88 B Handbook of Medicinal Herbs E translation, because the two versions differ “No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages An intake of very high dosages of the drug (5 g) or an extract (12 g) leads to vomiting, headache, dizziness, limb pain, and lowered blood pressure.” He’s sanitizing or whitewashing if not ignoring the mild side effects reported in two of the five German studies cited above He refers to the gastric side effects as adverse effects as distinct from side effects I detect a whitewash of the cohosh, perhaps well deserved and scientifically accurate Stay tuned Extracts (Black Cohosh) — Estrogenic and hypotensive effects reported (AHP) Resin hypotensive (1 mg/kg) Triterpenes hypocholesterolemic Formononetin binds to estrogen receptor sites, inducing an estrogen-like activity in the body (SKY) Alcoholic extracts decrease luteinizing hormone secretions in menopausal women (SKY) Cimicifugin antispasmodic and sedative (PED) but rapidly converted to an inactive compound when the fresh root is bruised or cut Formononetin may act as estradiol antagonist (binding to the receptor but not producing an effect) rather than an agonist (binding to and activating the receptor), hence not affecting LH secretion (MAB) Studies of 13 American populations of black cohosh refute the presence of formononetin BLACK CUMIN (Nigella sativa L.) ++ The prophet Muhammad reportedly recommended black cumin as a “cure-all” to his associates in Arabia 1400 years ago It remains one of the most famous medicinal herbs in the Muslim world Activities (Black Cumin) — Abortifacient (f; BIB; DEP; KAP); Amebicide (1; MPI); Analgesic (1; HAD); Anesthetic (1; HAD); Antiamphetamine (f; MPI); Antibacterial (1; ABS; HAD; HHB; WOI); Antibilious (f; BIB; EFS); Anticancer (1; ABS); Antidote, Hg (f; SKJ); Antihistaminic (1; HAD; HHB; WOI); Antioxidant (1; HAD); Antioxytocic (1; ABS); Antiseptic (1; ABS; WOI); Antispasmodic (1; HAD; HHB; WOI); Antiviral (1; HAD); Aperitif (f; BIB; HAD); Bronchodilator (1; HAD); Candidicide (1; ABS); Cardiodepressant (1; MPI); Carminative (1; HHB; MAD; SKJ; SUW; WOI); Chemopreventive (1; ABS); Choleretic (1; HHB); Cholicomimetic (1; MPI); CNS-Depressant (1; MPI); Contraceptive (f; HAD); Cyclooxygenase-Inhibitor (1; ABS); Digestive (f; BIB); Diaphoretic (f; BIB); Digestive (f; DEP); Diuretic (f; BIB; EFS; HHB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Emmenagogue (f; BIB; EFS; MAD; SUW; WOI); Fungicide (1; ABS; MPI); Hepatoprotective (1; HAD); Hypotensive (1; ABS; MPI); Hypouricemic (1; HHB); Immunostimulant (1; HAD); Insecticide (1; MPI); Insectifuge (1; WOI); Lactagogue (1; BIB; DEP; EFS; HAD; HHB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Laxative (f; BIB; EFS); 5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor (1; ABS); Pediculicide (f; DEP); Phagocytotic (1; HAD); Protisticide (1; MPI); Respirastimulant (1; ABS; HAD); Secretagogue (f; DEP); Stimulant (f; EFS); Stomachic (f; DEP; EFS); Taenicide (1; MPI); Tonic (f; EFS); Toxic (1; HHB); Uterocontractant (f; KAP); Vermifuge (f; BIB; HAD; KAP; MAD) Indications (Black Cumin) — Achylia (f; MAD); Allergy (f; HAD); Ameba (1; MPI); Amenorrhea (f; KAP); Anorexia (1; BIB; HAD); Arthrosis (1; HAD); Ascites (f; BIB); Asthma (1; HAD; HHB; MAD; SKJ; WOI); Bacteria (1; ABS; HAD; HHB; WOI); Biliousness (f; KAP); Bite (f; HAD); Bronchosis (1; HAD; HHB; WOI); Bronchospasm (1; WOI); Cachexia (f; SKJ); Callus (f; BIB; JLH); Cancer (1; ABS; BIB; HAD); Cancer, abdomen (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, colon (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, eye (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, liver (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, nose (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, uterus (1; FNF; JLH); Candida (1; ABS); Catarrh (f; DEP; HHB); Childbirth (f; SUW); Cholera (1; MPI); Cold (f; DEP); Colic (f; BIB); Constipation (f; SKJ); Corn (f; BIB; JLH); Cough (1; SKJ; WOI); Cramp (1; HAD; HHB; MAD; WOI); Dermatosis (f; HAD; SUW; WOI); Diabetes (1; HAD); Diarrhea (f; MAD); Dysentery (f; HHB; SKJ); Dysmenorrhea (f; DEP; KAP); Dyspepsia (f; BIB); Eczema (f; DEP); Emaciation (f; SKJ); Enterosis (f; BIB; MAD); Eruption (f; BIB); Escherichia (1; KAP; MPI); Fever (1; BIB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Flu (f; BIB); Fungus (1; ABS; HAD; MPI); Gas (1; HHB; MAD; SKJ; SUW; WOI); Gout (1; HHB); Headache (f; BIB); Hemorrhoid (f; BIB); Hepatosis (f; BIB; JLH; MAD); High Blood Pressure (1; ABS; MPI); High Cholesterol (1; HAD); Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 89 HIV (1; HAD); Hydrophobia (f; BIB); Immunodepression (1; HAD); Induration (f; JLH; MAD); Infection (1; ABS; HAD; MPI); Inflammation (1; HAD); Jaundice (f; BIB; HHB; MAD); Leprosy (f; SKJ); Leukorrhea (f; MAD); Lice (f; DEP); Malaria (f; KAP); Mycosis (1; ABS; MPI); Myrmecia (f; BIB); Nephrosis (f; HAD); Ophthalmia (f; HAD); Orchosis (f; BIB); Pain (1; HAD); Paralysis (f; BIB); Parasite (1; HAD); PMS (1; HAD); Proctosis (f; SKJ); Prolapse (f; SKJ); Ptyriasis (f; DEP); Puerperium (1; WOI); Pulmonosis (f; HAD; HHB; MAD); Rhinosis (f; BIB); Salmonella (1; HAD); Sclerosis (f; BIB); Smallpox (f; SKJ); Snakebite (f; BIB); Sniffles (f; MAD); Splenosis (f; MAD); Staphylococcus (1; HAD; MPI); Sting (f; HAD; SUW); Stomachache (f; BIB; MAD); Stomatosis (f; HAD); Swelling (f; BIB); Syphilis (f; SKJ); Tapeworm (1; MPI); Toothache (f; MAD); Tumor (f; BIB; HAD); Vibrio (1; MPI); Virus (1; HAD); Water Retention (f; BIB; EFS; HHB; MAD; SUW; WOI); Worm (f; BIB; HAD; KAP; MAD); Wound (f; HAD); Yeast (1; ABS; HAD) Dosages (Black Cumin) — 0.6–1.2 g seed (HHB; MAD); tsp seed in hot tea (MAD) Extracts (Black Cumin) — Nigellone protects guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchospasms (WOI) LD50 alcoholic extract 540–580 mg/kg ipr mouse (MPI) BLACK CURRANT FRUIT (Ribes nigrum L.) +++ Synonym — Ribes nigrum var chlorocarpum Späth Entries are for fruits rather than seeds; seed oil is a by-product! For leaves, see next entry Leaves not generally considered food Activities (Black Currant Fruit) — Analgesic (f; SKJ); Angioprotective (1; X3635653); Antialzheimeran (1; COX; FNF); Antiarthritic (1; COX; FNF); Antibacterial (1; PNC); Anticancer (1; COX; FNF); Anticholera (1; PNC); Antiinflammatory (1; COX; PNC); Antipyretic (f; PNC); Antisecretory (1; PNC); Antiseptic (1; PH2); Antispasmodic (1; PH2; PNC); Astringent (1; APA); Depurative (f; EFS); Diaphoretic (f; EFS; FEL); Digestive (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; EFS; PNC); Hypotensive (1; PH2; PNC); Lipoperoxidase-Inhibitor (1; PH2); Vasoprotective (1; PNC); Xanthine-Oxidase-Inhibitor (1; PH2) Indications (Black Currant Fruit) — Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Angina (f; HHB); Arthrosis (1; COX; FNF); Bacteria (1; FNF; PNC); Bruise (f; PH2); Calculus (f; FEL); Cancer (1; COX; FEL; FNF); Cardiopathy (f; PNC); Chill (1; APA); Cholecystosis (f; PHR); Cholera (1; FNF; PNC); Cold (1; APA; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; HHB); Cough (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Cramp (1; PH2; PNC); CVI (f; PH2); Cystosis (f; PH2); Diarrhea (1; APA; HHB; PH2; PNC); Dropsy (f; FEL); Dysuria (f; HHB); Felon (f; JLH); Fever (f; EFS; FEL; PNC); Flu (1; APA); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Gout (f; HHB); Hemorrhoid (f; FEL; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2; PNC); Hoarseness (f; FEL; PH2; PNC); B 90 B Handbook of Medicinal Herbs Infection (1; PNC); Inflammation (1; COX; PH2; PNC); Mucososis (f; PH2); Pain (f; SKJ); Quinsy (f; KAB); Rheumatism (f; HHB); Sore Throat (f; KAB; PH2; PNC); Stomachache (f; PHR; PH2); Stomatosis (f; PH2); Strep Throat (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; EFS; HHB; PNC); Wound (f; HHB) Dosages (Black Currant Fruit) — 600–6000 mg/day; (250 mg) capsules ×/day; 1–2 tsp chopped leaf, up to several ×/day (APA); 5–10 ml fruit syrup, 1–several ×/day (PHR; PH2); glassful fruit juice/day; gargle with part juice/1 part water (PHR) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Currant Fruit) — Class (AHP) Not covered by Commission E (KOM) None known (PHR) Not covered (CAN) Extracts (Black Currant Fruit) — As a major source of the major COX-2 Inhibitor ([+]-catechin), this might be viewed by enthusiasts as another herbal miracle aspirin (COX) Anthocyanins and polyphenols in berries of several Ribes, Rubus, and Vaccinium spp have in vitro antiradical activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals The extracts also inhibit xanthine oxidase All crude extracts were highly active toward chemically generated superoxide radicals Ribes nigrum extracts exhibited most activity, being the richest in both anthocyanins and polyphenols But Ribes rubrum extracts seem to contain more active substances (X1332092) BLACK CURRANT LEAF (Ribes nigrum L.) + Synonym — Ribes nigrum var chlorocarpum Späth Activities (Black Currant Leaf) — Analgesic (f; KAB); Antiexudative (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory (1; APA); Antiprostaglandin (1; PH2); Astringent (f; APA); Diaphoretic (f; EFS); Diuretic (1; EFS; PH2); Fungicide (1; APA); Hypotensive (1; PH2; PNC); Saluretic (1; PH2) Indications (Black Currant Leaf) — Arthrosis (f; PHR; PH2); Bite (f; PH2); Bladder Stone (f; PHR; PH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cold (f; PHR; PH2); Colic (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Convulsion (f; PHR; PH2); Cough (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (f; PHR; PH2); Dropsy (f; KAB); Dysuria (f; PHR; PH2); Fever (f; EFS); Fungus (1; APA); Gout (f; KAB; HHB; PHR; PH2); Hepatosis (f; PHR; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2; PNC); Hoarseness (f; PNC); Infection (1; APA); Inflammation (1; APA; KAB; PH2; PNC); Jaundice (f; PH2); Migraine (f; HHB); Mycosis (1; APA); Nephrosis (f; KAB); Pain (f; KAB); Pertussis (f; PHR; PH2); Pharyngosis (f; PHR; PH2); Rheumatism (f; HHB; PHR; PH2); Sore Throat (f; PHR; PH2; PNC); Stomatosis (f; PHR); Stone (f; PH2); Water Retention (1; EFS; HHB; PH2); Wound (f; PH2) Dosages (Black Currant Leaf) — 1–2 tsp (2-4 g) leaf/150 ml boiling water, strain after 10 minutes, 3–4 ×/day (APA; PHR; PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Currant Leaf) — Not covered (CAN) Leaves not covered (AHP) Not covered by Commission E (KOM) Leaves contraindicated in edema stemming from reduced cardiac or renal activity (PHR; PH2) “A salidiuretic effect is attributed to the drug through a ‘diuretic’ factor that is not clearly defined” (HOC) That’s the only place I have seen it called salidiuretic, but I prefer Tyler’s frequent term, saluretic BLACK CURRANT SEED OIL (Ribes nigrum L.) +++ Synonym — Ribes nigrum var chlorocarpum Späth Activities (Black Currant Seed Oil) — Antiinflammatory (1; APA); Antiseptic (1; PH2); Antispasmodic (1; PH2; PNC); Lipoperoxidase-Inhibitor (1; PH2); Xanthine-Oxidase-Inhibitor (1; PH2) Indications (Black Currant Seed Oil) — Alcoholism (1; FNF); Arthrosis (1; APA); Cardiopathy (1; APA); Cramp (1; PH2; PNC); Eczema (1; FNF); High Blood Pressure (1; APA); Infection (1; PH2); Inflammation (1; APA; FNF); PMS (1; APA; FNF); Stroke (1; FNF); Syndrome-X (1; SYN) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 91 Dosages (Black Currant Seed Oil) — 200–400 mg capsules StX for 14–19% GLA (APA); for atopic eczema, (250 mg) capsules ×/day (APA) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Currant Seed Oil) — Fruit Class 1; seed not covered (AHP) Not covered by Commission E (KOM) BLACK DOT, SCURFY PEA (Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik.) ++ Synonym — Psoralea corylifolia L Old, old synonym, Trifolium uniflorum Forsk (DEP) Some of the MAD data below apply to closely related Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C H Stirt Activities (Black Dot) — Alterative (f; KAB); Amebicide (1; DAA); Antiaggregant (1; JNP7:671); Antiangiogenic (1; FNF); Antiarachidonate (1; JNP7:671); Antiatherosclerotic (1; FNF); Antibacterial (1; DAA); Antifertility (1; FNF); Anticancer (1; ABS; FNF); Anticonvulsant (1; MPI); Antiedemic (1; KAP); Antiestrogenic (1; MPI); Antiinflammatory (1; FNF); Antimutagenic (f; FNF); Antipyretic (1; MPI); Aphrodisiac (f; DAA; DEP; HHB); CNS-Depressant (1; MPI); Deobstruent (f; SKJ); Diaphoretic (f; KAP; WOI); Diuretic (f; DEP; KAB; KAP); Estrogenic (1; MPI); Hepatotoxic (1; MPI); Hypertensive (1; MPI); Laxative (f; DEP; KAB; KAP); Myorelaxant (1; KAP); Nematicide (1; MPI); Piscicide (1; WOI); Progesteronic (f; MPI); Sedative (1; MPI); Stimulant (f; DAA; DEP); Stomachic (f; KAB); Tonic (f; DAA); Tranquilizer (1; MPI); Uterotonic (1; WOI); Vermifuge (1; DAA; HHB; KAB); Vulnerary (f; KAB) Indications (Black Dot) — Alcoholism (1; FNF); Ameba (1; DAA); Anxiety (1; MPI); Arthrosis (f; DAA); Asthma (f; KAB); Atherosclerosis (1; FNF); Backache (f; LMP); Bacteria (1; DAA; MAD); Biliousness (f; KAB; KAP); Bite (f; SKJ); BPH (1; FNF); Bronchosis (f; KAB); Callus (f; DAA); Cancer (1; ABS; FNF; JLH); Cancer, uterus (1; FNF; JLH); Cardiopathy (1; FNF; KAB); Caries (1; KAB); B 92 B Handbook of Medicinal Herbs Cholera (1; MPI); Constipation (f; DEP; KAB; KAP); Convulsion (1; MPI); Cramp (f; FNF); Dermatosis (1; HHB; KAB); Diabetic Retinopathy (1; FNF); Diarrhea (f; KAB); Dysuria (f; DAA); Dysmenorrhea (f; DAA; HHB); Elephantiasis (f; KAB); Enuresis (f; DAA); Epilepsy (f; MAD); Escherichia (1; MPI); Fever (1; DAA; KAP; MPI; WOI); Fracture (1; PM62:206); Fungus (1; FNF; KAP); Gastrosis (f; SKJ); Gynecopathy (f; KAB); Headache (1; FNF); High Blood Pressure (1; FNF); Hysteria (1; FNF; MAD); Impotence (f; DAA); Inflammation (1; FNF; MPI); Insomnia (1; MPI); Leprosy (1; DAA; DEP; KAP); Leukemia (1; FNF); Leukoderma (1; DAA; DEP; KAP; LMP); Low Blood Pressure (1; MPI); Lumbago (f; DAA); Lymphoma (1; FNF); Melanoma (1; FNF); Mycosis (1; FNF; KAP); Nephrosis (f; LMP); Nervousness (1; MPI); Ophthalmia (1; FNF); Osteomalacia (1; PM62:206); Osteoporosis (1; PM62:206); Osteosis (f; LMP); Polyuria (f; DAA); Prostatosis (1; FNF); Psoriasis (f; HHB); Rheumatism (f; KAB); Salmonella (1; MPI); Scabies (f; KAB); Snakebite (f; KAB); Sore (f; KAB); Spermatorrhea (f; DAA); Splenosis (f; DAA); Staphylococcus (1; HHB; KAP); Sting (f; SKJ); Streptococcus (1; HHB; LMP); Stress (1; MPI); Stomachache (f; KAB); Swelling (1; KAP); Uterosis (f; JLH); Virus (1; FNF); Vitiligo (f; DAA); Water Retention (1; DEP; FNF; KAB; KAP); Worm (1; DAA; HHB; KAB) Dosages (Black Dot) — 1–3 g powdered seed (KAP) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Dot) — Not covered (AHP; KOM; PH2) Psoralen can be phototoxic Applications for leukoderma may sometimes cause dermatosis PUVA (Psoralen + UltraViolet A) treatment for psoriasis increases the incidence of skin cancers The high levels of genistein and daidzein should possibly be contraindicated in patients with ER2-(+)-breast cancer BLACK HAW (Viburnum prunifolium L.) + Activities (Black Haw) — Antiabortive (f; FEL); Anticonvulsive (f; DEM); Antidiarrheic (1; APA; PNC); Antispasmodic (1; DEM; EFS; FAD; FEL; LAF; PH2); Astringent (1; APA; FEL); Diaphoretic (f; DEM); Diuretic (f; FEL; LAF); Emetic (f; FEL); Nervine (f; APA; EFS; FAD; FEL); Sedative (1; APA; EFS; FAD); Tonic (f; FEL; LAF); Uterorelaxant (1; APA; FAD; LAF); Uterotonic (f; EFS; FAD; FEL) Indications (Black Haw) — Abortion (f; FEL; HH3); Ague (f; DEM); Alcoholism (f; FEL); Amenorrhea (f; FEL); Asthma (f; APA; EFS; FAD); Bleeding (f; FEL); Cardiopathy (f; FEL); Chorea (f; FEL); Colic (f; FEL); Congestion (f; FEL); Convulsion (f; DEM); Cramp (1; APA; DEM; EFS; FAD; FEL; LAF; PH2); Diarrhea (1; APA; FEL; LAF; PNC); Dysentery (f; FEL); Dysmenorrhea (1; APA; FAD; HH3; LAF; PH2); Fever (1; APA; DEM); Enterosis (1; APA); Epilepsy (f; FEL); Glossosis (f; DEM); Gynecopathy (f; DEM); Headache (1; APA); Hiccup (f; FEL); Hysteria (f; FEL); Inflammation (f; FEL); Insomnia (1; APA; EFS; FAD); Intermittent Claudication (f; FEL; JAD); Jaundice (f; FEL); Lethargy (f; LAF); Menorrhagia (f; FEL); Miscarriage (f; APA; FAD; LAF); Nervousness (1; APA; EFS; FAD); Ophthalmia (f; FEL); Pain (1; APA); Palpitation (f; FEL); Paralysis (f; FEL); Parturition (f; DEM; FAD); Singultus (f; FEL); Smallpox (f; DEM); Uterosis (f; FEL); Uterrhagia (f; APA); Water Retention (f; FEL; LAF) Dosages (Black Haw) — tsp dry bark/cup water (APA); 2–5 g powdered bark (HH3); 1–2 g powdered bark (PNC); 2–8 ml bark elixir (PNC); 4–8 ml liquid bark extract (PNC); up to tsp tincture ×/day (APA) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Black Haw) — Class 2d Patients with kidney stone should use only with caution because of oxalates (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! JAD) HH3 notes a CNS-Depressant result of overdose In animals it takes some 5–7 g scu to cause cardiac arrest (HH3) Salicin has many of the same activities as salicylates According to WOI, salicin may impart the marked sedative action to the bark, reportedly polymerizing to form an alcohol soluble sedative that is even more relaxant (WOI) Scopoletin, with uterosedative activity, probably works by blocking .. .Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 89 HIV (1; HAD); Hydrophobia (f; BIB); Immunodepression (1; HAD); Induration (f;... FEL; PH2); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2; PNC); Hoarseness (f; FEL; PH2; PNC); B 90 B Handbook of Medicinal Herbs Infection (1; PNC); Inflammation (1; COX; PH2; PNC); Mucososis (f; PH2); Pain (f;... Inflammation (1; APA; FNF); PMS (1; APA; FNF); Stroke (1; FNF); Syndrome-X (1; SYN) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 91 Dosages (Black Currant Seed Oil) — 200–400 mg capsules StX for 14–19% GLA (APA);