Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 333 Regrettably, PH2 lists American ginseng (P quinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) among the trade names for oriental ginseng (Panax ginseng), and lists notoginsenosides among the chemicals, rendering the entire PH2 entry suspect as an aggregation of many species in two genera (PH2) Activities (Ginseng) — Adaptogen (1; KEB; MAB; SHT; WHO); Adrenergic (1; AKT); Alterative (f; CRC; DAA; PED); Analgesic (f; CRC; DAA); Antiaging (f; AKT; MAB); Antiaggregant (1; PH2; PNC); Antialcoholic (1; KEB; MAB; PH2); Antiarrhythmic (1; KEB; PH2); Anticancer (1; PH2); Anticatecholamine (1; PH2); Anticholinergic (1; KEB; PH2); Anticonvulsant (f; FAY); Antidepressant (1; BGB); Antidiuretic (f; KEB); Antifatigue (1; BGB; PNC; WHO); Antihepatomic (1; KEB); Antiinflammatory (1; KEB); Antiischemic (1; KEB); Antimitogenic (1; DAA); Antioxidant (1; BGB; PH2); Antiprolactin (1; WHO); Antiprostatic (1; KEB); Antipsychotic (f; FAY); Antiradiation (1; MAB; WHO); Antiseptic (f; CRC; DAA); Antithromboxane (1; PH2); Antitumor (1; BGB; KEB; WHO); Antiulcer (1; APA; FAY); Antiwrinkle (f; MAB); Antiviral (1; WHO); Anxiolytic (1; BGB; KEB); Aperitif (f; CRC; DAA); Aphrodisiac (1; APA; CRC; DAA); Apoptotic (1; PH2); Bitter (f; PED); Cardiotonic (1; AKT; APA; DAA; KEB; PED); Carminative (f; CRC; DAA); Caspase Stimulator (1; PH2); Chemopreventive (1; MAB); Circulostimulant (1; PED); CNS Sedative (1; FAY; KEB; PNC); CNS Stimulant (1; KEB; PNC); Corticotrophinogenic (1; PH2); Cytotoxic (1; PH2); Demulcent (f; CRC; DAA); Diuretic (f; CRC; DAA); Elevates HDL-Cholesterol (1; MAB); Emetic (f; CRC); Energizer (1; APA); Estrogenic (1; DAA; KEB; PNC); Ethanolytic (1; KEB); Expectorant (f; CRC; DAA); Fatigue (f; APA); Gonadotropic (1; CRC; KEB); Hemopoietic (1; KEB); Hepatoprotective (1; KEB; PH2; WHO); Hepatotonic (1; PED); Hyperglycemic (1; KEB); Hypertensive (1; PNC); Hypocholesterolemic (1; BGB; PH2); Hypoglycemic (1; DAA; KEB; PNC; WHO); Hypotriglyceridemic (1; BGB; PH2); Immunostimulant (1; APA; PED; MAB; PH2; WHO); Interferonigenic (1; KEB; PH2); Memorigenic (1; BGB; KEB); Mineralcorticoid (1; KEB); Mitogenic (1; DAA); Negative Chronotropic (1; PH2); Negative Inotropic (1; PH2); Nervine (f; CRC; PH2); Neurotonic (f; CRC; PH2); Nicotinic (1; PH2); NKC-Genic (1; PH2); NO-genic (1; BGB; PH2); Nootropic (1; KEB); Osteoprotective (1; MAB); Phagocytotic (1; KEB); Positive Inotropic (1; PH2); Radioprotective (1; BGB; FAY; HH2); Respirastimulant (f; FAY); Roborant (f; BGB); Secretagogue (1; APA); Sedative (f; APA; DAA); Serotonilytic (1; KEB); Sialagogue (f; CRC; DAA); Spermatogenic (1; KEB); Stimulant (f; CRC; PNC); Stomachic (f; CRC); Testosteronigenic (1; KEB); Thymoleptic (f; MB); Tonic (1; AKT; CRC; DAA; KOM; MAB; SHT); Tranquilizer (f; CRC; DAA); Ulcerogenic (1; FAY); Vasodilator (1; BGB) Indications (Ginseng) — Aging (1; CRC; DAA); Alcoholism (1; KEB; MAB; PH2); Amnesia (f; APA; CRC; DAA); Anemia (f; AKT; CRC; FAY); Angina (f; KEB); Anorexia (f; APA; BGB; DAA; PH2); Anxiety (1; BGB; KEB; MAB; PH2); Arrhythmia (1; DAA; KEB; PH2); Asthma (f; CRC; DAA; KEB; MAB); Atherosclerosis (f; CRC; DAA); Bleeding (f; CRC); Bite (f; CRC); Boil (f; CRC); Bruise (f; CRC); Cachexia (2; CRC; KOM; PH2; SHT); Cancer (1; APA; BGB; CRC; DAA; KEB; JLH; PH2; WHO); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, lung (1; KEB); Cancer, stomach (f; JLH); Carcinoma (f; JLH); Cardiopathy (f; KEB); Chemotherapy (f; AKT); Cold (f; JAD); Colitis (f; APA); Convalescence (1; KOM; SHT; WHO); Convulsion (f; CRC; DAA; FAY; MAB); Cough (f; CRC; WHO); Debility (2; FAY; KOM; PH2; SHT; WHO); Depression (1; BGB; KEB); Diabetes (1; CRC; KEB; PH2; WHO); Divination (f; CRC); Dysentery (f; CRC; DAA); Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC; DAA); Dyspepsia (f; CRC; DAA; MAB); Dyspnea (f; DAA; KEB; MAB; WHO); Enterosis (f; CRC; DAA); Epilepsy (f; CRC; DAA); Epistaxis (f; CRC; DAA); Fatigue (2; AKT; CRC; DAA; KOM; PH2; SHT; WHO); Fear (f; CRC; DAA); Fever (f; CRC; DAA; WHO); Flu (f; PH2); Gas (f; CRC; DAA); Gastrosis (1; CRC; PH2; WHO); Gonadotrophy (f; DAA); Hangover (f; CRC; DAA); Headache (f; APA; DAA); Heart (f; CRC); Hemoptysis (f; DAA; PH2); Hepatoma (1; KEB; HH2); Hepatosis (2; WHO); High Blood Pressure (f; CRC; DAA); High Cholesterol (1; BGB; KEB; PH2); Hyperglycemia (f; CRC; DAA); Hypoglycemia (1; KEB); Hypothermia (f; WHO); G 334 G Handbook of Medicinal Herbs IDDM (1; WHO); Immune Dysfunction (1; JAD); Immunodepression (1; APA; PED; MAB; PH2; WHO); Impotence (1; BGB; DAA; PH2; SHT; WHO); Infection (f; KEB); Infertility (1; BGB; KEB; MAB; PH2); Inflammation (1; KEB); Insomnia (1; APA; CRC; DAA; PH2); Leukopenia (1; KEB); Longevity (1; KEB); Low Blood Pressure (1; CRC; DAA; PNC); Malaria (f; CRC); Menopause (f; KEB); Menorrhagia (f; CRC); Mental Derangement (f; KEB); Morning Sickness (f; WHO); Nausea (f; CRC); Nephrosis (f; CRC); Nervousness (f; APA; CRC; DAA); Neuralgia (f; MAB); Neurasthenia (f; CRC; DAA); Neurosis (f; KEB; PH2; WHO); NIDDM (1; BGB; MAB; WHO); Obesity (1; PH2); Pain (f; CRC; DAA); Palpitation (f; CRC; DAA; KEB); Polyuria (f; CRC; DAA); Post-Menopause (f; BGB); Proctosis (f; CRC); Prolapse (f; KEB; MAB); Radiation Sickness (1; KEB); Respirosis (f; AKT); Rheumatism (f; APA; CRC; DAA; PH2; WHO); Senile Dementia (1; APA; KEB); Sheehan’s Syndrome (1; KEB); Shock (1; DAA; MAB); Slow Thinking (1; SHT); Sore (f; CRC; JLH); Spermatorrhea (f; CRC); Splenosis (f; BGB; CRC; DAA); Sting (f; CRC); Stress (2; KOM; MAB; PHR); Swelling (1; CRC; DAA; JLH); Thirst (f; CRC); Tuberculosis (f; WHO); Tumor (1; BGB; KEB; WHO); Ulcer (1; APA; FAY; WHO); Vertigo (f; CRC; DAA); Virus (1; PH2; WHO); Vomiting (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; CRC; DAA); Wrinkle (f; FAY; MAB) (Commission E approves as a tonic “for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, for declining capacity for work and concentration, also during convalescence” (KOM); reading that reinforces my contention, in my ginseng book, that carrots could a lot of the same thing at less than 1% of the price I still feel that much of the literature on ginseng and soy comes from selective publications of sponsored research, making them look undeservedly better than carrot and black beans, for example.) Dosages (Ginseng) — Tea 3–4 ×/day, 3–4 weeks (PH2); 0.33–0.66 g root ×/day; 0.6–3.0 g root 1–3 ×/day, weeks–3 months (AHP); 0.5–1 g root daily, 15–20 days (CAN); 1–2 g root/day (PH2); 1–9 g root (FAY); 1–10 g root/day (MAB); 0.4–0.8 g root/day, long term (CAN); 1–2 g Asian root/day (APA); 0.5 tsp dried Asian root/cup water 1–2 ×/day (APA); tbsp fresh root (PED); 0.5–2 g dry root (WHO); g dry root:10 ml alcohol/10 mg water (PED); 0.5–3 g dry root/day or 1–6 ml fluid extract (1:2) (KEB); 1–2 g dry root (KOM; PED); 0.5–1 g powdered root (PNC); 3–9 g powdered ginseng/day (AKT); (550 mg) capsules ×/day (Korean); 1–4 (250 mg) StX capsules (5–9% ginsenosides) (APA); 100 mg StX (4–7% ginsenosides) 1–2 ×/day; (535 mg) StX ×/day (Korean) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Ginseng) — Class 2d Contraindicated for high blood pressure (AHP) The ginseng monograph published in 1991 says “none known” regarding contraindications, drug interactions, or side effects (KOM) Contraindicated in acute infections, asthma, and high blood pressure (KEB) High doses may aggravate or cause decreased sexual function, dysmenorrhea, euphoria, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, morning diarrhea, palpitations, skin eruptions, and tremors (KEB) The worst and most erroneous studies of ginseng were reported in JAMA, which accepted no corrections from the herbal industry, trying to get the reports straight “Most commonly reported side effects of ginseng are nervousness and excitation, which usually diminish” (LRNP, September 1990) Foster (1996) reports GI distress, overstimulation, breast tenderness, dysmenorrhea Though estrogenic side effects are reported in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, “clinical studies have demonstrated that a standardized ginseng extract does not cause a change in male and female hormonal status” (WHO) Avoid if hypertensive or pregnant Possible insomnia, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, and insomnia Contraindicated for patients with hyperkinesis, hysteria, mania, schizophrenia, or those who are nervous or tense Not to be taken with stimulants, including coffee, antipsychotic drugs, or during treatment with hormones Use cautiously in cardiopathy, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypotension, and with all steroid therapy In Russia, it is even suggested that healthy people under age 40 should not take ginseng, but that middle-aged people can take small doses on a regular basis (CAN) Because of hormonal activity, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN) Caution with insulin, warfarin, phenylzine, and loop Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 335 diuretics (PH2) “Three newborns were intoxicated after an intake of 0.3–0.6 g ginseng decoction; one died” (Oriental studies translated by AHP.) Blumenthal suggests it may potentiate MAOIs (MAB) Use should be restricted to months (SHT) “It has been found to increase counts of total lymphocytes, T-Helper cells, and T4 and T8 subsets, and to improve NKC activity.” Positive as all this sounds, O’Brien cautions that headaches may result from chronic use Do not take with digitalis (O’Brien, 1998) Extracts (Ginseng) — Ginsenosides stimulate insulin release and increase insulin receptors to exert a hypoglycemic response” (PH2) Root LD50 = 2000 mg/kg orl mouse (CAN); root LD50 = >5000 mg/kg orl mouse (CAN); LD50 (mixed saponins) = 500–900 mg/kg ipr mouse; 367 mg/kg ivn mouse; >5000 mg/kg orl mouse (HH2) CAN probably devotes more pages (pp.145–149) to the pharmacological effects of ginseng than the other herbs they treat more cursorily, “many of the pharmacological actions documented for ginseng directly oppose one another (hardly my usual synergy (JAD)) and this has been attributed to the actions of the individual ginsenosides For example, ginsenoside Rb1 exhibits CNS-depressant, hypotensive and tranquilizing actions; while ginsenoside Rg1 exhibits CNS-stimulant, hypertensive, and antifatigue actions These opposing actions are thought to explain the ‘adaptogenic’ reputation of ginseng, that is the ability to increase the overall resistance of the body to stress and to balance bodily functions.” PH2 states it even more narrowly, “A single ginsenoside may initiate multiple or opposing actions in the same tissue” (PH2) My speculation is even stronger The homeostatic human body is able to selectively sequester needed compounds from the homeostatic plant and, to an extent, exclude the unneeded compounds Thus the hypotensive human who coevolved with ginseng might selectively use the needed hypertensive ginsenoside, while the hypertensive human might adaptogenically sequester the hypotensive ginsenoside Something for whatever ails you Remember, this herb, like all herbs contains all the compounds essential for plant life, and many of those essential for human life Carrots are considerably cheaper GLORY-LILY (Gloriosa superba L.) X Synonym — Clinostylis speciosa Hochst., Gloriosa abyssinica A Rich., G homblei De Wild., G hybrid, G rothschildiana O’Brien, G simplex auct., G speciosa (Hochst.) Engl., G virescens Lindl Activities (Glory-Lily) — Abortifacient (1; CRC; WOI); Alexeteric (f; CRC); Alterative (f; CRC); Analgesic (f; CRC); Antibacterial (1; CRC; WOI); Antiseptic (1; WOI); Antispermatogenic (1; ZUL); Aphrodisiac (f; ZUL); Candidicide (f; CRC); Cholagogue (f; CRC; EFS); Emetic (1; WOI); Emmenagogue (f; EFS); Laxative (1; CRC; EFS; WOI); Mitogenic (f; CRC); Pediculicide (1; CRC; ZUL); Poison (1; CRC); Stomachic (1; CRC; WOI); Teratogenic (1; ZUL); Tonic (1; CRC; WOI); Vermifuge (1; CRC; WOI) Indications (Glory-Lily) — Acne (f; ZUL); Arthrosis (1; CRC; ZUL); Ascites (f; CRC); Bacteria (1; CRC; WOI); Bite (f; CRC); Bright’s Disease (1; CRC; ZUL); Bruise (f; CRC; ZUL); Cancer (f; CRC); Candida (f; CRC); Childbirth (1; CRC; WOI); Cholera (1; CRC; ZUL); Colic (1; CRC; WOI; ZUL); Constipation (1; CRC; EFS; WOI); Dermatosis (1; CRC; WOI; ZUL); Epistaxis (f; CRC); Erysipelas (f; CRC); Gonorrhea (f; CRC; WOI); Gout (1; WOI); Guinea Worm (f; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC; WOI); Impotence (f; CRC; ZUL); Infection (1; WOI); Infertility (f; ZUL); Leprosy (f; CRC; ZUL); Lice (1; WOI); Malaria (f; CRC; ZUL); Neuralgia (1; CRC; WOI); Pain (1; CRC; WOI); Parasite (1; CRC; WOI); Rheumatism (1; WOI); Scabies (f; CRC); Snakebite (f; CRC); Sore (f; CRC); Spermatorrhea (f; CRC); Splenosis (f; CRC); Sprain (f; CRC); Syphilis (f; CRC); Tumor (f; CRC); Typhus (1; CRC; ZUL); Ulcer (1; CRC; WOI); Worm (1; CRC; WOI); Wound (1; ZUL); Yeast (f; CRC) Dosages (Glory-Lily) — 5–10 grains vermifuge, stomachic, and tonic (WOI); larger doses toxic, possibly lethal; not take (JAD) G 336 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Glory-Lily) — Colchicine can kill (ZUL) Human deaths recorded, mistaking the bulbs for onions Symptoms include tingling and numbness of the lips, mucous membrane irritation, severe vomiting, diarrhea, colic, hypotension, convulsions, and respiratory failure (CRC; JAD) GLOSSY PRIVET (Ligustrum lucidum W T Aiton) ++ G Activities (Glossy Privet) — Analgesic (f; DAA; FAY); Antiallergic (1; AEL); Antibacterial (1; FNF); Anticariogenic (1; LAF); Antiedemic (1; FNF); Antigingivitic (1; LAF); Anti-HIV (1; FNF); Antiinflammatory (1; AEL); Antimalarial (1; FNF); Antimutagenic (1; AEL); Antioxidant (1; AEL); Antipyretic (1; DAA); Antiseptic (1; FNF); Antitumor (1; AEL); Antiulcer (1; FNF); Antiviral (1; FNF); Cardiotonic (1; FAY; LAF); COX-2 Inhibitor (1; FNF); Diaphoretic (f; DAA); Diuretic (1; LAF); Hepatoprotective (1; AEL); Hypoglycemic (1; AEL); Hypolipemic (1; AEL); Immunomodulator (1; AEL); Pectoral (f; DAA); Phagocytotic (1; LAF); Radioprotective (f; FAY); Tonic (1; AEL); Uterotonic (1; LAF); Vulnerary (f; DAA) Indications (Glossy Privet) — Abscess (f; DAA); Allergy (1; AEL); Arthrosis (1; FNF); Backache (f; FAY); Bacteria (1; FNF); Cachexia (f; DAA); Cancer (1; AEL); Cardiopathy (1; LAF); Caries (1; LAF); Cold (f; DAA); Congestion (f; DAA); Constipation (f; FAY); Immunodepression (1; AEL); Diabetes (1; LAF); Dropsy (f; DAA); Dysuria (1; LAF); Edema (1; FNF); Fever (1; DAA); Gingivosis (1; LAF); Gray Hair (f; FAY); Headache (f; DAA); Hepatosis (1; DAA; FNF); HIV (1; FNF); Inflammation (1; AEL); Leukopenia (2; FAY; LAF); Malaria (1; FNF); Nephrosis (f; DAA); Obesity (1; AEL); Pain (f; DAA; FAY); Phthisis (f; DAA); Radiation (1; FAY); Swelling (1; DAA; FNF); Tinnitus (f; DAA; FAY); Tuberculosis (f; DAA); Tumor (1; AEL); Ulcer (1; FNF); Vertigo (f; DAA; FAY);Virus (1; FNF); Water Retention (1; LAF) Dosages (Glossy Privet) — Experimentally in rat liver tissue 0.25 ng/ml (AEL); 4.5–15 g in decoctions, extracts, pills, powders, etc (FAY) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 337 Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Glossy Privet) — Class (fruit) (AHP, 1997) Not covered by Commission E (KOM; PHR) Toxicity considered very low (FAY) Extracts (Glossy Privet) — Brine, vinegar, white-wine, and yellow wine treated fruits were steamed and dried, and showed antilipoperoxidant activity 3.7 to 4.7 times stronger than raw nuzhenzi at 250 mg/ml Clinical studies in U.S and China suggest it helps raise white cell counts for leukopenia induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy “Use of the fruits to help enhance immune function following chemotherapy has real therapeutic potential for western medicine” (FAY) GOAT’S RUE (Galega officinalis L.) + Activities (Goat’s Rue) — Alterative (f; KOM); Antiaggregant (f; PH2); Antidiabetic (1; BIS); Depurative (f; KOM); Diaphoretic (f; MAD); Diuretic (f; PH2; PNC); Hepatoprotective (f; KOM); Hypoglycemic (1; BIS; MAD; PH2); Lactagogue (f; KOM; MAB; MAD; PH2; PNC); Sedative (f; MAD); Vermifuge (f; PNC) Indications (Goat’s Rue) — Diabetes (1; BIS; FNF; KOM; MAD); Diarrhea (f; KOM); Dysbiosis (f; KOM); Dyslactea (1; FNF); Dyspepsia (f; KOM); Enterosis (f; KOM); Epilepsy (f; KOM); Roemheld Syndrome (f; KOM); Fever (f; MAD); Insomnia (f; MAD); Nervousness (f; MAD); Water Retention (f; PH2; PNC); Worm (f; PNC) Dosages (Goat’s Rue) — g herb/cup tea (BIS); 0.3–1.2 g powdered herb (PNC); 0.5–5 g aqueous extract (MAD); 1–2 ml liquid extract (PNC) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Goat’s Rue) — Not covered by AHP “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Not approved (KOM); Commission E rates it negatively as both inefficacious and toxic Intoxication possible with high doses of the drug (BIS); most preparations with biguandine derivatives have been withdrawn from the market (BIS) Poisoning observed only in animals ingesting large quantities; sheep may exhibit paralysis, salivation, spasms, and finally death through asphyxiation (PHR) Since Goat’s Rue contains hypoglycemic compounds, it might interact with hypoglycemic medications (PH2), one way or another But all plants probably contain hypoglycemic compounds The chromium content might be high enough to explain some antidiabetic activity Galegine and other synthetic guanidine derivatives reduce blood sugar Aqueous and alcoholic extracts are hypoglycemic in rabbits, raising glycogen levels in liver and myocardium GOLDEN CHAIN TREE, PEA TREE (Laburnum anagyroides Medik.) X Synonym — Cytisus alschingeri Vis., C laburnum L., Laburnum anagyroides var alschingeri (Vis.) C K Schneid Activities (Golden Chain Tree) — Cholagogue (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; CRC; HHB); Emetic (f; CRC; EFS; HHB); Laxative (f; EFS; HHB); Neurotonic (f; CRC; HHB); Pediculicide (1; PH2); Poison (f; CRC; USA); Tonic (f; CRC) Indications (Golden Chain Tree) — Asthma (f; CRC; EFS); Constipation (f; EFS; HHB); Cramp (f; CRC; HHB); Depression (f; CRC; HHB); Nausea (f; CRC); Pertussis (f; EFS); Vertigo (f; CRC; HHB); Water Retention (f; CRC; HHB) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Golden Chain Tree) — Not covered (AHP) Too dangerous for use, even as a topical pediculicide 3–4 unripe fruits or 15–20 seed enough to kill an adult (PH2) Pub Med abstracts seemed more concerned with poisoning and lectins than with folk medicine G ... basis (CAN) Because of hormonal activity, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN) Caution with insulin, warfarin, phenylzine, and loop Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 335 diuretics... that carrots could a lot of the same thing at less than 1% of the price I still feel that much of the literature on ginseng and soy comes from selective publications of sponsored research, making...334 G Handbook of Medicinal Herbs IDDM (1; WHO); Immune Dysfunction (1; JAD); Immunodepression (1; APA; PED; MAB;