Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 343 Anthranoid-containing laxatives can be habit-forming; some contain compounds suspected of being cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and even tumorigenic; epidemiological studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have a three times higher rate of colon carcinoma The Germans seem to have muted the cancer scare “Recent studies, however, have revealed no connection between the administration of anthracene drugs and the frequency of carcinomas of the colon” (PH2) GOLDTHREAD (Coptis spp.) + Coptis chinensis Franch., Coptis deltoides C.Y Cheng & Hsiao, Coptis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, or other berberine-containing species of the same genus (WHO), which would include India’s Coptis teeta Wall., and our American Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb Activities (Goldthread) — Alexeteric (f; DAA); Amebicide (1; WHO); Analgesic (1; DAA); Antiacetylcholinesterase (1; WHO); Antialzheimeran (1; COX; FNF); Antiarthritic (1; COX; FNF); Antibacterial (1; WHO); Anticancer (1; COX; FNF); Antidote, daylily (f; FAY); Antidysenteric (1; DAA; WHO); Antigiardic (1; X2131648); Antihelicobacter (1; X9781854); Antiinflammatory (1; COX; DAA); Antiperiodic (1; PNC); Antiperistaltic (1; FNF); Antipyretic (f; DAA); Antisecretory (1; WHO); Antiseptic (1; DAA; WHO); Antitrypanosomic (1; X9121161); Antiulcer (1; X9781854); Astringent (1; DEM); Bitter (1; DAA); cAMP-Inhibitor (1; WHO); Candidicide (1; X2079677); Collyrium (f; DAA; DEM); Digestive (1; PH2; PNC); Hypoglycemic (1; WHO); Mutagenic (1; PH2); Stomachic (f; DAA; SKJ); Tonic (1; FEL; MIC; PH2; PNC); Trichomonicide (1; WHO; X2131648) Indications (Goldthread) — Adenopathy (f; JLH); Alcoholism (f; FAD; FEL); Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Ameba (1; WHO); Amebiasis (1; WHO); Anorexia (f; MIC); Anxiety (f; DAA); Aphtha (f; DAA); Arthrosis (1; COX; DAA; FNF; WHO); Backache (f; SKJ); Bacteria (1; WHO); Biliousness (f; DEM); Boil (1; DAA; WHO); Burn (f; WHO); Cancer (1; COX; DAA; FNF; JLH); Cancer, gland (1; COX; JLH); Cancer, nose (1; COX; JLH); Cancer, pharynx (1; COX; JLH); Cancer, stomach (1; COX; JLH; MIC); Cancer, thyroid (1; COX; JLH); Candida (1; FAD; X2079677); Canker (1; DAA; DEM); Chafing (f; MIC); Cholera (1; WHO); Cold (f; DEM; FAY); Conjunctivosis (1; DAA; FAD; WHO); Cough (f; DEM); Cramp (f; DAA; DEM; FAD); Debility (f; SKJ); Dentition (f; DEM); Dermatosis (1; DAA; WHO); Diabetes (1; DAA; WHO); Diarrhea (1; DEM; MIC; WHO); Diphtheria (1; DAA); Dysentery (1; DAA; WHO); Dysmenorrhea (1; WHO); Dyspepsia (f; DEM; FAD; FEL); Earache (f; DEM); Eczema (1; DAA); Edema (1; DAA); Enterosis (1; DAA; WHO); Epistaxis (f; DAA); Escherichia (f; HHB); Fever (f; DAA); Gastrosis (1; DEM; FAD; FEL; WHO); Gingivosis (f; DEM); Gout (1; WHO); Helicobacter (1; X9781854); Hematemesis (f; DAA); Hemoptysis (f; DAA); Hemorrhoid (f; DAA); Hepatosis (f; DAA); Infection (1; DAA; DEM); Inflammation (1; COX; DAA; FAD; FEL; FNF); Insomnia (f; DAA); Jaundice (f; DEM; FAD); Leishmaniasis (1; WHO); Leukemia (f; JLH); Malaria (f; SKJ; WOI); Nausea (f; DAA; DEM; FAD); Nephrosis (f; WHO); Ophthalmia (1; DEM); Otitis Media (1; DAA); Pain (1; DAA; DEM); Pertussis (1; DAA); Respirosis (1; DEM); Salmonella (1; HHB); Scabies (f; DAA); Scarlet Fever (1; DAA); Sore (f; DAA; DEM); Sore Throat (1; DEM; FAD); Stomachache (f; DAA); Stomatosis (f; DEM; FEL); Streptococcus (1; HHB); Syphilis (f; DAA); Toothache (1; DAA; WHO); Trench Mouth (f; DEM); Trichomoniasis (1; WHO); Tuberculosis (1; DAA); Ulcer (1; X9781854); Vaginosis (1; DAA); VD (f; DEM); Vertigo (f; DEM); Worm (f; DEM); Yeast (1; FAD; X2079677) Dosages (Goldthread) — 0.5–1.2 g powdered rhizome; 2–4 ml liquid extract (PNC); 1.5–6 g crude drug/day (WHO) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Goldthread) — Class 2b Emmenagogue/uterine stimulant (AHP) Not covered (KOM) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper G 344 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Berberine is reportedly mutagenic in yeast cells and Ames test (intercalation into the DNA) Not for use during pregnancy (PH2) If Barney is right in saying that “goldenseal should not be taken for long periods of time,” I suspect that the same would be true for those herbs containing similar compounds like barberry, goldthread, oregon grape, and yellowroot Therefore, I lowered their safety ratings to + (Barney, 1996) Coptis said to be as effective as, or more so than, sulfonamides at curing the following: acute extraocular inflammation, bacillary dysentery, diphtheria, eczema, enterosis, pertussis, pulmonary tuberculosis, purulent otitis media, surgical pyrogenic infections, and trichomoniasis vaginalis (DAA) Also said to be the best source of the COX-2 inhibitor, berberine (COX; FNF) GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.) ++ G Synonym — Hydrocotyle asiatica L., H erecta L f Some WBB entries may include C coriacea Nannfd Activities (Gotu Kola) — Adaptogen (MB); Alterative (f; CRC; KAB; PED; SUW); Analgesic (1; ABS; WHO); Angiogenic (1; PH2); Antiallergic (1; VAG; VVG); Antibacterial (1; PED; PHR; VAG); Anticonvulsant (1; CAN; WHO); Antidepressant (1; ABS; PHR); Antidote (f; AKT); Antiedemic (1; CAN; WHO); Antifertility (1; APA; CAN; WOI); Antiinflammatory (1; FNF; PED; PH2; WHO); Antileprotic (1; PNC); Antimitotic (1; VAG); Antipyretic (1; CRC; KAB; VAG; VVG; WHO); Antirheumatic (1; CAN); Antiseptic (1; ABS; VAG; WBB); Antispasmodic (1; PED; VAG; WO2); Antistress (1; VAG); Antitumor (1; PH2; VVG); Antiulcer (1; CAN; PED; PH2; VAG); Antiuronic-acid (1; PH2); Antiviral (1; ABS); Anxiolytic (1; FNF; IJP29:S340; VAG); Aphrodisiac (f; APA; WOI); Arylsulfatase Inhibitor (1; PH2); Bitter (f; KAB); Carcinogenic (1; WHO); Cerebrotonic (1; CAN; PED; WHO); Cholinergic (1; CAN); Cicatrizant (1; WBB; WO2); Circulostimulant (1; DEP); CNS Depressant (1; CAN); Collagenic (1; CAN; PH2; WHO); Cytotoxic (1; PH2); Depurative (f; SUW); Dermagenic (1; WBB); Detoxicant (f; AKT; MBB); Digestive (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC; PED; SUW; VVG); Emmenagogue (f; DEP); Fungicide (1; PED; VAG; VVG); GABA-Antagonist (1; VAG); GABA-Nergic (1; WHO); Beta-Glucuronidase Inhibitor (1; PH2); Hypoglycemic (1; WBB); Immunomodulator (1; ABS); Immunostimulant (1; PNC); Lactagogue (f; WO2); Laxative (f; KAB; VVG); Memorigenic (1; AKT; CAN; MBB; SUW; WO2); Mucogenic (1; WBB); Narcotic (f; CRC; DEP; WO2; ZUL); Nervine (f; PED); Phagocytotic (1; PNC; ZUL); Propecic (1; KAP); Radioprotective (1; PH2); Restorative (f; CRC); Sedative (1; ABS; APA; KAP; ZUL); Spermicide (1; CAN); Stimulant (f; APA); Stomachic (f; CRC); Tonic (f; APA; CRC; SUW; VAG); Tranquilizer (1; KAP; VAG; VVG); Vulnerary (1; ABS; CAN; WHO) Indications (Gotu Kola) — Abscess (f; CRC); Acne (f; VVG); Adenopathy (f; DEP); Albinism (f; WHO); Allergy (1; VAG; VVG); Alopecia (1; KAP; TGP; WBB); Ameba (1; KAP); Amenorrhea (f; DEP); Amnesia (f; KAB); Anemia (f; CRC; KAB; WHO); Anorexia (f; KAB); Anxiety (1; FNF; IJP29:S340; VAG); Arthrosis (2; VAG); Asthma (f; CRC; KAB; PHR; PH2; WHO); Bacteria (1; PED; PHR; VAG; VVG); Biliousness (f; CRC); Blood Disorder (f; CRC); Boil (f; AKT; CRC); Bronchosis (f; CRC; WHO); Bruise (1; CAN; WHO); Burn (2; APA; SKY; WHO); Calculus (f; PH2); Callus (f; JLH); Cancer (1; CRC; PH2; VAG; VVG); Cancer, abdomen (f; JLH); Cancer, colon (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; CRC); Cataract (f; CRC); Catarrh (f; CRC; WO2); Cellulite (1; APA; HFH/JA/’99; WHO); Cholera (1; PED; WHO; WO2); Cirrhosis (1; APA; WHO); Constipation (f; KAB; VVG; WHO); Convulsion (1; CAN; CRC; WHO); Cough (f; WO2); Cramp (1; PED; VAG; WO2); Cut (f; CRC); CVI (2; ABS; PH2; PNC; SKY; VVG; WHO; ZUL); Dehydration (f; PH2); Dementia (f; PED); Depression (1; ABS; PHR); Dermatosis (f; CAN; FEL; KAB; PH2; SUW; ZUL); Diarrhea (f; APA; KAP; PH2; VAG; WHO); Dizziness (f; WHO); Dropsy (f; CRC; WOI); Dysentery (f; CRC; KAB; PH2; WHO); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA; WHO); Dyspepsia (f; KAB; SUW); Dysuria (f; CRC; KAB; PH2; WHO); Earache (f; CRC); Eczema (f; APA; DEP; VAG; Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 345 WOI); Edema (1; CAN; PH2); Elephantiasis (f; CRC; FEL; WOI); Encephalosis (f; DEP); Epilepsy (f; KAP; MBB; PH2; WHO); Epistaxis (f; PH2; WHO); Failing Memory (1; PED); Fatigue (f; PH2); Fever (1; AKT; APA; CRC; KAB; PED; VAG; VVG; WHO); Fracture (f; WHO; WO2); Fungus (1; PED; VAG; VVG); Furunculosis (f; WHO); Gonorrhea (f; CRC); Headache (f; CRC; KAB; PED; WO2); Hematemesis (f; WHO); Hemorrhoid (1; CRC; WHO; WOI); Hepatosis (1; WHO); Hiccup (f; CRC); High Blood Pressure (1; PH2; VVG; WHO); Hydrocele (f; WO2); Hysteria (f; PH2); Immunodepression (1; PNC); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (1; PED; VAG; VVG); Inflammation (1; AKT; CRC; FNF; PED; PH2; VVG; WHO; WO2); Insanity (f; CRC; DEP; KAB; KAP); Insomnia (1; ABS; APA; KAP; ZUL); Itch (f; CRC; DEP; PH2; WO2); Jaundice (f; APA; CRC; WHO); Keloids (2; PNC; WHO); Leprosy (1; APA; DEP; FEL; PH2; SUW; VVG); Leukoderma (f; CRC; KAB); Leukorrhea (f; WHO; WO2); Liver (f; CRC); Longevity (f; APA); Lung (f; CRC); Lupus (f; APA; WBB); Lymphatic Insufficiency (f; VVG); Malaria (f; WO2); Measles (f; WHO); Miscarriage (f; MBB); Mycosis (1; PED; VAG; VVG); Nephrosis (f; CRC; WOI; WO2); Nervousness (1; ABS; APA; KAP; VAG; VVG; ZUL); Neuralgia (f; WHO); Neurosis (f; APA; KAB; SUW; WHO); Ophthalmia (f; PH2); Pain (1; ABS; PH2; WHO); Pleurosis (f; CRC); Psoriasis (1; APA; CAN; KAB); Rheumatism (1; CAN; KAP; PH2; SUW; WHO; WO2); Rib Ache (f; CRC); Scabies (f; PH2); Scar (1; WHO); Schizophrenia (PED); Scleroderma (2; APA; SKY); Scrofula (f; CRC; DEP; FEL); Skin Disease (f; CRC); Smallpox (f; KAB; WHO); Snakebite (f; KAB); Sore (2; CAN; FEL; PH2; PNC; WHO); Spasm (f; CRC); Splenomegaly (f; CRC); Sprain (f; WHO); Stomachache (PED); Stress (f; KAP); Striae gravidarum (2; ABS); Stutter (f; KAB); Swelling (1; CAN; PH2; WHO); Syphilis (f; DEP; KAB; PED; PH2; SUW; WHO); Thirst (f; CRC); Toothache (f; WHO); Tuberculosis (1; CRC; WBB; WO2); Tumor (1; CRC; PH2; VVG); Ulcer (2; CAN; PED; PHR; PH2; VAG; WHO; WO2); Ulcus cruris (2; WHO); Urethrosis (f; CRC; WHO; WOI); Urinary Discharge (f; CRC); Uterosis (f; PH2); Varicosis (1; APA; PH2; PNC; SKY; VAG; WHO); VD (f; KAB; PED; PH2; SUW; WHO); Virus (1; ABS); Water Retention (f; CRC; PED; SUW; VVG); Wound (2; APA; PH2; SKY; WBB; WHO; WO2) Dosages (Gotu Kola) — 0.5–1 tsp herb/cup water 2–3 ×/day (APA; MB); 0.6 g herb, or in tea, ×/day (CAN); 1–2 tsp dry herb/cup water 2–3 ×/day (SKY); 0.5–1.5 g powdered herb (KAP); 2–4 g crude leaf/day (MB); 0.25 cup fresh leaf (PED); g dry leaf (PED); g dry leaf:30 ml alcohol/30 ml water (PED); 600 mg powdered leaf/day (PNC); 0.5–1 dropper 2–3 ×/day (APA); 2–4 ml (0.5–1 tsp) liquid extract (1:1) (MB); 12–20 ml infusion (KAP); 10–20 ml tincture ×/day (SKY); 330–680 mg ×/day (WHO); 60–120 mg StX/day (to 100% triterpenoids) (MB; SKY) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Gotu Kola) — Class (AHP) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) LRNP (December 1988) says that, despite claims of nonallergenicity, dermatosis has been reported in some patients taking gotu kola Asiaticoside may be carcinogenic to the skin, following repeated applications (MB) Reading their account, I’d not be any more afraid of gotu kola than wild lettuce Contraindicated in epilepsy and pregnancy; may photosensitize (MB) CAN cautions against dermatosis and phototoxicity Ingestion may induce pruritus (CAN) Because it is reputed to be abortifacient and to affect the menstrual cycle, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided May interact with other blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression medications “Excessive ingestion of hydrocotyle should be avoided” (CAN) Not allowed as nonmedicinal ingredient in oral use products in Canada (Michols, 1995) Nausea may rarely follow extremely high doses (SKY) Extracts (Gotu Kola) — With antiedemic and antiinflammatory activity, the triterpenoids promote healing and keratinization, stimulating the epidermis (asiaticoside may inhibit the synthesis of collagen and mucopolysaccharides in connective tissue) Hydroethanolic extracts showed anticonvulsant (40, 50, 60 mg/kg orl mouse), anxiolytic (75 mg/kg orl rats cf mg diazepam ipr rat), and sedative effects (75, 150, 300 mg/kg orl mouse), but no conclusive anorective effect Leaves marketed in Brazil as an antiobesity compound LD50 >675 mg/kg orl rat Results seem to verify G 346 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs previous reports of CNS-depressant activity, and folk use for epilepsy, hysteria, and insanity (FIT68:413) The total triterpenic fraction decreases uronic acid, beta-glucuronidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and arysulfatase in the connective tissue and vascular wall, perhaps preventing or alleviating varicose veins (PH2) GOUTWEED (Aegopodium podagraria L.) ++ Activities (Goutweed) — Antitumor (f; DAW); Diuretic (f; DAW); Resolvent (f; DAW); Sedative (f; DAW); Stimulant (f; DAW); Vulnerary (f; DAW) G Indications (Goutweed) — Arthrosis (f; GMH); Cancer (f; DAW; JLH); Cystosis (f; PH2); Enterosis (f; PH2); Gout (f; PH2); Hemorrhoid (f; PH2); Inflammation (f; GMH); Insomnia (f; DAW); Nephrosis (f; PH2); Nervousness (f; DAW); Pain (f; GMH); Rheumatism (f; PH2); Sciatica (f; DAW); Tumor (f; DAW); Water Retention (f; DAW) Dosages (Goutweed) — 30–60 ml fresh plant juice (PH2) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Goutweed) — Not covered (AHP; PH2) GRAINS-OF-PARADISE (Aframomum melegueta K Schum.) ++ Synonym — Amomum melegueta Roscoe Activities (Grains-of-Paradise) — Anesthetic (f; UPW); Antifeedant (1; ABS); Antipyretic (f; WO2); Antischistosomal (1; ABS); Antiseptic (1; ABS); Antitermite (1; ABS); Aphrodisiac (f; UPW); Carminative (f; UPW); Emetic (f; UPW); Hemostat (f; WO2); Laxative (f; UPW; WO2); Molluscicide (1; ABS); Panacea (f; UPW); Piscicide (f; WO2); Stimulant (f; PH2; WO2); Vermifuge (f; WO2) Indications (Grains-of-Paradise) — Asthma (f; UPW); Backache (f; UPW); Bite (f; UPW); Bleeding (f; WO2); Cancer (f; JLH; UPW); Childbirth (f; UPW); Climacteric (f; UPW); Colic (f; UPW); Constipation (f; UPW; WO2); Earache (f; UPW); Enterosis (f; UPW); Fever (f; WO2); Fracture (f; UPW); Gas (f; UPW); Gastrosis (f; UPW); Gonorrhea (f; UPW); Headache (f; UPW); Impotence (f; UPW); Infection (1; ABS); Pain (f; UPW); Schistosomiasis (1; ABS); Snakebite (f; UPW); Sore (f; UPW); Tapeworm (f; WO2); Toothache (f; UPW; WO2); VD (f; UPW); Worm (f; WO2); Wound (f; UPW); Yaws (f; UPW) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Grains-of-Paradise) — Not covered (AHP, KOM) “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific quantified dosage! Nor I (JAD)) Pungent principles may irritate gastric and urinary tracts (PH2) High oxalic content of the seed may induce cardiopathy (WO2) Antimalarial tests proved negative (UPW) Abreu and Noronha (1997) remind us that the pungent (spicy) principles have antifeedant, antischistosomal, antiseptic, antitermite, and molluscicidal properties GRANADILLA (Passiflora quadrangularis L.) ++ Synonym — P macrocarpa Mast., P quadrangularis var variegata Activities (Granadilla) — Abortifacient (f; DAV); Cardiodepressant (f; DAV); CNS-Depressant (f; CRC; DAV); Cyanogenic (f; JFM); Decongestant (f; DAV); Depurative (f; DAV); Diuretic (f; CRC); Emetic (f; CRC; JFM); Emollient (f; CRC; DAV); Hypnotic (1; JFM); Narcotic (1; DAV; JFM); Poison (f; JFM); Sedative (f; DAV); Stomachic (f; CRC); Vermifuge (f; CRC) Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 347 Indications (Granadilla) — Arthrosis (f; DAV); Bruise (f; DAV); Congestion (f; DAV); Dermatosis (f; CRC; IED); Diabetes (f; CRC; DAV); Dysuria (f; CRC); Fever (f; IED); Fracture (f; DAV); Headache (f; CRC); Hepatosis (f; CRC; DAV); High Blood Pressure (f; CRC; DAV); Hoarseness (f; DAV); Inflammation (f; DAV; JFM); Insomnia (f; DAV); Malaria (f; IED); Nervousness (f; DAV); Neuralgia (f; DAV); Rash (f; IED); Sore Throat (f; DAV); Sore (f; IED); Uvulosis (f; DAV); Water Retention (f; CRC); Worm (f; CRC) Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Granadilla) — Contains noradrenalin (DAV) GRAPE (Vitis vinifera L.) +++ G See also grapeseed where entries refer strictly to the seed; here I include all the folklore accruing to the grape, the grapeleaf, grapejuice, and raisins Activities (Grape) — Analgesic (1; BIB; FNF); Antiaggregant (1; FNF); Antiallergic (1; FNF); Antialopecic (1; PH2); Antialzheimeran (1; COX; FNF); Antianaphylactic (1; FNF); Antiarthritic (1; COX; FNF); Antiasthmatic (1; FNF); Antiatherosclerotic (1; FNF; PH2); Antibacterial (1; FNF); Anticancer (1; COX; FNF); Anticapillary Fragility (1; FNF); Anticariogenic (1; APA); Antiedemic (1; FNF); Antierythemic (1; FNF); Antihistaminic (1; FNF); Anti-HIV (1; FNF); Antiinflammatory (1; COX; FNF); Antimutagenic (1; FNF; MB); Antioxidant; (1; APA; FNF; PH2; X10820088); Antiprostaglandin (1; FNF); Antiseptic (1; FNF); Antitumor (1; PH2); Antiulcer (1; FNF); Antiviral (1; FNF); Aphrodisiac (f; BIB; KAB); Astringent (1; BIB); Cardioprotective (1; FNF); Collagen Protective (1; APA); COX-1 Inhibitor (1; FNF); COX-2 Inhibitor (1; COX; FNF); Demulcent (f; BIB; EFS); Depurative (f; BIB); Diuretic (f; BIB; EFS); Expectorant (f; BIB); Fungicide (1; FNF); Hemostat (1; EFS; FNF); Hepatoprotective (1; FNF; PH2); Hypocholesterolemic (1; FNF); Immunostimulant (1; FNF); Laxative ... antiobesity compound LD50 >675 mg/kg orl rat Results seem to verify G 346 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs previous reports of CNS-depressant activity, and folk use for epilepsy, hysteria, and insanity... KAB; SUW); Dysuria (f; CRC; KAB; PH2; WHO); Earache (f; CRC); Eczema (f; APA; DEP; VAG; Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 345 WOI); Edema (1; CAN; PH2); Elephantiasis (f; CRC; FEL; WOI); Encephalosis (f;...344 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs therapeutic dosages” (PH2) Berberine is reportedly mutagenic in yeast cells and