MEDICINAL
PLANT
AVENS
Geum urbanum L. (Rosaceae) ++
BY
RETTODWIKART THENU
--------------------
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
No comments:
Post a Comment