary medicine and an increasing outside of the U.S. This situation is hope panies that specialize in phytomedicines has trend to use phytomedicines. The longest fully changing since a meeting of the NIH begun to change. Multinational companies experience in these products regarding qual Office of Alternative Medicine in coopera are interested in this strongly developing ity, safety, and efficacy comes from Europe. tion with the Food and Drug Administration market segment. The future will probably European companies are interested in bring seemed to offer a more open-minded ap lead to more concentration. ing their high quality products to the U.S . proach and possible changes in the registra- tion Jaws for phytomedicines in the fu- ture. Table 6. Acquisitions of Phytomedicine Companies by Multinational On the other hand there are sev Pharmaceutical Companies eral obstacles attached to phytomedicines. Usually they are not Multinational Pharmaceutical Firm Phytomedicine Company protected by patents and therefore can be copied very easily and until recently American Home Products Dr. Much (Germany) no medical claims were allowed in the Boehringer lngelheim Pharmaton (Switzerland) u.s. Quest (Canada) The new Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act opens better Boots Konold (Germany) possibilities for food supplements. No Bausch and Lomb Dr. Mann (Germany) medical c laims can be used, but Degussa Asta Medica (Germany) changes in the structure and function Fujisawa Klinge (Germany) of the human body by phytomedicines Johnson & Johnson/Merck Woelm Pharma (Germany) can be mentioned in advertisements and on product labels. Pfizer Mack (Germany) Product quality is another criti Rhone Poulenc Rohrer Nattermann (Germany) cal issue. In contrast to chemical sub Sanofi Plantorgan (Germany) stances plants vary in their composi Searle Heumann (Germany) tion and therefore quality has to be controlled carefully. Identification of SmithKiine Beecham Fink (Germany) the mode of action of the active ingre Solvay Kali Chemie (C) dients and their quantification is time Discussed/rejected: and money consuming and for medi- Sandoz Madaus (Germany) 64 • HERBALGRAM 34 European Phytomedicines Market Table S. Most Prescribed Herbal Monopreparations in Germany Herbal Drug Therapeutic Retail Sales US $ Class (mil.) An ABC exclusive Ginkgo biloba Circulatory agent 280 llle Farnsworth Horse chestnut Venous agent 103 Yeast Antidiarrheal agent 48 Symposium Crataegus Cardiac agent 27 Urtica Urologic agent 33 Hypericum Antidepressant 26 PROGRESS ON TERRESTRIAL AND Echinacea lmmunstimulant 9 MARINE NATURAL PRODUCTS Valerian Sedative 5 OF MEDICINAL Source: Arzneimittelverordnungsreport 1994 AND BIOLOGICAL INTEREST Proceedin gs of a Symposium held on the Occasion of the 60th birthday of Professor No rm an R. Farn sworth Editors John M . Pezzuto Protect and store A. Douglas Kinghorn Harry H. S. Fong cal claims multi-million dollar clinical tri Geoffrey A. Corde ll als are expected by the FDA. your valuable Furthermore the medical community in the U.S . is still sceptical towards back issues of phytomedicines, but hopefully government funding wi ll attract their interest in this ex citing, very old, but for the U.S. , rather new HERBAIGRAM group of remedies. 0 in these handsome Literature slipcases! In March 1990, a medicinal plant symposium, "Progress on Terrestrial and Marine Natural l. Haas, H. ( 199 1) Arzneipflanzenkunde. Bl-Wiss Products of Medicinal and Biological Interest," Verlag, Mannheim: I - 196. was held in honor of the 60th birthday of Profes 2. Farnsworth, N. R., Morri s, R. W. ( 1976) Higher ssso sor Norman R. Farnsworth . plants - the sleeping giant of drug development. Only The one hundred eighty-one-page paperback Am J Pharmacy 148: 46- 52. contains: 3. Institute of Medical Stati stics ( 1994). In : Eaves, CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL M. The European Experience. Symposium "Bo TOLL FREE: 800/373·71 OS • 19 scientific papers • 10 abstracts tanicals: A Role in U. S. Health Care?" Wash FAX YOUR ORDER: S 12/331-1924. • 11 abstracts of poster presentations in gton, Dec. 1994. Subjects include: 4. The Herbal Medical Data Base ( 1993) Who's • Bioactive Plants of the Northwest Amazon Who in the World Herbal Medical Industry. • Traditional Medicine and Medicinal Plants McAlpine, Thorpe and Warrier Limited, London. of Burma 5. DeSmet PAGM ( 1993). An introducti on to herbal • Understanding Methods in Chinese pharmacoepidemiology. J Ethnopharmacology Herbal Preparations 39: 197-208. • Medical Ethnobotany of South America 6. Nicholas Hall Report (1994). Natural Remedies, • The Organization and Function of In ternational Overview. Nicholas Hall Com NAPRALERT pany, Southend-on-Sea. • Phytochemicals with Potential Use in 7. Keller, K. ( 1994). Phytotherapy at a European Dental Products level. European Phytotelegram, ESCOP August 1994: 40-45. 8. Bundesverband der Arzneimittel-Hersteller BAH ( 1994). Dasfreie Medikament, 6/94. 9. Sc hwab, U., Paffrath , D. ( 1994). Arzneiverordnungs-Report '94. Gustav Fischer Item #402. See page Verlag, Stuttgart. 87 for order form. Cal/800/373-7105 or FAX 5121331-1924 HER BALGRA M 34 • 65 MARKET REPORT ' HERB SALES UP 35 PERCENT IN MASS MARKET HERB CHECKLIST AND CROSS-REFERENCE Sales of herbal supplements rose dramatically in drugstores and supermarkets in 1994. According to a report by Towne-Oller, a Herbs division of Information Resources, Inc. of New York, herbs were one of the top 10 dollar gainers in the mass market compared to of 1993 sales, with a 32% sales increase in drugstores totaling $74.7 million and 41 % growth in food stores to $31.9 million. The aver Commerce age growth for both outlets was 35%, totaling $106.7 million in retail sales. As in 1993, garlic and ginseng dominated the herb category in 1994. Ginseng sales rose to $31.1 million, up 28% from the previous year in drugstores, while garlic sales increased 20% to Published by the American Herbal Products A ssociation $26.5 million. Garlic sales grew 40% to $12.9 million in food stores while ginseng leaped 63 % to $11.8 million in retail sales. According to the report, acidophilus was the quickest grow ing "herbal supplement" in drugstores, skyrocketing 140% to $1.2 This publication of the American Herbal Products Associa million, while food store sales increased 57% to over $475,000. tion includes a checklist of over 550 species of primary This constitutes a 1.6% dollar share in the herb category in drug plant names of herbs in commerce in the United States with stores; 1.5% in food stores. Acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria over 1 ,800 cross-referenced names. Common names, as well as outdated Latin names, are currently used in the consumed to help restore proper balance of intestinal flora. Al commercial herb market. "Herbs of Commerce" is not only though it is classed as an herbal supplement in this report, few herb a useful key for accurate identification but a viable industry experts consider acidophil us an "herb"; it most properly should be standard which will help reduce such confusion in the future. "Herbs of Commerce" is a must for wholesalers, classed as a miscellaneous dietary supplement. retailers, and consumers, as well as health professionals, The study also included lecithin, bee pollen, and brewer's researchers, and regulators. yeast in the herb class. Lecithin, derived from soy beans, is usu Edited by botanist Steven Fosler with the assistance of the following Scientific ally not considered "herbal"-at least in the traditional herb indus Advisory Panel: Dr. Dennis Awang (Bureau of Drug Research, Natural try. Bee pollen, gathered from flowers by honeybees and then har Products Division, Health and We~are Canada), Dr. Sh in Ying Hu (Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, retired), Dr. John Kartesz (North Carolina vested from hives by beekeepers, is often sold by herb companies. Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Dr. Arthur 0 . Tucker (Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delaware State College) , -MB and Dr. Varro E. Tyler (School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Purdue University). Sources: Herbal Supplement Sales Grow 35% in 1994. The Tan Sheet. Item #403. See page 87 $3 9so for other products Chevy Chase, MD. F-D-C Reports, April 10, 1995. and order form. Highlights & Trends of Health & Beauty Care-1994, Towne Oller, a Subsidiary of Information Resources, Inc. Call 8001373-71 OS or FAX 512/331-1924 I FRANK & ERNEST® by Bob Thaves \\ 9UAt-ITY Tt4Yt.~~e \~ ~!.SO 66 • HER BALG RAM 34 Israeli. the scientific community, but also on the general public. Only Brekhman two years after Brekhman' s first published work, the Eleutherococcus extract was approved by the Pharmacological 1921 -1994 Committee of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Health for clinical use as a "stimulant." For his discoveries and work developing natural plant sub stances, Dr. Brekhman held nearly 40 patents, including 21 inter national patents. He published 22 monographs and hundreds of Dr. Israel I. Brekhman was an scientific articles and books all over the world. Several books internationally renowned and and journals on adaptogens, published in the United States, respected research scientist, a Japan, and Sweden, were dedicated to Dr. Brekhman and his pioneer in the field of organic landmark work. medicine and biologically active In honor of his scientific achievements and outstanding con substances. Professor and Doctor tributions, Dr. Brekhman received the Order of Lenin, the high of Medical Sciences, his entire est award possible in the former Soviet Union. His other awards career was devoted to unlocking include the Lenin Medal for Valiant Work, and the Certificate of the secrets of nature and improv Honor from the Russian parliament. ing health and well-being. As the founder and permanent director of the Committee for The son of a tailor, I. I. the Study of Far East Medicinal Plants, Dr. Brekhman also headed Brekhman won a coveted place at the Naval Medical Academy of the Department for Regulation of Biological Processes at the Pa the U.S.S.R. in Leningrad, specializing in Pharmacology. Upon cific Oceanographic Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. his graduation as a medical doctor in 1945, he was sent by the He served on the board of the Russian Academy of Technological Navy to the Far East of Russia, where he spent the rest of his life. Sciences and the International Organization of Adaptive Medi During his remarkable 45 years of research, Dr. Brekhman be cine in Frankfurt, Germany, and was an advisor to the Annual came the world authority on adaptogens. He is best known in the Dead Sea Conferences on Well-being. West for this pioneering work, in fact, he helped to popularize the Dr. Brekhman organized and led three international sympo term. His particular focus was Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) siums on adaptogens in Hamburg, Moscow, and Khabarovsk. He and especially "Siberian" ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). also participated in many international congresses and confer One cannot review the scientific literature on Eleutherococus ences (London, Tokyo, Prague, St. Petersburg). He served on without coming across many of Brekhman's articles on this tonic various international committees and was invited to lecture at the herb. His first article on Eleutherococcus in a scientific journal, Universities of London, Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen. (Rob "A New Medicinal Plant of the Family of Araliaceae-The Spiny McCaleb's interview with Dr. Brekhman appears in HerbalGram Eleutherococcus" (1960), had a tremendous impact not only on # 16, pp. 11-12.) -B. Johnston Cyrus The tapping experiments extended through two seasons. His Longworth Lundell work was a combination of conservation and economics. Raw chicle soon became one of the principal exports and in 1930, the U.S. 1907-1993 importation of chicle had risen to 14 million pounds-a retail value of more than $100 million. Dr. Lundell loved Mayan culture and archaeology as well as botany. In the fall of 1931 , at 24, he continued his sapodilla experi ments, studying and collecting the flora of southern Campeche, Mexico. Travel into the Mayan area deep in the forest was only possible by the narrow roads and trails. On the morning of December 29, Lundell and his assistant In 1928, as a 21-year-old sopho were cutting their way through wild and lonely jungles in an un more at Southern Methodist charted area of Campeche 70 miles north of the Guatemalan University (SMU), Cyrus Lundell border. He discovered a large monolith and, for three days he and accepted an appointment as Assis his assistant explored the site, discovering 65 stelae-more than tant Physiologist at the Tropical any ever found in any other Mayan city-and two great pyramids. Plant Research Foundation in From 1931-33 Dr. Lundell discovered 16 ancient cities and Washington, D.C. He was to serve explored numerous other Mayan cities. For the next 11 years he as a field assistant in British directed botanical expeditions to Guatemala, Mexico, and British Honduras (now Belize), undertaking tapping experiments on the Honduras for the Carnegie Institution of Washington and Univer sapodilla (Achras zapota) tree, which yields chicle, for the U.S. sity of Michigan-all this time studying the flora and researching chewing gum industry. the fall of the Mayan civilization. HERBALGRAM 34 • 67 He and his wife also found some 450 Guatemalan plants, He began working to reverse the depletion of north Texas among which were the parents of such crop plants as squash, pinto prairies through the establishment of the Institute of Technology beans, chili peppers, and cacao. In fact, Dr. Lundell thought his and Plant Industry. Two years later the institute was chartered as research on the plant life in this area he called "the food cradle of the privately supported Texas Research Foundation. What began the Western world" was far more important than the discovery of at SMU in 1944 continues today in the same spirit as the Botanical 16 ancient cities. Research Institute of Texas (BRIT). Years of research of the Mayan civilization helped guide Dr. A few other highlights in Dr. Lundell's long list of achievements: Lundell's vision and recognize the long-term benefits of conserv • Discovered and named over 2,000 plants, many of them Texas ing our natural heritage. He ignored the all-too-familiar voice say natives ing, "You have to pay the price." He wasn't interested in paying • Started the botanical journal Wrightia ; authored or co-authored prices but in benefits. You don't pay the price for good health, you over 200 scientific and popular papers, various books, includ enjoy the benefits of good health-you pay the price for bad health. ing Flora of Texas, and sponsored publication of the Manual Dr. Lundell said years ago after much research of the Mayan of Va scular Plants of Texas culture, "The fate of the Maya was the fate of their soul." You • Trustee, Carver Foundation don't pay the price for a healthy environment, or a wealth of • Member Agricultural Board, National Academy of Science, biodiversity, you enjoy the benefits of a healthy environment and a National Research Council, Washington wealth of biodiversity. You pay the price for a deteriorated envi • Awarded Guatemala's greatest honor, the Order of Quetzal, ronment and a "Sinking Ark." commemorating 50 years of research in botany, agriculture, Dr. Lundell was committed to saving the Texas blacklands, a and Mayan Archaeology ( 1981) natural heritage. While studying the environmental background of - Barney Lipscomb, Ph.D. the Maya, he found the blackland soils of the Maya region to be (Based on a memorial presentation delivered at the First Annual similar to those of his boyhood hoine south of Austin , Texas, which International Excellence in Botany Award ofthe Botanical Research his grandfather had brought under the plow. Through hi s interests Institute of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas, February 21 , 1995.) in archaeology and botany, Dr. Lundell began a crusade related to hi s roots: saving the Texas blacklands in 1944. Mildred upper Amazon basin, East and South-Central Africa, New Guinea, Southeastern Asia, and Australia. She authored 200 research Mathias papers, articles, and books, but did not confine her interests to 1907-1995 foreign lands. While serving as Southern California president of the Nature Conservancy, she was instrumental in the acquisition of the 50,000- acre Santa Cruz Island reserve off Santa Barbara. She was also chairwoman of the University of California Natural Reserve System, which controls 26 sites around California where ecologists do field studies. Mildred Mathias earned her doctorate from Washington University in 1929. During her early work she was a Research Mildred Mathias is Assistant at the Missouri Botanical Garden, New York Botanical thought of by many as Garden, University of California at Berkeley and Los Angeles be UCLA's Grande Dame tween 1929 and 1958. She was Director of the UCLA Botanical of Botany. After her Gardens and Herbarium from 1958 to 1968, Professor of Botany "retirement," she ex from 1962 through 1964, and Emeritus Professor of Botany from changed her classroom for exotic rain forests and jungles, trudging 1974 until her death. An eight-acre garden at the southeast corner up mountains when most octogenarians were nesting in their of the UCLA campus containing 4,000 species of native and exotic recliners. plants was named for her in 1979. Her many trips to Peru and Ecuador in the 1960s represent a Her achievements earned awards from professional societ pioneering effort undertaken long before it was fashionable to search ies, including the prestigious Liberty Hyde Bailey Medal in 1980 for plants of potential medicinal significance. As a result of thi s and the Medal of Honor of the Garden Clubs of America in 1982. spirited adventuring, she and her colleagues brought back thou During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she admit sands of herbarium vouchers and associated material for screening ted that early on she had become bored with retirement. "I wouldn't and assaying in search of new medicines. Trained as a botanist, want to sit at home playing bridge and I wouldn't want to live some horticulturist, and conservationist, she became a globe-trotter, lead where where there were no young people," she said. Her life and ing study trips on natural hi story and horticulture to Costa Rica, the achievements certainly reflected that philosophy. -B. Johnston 68 • HER BALG RAM 34 Calvin actualized in collaboration with leading anthropologists in this country and others. Sperling Calvin Sperling was one of the leading international scientific 1957-1995 experts on the interrelationships of people, plants, and their environment. As such, his advice, guidance, and professional perspective were sought by many different organizations It is with heavy hearts and great concerned with food, agriculture, conservation, and the uses, sorrow that the botanical orgins, and mangement of economic plants. exploration community mourns He lent his passions and expertise to the U. S. Department of the passage of one of the most Agriculture where he served as Chief Plant Explorer since 1987. passionate, true plant lovers and In his capacity, he personally conducted and coordinated multiple, scientists of this generation. international research expeditions each year to various countries Calvin R. Sperling died of in search of unique crop varieties and wild relatives of known melanoma in his home at Silver and important economic crops. Spring, Maryland. Calvin was Calvin Sperling was the recipient of numerous awards of one of the rare and delightful international stature. Among them were the Richard Evans international plant explorers Schultes Award, as part of The Healing Forest Conservancy, and whose passion for plants known, the Frank N. Meyer Award for Plant Genetic Resources, for his used, and appreciated by humans was equaled by his love and contribution to the collection of wild plants throughout the world. appreciation for the cultures and their uses of those plants. He leaves a legacy of dedication and passion for the plants, He traveled conducting plant-collecting expeditions peoples, and environments of our planet. He embodied a respect extensively throughout many regions of the planet. He worked for the Pachamama, the Earth's spirit of the Andean region, which in the Andes and Amazon region of South America looking at has its equivalent manifestation in all cultures. little-known food crops, collecting the biodiversity of tropical It is extremely likely that we will all feast on the fruits of his rainforests, and showing great reverence and appreciation for the labor as the years go on. The wild crop relatives and the distinct origins of agriculture. His passion for those origins led him to varieties of food plants that he and his colleagues collected will study the origins, management, diversity, and wild crop relatives undoubtedly aid the diversity of the international agricultural of many plant species important to modern agriculture. In palate of foods and crops that feed the planet. In that sense, we particular, he traveled and collected in Russia, Turkey, Israel, and bid our farewell and give our thanks, but he shall live among us many regions of the Mid-East. His vision to integrate local people through his contributions to the world of foods, plants, and as part of in situ conservation programs for crop germplasm was agriculture. -Steven R. King, Ph.D. Dick Tippett 1931-1995 On March 14, 1995, while strumental in forming the orth Carolina Herb Association where doing what he loved most Dick worked unceasingly-encouraging, organizing, and seeing to working with his family in the details, handling boot as well as book work. their garden at Rasland He graduated from West Point in 1954, and, having become Farm-Dick Tippett suddenly fluent in Russ ian, worked as a foreign area intelligence specialist died of a massive heart attack. during the coldest part of the Cold War. Even though he retired in Dick was one of the 90 people 1952, his unsinkable energy focused on the herb business he, Sylvia, who met in early 1985 to form and their son, John, had been developing. He was elected to the the International Herb Grow Board of Directors of IHGMA and served as President in 1989- ers and Marketers Association (IHGMA; now the International Herb 1990. He was as comfortable to be around as a well-worn shoe Association (IHA)) in order to form a regional herb association. an affability that masked a keen mind. All of us who knew Dick When this subsequently led to a national association Dick and his Tippett will miss him. -from an article by Portia Meares. wife, Sylvia, were among its strongest supporters. They were in- HERBALGRAM 34 • 69 BOOK REVIEWS Assuming the authors mean diluted Aloe and involved crossover with a control group. vera "gel" because the juice is a very vig I personall y would have preferred a more orous laxative even in small amounts, one methodical approach involving a numbered searches in vain in the subsequent reference reference (for easy retrieval) fo llowed by a section for information on the long-term list of significant parameters and how each safety of daily consumption of one quart of of those was fu lfi lled by the particular in the product. vestigation. Finally, the conclusions of those Subsequently, it is stated, "The broad who conducted the study, stated in their own antibiotic [sic] effects of berberine, com words, would have been useful. bined with its anti-ineffective and immune Nevertheless, I have a small section stimulating actions [emphasis mine]," sup on the right-hand portion of my desk where port the use of goldenseal in treating infec I keep a small number of books that I view tions. Disregarding the obvious misuse of as the most valuable ready references for the term antibiotic, which in medicine re information on herbal products and which I fers to products produced by microorgan use most frequently. In spite of the kinds of Botanical Influences on Illness: A isms, the statement about immune stimulat interpretive flaws previously noted, Werbach Sourcebook of Clinical Research, by ing actions aroused my interest immediately. and Murray's book joined that section as Melvin R. Werbach, M.D. , and Michael T. I had long wondered why goldenseal was soon as I received a copy and will probably Murray, N .D. 1994. Third Line Press, combined with echinacea in some herbal remain there for the indefinite future. Tarzana, CA. Hardcover. 344 pp. $39.95. mixtures because I had never seen any de It is an extremely useful book and I ISBN #0-96 18550-4-5. Available from ABC finitive evidence of goldenseal's purported refer to it frequently. The FDA's present Books, Item #B074 . beneficial action on the human immune sys insistence on randomized clinical trials as tem. Consequently, I turned to the seven ref the only kind of evidence deemed valid in The obtuse title of this volume may erence sections of the volume where gold safety and efficacy testing of herbs and cause many interested readers to underesti enseal is discussed. None ofthe clinical ref phytomedicinals causes me to use it con mate or even overlook its extreme utility. erences found there provided any substan stantly. Now when people call and ask, "But The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tial support for the effectiveness of gold have there ever been any double-blind stud is currently promoting the use of the word enseal as an immunostimulant. ies with saw palmetto for BPH?" I can tum botanical because it believes an herb must The references themselves, useful as to pages 76-77 and say, "Here's a positive be a leafy product. Reference to the dictio they may be, must also be approached with one with 168 patients, another with 30, an nary would soon correct that misimpression. a critical eye because they are taken from other with 50, one with 11 0, and so on". The volume's subtitle is more explanatory the worldwide medical and pharmacologi Varro E. Tyler, Ph. D. of its contents, but in the best of all possible cal literature (mostly 1970s to date), which worlds, the book would have been desig is very uneven in nated Clinical and Pharmacological Stud quality. Com- ies of Herbs and Phytomedicinals-An An pounding this need notated Bibliography, because that is what for caution are the it is. rather optimistic in ECHINACEA In the introduction, following a gen terpretations given A LITERATURE REVIEW eral overview of herbs and herbal products, to many of the stud BY C HRISTOPHER HOBBS the authors present a concise data summary ies by the authors. PUBLISH ED IN H ERBALGRAM N0.30 of 236 important herbs. A number of state The word "may" is ments found in this section do not appear to used with great fre Referenced in the Dietary Supplement Health and be validated by references subsequently quency in interpret Education Act of 1994 noted in the book. For example, it is stated ing the therapeutic A16-page review including four-color that detailed information is lacking regard utility of herbs. ing the optimal dose of Aloe vera juice [sic], Oftentimes, the representations of all nine species. and consequently "no more than one quart number of subjects Over 200 references. [should] be consumed in any one day." The participating in a Tables of Chemistry and Pharmacology available separately. term Aloe vera "juice" is consistently mis study is not given Credit card orders, caiiS00/373-7105 used throughout the book. Technically, it nor is it always refers to the contents of the lactiferous peri stated whether the or FAX, 512/331-1924 cyclic tubules of the leaf, not the contents study was random Item #405-A $5 .00. 16-page review of the mucilage-bearing parenchyma cells. ized, double-blind, Item #405-B $5.00. Chem istry & Pharmacology tables See page 87 for order fo rm 70 • HERBALGRAM 34 BOOK REVIEWS to the growing potential of EGb 761 as a leading therapeutic tool in both the preven tion and early intervention of CNS disorders associated with aging. Volume 2 of the series on ginkgo re search, Ginkgo biloba ( EGb 761) as a Free Radical Scavenger, is taken from the Pro ceedings of the International Symposium held in Budapest, Hungary on June 12, 1992. This textbook further establishes EGb 761 as an effective antioxidant in the CNS, retina, and cardiovascular systems. Although largely dedicated to animal studies, the middle section of this textbook deals with EGb 761 's ability to serve as a EHects of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb cifically the ginkgolides) and platelet-acti 761) on the Central Nervous System, powerful antioxidant for visual structures vating factor (PAF) inhibition. Anti-PAF Edited by Y Christen, J. Constentin, M. including the retina. Previous research has Lacour. 1992. Elsevier, Paris . $30. activity, in addition to the above-mentioned suggested that EGb 761 may serve as both a Softcover, 172 pp. ISBN 2-906077-28-3. actions, has led to a great deal of focus on preventive and early therapeutic tool for Available from ABC Books, Item #BO 16A. EGb 761 's ability to counteract the effects macular degeneration. The studies in this of ischemia-reperfusion (ability to text focus largely on the retina and the role counteract the effects of lack of oxygenation that EGb 761 may play in management of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761 ) as a Free ttissue which may lead to free radical Radical Scavenger, Edited by C. retinopathy. One study, partly completed at Ferrandini, M. T Droy-Lefaix, Y Christen. damage). This has pointed to it as a the Schnepens Eye Research Institute and 1993. Elsevier, Paris. $30. Softcover, 186 potential therapeutic tool in recovery from Harvard Medical School in Boston, indicates pp. ISBN 2-906077-36-4. Available from strokes. Added to this is recent research that daily treatment with EGb 761 reduces ABC Books, Item #BO 16B. indicating that another terpene lactone, the incidence of neovascularization in an bilobalide, has neuroprotective properties. animal model of retinopathy of prematurity. These two reference books represent One of the more intriguing areas ex This condition occurs in premature infants the first two volumes of an ongoing series plored in this book is the potential for EGb as a result of high oxygen therapy neces entitled "Advances in Ginkgo biloba Extract 761 in traumatic brain injury. Drs. D. G. sary for life support and is due to the pro Research." Derived from the proceedings Stein and S. W. Hoffman of Rutgers Uni duction of free radicals in the retina. of annual symposiums on Ginkgo biloba versity present the findings of an animal Other articles focusing on retinal Extract (EGb 761 ), these textbooks serve to study demonstrating EGb 761 's ability to en physiology indicate that EGb 761 's PAF reinforce EGb 761 's standing as the most hance recovery and learning in rats with bi antagonistic properties add to its ability to extensively researched Ginkgo extract in the lateral injury to the frontal cortex. The clini protect retinal damage. Combined with the world and most frequently prescribed phy cal potential for head injury patients is cer extract's vasoregulatory and neuroprotective tomedicine in Europe. Developed and manu tainly staggering and should become the properties, this makes EGb 761 a potentially factured by Willmar Schwabe GMBH of focal point of future clinical trials with EGb useful tool in the long-term management of Karlsruhe, Germany, EGb 761 is a concen 761. Another report also extends this pro diabetes and prevention of retinopathy and trated and purified preparation of Ginkgo tective effect to visual pathways in the CNS. neuropathy in these individuals. leaves standardized to contain 24% ginkgo Three animal studies examine the ef Two final areas of interest in this text flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. fect of EGb 761 on learning deficits associ book are EGb 761 's protection of red blood The first book, Effects of Ginkgo ated with aging. This section of the book cells and the heart muscle from oxidative biloba Extract ( EGb 761) on the Central cumulates in a review article on the effects damage. These findings make EGb 761 a Nervous System, is taken from the proceed of EGb 761 on normal or altered memory viable alternative for individuals recovering ings of the International Symposium held function in humans. from myocardial infarction as well as stroke. in Montreux, Switzerland on April 20, 1991. It is interesting to note that a great deal These two textbooks are essential The articles serve to expand the understand of clinical research focus with EGb 761 has reading for professionals attempting to stay ing of EGb 761 's effect on the Central Ner been in the areas of resistant depression as current with the impressive amount of re vous System (CNS). Early research on EGb sociated with cerebrovascular insufficiency search being generated on Ginkgo biloba 761 largely focused on its vasoregulatory and early senile dementia (please see review extracts. Volume 3 of this series, which was and antioxidant capabilities in the CNS. on treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's Dis published in 1994, will cover EGb 761 's This text explores the terpene lac tones (spe- ease in this issue of HerbalGram). These activity on the cardiovascular system. - studies and the entirety of this text add fuel Donald Brown, N.D. HERBALGRAM 34 • 71 BOOK REVIEWS actuall y contained in a product could be sis of individual products listing specific quite another. The authors report that the target species of the report. Table one lists Clark R. Bavin National Fish and Wildlife 34 plant species and their statu s as Forensics Laboratory has been conducting determined in the Chinese Red Data Book, research on Oriental medicinal products, and and by their classification, by Dr. Steve sampling methods have shown that many Davis, Senior Research Officer of the World products contain little, if any, endangered Conservation Union (IUCN) Monitoring species derivatives, according to the report. Centre (as of December 1989). TRAFFIC observation of medicine factories The majority of the target ingredients TRAFF IC in China revealed that some manufacturers in the report are of animal origin. Targeted may include extremely minute amounts of plant species include Achyranthes bidentata, species in question in products - so minute Astragalus, Eucommia ulmoides, Ginseng that they may be undetectable. Such inclu (Panax spp.), and Magnolia, particularly sion is obviously more of a marketing strata Magnolia officina/is. gem for mass-produced patent medicines, Achyranthes bidentata, known as ox which are the primary focus of the report. knee, or niu-xi (Chinese), is considered rare The authors point out, however, that there is or threatened in Ghana, tropical Africa, and Prescription for Extinction: Endangered Species and Patented no doubt over the gravity of the poaching middle Asia. However, the supply of the Oriental Medicines in Trade, by crisis faced by rhinos, tigers, and other ani species which enters the Chinese drug trade Andrea L. Gaski and Kurt A Johnson. 7994 . mal species, whose body parts are generally is almost entirely cultivated, and cultivated TRAFFIC USA. Softcover. 300 pp. ISBN 7- available in whole form at very high prices, roots are considered to be the highest qual 85850-03 7-7. rather than as a product ingredient, to select ity. To this author's mind, the solution to clientele primarily in Asian countries. medicinal plant conservation problems is TRAFFIC USA is the office of the The situation is indeed a complex one, simple- medicinal plant cultivation. In the World Wildlife Fund, that, among other and the report brings all sides of the issue to case of this species, that goal has been things, monitors compliance in the U.S. of light, along with the various U.S. laws that achieved. It is my belief that rai sing ques the Convention on International Trade in En regulate such trade. These include the En tions about the conservation status of this dangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora dangered Species Act, the Lacey Act,the species is equivalent to "crying wolf." Con and (CITES). The present spiral-bound, 30- Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Fair servation problems abound in medicinal page white paper is the result of a seven Packaging and Labeling Act, and of course plant utilization. Why attempt to highlight year effort in compiling information on en the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. a problem where no problem exists? dangered species used in Oriental medicines. A troubling problem revealed by the I believe it does more to harm the con In the foreword we learned that during this report is the allegation that many Chinese servation cause than to help it. The same time Zimbabwe's black rhino population has government-licensed manufacturers of Chi argument can be made for raising questions declined by 75 percent; in India 350 tigers, nese patent medicines are allowed to sub over the conservation status of "milk vetch" on average, have been lost to poachers each stitute other animal or plant products for in a generic sense, especially considering year. Asiatic black bear, musk deer, and those listed on the label, without revealing that the genus Astragalus, one of the largest saiga antelope have all experienced signifi that substitution on the package. In 1989 a genera of flowering plants, contains upwards cant population declines due to hunting for TRAFFIC consultant went to China to visit of 2,000 species. Eucommia ulmoides is an the Oriental medicines trade. The data is patent medicine manufacturers and discov other case in point. Stands of Eucommia indeed alarming, and, as we shall see later, ered that of 40 patent medicines checked, are rare in the wild, yet Eucommia planta sometimes unnecessarily alarmist. only 8 had formulas different from those tions, maintained for production of the valu In compiling their database, TRAF listed on the labels. Substitutions included able bark, are widespread in China. I don' t FIC has documented 600 different,mostly leopard sinews for tiger sinews. For over believe, based on what I know of Eucommia patent, Oriental medicines medicines, pro seas markets, in some cases ingredients such production, that a conservation problem ex duced by over 100 manufacturers sold in as tiger and bear parts were omitted. ists. Its inclusion in the report hurts its cred the United States. Of those at least 430 Readers will find methods, results, ibility. The ginseng discussion, like the other contain endangered, threatened, or protected and discussions in the first 133 pages of the plant di scussions in this book, relies heavily, animal and plant species. This number book, along with background information on and inappropriately, on secondary literature includes 80 endangered, threatened, or the origin of Oriental medicines in interna (including that of this author), rather than protected animal and plant taxa available in tional trade, the U.S. market, U.S.laws, U.S. authoritative primary sources which would patent medicines sold in the United States. imports, and a review by key U.S. cities. The have resulted in a different compilation. The report shows that what is listed majority of the work is devoted to tables I leave the Magnolia discussion for a on the label is one thing, and what might be describing ingredients, prices, and an analy- more knowledgeable reviewer of the subject matter. 72 • HERBALGRAM 34 BOOK REVIEWS Cibo Foundation Symposi um 185 Perhaps the status of a species enter The presenters at this conference ex ing trade, be it classified as rare, vulnerable, plore a wide range of topics, examining the rare, threatened, or endangered, of a third ETHNOBOTANY AND role of ethnobotany in both modern and tra party classificati on/certification system that THE SEARCH FOR ditional societi es, and how the two differ could independentl y assure that an at-risk NEW DRUGS ent paradi gms can benefit one another us species, particul arly in the case of pl ants, is Ciba Foundation Ciba Foundation ing various scientific approaches. The need indeed cultivated if entering the commer Ciba Foundation for accurate ethnomedical informati on, re cial trade. Such a system could be modeled Ciba Foundation Ciba Foundation cording th e medical uses, type of prepara after third-party organi c certificati on Ciba Foundation Ciba Foundation ti on, pl ants used, and experti se of the gath systems. Ciba Foundation erer of the info rmati on are explored, along Prescription fo r Extinction raises se Ciba Foundation Ciba Foundation with di fferences in approach between di s ri ous questions about the internati onal trade Cibo Foundation ease concepts in Western societi es and tra Ciba Fou ndation in Oriental patent medicines, especiall y the Ciba Foundation ditional medicine. The book also explores large number that contain or li st animal parts Ciba Foun dation Ciba Foundation the issues of intellectual property ri ghts, the on their labels. Once again , the questi on, applicati on of patent laws, and methods of "does the product include what the label compensati on fo r holders of the tradi ti onal indicates?" is raised. The troubling usage knowledge. of animal parts that are protected in intern a The most striking di fferences un ve il ed ti onal trade, but continue to be used in Ori in this coll ecti on of papers are the juxtapo ental medicinal products is a problem for sition of collecting ethnobotani cal data for the herb industry by associati on. However, ment), Walter Lewis and Memory Elvin new drug development in the West and the it is unfortunate that the pl ant data in the Lewi s (Basic, quantitati ve and experimen in tegral role of ethnomedicine in cultures in report raises more questi ons abo ut the tal research phases of future ethnobotany China, India, Afri ca, Mexico, South and project's methods than it does about con with reference to the medi cin al pl ants of Central Ameri ca, and elsewhere that choose servati on problems with the targeted species. South Ameri ca), Xavier Lozoya (Two de to rely on medicinal pl ants and traditional -Steven Foster cades of Mexican ethnobotany and research practitioners fo r primary health care. In this on pl ant-deri ved drugs), Ric hard Evans respect, as is the case with many titles in Schultes (Amazoni an ethnobotany and the the Ciba Foundati on Symposium series, th e searc h for new drugs), Xi ao Pe i-Ge n participants' di scussions fo llowing each fo r (Ethnopharmacological in vestigations of mal presentati on are most revealing. Chinese medicinal pl ants), S. K. Jai n (Eth After Dr. Schultes' talk, for example, nobotany and research on medicinal plants Dr. Lozoya expressed di scontent with in India), and many others. Schultes' definition of ethnobotany, encom In the search for new drugs, ethno passing "the study of the uses, technologi Ethnobotany and the Search for New botany can help in at least three ways. It cal manipulati on, classifi cation, indigenous Drugs, Ciba Foundation Symposium 185 Edited by Derek J. Chadwick and Joan provides general indicati ons fo r bioacti vity nomenclatu re, agricultural systems, magico Marsh . John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. 1994. suitabl e for broad biological screens, can religious concepts, conservati on techniques 280pp. Hardcover. $76. ISBN 0-47 1- reveal indicati ons of specific activity fo r and general sociological importance of the 95024-6. Available from ABC Books, Item conditions of unknown ori gin , and can pro fl ora in primitive or pre-literate societi es." #B095. vide indicati ons of hi ghl y specific acti vity Dr. Lozoya noted, "In Latin Ameri ca, suitable for targeted bi ological screens. All we have been fi ghting fo r 20 years to re The contents of thi s volume are the of these targets presume that one is search place th e language that refers to us as primi proceedings of the symposium on ethno ing for a new drug under the Western medi ti ve societi es. Mexican traditional medicine botany and the search for new drugs held at cal model of di scovering a specific com is not primitive." the Hotel Praia Centro, Fortaleza, Brazil , 30 pound that can be developed in to a propri Dr. Jain asserted that " ... a direct rela November - 3 December 1993. Presenters etary drug for orthodox pharmaceuti cal ti onship between pl ants and human societ include a who's who li st in ethnobotanical markets. However, in societi es that do not ies is ethnobotany." research worldwide, including Michael rely on Western medi cine due to cost and Whether plant use is the result of di Balick (Ethnobotany, drug developments other factors, ethnobotany, in the fo rm of rect in teracti on of humans or pl ants, or sev and biodiversity conservati on - exploring traditional medi c ine, provides primary eral steps removed, all who are interested the linkages), Paul Cox (The ethnobotani health care, as is the case in many African in medi cinal pl ant research and the role of cal approach to drug di scovery: strengths countries, Central and South A merica, ethnobotany, including bi ologists, ecolo and limitations), Norman F arnsworth India, and China, among the more notable gists, botanists, medicinal and pharmaceu (Ethnopharmacology and drug develop- examples. ti cal chemists, pharmacist, physicians, and H ERBALGRAM 3 4 • 73 BOOK REVIEWS generalists, will find this enlightening vol complement the text. This friendly, popu ume a welcome addition to their libraries. lar guide combines medicinal and edible use Students interested in enrolling in ethnobo in the same text. Under shepherd's purse, tanical programs should be required to read for example, we are told of the edibility of this book before making a decision. All the the leaves in salads as well as the roasted multifaceted pieces that make up an under seeds. A good review of medicinal uses is standing of ethnobotany are included this also provided. This is a book for those who book. This is an important read for anyone wish to explore the practical side of things interested in the direction of medicinal plant herbal from the field. research and utilization.-Steven Foster Michael Moore writes in the foreword, "You need to get your hands dirty, your feet sore, your forehead scratched by branches. You need to go out in your wild lands, check the plants over different sea sons, different years, find out firsthand what can be spared, what cannot. You need to Murder, Magic and Medicine, by John get to know the plants, how much you can Mann. 1994. Oxford University Press, New York. Softcover, Plastic covered, 232 kill (yes, kill, for, after all, aren't all ani pp. $14. 951SBN# 0-19-855854-6. mals parasitic on plants?) and what you may Available from ABC Books #B 105 need to spare or replant so that they thrive after you leave." The alliterative title of John Mann's This is a book about how to appreci veritably valuable volume is derived from ate plants in the field, and, if you develop his treatment of the mythic mandrake (Man enough of the skills in identification, harvest, dragora officinarum), and its "partners in and appreciation, you learn how to use the crime," the deadly nightshade (Atropa bel plants themselves. Occasionally, the reader ladonna) and black henbane (Hyoscyamus is not given enough information to niger). This trio has had indeed a long no accomplish these purposes. The distribu torious association with poisoning, both ac tion and habitat sections often contain only cidental and deliberate, as well as with information on habitat. Distribution is am soothsaying and witchcraft. biguous, especially given the large area of Mann's manual deals with both the the North American continent delineated by historical and scientific bases of a broad the author. Under the distribution and habi range of plant activities and applications, tat discussion of the glacier lily we are told, and would be engaging reading particularly "This flower is so anxious to come out in for those interested in medicinal plants, their the spring and show its beauty, one often sees secondary metabolic strategies, and the de Edible and Medicinal Plants of the it in snow beds along alpine brooks." The signs to which man has applied them. Rocky Mountains and Neighboring reader doesn't have a whole lot to go on. Professor Mann, a professor of or Territories by Terry Willard, Wild Rose Perhaps this is good, however. Perhaps the ganic chemistry at the University of Read College of ,Natural Healing , Ltd., Calgary, author wishes only to offer a clue, and al ing in the U.K., propels from Macbeth's Alberta, Canada T2N 3P5. 1992. low the reader to seek further knowledge of Shakespearean cauldron a distillation of the Softcover. 277 pp. $25. ISBN #0-9691727- where the plant actually grows. basic pharmacology of the major recognized 2-9. Like discovering a beautiful Rocky neurotransmitters, and relates their effects Terry Willard's field guide to edible Mountain vista after reaching the crest of a to historical applications of plants in intoxi and medicinal plants of the Rocky Moun mountain foothill, Willard explores the wil cation, ritual, recreation, and therapy. Along tains provides descriptive and use informa derness of useful plants of Western North the way, Prof. Mann proposes a simplified tion on 150 herbs found in mountainous America- a geographic region with a pau integrated biochemical framework for ratio habitats of Western North America. Each city of medicinal plant books, except for the nalizing these activities, embracing also the species account includes identification de works of Michael Moore. The field users, more prominent and interesting marine, tails, distribution and habitat, preparations be they beginner or experienced, will find microbial, and reptilian toxins. and uses, and, where appropriate, a word of delight in the Indian lore and use sugges While some of the suggested struc caution. Synonyms for common names are tions that simply are not available in other ture-activity relationships seem strained, and included along with pronunciations and herb books. -Steven Foster there are occasional egregious errors in word origins for scientific names. Two hun structural and botanical representation, the dred color photographs and pen and inks text is generally instructive and interesting. 74 • HERBALGRAM 34 BOOK REVIEWS ABC Best Seller! How many readers would have known leaves of Aloe barbadensis (used by Greeks that cocoa was invented in 1550 by Chiapas and Romans), and also of Chinese rhubarb HERBAL DRUGS AND nuns who had the inspiration to combine (Rheum palmatum- not the common or gar PHYTOPHARMACEUTICALS cacao beans, vanilla, and sugar in an aque den variety). But Mann gets totally tangled ous medium? The author trips us through when dealing with the other significant an another alliterative procession from choco thraquinone-containing purgatives, namely Norman Grainger Bisset ( H ERBALGRAM 3 4 • 7 5 BOOK REVIEWS PHARMACY FROM THE RAINFOREST spp.), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and the increasingly popular maitake (Grifola A review of the frondosa), all of which contain numerous 1994ABC/ high molecular weight polysaccharides with ACEER well-documented immune-enhancing activ sponsored eco ity. In all, 28 major fungi are monographed tour to the in addition to the mention of additional spe Peruvian cies. Hobbs also devotes space to fly agaric Amazon. (Amanita muscaria), ergot (Claviceps purpurea), Chinese winterworm Includes: (Cordyceps), and jelly fungus (Tremella • Varro Tyler's fuciformis). keynote address • Kathy Each monograph includes an English McKeown and explanation of the fungi 's Latin name, Latin lan Hunter's binomial synonyms, other common names, Medicinal Mushrooms: An description of a Exploration of Tradition, Healing, & description and habitat, range, history, Ribereiios Culture, by Christopher Hobbs . 1995. chemistry, pharmacology, human clinical medicinal garden Botanica Press. Santa Cruz, CA. Softcover. studies, uses in traditional medicine, medi • Jay Hutchinson's narration of the 251 pp. $16.95. Available from ABC Books cal uses, preparation and dosage, related Amazonian trail of useful plants #B115/SBN 1-884360-01-7. species, and notes and procurement, i.e., if • Beautifu l color photography. Walk into virtually any upscale res the mushroom is available through hunting taurant these days and you are most likely on public or private lands. to find "wild mushrooms" being offered in The text has occasional clear line salads, soups, and sometimes even as an drawings, 8 pages of 4-color photographs, $ sQ~ tem #409 See page 87 to order appetizer or an entree. There is little doubt and a number of tables: e. g. , active that Americans are becoming fungal fanat polysaccharides from medicinal fungi; me ics. Walk into any health food store and you dicinal fungi of the Pen Tsao (classic Chi MoviV\g? will see some of these same mushrooms, and nese medicinal text); fungi used as medi some others, offered in various pills and cine in Europe; summary of research on OVII"' mail pel"'mit doe s "'ot a llo w VIS extracts for their health benefits. shiitake; nutrient content of edible and me t o f oi"'Wal"'d H e l"'baiGil"'am. .:Jf }'OVI Chris Hobbs, a fourth generation herb dicinal fungi; immune effects of lentinan: mov e ol"' cha"'ge yoVI I"' m aili"'9 ad alist/botanist, author, and recently accred in vitro and in vivo in animals and in hu d l"'e ss, p lease "'otify VI S immedi ited acupuncturist, has compiled what is mans; laboratory studies with maitake ex ately so y o VI will "'ot miss a"'y c o p most likely the first comprehensive book tract: anti-cancer effect and immuno-poten ie s. S e"'d yo VI I"' c ha"'ge o f add ... e ss dealing with the subject of medical tiation; and the chemistry and ethno "'otic e to Mal"'gal"'et W ... ight, C il"' mushrooms, i. e., those mushrooms that have pharmacology of psychoactive fungi. c V~ I at i o"' M a "'a 9 e l"'1 A m el"'ica"' B o been used throughout history and are now There is a tendency for herbalists and ta"'i cal C oVI"'c il, P . 0 . Box being confirmed through scientific research botanists to discount or overlook medicinal 2 01660, 7\VIsti"',TX 78720. 512 / as offering health benefits. The author relies fungi when writing on herbs and medicinal 331-8 8 68. FAX 5 12/ 331-1924 . on numerous sources, both traditional, plants in both the popular and scientific lit historical,and modern scientific in his erature. This may be due in part to the fact extensive 40-page fungi bibliography. Much that fungi are not botanically plants per se. ERRATA of the information contained in this book However, because of their inclusion in its could be found heretofore only in obscure primary tonic medicines and much of tradi HerbaiGram #32- "AHPA issues Chinese Patent Medicine Policy," page untranslated Chinese texts and related Chi tional Chinese medicine and because of re 22. The name of the author, Peggy nese research journals. cent research that points to the safe health Brevoort, was inadvertently omitted. The author introduces the reader to the ful benefits of a number of these often ne Credit for the cover photo for botany of fungi , which, as many glected materials, Hobbs's new book will no HerbaiGram #33 goes to lan Hunter. HerbalGram readers may know, are not part doubt stimulate increased public attention HerbaiGram #33, page 14, of the plant "kindom"; the history of West to the health benefits of these lowly organ Tinospoara cordifolia was written as T ern and traditional Chinese use of fungi in isms. The information is lucid and well-or cardifolia. visionary and hallucinogenic rites of vari ganized and constitutes a possible watershed The name of the author, Kathy ous cults and religions; and modem medici in herbal publishing history as it will no McKeown, "A Ribereiios Medicinal nal uses, particularly the adaptogenic and doubt increase lay and professional con Garden," HerbaiGram #33, page 38, immune-enhancing properties of such well sciousness of and appreciation for edible and was misspelled. known mushrooms as reishi (Ganoderma medicinal mushrooms.- MB 76 • HERBALGRAM 3 4 LETTERS URINE TESTING REVISITED HERBS ON THE INTERNET Thank you for carefully editin" and I have heard great reports of your lec handling my article on urine testing for drugs tures on the medici nal uses of herbs and that (HerbalGram #32). I'd like to add a few you think as I do that Americans should be points. able to learn about the benefits of herbal After many attempts, a seller of urine medicines the same as people in other cul "purification" products came up with some tures do. thing that worked. For more than a year, I have been compiling information "Urinaid" contained a widely available from Medline and Biosys Ref on the Internet chemical called gluteraldehyde. Probably from 4,000 herbs and getting together lists by binding to constituent chemicals in the of immunologic plants, anti-HIV plants, urine or in the immunoassay additives, the anti-cancer plants and their active ingredi produ~t altered some positive urines to nega ents as gleaned from scientific abstracts. A tive unnes. (At least one laboratory claimed friend and I are growing some herbs acti ve that the product produced a false positive Mallow, Malva silvestris against HIV and plan to have an exhibit at for amphetamine.) Some of the urine moni the Spokane Interstate Fair this summer. toring laboratories learned of this additive Do you have any ideas of how to en and instructed staff to be on the lookout (or able the public to be aware of these scien smell out) for the pungent odor imparted by 15 million already subject to annual (or more tific studies? The research is new, most of gluteraldehyde. I'm aware of at least one frequent) testing in this country. These driv it from 1990 to the present and no one seems case in which a worker was fired because a ers will be tested for alcohol by breath analy to be aware of it. laboratory claimed to have identified sis, although urine testing will be used rou Peggy Gilmour gluteraldehyde by GCIMS in hi s urine. The tinely for other drugs. Cheney, Washington product is no longer sold although one en There has never been a strike or any trepreneur has told me that a better, less pun organized job action at a company where gent, product is in use. I do not know if this urine testing has been implemented. Often is true. unions and non-organized workers have ac HERBALGRAM IN WEST AFRICA Hair testing has become a reality in cepted the testing in return for being given ~o m~ workplaces, particularly the legal gam an Employee Assistance Program. The EAP Before going on in my subject of this tn g tndustry in Nevada, Atlantic City, Na may become the agenc y by which some hu letter, I must first and foremost offer my tive American bingo halls, and elsewhere. manitarian values are smuggled into the hearty and best congratul ations to you, your A particular immunoassay (a radio immu workplace and EAP's often monitor those members of the Board of Trustees, Edito noassay) is used to test a clump of hair for caught workers given a second chance. It rial Boards, and Professional Advisory deposited cocaine, heroin, or cannabis me now appears that an important job of the Board, to produce this magazine well known tabolites. The developers of this test claim EAP is the adjudicati on of positi ve urine and called HerbalGram. This journal of in that drug ingestion causes a blood-borne tests. EAP personnel and organizations are ternational repute as I see it, should be re deposition of telltale metabolite into the now strong supporters of urine tests after an titled now or in the future may be retitled inside of the hair. Unfortunately, the seller initial ambivalence. World He rbalGram or Inte rnational has not produced acceptable proof that the Many of the promoters of urine test Herba/Gram. test can distingui sh material sticking to hair ing once worked in the federal anti-drug ap In fact, it is not a boast when I say from outside-via dirty fingers or smoke paratus in one capacity or other. Specifi that, since 1958 when I completed my El drug. deposited from outside clings tightly cally, Robert DuPont, Carleton Turner, Pe ementary Herbal Course from the British to han and cannot be easily washed off. This ter Be nsinger, Michael Walsh, Robert Herbalists Union, under Mr. W. A. Ravin , problem is, of course, dismissed in the en Willette and Robert Stutman moved from who is now dead (may his soul rest in per trepreneurial fervor of the sellers. Hairtest federal governmental work to the praising fect peace), I have been reading several ing is opposed scientifically by the urine test and selling of workplace (and other) drug herbal magazines but I have not seen any establishment; an opposition which is cor testing. These men make up an important most informed and interesting herbal maga rect in my opinion, but an opposition that part of a drug abuse establishment and their zine like HerbalGram. On the day a friend should remind us that there is no loyalt y statements on policy are always structured of mine in the U.S.A. sent a copy of among thieves or those fighting for the drug to keep people fri ghtened of drug users and HerbalGram, Number 29, I felt extreme testing dollar. supportive of continued prohibition and ex happy and this made no other choice than to Recently testing has come to all hold panded urine testing. regard HerbalGram as my best accepted ers of commercial driving permits in the U.S. John Morgan, M. D. herbal magazine in the world of health and under Department of Transportation direc Professor of Pharmacology tives. This adds 4-7 million workers to the CUNY Medical School, New York HERBALGRAM 34 • 77 herbalism. Thanks to God. to sell and distribute many copies. Atten Emenawa, for whom I am holding the me I am so busy now making necessary dance of the contributors of papers for the morial lecture. I should be much grateful if arrangements for my late father's memorial memorial lecture is not necessary as there you will use your good office to see that the lecture to be held in my home, Nigeria, on is no provision or plan made for news will appear in the next available issue July 15and 16, 1995. Iwishlmaybefor accomrnodation[s] of any kind. of the Herba!Gram. tunate to have the proceeding[s] of papers Please, print/publish the attached Adolphuys Akaheobai Oparah to be contributed to be published in your news or enclosed cutting with attached pho Tiko, Republic of Camerroon magazine after the lecture is held. I will help tograph of myself and my late father, Oparah West Africa ACCESS In this deportment of Herbo/Grom, we list resources such as publications, organizations, seminars, and networking for our readers. A listing in this section does not constitute any endorsement or approval by Herbo/Grom, ABC, HRF, or the HRF Professional Advisory Boord. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Two new Kampo Today , a newsletter about Japan ' s Cariboo and AI Oliver, a Provincial Ginseng books available through BRIT, Text Annotations traditional herbal medicine, provides information Specialist, will co-host the discussion group. To and Identification Notes for Manual of the about the current state of Kampa in Japan, reports sign on to PAN AX, address an email message via Vascular Flora of the Carolinas, by John D. on laboratory and clinical studies and scholarly Internet to: [email protected]. In the body Freemean, 1994, $20; and The "El Cello " meetings. Contact Kampo Today c/o Michael of the message, type the one-line command: Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas, Mexico: An Solomon Associates, Inc., 516 Fifth Ave, Ste 80 I, subscribe panax Firstname Lastname. To interact Annotated Bibliography of the Botanical New York, NY 10036, 212/764-4760, Fax 212/ with others in the group once you have signed Literature, by John D. Perrine and David L. 764-4801. on, address messages to: [email protected]. Gorchov, 1994, 48 pp. , $20. Contact BRIT, 509 Pecan St. , Fort Worth, TX 676102-4060, 817 I Philippine Flora Newsletter, a biannual New World Plants and Their Uses: A Guide to 332-4441. Fax 817/332-411 2. newsletter of the flora of the Philippines Project Selected Literature and Genetic Resources 1980- issued by the Philippine Plant Inventory Project. 1993, a resource guide for agricultural scientists Clinical Pearls News, a monthly health letter Research information, upcoming symposiums involved in such diverse fields as plant genetics, which focuses on cutting edge research in and updates on the joint venture of the Botanical conservation, sustainable agriculture, nutrition and preventive medicine. The data Research Institute of Texas, Fort Worth, and the ethnobotany, and cultural anthropology. It comes from more than I ,000 peer-reviewed Philippine National Museum, Manila. Contact includes a selective bibliography of literature from medical journals scanned on a monthly basis. Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 509 Pecan AGRICOLA, with citations categorized by crop Thirty to forty-five key articles are summarized St., Fort Worth, TX 76102-4060, 817/335-8157, usage for food, medicine, and other purposes; and and condensed in each issue. Published l 0 times Fax 817/332-4112. a list of germplasm and data sources for some yearly. $68/yr. Contact IT Services, 3301 Alta important native plants. Arden #3, Sacramento, CA 95825, 800/422-9887, PANAX, a new Internet discussion group. The 916/483-1085, Fax 916/489-1710. British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, U.S. Tea is 'Hot' Report, a comprehensive Fisheries and Food and University College of the compilation of trends, market statistics, and Environmental Media designs, produces, and Cariboo in Kamloops, B.C., have started an opportunities of the U.S . tea industry. $175 + $5 distributes media to support environmental Internet discussion group for people involved in shipping & handling. Contact Sage Group, 1928 education. Contact Environmental Media, P. 0 . the "world of ginseng." Dr. Ron Smith, Dept. of 8th Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119. Ph. 206/282- Box 1016, Chapel Hill, NC. Ph. 800/ENV Biological Sciences at University College of the 1789. Fax 206/282-2594. EDUC. Fax 919/942-8785 for a free catalog. CALENDAR August 18-20 - Herbfest '95 and the 6th marketplace and over 50 educational sessions. August 5-12- Ethnobotanical Expedition of Annual Symposium ofthe American Herbalists Contact John Stygar, IHA, 1202 Alanson Rd., the Costa Rican Rainforest and Cloudforest. Guild will be hosted by Frontier Cooperative Mundelein, IL 60060, 708/949-4372, 708/566- Lectures by Dr. Jim Duke in San Jose, Tortuguera Herbs, Norway, IA. Speakers include Mindy 4580. National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Green, Lesley Tierra, Nai Shing Hu , Steven Reserve. Sponsored by the American Botanical Foster, Alan Tilloston, Roy Upton, Richo Cech, July 29-August 4 - Natural Health, Natural Council and the Texas Pharmacy Foundation. Michael Tierra, David Eagle, Chanchal Cabrera, Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil. A look at the Contact Penny King at ABC, P. 0 . Box 201660, Kathy Keville, and David Winston. Contact most effective and practical alternatives to high Austin, TX 78720. 512/331-8868. Fax 512/331- Frontier Herbfest '95 , 3021 78th St., P. 0. Box tech, disease-oriented medicine. Includes 1924. 299, Norway, lA 62316. Ph. 800/669-3275 medical botany, medicine, nutrition, and exercise walks. $1099. Contact Feathered Pipe August 8-12- 3rd World Congress ofMedical July 27-30- lOth Annual Intemational Herb Foundation, P.O. Box 1682, Helena, MT 59624, Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Edmonton, Conference, Chicago, IL. Includes intensive 406/442-8196, Fax 406/442-8l!O. Alberta, Canada, "Integrated Complementary workshops, wholesale trade show, retail herbal 78 • HERBALGRAM 34 Medicine for All in the 21st Century." Contact the recognition of business and technological Phytotherapie Canada. Ph. 905/664-1567. Fax the 3rd World Congress of Medical Acupuncture opportunities; establish a regional network to 905/664-67 15 . Email, stell ing@ netaccess.on.ca. and Natural Medicine, 9904 106 St., Edmonton, review and di ssem inate current sc ientific Alberta, Canada T5K I C4, 403/424-223 1, 800/ information; and identify areas of interest for October 15-19 -13th International Congress 815- 111 6, Fax 403/424-8520. future developme nt. Contact Conference of Essential Oils, Flavors and Fragrances, Secretariat, I Newton Road, Goldhill Pl aza Istanbul , Turkey. Contact Prof. L. H. C. Baser, August I8-20- 8th Annual Women 's Herbal Podium, Block #03-25, Singapore 11 30, Republic Anadolu Uni versity, Yunus Emre Campus, 26470 Conference, a Conference on Women 's Health, of Singapore. Ph. 65-255-8023. Fax 65-255-8067. Eskisehir, Turkey, Fax 90-22- 1501 27. Herbs & Healing. Over 30 workshops on a variety of natural healing modalities for women's September 29-0ct.I: Green Nations Gathering. October 21-28 Second Annual health problems. Teachers include Dr. Rosita Earth health ceremony, herbal emporium, Ethnobotanical Expedition to the Amazon Arvigo, Rosemary Gladstar, Dr. Mary Bove, Dr. purification lodges, and workshops at the Rainforest. Workshops to be conducted by Tori Hudson, Pam Montgomery, and others. Phoenicia Path work Center by leading herbali sts leading ethnobotani sts. Some workshops will $225. Contact the 8th Annual Women's Herbal such as David Hoffman, Susun Weed, Rosemary prov ide continuing educati on credits for Conference, c/o Sage, P.O. Box 420, E. Barre, Gladstar, Amanda McQuade Crawford, Ryan pharmacists. Spo nsored by the American VT 05649. 802/479-9825, Fax 8001717-4372. Drum, Doug Elliott, David Winston, James A. Botan ical Council and the Texas Pharmacy Duke, Christopher Hobbs, and Deb Soule. Foundation. Contact Penn y King at ABC, P. 0 . August 27-30: International Symposium on Contact Pam Montgomery, P.O. Box 266HG, Box 201660, Austin, TX 78720. 512/331-8868. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Sponsored by Milton, NY 12547, 9141795-5238. FAX 512/331 -1 924. the Working Group on Culture of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in ISHS Section Medicinal and October 9-I4: The U.S.-China International October 28-30: Clinical Applications of Aromatic Pl ants. Campus Center, University of Summit on Drugs from Natural Products in Botanical Medicine. Sponsored by 1995 Gaia Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. Contact Dr. Lyle Beijing, China, spo nsored by IBC USA Herb Symposium. The program will delve into E. Craker, Dept. of Plant & Soil Sciences, Conferences, Inc. and the China National Center clinical uses of botanicals and case hi stori es. Uni versity of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA For Biotechnology Development. Main goal is Teachers include Mary Bove, N.D., Bill Mitchell, 01003, 413/545-2347, Fax 413/545-1242. to provide the opportunity for American and N.D., Michael Murray, N.D., Tori Hudson, N.D., Chinese researche rs and pharmaceutical David Hoffmann , Cascade Anderson Gell er, and September 11-12- " Medicinal Pl ants and companies to meet and exchange ideas. Contact Bill Caradonna. Herb walks and celebrations also Natural Products" conference spo nsored by IBC USA Conferences, 225 Turnpike Rd ., included. Contact Gaia Symposium, PO Box 57, Intern ationa l Business Communications, Southborough, MA 0 1772-1749, 508/481-6400, Swans Island, ME 04685. 207/526-4479. 800/ Sheration City Centre Hotel, Washington, D. C. Fax 508/481-7911 . 252-0688. Contact IBC, 225 Turnpike Rd., Southborough, MA 01772-1749. Ph. 508/481-6400. Fax 508/ October I3-I5- Phytotherapy: First Canadian November I-3 - BioFair, First World 's Fair 481-4473. International Conference on Herbal Medicine, for Organic Products. San Jose, Costa Ri ca. M o hawk College, Hamilto n, Canada, Worldwide forum of business leaders involved September 26-29: East-West Perspectives on commemorating th e official opening of the in the organic sector from Europe, Asia, Africa, Functional Foods . Organized by International School of Phytotherapy/Ecole de Phytotherapie North America and Latin America. Exhibit of Life Sciences Institute, Southeast Asia and Canada as an affiliate of the School of organi c products. Contact: Chamber of Singapore Institute of Food Science and Phytotherapy, England. Speakers are Dr. Jean Commerce of Costa Rica, P. 0 . Box 1114-1000, Technology. The conference will di scuss and Claude Lapraz (France), Hein Zeylstra (England), San Jose, Costa Rica. Ph. 506/221-0005, Fax evaluate the scientific basis for the claimed Kerry Bone (Australia), and Dr. Frank Chandler 5061233-709 1. efficacy of functional foods; provide a forum for (Canada). Contact Keith Stelling, Phytotherapy/ CLASSIFIED A listing in this classified section does not constitute any endorsement or approval by Herba/Gram , the American Botanical Council, the Herb Research Foundation, or the HRF Professional Advisory Board. Herba/Gram Classified ad rates : $1 .25 per word; $35 minimum. Contact Margaret Wright, P.O . Box 201660, Austin , TX 78720. 512/ 331 -8868. Fax 512/331 -1924. BOOKS Medicinal Mushroom Seminars. Join us for Books, workbooks, and home assignments are an intensive two-day seminar on the in vitro also provided. Upon completion of the 14 Meet the Ala bama Herbalist w ho's been cultivation of medicinal and gourmet courses, students are eligible to attend the gathering plants on "moonshiny ni ghts and wet mushrooms. Required textbook: Growing intensive certification seminar held at our own days" for over 75 years. Twenty-six minute Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms. Taught by bea uti ful retreat in the majestic Wasatch televis ion documentary profiles Tommie author, Paul Stamets. For information, write, Mountains. For free information, call 1/800/372- Bass,who carries on the mountain folk call , fax, or e-mail to: Fungi Perfecti, PO Box 8255 or write to The School of Natural Healing, approach to healing. Call 800/463-8825 and 7634HG, Olympia, WA 98507. Ph: 8001780- PO Box 412, Springville, UT 84663. charge to VIS A, MasterCard, or Discover. $25. 9126. Fax : 360/425-93 77. E-mail: MycoMedia@ aol. com. Wild Rose College of Natural Healing - CORRESPONDENCE COURSES establi shed 1975, offering c lassroom and AND SEMINARS The School of Natural Healing was founded in correspondence courses in He rbology, 1953 by Dr. John R. Christopher, M.H., N.D., Pharmacognosy, Nutrition, Wholistic Health, Natural Healing Home Study - Australasian and continues in hi s time-tested modalities. The Biology, Physiology, Iridology, and many other College of Herbal Studies offers dynamic, SNH offers Master Herbalist (M.H.) training in fields. Programs for Master Herbalist (two written, audio & video course materials. 14 course levels at $ 100 each. This full spectrum years), Wholistic Health Therapist (three years), Diploma & Certificate curriculum. Free of courses is taught by expert instructors, in the Clinical Herbal ist (three years), Practical Prospectus. 800/48-STUDY. conve nience of your own home, on Herbalist (8 months), Counseling (one and three professionally produced video and audio tapes. years). Send $3 for detailed calendar, #302, HERBALG RAM 34 • 79 1220 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, Alberta, reports on how we li ve, work, and pl ay with Ontari o, Canada M4K I K8. Tel : 416/466-6428. CANADA T2 3P5 ; 403/270-0936. herbs. Money-back guarantee. Sample $3. $ 18/ Subscriptions and membership are $25/ I yr., $45/ yr. Free brochure. Stone Acre Press, 84 Carpenter 2 yrs. Sample copy $5. PUBLICATIONS Rd., Apt. 78711 -1, New Hartford, CT 06057. OTHER American Herb Association Quarterly The Herb Quarterly - When the world wearies Newsletter - $20/yr. AHA, P.O. Box 1673, and ceases to satisfy, there's always Th e Herb Comprehensive Herbal Software - Use the Nevada City, CA 95959. Quarterly, a beautiful magazine dedicated to all "state of the art" tool for herbal information. things herbal-gardening, medicinals, craft s, GLOBALHERB is the world's largest library of Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism fo lklore, alternative uses of herbs, and more. herbal informati on for your personal computer. quarterl y publicati on of the Nati onal Herbali sts Rates: Sample issue $5; introductory subscription GLOBALHERB contains I ,000 herbs, herbal Associati o n of Australia (founded in 1920). (5 issues) $ 19.95. P. 0 . Box 689, San Anselmo, formulas, and nutrients. Instant cross-referencing Deals with all aspects of Medical Herbali sm, CA 94979. 1/800/37 1-HERB . by condition, property, body syste m, and/or inc luding la test medic in a l pla nt researc h constituent. Avail abl e for IBM and Macintosh. findings. Regul ar features in clude Australi an International journal of Aromatherapy - Small er programs al so available. Contact Steve medic in al pl a nts, confe re nces, confe re nce Edited by aromatherapy author RobertTisserand. Bl ake, 408/335-90 II . 583 1 Hi ghway 9, Felton, reports, book reviews, rare books, case study and Articles and information on uses of essenti al oil s CA 950 18 USA. So simple, it's advanced. medicinal pl ant review. Aus/$40 plus Aus/$ 15 in well-being . Desig ned fo r practitioners, if required by airmail. Nati onal Herba li sts teachers, suppliers, write rs, e tc. $30/y r. Green Nations Gathering -Sept. 29-0 ct. I, Associati on of Australia, Suite 305, 3 Smail St., International Journal of Aromatherapy, 11 29 1995. Workshops by leading herba li sts and Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Industrial Ave. #200, Petaluma, CA 94952. 707 I Native Americans, including David Hoffman, 769-5120. Susun Weed, Rosemary Gladstar, and special The Bu$iness of Herbs - Comprehensive guest, Patch Adams, M.D. Also earth health re po rting, business news, marketing hints, Medical Herbalism - Subtitled "A Clinical cere mo ny, sweat lodges, herbal e mpo rium, sources, and resources. Subscription $20/yr. Newsletter for the Herbal Practitioner." Edited by music, and more. Pam Montgomery, PO Box Brochure/SASE from Northwind Farm, Rt. 2, Paul Bergner. $24/yr, $42/2 yrs. Canada: $29/ 266HG, Milton, NY 12547. 91 41795-5238. Box 246(G), Shevlin, MN 56676. yr. Overseas: $39/yr. Sample/$4. Medical Herbal ism, P. 0 . Box 33080, Portland , OR 97233. Plants as Teachers, Indigenous Wisdom & Foster's Botanical and Herb Reviews Rainforest Conservation Strategies- A Info rmati o n resources, book revie w s, new Nature's Field - Contemporary journal of herbs creati ve, experi ential journey into a threatened peri odicals, etc. Quarterly, $ 10/ yr from Steven and natural healing. Free sample. 1/800/41 - wilde rn ess in the Na po Province of the Foster, PO Box 1343, Fayetteville, AR 72702. NATUR. Ec uadori an Upper Amazon. Presented by a cadre 501/52 1-5887. Fax 501/52 1-6369. of Indigenous wi sdom keepers & intern ati onal Herbal animal care, offering safe altern ati ves fri ends, dedi cated to solutions through practi cal HerbalGram - Quarterl y journal published by to drugs and chemi cals. Six issues annuall y, $20. inte rdisciplina ry g rass-roo ts soc iopo litical the Ameri can Botanical Council and the Herb Natural Pet Magazine, PO Box 351 , Trilby, FL strategies wi th Siecoya, Huaorani & PuyucRuna Research Foundati on. $25/yr., $45/2 yrs, $60/3 33593. 904/583-2770. Peopl es. T he mes to Explo re: Ra in fo rest yrs. P.O. Box 201660, Austin, TX 78720. See Conservati on Strategies • Ethnobotany/Biology pages 86-87 for ordering informati on. Washington Insight - a quarterl y newsletter •Permaculture • Ancestral Botani cal Culti vars • designed to keep natural products scie nti sts Ethnohi story • Ethnomusicology • Entheogens The Herb Growing and Marketing Network abreast of funding o ppo rtunities and other & Myth ology Cultural Ecology: Shamani sm • An informati on service for herb businesses and important happenings in Washington, D.C., Indigenous & our Ecological Self. A Fund-Raiser seri o us ho bby is ts. Inc ludes Th e Herbal including inte r vie ws w ith C o ng ressme n, to: maintain on-going rainforest conservati on Connection, a 36-page bimonthly trade journal, Senators, or other government offi cials, that may projects in the Upper Amazon • sustain cultural Th e Herbal Green Pages, annual resource guide affect them and their institution. In addition to & territori al solidarity/sovereignty of ethnic with over 5 ,000 li s tings, free cl assified the newsletter, subscribers receive Funding Alert, Indigeno us mino rities • perpetuate anc ie nt adverti sin g for subscribers, and more. Entire which provides pre-advertised information on wi sdom & pl ants as teachers • facilitate a natural package $60/yr. (Higher outside North Ameri ca) funding opportunities, and Co mpound Alert, cath arsis among participants, ancestral stewards Sample newsletter, $4. The Herbal Connecti on, li sting of compounds of interest to the National & the rain fo rest • connect defining 'sanity' as if P. 0 . Box 245, Silver Spring, PA 17575; 7 17/ Cancer Institute which need research to in sure the whole world mattered. "Quedan Invitados" 393-3295. MCNisa accepted. adequate supplies-anothe r oppo rtunity for Date: November 22 -December 4, 1995. Cost: research grants. Annual subscriptio n, U.S .: US $3,200 (50% goes directly to grass-roots The Herbalist - Quarterl y publicati on of th e pe rsona l/$40; ins titutio nal/$85 . Fo re ig n : rain fo rest/community projects). Max imum Ame ri can He rba li sts Guild, dedicated to pe rsonal/$50; ins titutio na l/$95 . C o ntact: 20 pa rt ic ipa nts Contact: PANGIE AN strengthening the rapeutic herba li sm. Yearly Washington Insight, II 000 Waycroft Way, North EXPEDITIONS Phone: (51 0) 235-43 13 • Fax: dues: Pro fessio na l (peer-re vi e wed ) $ 50; Bethesda, MD 20852. 30 I /88 1-6720, Fax 30 I I (51 0) 528-944 1. associate $35; student $35. Overseas add $ 10. 984-7372. Sample $5. AHG, Box 1683, Soquel, CA 95073. The Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Wildflower- North Ameri ca's onl y popular Studies - comprehensive, balanced herbal HerbalVoices - A netwo rk of amateur a nd magazine devoted sole ly to th e study, c urric ulum of academic a nd earth-centered professional herbalists sharing the medicinal, conservation, and culti vati on of our continent's studies. Certi fication programs and advanced culinary, wildcrafting, and organi c growing arts native flora. Offering an appealing blend of art clinical intern ship available. Call 303/442-6861 of herbs. Members write in their experi ences, and science, thi s 48-page quarterl y examines all or write fo r brochure, PO Box 19254, Boulder, receive s uppo rt, a nd feedback , a nd seek aspects of popular botany in North America: from co 80308-2254. assistance. Our quarterly publicati on is $ 12/yr. the rain forests of Panama to the mi cro-mosses Sample $3. 3936 Mt. Bliss Rd., East Jordan, MI of the Arctic tundra; from gardening with native Tincture Presses Twist Press. Fabric & dowel 49727. trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and ferns to the latest design fo r home use. $ 14.95 postpaid. SASE projects in habitat and nati ve pl ant conservation. for informaiton about industrial Hydra-Screw and Herban Lifestyles- Bimonthly newsletter with The green revolution begins in our own backyard. LeverPress models. Longevity Herbs, 1549 W entertaining, eclectic, and sometimes esoteric Wildflower is publis hed by the Canadia n HG Jewett, White Salmon, WA 98672. Wildflower Society, 90 Wolfrey Ave. , Toronto, 80 • HERBALGRAM 34 B ,; ----~~ Gener11l BottAnf ------ BOTANY-AN INTRODUaJON A HANDBOOK OF FLORA EUROPAEA, TO PLANT BIOLOGY EDIBLE WEEDS VOLUME 1: PSILOTACAE by James D. Mouseth. 2nd Ed. by James A. Duke. 1992. Contains TO PLATANACEAE 1995. Excellent generol botany 100 plants with o detailed Second Edition, Ed. by T. G. Tutin . textbook. 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The definitive guide to Vol. 1: includes definitions, history, VOL II flavors . Provides regulatory identification, descriptions of by Huang, Osowo, Ho, Rosen. citations, FEMA numbers, flavors, botanical source, ports 1994. Examines the health effects substance identity, names and used . Alphabetical listing of opprox. of phytochemicals in beverages, common synonyms, specificotions 200 natural flavor ingredients. spices, and Oriental herbs. for GRAS by FEMA, natural sources, Vol. 2: includes olphobeticol listing Chapters on the suppression of permitted and current use levels in of opprox. 1,000 synthetic flavor active oxygen species by noturol food , 350 additional noturol and ingredients listing the structure and antioxidants. Hardcover, 367 pp. synthetic substances judged GRAS formula . Conprehensive list of the ...... - ...... · ,... -.a.,.....-- ...... $89.95 #B076 by FEMA. Features updated uses of flavor ingredients. regulatory citations from Chapter Hardcover, 1,340 pp. 21 of the Code ofFederol $402.95 Set. #B091 :~~~Regu~lotion.s(C.FRJ.~~--~~~ RefiOntA/ ~~~~~~------~ TIBETAN MEDICAL THE INDIAN PAINTINGS HANDBOOK OF ARABIAN Edited by Yuri Porfionovitch, MEDICINAL PLANTS MATERIA MEDICA Gyurme Dorje and Fernond by Shohino Ghozonfor. 1994. by Dr. Kim Nodkorni. Two volumes. Meyer. Two volumes. 1992. Identifies over 250 species of 1993. This updated classic, known os Illustrates the entire contents plants, their medicinal uses, the Ayurvedic Bible, contains about of oseventeenth century biochemical information and 2000 herbs by botanical nome, commentary on the most references for each. Illustrations of common Indian nome in seven fundamental treatise of fresh and herbarium specimens. languages (including English), habitat, Tibetan medicine. Very Guide to diseases and conditions, ports used, varieties, action and detailed with color plates and and on appendix of plant cures. common historical uses. Hardcover, their names and descriptions of oil the ingredients of the Hardcover, 265 pp. $99.95 2,286 pp. s100 . #B070 paintings. Hardcover. Slipcosed, 505 pp. $195. #B034 #B092 REDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 800/373-71 OS OR FAX: S12/331-1924 These books are some of the best available on their respedive topics. Some are hard-to-find, others are published abroad where shipping and handling run your costs up dramatically. Scientific ---=~ DICTIONARY OF PLANTS ADVERSE EFFECTS OF BIOACTIVE VOLATILE CONTAINING SECONDARY HERBAL DRUGS, VOL 2 COMPOUNDS FROM PLANTS METABOLITES Ed. by P. A. G. M. De Smet, K. Keller, Ed . by Roy Teronishi, Ron Buttery, and by JohnS. Glasby. 1991. Lists R. Hcmsel, R. F. Chandler. 1992. Hiroshi Sugisowo. 1993. Acollection those plants that hove been The second in c series fromo n of papers presented at 203rd Notional examined for the presence of international group of researchers. Meeting of the American Chemical chemical compounds in o\phobetico\ The editors report side effects of Society in Son Francisco, April1992 . order of genera. Compounds ore herbs in c responsible scientific Hardcover, 309 pp. $79.9S #B019 given according to their various manner. Review of herbs' legal types, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, status in many countries. Softcover, and coumorins. Hardcover, 488 pp. 27S pp. $79. #B049 $220. #B072 PLANT DRUG ANALYSIS PHYTOCHEMICAL HUMAN MEDICINAL by H. Wagner, S. Blodt, E. M. DICTIONARY AGENTS FROM PLANTS Zgoinski. 1984. Invaluable ond by Jeffery Horborne and Herbert Ed. by A. Douglas Kinghorn and unique aid for oil involved with herb Baxter. 1991. Over 3000 substances Manuel F. Bolondrin. 1993. Papers production and analysis. 16S color and constituents ore listed with presented ct Human Medicine\ Agents plates, each showing 6 TLC information on trivial nome, · from Plants symposium, Son chromatograms. Essential for every synonyms, structural type, chemical Francisco, April1992 . Most analytical lob. Hardcover, 320 pp. structure, molecular weight and extensive and up-toilote information $200.#B083 formula, natural occurrence, on o wide variety of topics in the biological activity, and commercial or area of medicinal herbs. Hardcover, other use. Hardcover, 791 pp. 3S6 pp. $89.9S #B020 $3SO. #B009 BRITISH HERBAL BRITISH HERBAL MARTINDALE: THE COMPENDIUM PHARMACOPOEIA EXTRA Edited by Peter Bradley. 1992. PHARMACOPOEIA, by the British Herbal Medicine 30TH EDITION Handbook of scientific monographs Association. 1990. Series of Ed. by James Reynolds. on plant drug constituents and monographs concentrating on 1993. First published in therapeutics with chemical definition, description, identification 1883. S,132 individual scientific literature and excerpts and standards for plant materials monographs organized by from ovoiloble regulatory commonly used in herbal products uses and actions. Contains o guidelines of European countries. on the market today. Hardcover, list of countries where Hardcover, 239 pp. 107 pp. $55. #B018 monogrophed herbs ore $8S. #B017 currenriy official, and is one of the best sources ovoiloble TREASE & EVANS' PHARMACOGNOSY on the actions, uses, and toxicity of numerous international drugs. PHARMACOGNOSY by Vorro E. Tyler, Lynn R. Brody, Includes o section describing 46,000 proprietary medicines from 14 by W. Uvons. 13th Edition, 1989. and James E. Robbers. 1988. The countries, the active ingredients, o summary of information, end Used as ostandard text in Great standard pharmacognosy text in the much more! Indexed, fu ll cross reference. Hardcover, 2,363 pp. Britain in the field of Pharmacognosy. U.S. Extensive background and $275. #B06S Amust for the research library and explonotion of plant and onimo~ quality assurance lobs of herb and derived drugs. Hardcover, S19 pp. dietary supplement companies $6S. #B008 worldwide. Hardcover, 832 pp. $74.9S #BOlS ECONOMIC AND MEDICINAL PLANT RESEARCH VOLS. 2-S HERBS, SPICES, & MEDICINAL PLANTS: RECENT ADVANCES Ed. by Hilde bert Wagner, Hiroshi Hikino ond Norman IN BOTANY, HORTICULTURE, AND PHARMACOLOGY Farnsworth. 1988. This series identifies crecs of research in Ed. by Lyle Croker and James Simon. 1991. The series serves as on natural plant products that ore of immediate or projected authoritative reference for developments in botany, horticulture, and importance from c practice\ point of view end reviews them in pharmacology. Each volume is fully indexed. All hardcover. Reviews include: o concise and critical manner. Hardcover. • Vol. 1: An Introduction to the Scientific Literature on Herbs, Spices, • Vol. 2: Potential Fertililyiegulating Agents from Plants; Recent and Medicinal Plants. 368 pp. #B060. Developments in the Chemistry of Plontilerived Anticancer • Vol. 2: The Alkaloids of the Popover Section Ozytono Bernh . Agents. 201 pp. $80. #BOSS 270 pp. #B061 . • Vol. 3: Plant Compounds as Sources and Models of Insect Control Agents . lSO pp. $80.#BOS6 • Vol. 3: Plant Flavonoid Effects on Mammalian Cell Systems. • Vol. 4: Medicine\ Plants in Traditional Medicine; cdditioncl chapters on traditional medicine in Individuals 232 pp. #B062. Chine, Ghcnc, Indio, Jcpcn, Mexico, Pcncmo, Samoa, and Thailand. 17 4 pp. $83. #BOS7 Set of four $96 • Vol. 4: Phytogeographic and Botanical Considerations of Medicinal • Vol S: Plants end Other Organisms cs c Source of Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Per Vol. $30 Plants in Eastern Asia and Eastern North America. 272 pp. #B063. Drugs; 400 pp. $120. #BOS8 . • Complete set #B064 C I I t t S34S #B081 CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 800/373-7105 OR FAX: 512/331 -192 Save time and money while supporting the American Botanical Council in its efforts to inform and educate the general public about the importance of herbs. ATLAS OF MICROSCOPY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS, DRUGS OF NATURAL ORIGIN: BIOAaiVE NATURAL CULINARY HERBS, A TEXTBOOK OF PRODUCTS: DETECTION, AND SPICES PHARMACOGNOSY ISOLATION AND STRUCTURAL by Betty Jackson and Derek by Gunnar Somuelsson 1992. DETERMINATION Snowden. 1990. This reference Describes the origin of natural drug By Steven Colegote and Russell book shows microscopic shapes compounds, their chemistry and Molyneux. 1993. Technical papers of powders or fragments of plant biochemistry, as well as their from 32 expef\5 on natural plant materials that ore common~ used employment in medicine. Arranged compounds used as anticancer drugs, as drugs, flavorings, or additions according to biosynthetic principles immune stimulators, sweeteners, to food . Based on the out-of-print which places the substances in o natural insecticides, and more. Hardcover, Powdered Vegetable Orogs 1968. context ond facilitates on understanding 528 pp. $171.95 #8068 Hardcover, 257 pp. of complicated chemical structures. $67.95#B090 Hardcover, 320 pp. $59. #B093 ETHNOBOTANY AND THE PHYTOPHARMACUETICAL HERBAL DRUGS SEARCH FOR NEW DRUGS TECHNOLOGY AND PHYTO· Norman Grainger Bisset tw Cibo Foundation Symposium 185. by P. H. List ond P. C. Schmidt. 1989. PHARMACEUTICALS Max h~ , wlchu Her b a I Druas 1994. This book examines how Practical reference volume thot oims to Edit ed bY Max Wic 11 ' and Phytopharmaceutlcals ethnomedicol reports perform when provide the basic information translated by Norman judged by scientific standards, and necessary to select and operate Bisset. 1994. ways to develop the discipline of machinery and to process plant Contains references, ethnobotany for a more quantitative products through to the desired liquid, pharmacopeia I approach. Also discussions of the solid, or powdered form . Hardcover, monographs, sources, important differences between 374 pp. $93.95 #B067 synonyms, constituent disease concepts inWestern and indications, sideilffects, traditional medicine. Hardcover, preparation of a teo, 280 pp. $7 6. #B095 commercial~ available HANDBOOK OF BIOLOGICALLY phytomedicines, regulatory status, authentication using ACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL$ macroscopic, microscopic, and chromatographic A HANDBOOK OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF AND THEIR ACTIVITIES GRAS, HERBS, AND OTHER ECONOMIC PLANTS techniques. 181 detailed monographs of medicinal by James Duke. 1992. herbs. Color prints of the dried port and whole plant in by James Duke. 1992. Chemical composition of 1,000 commonly Chemical compounds listed herbs and other plants of economic importance. Covers 3,000 natural habitat. Hardcover, 568 pp. $179.95 #B080 olphobeticol~, with explanations ~u'"l'"'u"•J> . Hardcover, 654 pp. $208. #B026 of their biological activities. Hardcover, 183 pp. $110. #B027 ~IUilDil>E OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF HERBS, AND OTHER ECONOMIC PLANTS BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR DATABASE OF BIOLOGICALLY ARIDLAND PLANTS (PC compatibles, Word Perfect 5.1 required). ACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL$ #B026A Ed by Tom Mabry, Henry AND THEIR AaiVITIES Nguyen, Richard Dixon, ond by James Duke. 1992. The Handbook Maureen Bonness. 1993. The on IBM computer disk (Word Perfect 5.1 needed for database) proceedings from on THE YEW TREE, $207.#B028 international symposium to A THOUSAND WHISPERS by Hal Hartzell, Jr. 1991 . Covers evaluate local, regional, ond yews from mythology to modern lntlitlitlu«l ·ropic international strategies for medicine. The modern dilemma: biotechnology developments of the bark of this tree is ot the GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT (EGB 761) oridlond plants. Topics range center of ostruggle between Atechnical review series of much of the experimental ond clinical from physiological adaptations those who wont to protect the scientific research that has been conducted Internationally over and genetic ono~ i s to slow growing, endangered species the lost 25 years. marketing of alternative crops. and the drug companies which PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND Softcover, 370 pp. require it to make toxol, on CLINICAL APPLICATIONS. $30.#8059 experimental onlii:oncer drug. Ed. by De Feudis. 1991. Softcover, 187 pp. $40. #8016 Softcover, 319 pp. $19.95 #B06 6 VOL 1: EFFECTS ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Ed. by Christen, Costentin, Lacour. NEEM, A TREE FOR SOLVING 1992. Softcover, 172 pp. $68. GINSENG GLOBAL PROBLEMS #B016A A CONCISE HANDBOOK BOSTID. 1992. This book contains the VOL 2: ADVANCES IN by James Duke. 1989. Applying o medicinal uses, chemical constituents, RESEARCH AS A FREE GINJtKI healthy scientific scepticism to some of the wilder claims mode for growing and propagation, habitats, RADICAL SCAVENGER. A Condse insecticidal use, cultural use, safety Ed . by Ferradini, Droy·Lefoix, B1111dbook ginseng, Examines its history, tests, reforestation, industrial products, Christen. 1993. Softcover, 186 pp. taxonomy, chemistry, and and other uses of this versatile plant. $68. C3016B pharmacology, and surveys the Softcover, 141 pp. $19. #B098 VOL 3: ADVANCES IN economics of ginseng cultivation. RESEARCH ON THE 8/W illus., Hardcover, 273 pp. $39.95 #8047 CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS. J... A. DUe Ed. by Clostre, DeFeudis. 1994. s ft 162 II $68 #B016C REDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 800/373-7105 OR FAX: 512/331-1924 Chinese Herbals CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE PHARMACOLOGY OF MATERIA MEDICA FORMULAS AND CHINESE HERBS by Don 8ensky and Andrew STRATEGIES by Kee Chong Huang. 1993. Gamble. Revised Ed ition, 1993. by Don8ensky and Randall Barolet. Covers 473 herbs, describing the Extensive so urcebook about the 1991 . Companion volume to chemical composition, most commonly used substances in Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia pharmacological actions, toxicity, Chinese herbal medicine. Each herb Medica, the first book of Chinese and therapeutic uses of each herb. is illustrated and identified by its medicinal formulas in Englishthat is Lists scientific and experimental pharmaceutical, botanical, and textbook for students and reference data. Hardcover, 388 pp. S1 58. family names. Hardcover, 556 pp. for practitioners. 600 Chi nese #8046 380 illustrations. $75. #8003 medicinal fo rmu las in 18 functional categories. 18 illustrations, Hardcover, 562 pp. $85. #8004 MEDICINAL PLANTS CHINESE HEALING OUTLINE GUIDE TO CHINESE OF CHINA FOODS AND HERBS HERBAL PATENT MEDICINES by James Duke and Edward Ayensu. by Albert Leung. 1984. Describes IN PILL FORM 1985, Two volumes. This extensive 48 traditional Chin ese he rbs, their by Margaret Neoser. 1991. 2nd text covers 1,2 40 species with line so urces, history, com ponents, edition . Over 175 potent medicin es drawings, names, uses, chemical dosages, safety precautions, effects ore explained. Organ ized with constituents, and ports used for each on the bodyan d recipes for their Chinese characters and Eng lish herb. Intended for the use of use. lllus., Softcover, translation and Pinyin spelling, biologists, chemists, and laypersons 192 pp. $10.95 #8054 historical source and dotes, function 8/W illus., Hardcover, 705 pp. and cl inical application, in gredients $94.95 #8048 with explanation of clinical function of eachh erb, pictures of pa ckaging. Softcover, 371 pp. . ... $24.95 #8099 AN ILLUSTRATED COLOUR ATLAS DICTIONARY OF CHINESE COlO UR ATlAS OF CHINESE MEDICINAL HERBS 01 CHI NIS I TRADITIONAL DRUGS by Wee Yeow Chin and Hsuong lRAO ITIO NA l DRUGS 1987. Aco llectiono f 500 color Keng. 1992. Alisting of over 270 photos of the most important Chinese medicinal herbs, including Chinese traditional drugs, showing scientificand common names (with the natural community, The Pacific indexes), physical attributes, and appearance of the pl ants, and the historical use. Pertinent research diagnosticfeatures of flowers, results included. Color plates, fruits, leaves and roots. Hardcover, Connection Hardcover, 184 pp. 300 pp. $103.95 #8069 $32.95 #8041 KAVA-THE PACIFIC DRUG by Vincen t Lebot, Mark Merlin, and Lamont Lindstrom. 1992. Summarizes literature and research on Kava's botany, chemistry, ethnobotany, pharmacology, social usage, distribution, and economic potential. 8/W photos, illus., Hardcover, PLANTS AND PEOPLE 255 pp. $47. #8032 THAI MEDICINAL OF THE GOLDEN PLANTS TRIANGLE ISLANDS, PLANTS, AND RECOMMENDED FOR ETHNOBOTANY OF THE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE HILL TRIBES OF NORTHERN POLYNESIAN5- SYSTEM THAILAND AN INTRODUCTION TO Edited by N.R. Farnsworth by Edward F. Anderson . POLYNESIAN and N. 8unyopraphotsoro. 1993. Astudy of over 1,000 ETHNOBOTANY 1992. Contains the names, plant species used by six Ed. by Paul Alan Cox and botanical description, ecology ma jor tribes of the remote Sondra Anne 8onock. 1991. and distribution, propagation, hi lls of northern Thai land. Based on symposium ethnomedical uses, chemical Products from the forest such sponsored by lnst. of constituents, pharmacological as fibers, dyes, and PolynesianStudies, 8YU, activities and clinical trials. medicines. Detailed appendix, Hawaii. Discussions of pla nt 198 color photos, Hardcover, 402pp. $89. #8021 illustrations, and 200 color environments, herbal medicine, plates. Hardcover, 279 pp. linguistic analysis, and more. $69.95 #B043 lllus., 8/W photos. Hardcover, 228 pp. $34.95 #8042 CREDIT CARD HOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 800/373-7105 OR FAX: 512/331-192 KING'S AMERICAN TRADITIONAL PLANT JEPSON MANUAL: DISPENSATORY KING'S FOODS OF CANADIAN HIGHER PLANTS OF by H. W. Felter, M.D. and J. U. Lloyd, AMERICAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES: CALIFORNIA DISPENSATORY Ph .D. Two volume set, 1898. The BY NUTRITION, BOTANY Ed. by James Hickmon. 1993. most complete text ever compiled on HARVEY WICKES FB.'ICR. M.D. AND USE Acomprehensive resource of AND American medicinal plants and herbal JOHN URJ U.OYD.I'Io. M•• PH.D. by Harriet Kuhnlein and Nancy nearly 8,000 varieties of native pharmacy. 2,172 pages of medicinal Turne r. 1991 . Adescr iption and and natura lized plants growing properties and clinical administration VoL I reference to the published literature wild in California. Identifications, of hundreds of medicinal plants in SANDY.OREGON on the nutritional properties, horticultural requirements, detail. Soon to be out of print. ECJ.B:TICMEOICALP\JBUCATlONS botanical characteristics, and ethnic endangerment, toxicity, and Hardcover, $225. #8022 "" uses of traditional food plants. 8/ more. 4,000 8/W illus. Wphotos, Hardcover, 633 pp. Hardcover, 1,400 pp. $88.#8030 $65. #8051 THE AMERICAN MATERIA FLORA OF NORTH AMERICAN The American MEDICA AMERICA NORTH OF WILDFLOWER by Finley Ellingwood, M.D. MEXICO VOL I - FLORILEGIUM Materia Medica, 1994. First published in 1919, INTRODUCTION by Jean Andrews. 1992. Therapeutics and the definitive text of its time, this Ed . by Floro of North America Andrews' botanical art and Pharmacognosy book utilized oformat that is on Editorial Committee. 1993. excellent aid to the busy Systemic general survey of accurate informative text practitioner. Botanical therapeutic plants inthe continental US, combine aesthetics and agents ore discussed and Conodo, Greenland, St. Pierre science to produce a by Finley Ellingwood, M.D. compared in groups under and Miguelon. Geographical gathering of flowers (a headings that classify them by range mops identified for each florilegium). The plants ore their action. In addition, five fold genus. portrayed ina way that out charts provide o quick ond in- Vol 1: Introduction. Hardcover, reveals those characteristics depth comparative glance of the most commonly 372 pp. $75. #8037 of importance to a used herbs for fever, heart, digestive, liver, and Vol 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Hardcover, taxonomist as well as appealing to those involved female reproductive organ problems. Hardcover, 475 pp. $75. #B038 inthe arts. Color reproductions of original art work. 564 pp. $82. #B084 Hardcover, 125 pp. $50. #8033 HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL USES OF NORTHEASTERN INDIAN PLANTS BY INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS TRIBES OF NEVADA by James Duke. 1986. A by Percy Train, James Henrichs, compendium of Amerindian and W. Andrew Archer. 1957 . medicinal plants with information on Apermanent record of how each northeastern Indian tribe approximately 200 native plants, used plants os medicine. Hardcover, considered to be of medicinal value 212 pp. $30. #8012 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF by the Paiute, Shoshone, and WEST AFRICA Washoe tribes of Nevada. by Edward Ayensu. 1978. 187 Hardcover, 139 pp. $30. #B014 plants that occur inWest Africa, their uses, local names, and standard scientifi c binomials. Bibliography, glossary of medical terms, medical and botanical ASYNOMIZED CHECKLIST OF FIELD GUIDE TO ASynomized indexes. 127 ill us. Hardcover, THE VASCULAR FLORA OF THE EASTERN/ CENTRAL 330 pp. $39.95 #B094 Checklist UNITED STATES, CANADA, MEDICINAL PLANTS, of the AND GREENLAND by Steven Foster and James I Vascular Flora by John Kortesz. 1994. These two Duke. 1990. Pocket size of the volumes ore the most current and guide identifying 500 medicina l United States, Canada, comprehensive summary of accepted ~~~~~~~ and Greenland plants, their uses, remedies, li ne A HANDBOOK names and their synonyms for plants drawings, over 200 color OF AFRICAN of North America . Offers o taxonomic photos. From the Peterson MEDICINAL PLANTS cadre beginning with the division and Field Guide Serie~. Hardcover, by Maurice M. lwu. 1990. subdivisions of the vascular plant 366 pp. $24.95 #B096 Reference text on ethnobotony, kingdom and continuing with family, chemical constituents, and genus, species, subspecies, and probable therapeutic variety. Hardcover, 2 val. set, 1,400 application of Af rican medicinal pp. $149.95 #B100 plants. Hardcove r, 435 pp. $110. #B025 ll~batI ~atiPI( ~ e{Jj( ~. ' ' HERBALGRAM Sample Botanical Booklet Series ....------. by Steven Foster A MERICAN G INSENG If you are looking for reliable Pan ax quinquefolius facts on medicinal plants, you A series of eight-page booklets with beautiful should be reading an authoritative, reproductions of each plant. Text provides peer-reviewed publication. You concise, authoritative and accurate informa should be reading HerbalGram. tion on major medicinal plants. HerbalGram is the educational # 30 I Echinacea # 307 Chamomiles journal of the American Botanical # 302 Siberian Ginseng # 308 American Ginseng Council and the Herb Research # 303 Asian Ginseng # 309 Goldenseal Foundation. Research, legal # 304 Ginkgo · # 31 0 Feverfew Sleven Fosler information, literature reviews, # 305 Milk Thistle # 311 Garlic and more make HerbalGram an # 306 Peppermint # 312 Valerian invaluable resource. Bottmical s~ ri~s No. 308 Individually priced at $1. 0 $995 $6° Item#HG34 All 12 for only: Item #300 Oassic Botanical Reprints EACHBP I, II & Ill Report Fm11sworth A complete set of all the Classics 36-page Second Report of published by ABC. the Expert Advisory Com SJIIPOsiunl TALES FROM THE HEALING FOREST mittee (appointed by the Progress on Terrestrial and Marine by John Si mon Only $85~ ------Account# 0 Please send your catalog FREE ------Signature Texas residents only add 8% Sales tax ------Phone# '*(Subscriptions include shipping and handling) Shipping SHIPPING ADDRESS (PLEASE INCLUDE COUNTRY): NEW Shipping rates (circle one) TOTAL North US only Other Soles Total America 2nd Ooy Europe Foreign NO UPS $9·15 3.50 7.50 8.50 10.00 16·20 4.00 8.50 DELIVERY 12.00 14.00 TOPO 21-30 5.00 9.50 15.25 18.00 31-60 6.00 10.50 18.50 22.00 BOXES 61-100 7.00 12.50 21.75 26.00 101-200 8.50 15.50 25.00 30.00 201 -300 10.00 18.50 28.25 34.00 Make checks payable to the American Botanical Council, 301-400 11.00 21 .50 31.50 38.00 PO Box 201660, Austin, TX 78720-1660. Phone 512/331-8868. 401·500 12.00 24 .50 34.75 42.00 June 1995 price list. Prices subject to change. HG .34 HERBALGRAM 34 • 87 Bring N~ture Ba~k into Modern Hea.Im Care! erbs were our first medicines, and have brought us nearly every medicinal breakthrough H in history. For most of the world, herbs are still the major drugs used in primary-not alternative-health care. For hundreds of years, chamomile flowers have been individually hand picked l o make a calming tea, fragrant perfumes, and soothing baths. Cultivation of chamomile supports hundreds of farm ers in developing countries. This herb is recognized as safe and effective medicine in most advanced nations, but not in this country. In the U.S. , inappropriate FDA fieldworkers in Egypt gather chamomile. Photo by Rob McCaleb. - regulation prevents the legitimate use of herbs for health. The Herb Research Foundation is Call us today with your Visa or MasterCard to join working to bring herbs back into health the Herb Research Foundation, and become a part of care through science and education. HRF returning natural health care to prominence in the U. S. educates lawmakers, scientists, and the and abroad. Memberships start at $35 for individuals, public with facts about the safety and ef with special benefits for larger contributors. fectiveness of natural health care. HRF Your membership provides: helps to prove that herbs can improve world health and welfare in its role as a • a one-year subscription to Herba/Gram (a $25 value) • a free Info-Packet, with basic information on your choice major center of herb documentation, re of herbs or health topics from over 150 available subjects search, and education. HRF reaches mil • discounts on all research services, from one article to lions of people every month, from the lay- everything we can find . person to the lawmaker, with reliable in • access to herb information from our library of over 50,000 formation about herbs for health. When books and articles we start growing more of our medicine, in Most important, your membership supports projects in stead of making synthetics, we can achieve: health care research, public and professional education, legislative action, environmental conservation, and • more preventive medicine international development. • safer, more affordable medicine • healthful crops for the family farm To join, call us toll-free: • income for developing nations • sustainable use of wilderness areas 1(800)748-2617 • better health and longer lives or write Join us in this vision! You can help Herb Research Foundation HRF advance natural health care, while 1007 Pearl St., Suite 200 becoming one of the world's most her bally Boulder, CO 80302