Sunday, July 19, 2020

AVENS -- Geum urbanum L. (Rosaceae) ++

 HERBAL

MEDICINAL

PLANT

Wildflowers Found in Oregon - Large Leaved Avens

Toronto Wildlife - More Yellow Avens

                                             Large-leaved avens • Geum macrophyllum - Biodiversity of the ...                           

AVENS

Geum urbanum  L. (Rosaceae) ++

 

BY

 

RETTODWIKART THENU



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AVENS

(a’vunz)

 

 

Geum urbanum  L. (Rosaceae) ++

 

SUMMARY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT

 

Limited phytochemical or pharmacological data are available for avens, although reported tannin constituents would indicate an astringent action thus supporting the traditional use in diarrhoea and haemorrhage. In view of the lack of toxicity data, excessive use should be avoided.

 

TRADE NAMES

Avens, Bennet’s Root

 

OTHER COMMON NAMES

Benedict’s Herb, Bennet’s Root, Blessed Herb, City Avens, Clove Root, Colewort, Geum, Goldy Star,

Herb Bennet, Way Bennet, Wild Rye, Wood Avens

 

DESCRIPTION

MEDICINAL PARTS: The medicinal parts of the plant are the dried flowering herb, the dried or fresh underground parts and the roots.

FLOWER AND FRUIT: The inflorescence is a loose panicled, umbelled cyme with a few terminal and erect flowers. The pedicles are short-haired. The sepals are 3 to 8 cm long with long tips, pubescent on the outside and glabrous on the inside, except for a tomentose border. The epicalyx bracts are half as long as the sepals, pubescent on both sides and narrowly lanceolate. The yellow petals are 3 to 7 mm long, slightly stemmed, and drop easily. The style is jointed and the stigma flat The small fruits have no stems and are pubescent.

LEAVES, STEM AND ROOT: The plant is a semi-rosette shrub with a primary root mat dies off early and is replaced by adventitious roots. The rhizome is simple, thick, cylindrical and crooked. The stem is erect, soft-haired, 15 to 70 cm high; it sprouts from the basal rosette. The basal leaves are rosette-like and pinnate. The cauline leaves are trifoliate to tri-pinnate and the stipules are small, fused wim the stem in the lower part, and ovate-lanceolate roughly dentate to pinnatesect.

CHARACTERISTICS: The plant's root has a clove-like scent.

HABITAT: Bennet's Root is found in central and southern Europe, central Asia and North America.

PRODUCTION: Bennet's Root herb is the aerial part of Geum urbanum. Bennet's Root (root) is the root of Geum urbanum, which is usually harvested in May and then air-dried or dried artificially at a maximum of 35° C.

 

SPECIES (FAMILY)

Geum urbanum L. (Rosaceae) ++

 

SYNONYM(S)

Benedict's Herb, Colewort, Geum, Herb Bennet, Wood Avens

 

ORIGIN

Avens is a member of the rose family found in Europe.

 

PHARMACOPODIAL AND OTHER MONOGRAPHS

BHP 1983(G7)

 

LEGAL CATEGORY (LICENSED PRODUCTS)

Avens is not included in the GSL.(G37)

 

CONSTITUENTS

The following is compiled from several sources, including General References G40, G49, G64.

Limited information is available on the herb. Constituents reported include bitter principles, resin, tannins and volatile oil.

 

Other Plant Parts

The root has been more extensively studied and is reported to contain a phenolic glycoside (gein), yielding eugenol as the aglycone and vicianose (disaccharide) as the sugar component;(1) 30% tannin, including gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids (pseudotannins generally associated with condensed tannins);(1) a bitter substance, a flavonoid, and volatile oil.

 

CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

COMPOUNDS: BENNET'S ROOT HERB

Tannins: gallo tannins, ellagitannins, including sanguiin H-6, casuarictin, pendunculagin, potentillin, tellimagrandin I

COMPOUNDS: BENNET'S ROOT (ROOT)

In the freshly harvested rhizome:

Tannins

Gein (eugenol-vicianose): transformed through drying or size reduction into eugenol

In the dried rhizome and the roots:

Volatile oil (traces): chief components - eugenol, additionally cis- and trans-myrtanal, cis- and trans-myrtanol

 

 

USES

USES

Avens has traditionally been used internally to treat diarrhea, sore throat, fever, headache, and gastric infl ammation. It has also been used as an astringent, antiinfl ammatory, and antiseptic. Topically, avens has been used to treat wounds and hemorrhoids. It is rarely used today. It may be used as a fl avoring in food.

 

FOOD USE

Avens is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N2). This category indicates that avens can be added to foodstuffs in small quantities, with a possible limitation of an active principle (as yet unspecified) in the final product.(G16)

 

HERBAL USE

Avens is stated to possess antidiarrhoeal, antihaemorrhagic, and febrifugal properties. It has been used for diarrhoea, catarrhal colitis, passive uterine haemorrhage, intermittent fevers, and specifically for ulcerative colitis.(G7,G64)

 

 

Figure 1 Avens (Geum urbanum).

 

 

Figure 2. Avens – dried drug substance (herb).

ACTIONS

Research studies of the effects of avens on humans are nonexistent, and animal studies are rare. Most reported uses for this herb are anecdotal. Few avens products are available in the United States.

Antiinfl ammatory Action

The antiinfl ammatory action of avens may result from its ability to produce pros taglan dins and decrease cyclooxygenase (Tunon et al, 1995). Avens is thought to possess antiinfl ammatory action equal to that of NSAIDs; however, no research is available to either confi rm or disprove this action.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS

IN VITRO AND ANIMAL STUDIES

A 20% aqueous decoction of avens, administered by intravenous injection, has been reported to produce a reduction in blood  pressure in cats.(2) Tannins are generally known to possess astringent properties.

CLINICAL STUDIES

None documented.

 

ACTIVITIES

Antidiarrheal (f; CAN); Antihemorrhagic (1; CAN; FNF); Antipyretic (f; CAN; PNC); Antiseptic (1; EFS; FNF); Astringent (1; CAN; PHR; PNC); Digestive (f; EFS); Hypotensive (1; CAN); Stomachic (f; EFS; PNC); Styptic (1; PNC); Tonic (f; EFS; PNC).

 

INDICATIONS

Ague (f; WOI); Amenorrhea (f; MAD); Anemia (f; MAD); Anorexia (f; PH2); Asthma (f; CEB); Atony (f; MAD); Bite (f; CEB); Bleeding (1; CAN; FNF; MAD); Callus (f; JLH); Cancer (f; JLH; MAD); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cardiopathy (f; MAD); Caries (f; WOI); Catarrh (f; CAN; WOI); Chill (f; WOI); Cholera (f; MAD); Chlorosis (f; MAD); Climacteric (f; MAD); Colic (f; MAD); Colitis (f; CAN); Congestion (f; MAD); Cystosis (f; PH2); Debility (f; CEB; MAD; WOI); Dermatosis (f; PH2); Diabetes (f; MAD); Diarrhea (1; CAN; PHR; PH2; PNC); Dysentery (f; WOI); Dysmenorrhea (f; MAD); Dyspepsia (f; PHR; PH2); Encephalosis (f; MAD); Enterosis (f; MAD); Fever (f; CAN; PH2; PNC; WOI); Fistula (f; MAD); Frostbite (f; PH2); Gastrosis (f; MAD); Gingivosis (f; PH2); Halitosis (f; WOI); Hemorrhoid (1; PH2); Hepatosis (f; JLH); High Blood Pressure (1; CAN); Incontinence (f; MAD); Indigestion (f; PHR); Infection (1; EFS; FNF); Inflammation (f; PH2); Leukorrhea (f; MAD; PNC; WOI); Malaria (f; CAN; MAD); Metrorrhagia (1; CAN; MAD); Mucososis (f; PH2); Myalgia (f; PH2); Nausea (f; MAD); Neuralgia (f; PH2); Pulmonosis (f; MAD); Rachosis (f; MAD); Scrofula (f; MAD); Sore (f; JLH; MAD); Sore Throat (1; PNC; WOI); Stomachache (f; MAD); Typhus (f; MAD); Ulcerative Colitis (1; CAN); Urethrosis (f; MAD); Urethrosis (f; PH2); Uterosis (1; CAN; MAD); VD (f; MAD); Wound (f; MAD).

 

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

BENNET'S ROOT HERB

UNPROVEN USES: Although rarely used today, folk medicine indications have included use of the drug for digestive complaints and diarrhea, febrile illnesses, and for muscle and nerve pain. Use as a bath additive for hemorrhoids seems plausible due the astringent content.

 

BENNET'S ROOT (ROOT)

UNPROVEN USES: Internal folk medicine applications include use for digestive problems such as loss of appetite and diarrhea. The root of Bennet's Root has been used externally as a gargle for gum and mucous membrane inflammations

and as a bath additive or poultice for frost bite, hemorrhoids and skin diseases. Efficacy appears plausible due to the astringent properties of the tannins.

HOMEOPATHIC USES: Homeopathic applications include use for inflammations of the bladder and urinary tract.

 

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Fluid Extract, Powder, Tea, Tincture

PLANT PARTS USED: Dried Plant, Rhizome, Roots

 

DOSAGES

 

DOSAGES

Many different dosages are reported.

Wound Healing

·        Adult topical: apply prn

Other

·        Adult PO fluid extract of herb: 1 dram

·        Adult PO fluid extract of root: 1⁄2-1 dram

·        Adult PO powdered root/herb: 15-30 grains as a tonic

·        Adult PO tea: 1-4 g steeped in boiling water, strained, 3 x/day (Jellin et al, 2008)

 

DOSAGES

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older standard herbal reference texts are given below.

·        Dried Herb 1–4 g as an infusion three times daily.(G7)

·        Liquid Extract 1–4mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily.(G7)

 

DOSAGES

·        1 g herb (in tea) 3 ×/day (CAN); 1–4 ml liquid herb extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol) (CAN);

·        10–15 drops tincture 2–3 ×/day (MAD); 0.5–1 tsp in hot water, several ×/day (PH2);

·        1–4 ml liquid root extract (PNC).

 

DOSAGES

BENNET'S ROOT HERB

The herb is rarely used medicinally today. It is found in some pharmaceutical preparations.

 

BENNET'S ROOT (ROOT)

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION: Infusions are drunk or applied as an external wash or poultice.

PREPARATION: To prepare an internal infusion, boil 1/2 to 1 teaspoon coarsely powdered drug in water for 10 minutes and filter. Prepare an external infusion by adding 1 teaspoon coarsely powdered drug to cold water, bringing it briefly to the boil, leaving it to steep for 10 minutes and then straining.

DAILY DOSAGE: Infusion (internal): 1 cup lukewarm several times a day. Infusion (external): Use several times a day for washes or poultices.

HOMEOPATHIC DOSAGE: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every 30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times a day (chronic); parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute, 3 times daily; chronic: once a day (HAB1).

 

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS, INTERACTIONS, AND SIDE EFFECTS

Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Due to its reputed affect to the menstrual cycle, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). Also advisable to avoid excess use of tannin (CAN).

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

COLT'S FOOT FLOWER. HERB, ROOT. AND LEAF

Administration during pregnancy and while nursing is contraindicated.

 

CONTRA-INDICATIONS, WARNINGS

In view of the reported tannin constituents and the lack of toxicity data, it is advisable to avoid excessive use of avens.

Drug Interactions None documented.

Pregnancy and Lactation Avens is reputed to affect the menstrual cycle.(G30) In view of the lack of phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological data, the use of avens during pregnancy should be avoided.

 

SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS

Until more research is available, avens should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should not be given to children.

 

SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS

GI: Nausea, anorexia, dyspepsia

 

INTERACTIONS

Lab Test

BUN creatinine: Avens may increase BUN, creatinine.

 

EFFECTS

EFFECTS: BENNET'S ROOT HERB ; The drug has an astringent effect.

EFFECTS: BENNET'S ROOT (ROOT) ; The drug has an astringent effect.

 

SIDE-EFFECTS, TOXICITY

None documented.

 

CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS

ASSESS

Antiinflammatory

·        Assess the client for pain: location, intensity, duration. Determine what alleviates and aggravates the condition.

·        Assess for the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat pain and infl ammation.

ADMINISTER

·        Instruct the client to take avens PO as an extract, or as a powder made from the herb or its roots.

TEACH CLIENT/FAMILY

·        Caution the client not to use avens in children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding until more research is available.

·        Instruct the client to report any changes in the symptoms or characteristics of the condition.

·        Advise the client to use this herb with caution or under the supervision of a qualifi ed herbalist because research on the use, side effects, and toxicity of avens is rare.

 

 

 

REFERENCE

 

 

Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and Phillipson, J. D. 2007. Herbal Medicines Third Edition. Pharmaceutical Press. Auckland and London.

 

Duke, J. A. with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2002. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 2nd Ed. CRC Press LLC. USA.

 

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, Ch. 2000.  PDR for Herbal Medicines.  Medical Economics Company, Inc. at Montvale, NJ 07645-1742. USA

 

Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs & Natural Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby Elsevier. USA

 


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