HERBAL
MEDICINAL
BLUE FLAG
Iris versicolor L. +
BY
RETTODWIKART THENU
BLUE FLAG
(blew
flag)
Iris
versicolor L. +
SUMMARY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT
Little is known about the phytochemical, pharmacological or toxicological properties of blue flag and its constituents, although related species are known to be toxic. In view of these factors, the use of blue flag is not recommended.
For orris, see Iris x germanica. Is it the irises, or the taxonomists (or me) who are screwed up. In a rare show of bravery, Steinmetz (EFS) covers six species of Iris but then templates very repetitive entries for all six, especially the two I treat as orris, almost identical in EFS. More modern writers tend to aggregate some of these that are also called, colloquially, “orris.” The USDA accepts I. pallida as orris, but also has listed I. x germanica as orris-root. Unlike the herbal PDR, I maintain that Iris versicolor, the blue flag, is a distinct species. (See also, Orris.)
This attractive plant is more typical of wetlands than true
prairies, but it sometimes spreads into adjacent sunny areas that are moist.
Cultivars of Iris X germanica (German Iris) have beards (numerous hairs) on their
sepals, while the Blue Flag Iris is beardless. The Blue Flag Iris resembles
another native species, Iris brevicaulis (Blue Marsh Iris), but this latter species has 6-angled
capsules and flowering stalks that are slightly zigzag. Another native species, Iris versicolor (Northern
Blue Flag), is very similar in appearance to the Blue Flag Iris, but it has a
more northern distribution (the upper Great Lakes and NE USA, including
northern Wisconsin). Another scientific name for the Blue Flag Iris is Iris shrevei; another common
name for this species is the Southern Blue Flag. (https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/)
TRADE NAMES
Dagger Flower, Dragon Flower, Flag
Lily, Fleur-de-lis,
Flower-de-luce, Liver Lily, Snake
Lily, Water Flag, Wild Iris
OTHER COMMON NAMES
Blue Flag, Harlequin
Blueflag, Larger Blue Flag, Northern Blue Flag,[1] and Poison Flag, plus other variations of
these names,[2][3] and in Britain and Ireland as purple
iris.[4] (Wikipedia)
DESCRIPTION
Iris
versicolor is a
flowering herbaceous perennial
plant, growing 10–80 cm (4–31 in) high. It tends to form
large clumps from thick, creeping rhizomes.
The unwinged, erect stems generally have basal leaves that
are more than 1 cm (1⁄2 in) wide. Leaves are
folded on the midribs so that they form an overlapping flat fan. The well
developed blue flower has 6 petals and sepals spread out
nearly flat and have two forms. The longer sepals are hairless and have a
greenish-yellow blotch at their base. The inferior ovary is bluntly angled.
Flowers are usually light to deep blue (purple and violet are not uncommon) and
bloom during May to July. Fruit is a 3-celled, bluntly angled capsule. The
large seeds can be observed floating in fall.
This perennial plant is 2-3' tall. It produces clumps of
basal leaves that are sword-shaped and up to 3' long; they are mostly erect,
although some of the larger leaves may become arched. These leaves are bluish
green to green and glabrous. Individual leaves are up to 1" across near
their bases, tapering very gradually to pointed tips. Leaf margins are smooth
(entire) and leaf venation is parallel. The flowering stalks are either
unbranched or sparingly branched and up to 3' tall; they are green, terete, and
glabrous. Each stalk produces one or more small alternate leaves that are erect
and sword-like. From the axil of each alternate leaf, there develops 1-2
flowers on pedicels 1-5" in length. Both the flowering stalks and pedicels
are terete and glabrous. Each pedicel is enfolded by a pair of sword-like
spathes that become chaffy with age.
The blue-violet flowers are up to 3½" across, consisting
of 3 sepals, 3 petals, 3 stamens, 3 style-branches with stigmata, and a green
ovary that is elongated and angular. The petaloid sepals are oblanceolate in
shape and spread outward from the center of the flower; they are blue-violet
with prominent patches of yellow and white with fine purple veins. The sepals
are without tufted hairs. Extending directly above the sepals, are the shorter
petaloid style-branches; they are blue-violet and oblong in shape with upturned
tips, forming open tubular structures with the sepals. The ascending petals are
blue-violet and oblanceolate in shape with darker purple veins. The blooming
period is late spring to early summer, and lasts about a month for a colony of
plants, although individual flowers are short-lived. There is a pleasant floral
fragrance. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by oblongoid capsules that are
3-angled. These capsules are about 1½–2" long and ½" across; they
contain rows of tightly stacked seeds. After the capsules split open, the seeds
can float on water, spreading to new areas via water currents. The root system
consists of fleshy rhizomes with coarse fibrous roots. Colonies of plants often
develop from the rhizomes.
Figure 1. Blue Flag (Iris
versicolor L.) +
(https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/)
Cultivation: The
preference is wet to moist conditions, partial to full sun, and a rich organic
soil. In light shade, this plant often fails to flower, and it tends to decline
in abundance if conditions become too dry. The foliage is rarely bothered by
disease. To maintain the viability of the seeds, they should not be allowed to
dry out – store them with some moist sand.
Range & Habitat: The native
Blue Flag Iris is surprisingly common in most areas of Illinois, except for
some southern and western counties where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to moist black soil prairies, prairie
swales, soggy meadows along rivers, open bottomLand woodlands, swamps, fens,
seeps, edges of ponds and streams, ditches, and low-lying ground along
railroads and roadsides. Declining remnant populations can be found in some low
woodland areas where fire has been surpressed.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
The species has been
implicated in several poisoning cases of humans and animals who consumed
the rhizomes,
which have been found to contain a glycoside, iridin.
The sap can
cause dermatitis in
susceptible individuals. (Wikipedia)
SPECIES (FAMILY)
Iris
versicolor L.
SYNONYM(S)
Iris caroliniana Watson, Iris virginica L.
ORIGIN
Blue fl ag is a perennial found
in the wetlands of the United States.
PHARMACOPODIAL AND OTHER MONOGRAPHS
BHC 1992(G6)
BHP 1996(G9)
Martindale 35th edition(G85)
LEGAL CATEGORY (LICENSED PRODUCTS)
GSL (G37)
CONSTITUENTS
The
following is compiled from several sources, including General References G22,
G40, G48 and G64.
Acids Isophthalic
acid 0.002%, salicylic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and
1-triacontanol.
Volatile OILS 0.025%. Furfural.
Other Constituents Iridin, b-sitosterol,
iriversical(1) and tannin.
USES
USES
Blue fl ag is used primarily for its antimicrobial
effects. It is also used for its laxative side effect and its emetic and
diuretic properties. Blue fl ag is used topically to treat sores, bites, and
bruises.
FOOD USE
Blue flag is not used in foods.
HERBAL USE
Blue
flag is stated to possess cholagogue, laxative, diuretic, dermatological,
anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties. It has been used for skin
diseases, biliousness with constipation and liver dysfunction, and specifically
for cutaneous eruptions.(G7, G64)
Figure 2. Blue
Flag (Iris versicolor).
Figure 3. Blue Flag – dried drug substance (rhizome).
ACTIONS
Most of the information available on the actions of
blue flag is based on anecdotal evidence rather than primary research. The
anecdotal evidence focuses on the use of this herb as a laxative and an
antiinfl ammatory. The tannins may be responsible for these actions. Irilon and
irisolone may cause a laxative effect. Because of the toxicity of this herb,
the unsupervised internal use of blue fl ag is not recommended.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
None
documented.
ACTIVITIES
Alterative (f; CRC; PNC); Analgesic (f; DEM; FAD);
Anorectic (1; PNC); Antidermatotic (f; CAN); Antidote (f; MIC); Antiemetic (f;
CAN); Antiinflammatory (f; CAN); Antiobesity (1; PNC); Catabolic (f; CRC);
Cholagogue (f; CAN; DEM; MAD); Depurative (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CAN; CRC;
MAD); Emetic (f; CRC; MAD; MIC); Hepatotonic (1; MAD); Laxative (1; CAN; CRC;
DEM; FAD; PNC); Poison (f; DEM); Resolvent (f; CRC); Sialagogue (f; CRC);
Stimulant (f; CRC; PNC).
INDICATIONS
Allergy (f; DEM); Amenorrhea (f; MAD); Biliousness
(f; CAN; CRC); Bruise (f; DEM; FAD); Burn (f; DEM); Cancer (f; CRC); Cancer, breast
(f; JLH); Cancer, kidney (f; JLH); Catarrh (f; MAD); Childbirth (f; CRC);
Cholecystosis (f; MAD); Cholera (f; DEM); Cold (f; DEM); Constipation (1; CAN;
CRC; FAD); Dermatosis (f; CAN; CRC); Diabetes (f; CRC; MAD); Diarrhea (f; CRC;
MAD); Dropsy (f; CRC; MAD); Duodenosis (f; MAD); Dysentery (f; CRC);
Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC; MAD); Dyspepsia (f; CRC); Eczema (f; CRC); Felon (f;
JLH); Fistula (f; CRC); Gallstone (f; DEM; MAD); Gastrosis (f; CRC; MAD);
Headache (f; CRC; MAD); Heartburn (f; MAD); Hemicrania (f; CRC; HHB); Hepatosis
(f; CAN; CRC; DEM); Herpes (f; CRC); Impetigo (f; CRC); Infertility (f; DEM);
Inflammation (f; CAN; DEM); Jaundice (f; MAD); Malaria (f; MAD); Migraine (f;
CRC; FAD; MAD); Morning Sickness (f; CRC); Nausea (f; CRC; MAD); Nephrosis (f;
DEM); Neuralgia (f; CRC; MAD); Obesity (1; CRC; PNC); Ophthalmia (f; DEM);
Otosis (f; DEM); Pain (f; CRC; DEM; FAD); Pancreatosis (f; CRC); Parotosis (f;
CRC); Proctosis (f; CRC); Psoriasis (f; CRC); Rheumatism (f; CRC; DEM; FAD);
Salivation (f; CRC); Sciatica (f; CRC); Scrofula (f; CRC; DEM); Sore (f; DEM; FAD;
MAD); Sore Throat (f; DEM); Spermatorrhea (f; CRC); Stomachache (f; CRC);
Swelling (f; DEM; FAD); Syphilis (f; CRC); Tumor (f; JLH); VD (f; CRC);
Vomiting (f; CAN); Water Retention (f; CAN; CRC; MAD); Whitlow (f; CRC); Wound
(f; DEM).
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Extract: 0.5-1 fluid drams (2.5-5 mL); Powdered Root: 20 grains
(1300 mg);
Solid Extract:
10-15 grains (650-975 mg); Tincture:
1-3 fluid drams (5-15 mL)
PLANT PARTS USED: Rhizome with Roots
DOSAGES
DOSAGES
Laxative
·
Adult PO powdered root: 10-20
grains one-time dose
·
Adult PO tincture: 1⁄2-3 fl uid
drams one-time dose
Other
· Adult topical powdered root: make poultice, apply prn
DOSAGES
Dosages
for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older standard
herbal and pharmaceutical reference texts are given below.
·
Dried
Rhizome 0.6–2.0 g as a
decoction three times daily.(G6, G7, G10)
· Liquid Extract 1–2mL (1 : 1 in 45% alcohol) three times daily.(G6, G7, G10)
DOSAGES
·
0.6–2 g dried rhizome in tea, 3
×/day (CAN); 0.3–1.2 g powdered
root (MAD); 1 g powdered root (PNC);
·
1–2 mL liquid extract (1:1 in
45% alcohol) 3 x/day
(CAN); 2–4 mL liquid extract (PNC); 4–12 mL tincture (PNC).
CONTRAINDICATIONS, INTERACTIONS, AND SIDE EFFECTS
Class 2b, 2d. May cause nausea and vomiting. Fresh
root may irritate mucosa (AHP). Fresh root and its furfural (volatile oil) may cause
nausea, vomiting, and may irritate the GI tract and eyes (CAN). Furfural
irritates the mucous membranes, causing lacrimation, inflammation of the eyes,
irritation of the throat, and headache. Because of the irritant oil, its use in
pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN). Recent exchanges I have seen indicate
that the fresh root makes proportionately much more potent and toxic solutions
than the dry ones, which being much weaker, are taken in larger doses. The information
provided me said that naturopaths may tend to work with the drier roots and
larger doses. Then, when someone gets a fresh herbal tincture and takes the
same dose, irritation and nausea can result. LD50 of furfural, 127 mg/kg (CAN).
Iridine poisonous to humans and livestock, hepatotonic in animals. Reduced
intake of food in rats (MAD; PNC).
CONTRA-INDICATIONS, WARNINGS
In view of the possible irritant nature of the volatile oil,
blue flag may not be suitable for internal use.
Drug Interactions None documented.
Pregnancy and Lactation The safety of blue flag has not been established. In view of
this, together with the documented irritant properties of some of the constituents,
blue flag should not be taken during pregnancy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pregnancy category is 2;
Breastfeeding category is 2A. Blue flag should not be given to
children. It is contraindicated in all but small doses.
SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS
CNS: Headache
EENT: Mucous
membrane irritation, soreness
GI: Nausea,
vomiting, anorexia, hepatotoxicity
SYST: Death
by poisoning
INTERACTIONS
DRUG
Anticoagulants, antiplatelets, salicylates: Blue fl ag may increase risk for bleeding.
Antihypertensives, ganglionic or peripheral
adrenergics: Blue fl ag may increase the
effect of these products.
Barbiturates, beta-blockers, sedative/hypnotics: Blue fl ag’s effect may be decreased.
Cardiac glycosides (digoxin): Use
with blue fl ag may lead to increased side effects (Jellin et al, 2008).
Diuretics: Use
with blue fl ag may lead to hypokalemia (Jellin et al, 2008).
HERB
Aloe, buckthorn, cascara, castor, horsetail, licorice, podophyllium,
senna, yellow dock: Use
with blue fl ag may lead to hypokalemia.
LAB TEST
Blood glucose, INR, PT: Blue fl ag may increase blood glucose, INR, PT levels.
Potassium: Blue
flag may decrease potassium levels.
SIDE-EFFECTS, TOXICITY
It
has been stated that the fresh root of blue flag can cause nausea and vomiting.(G42)
Therefore, dosage recommendations relate to small doses of dried root. Furfural,
a volatile oil constituent, is known to be irritant to mucous membranes causing
lachrymation, inflammation of theeyes, irritation of the throat, and headache.(G48)
Whether these irritant properties are attributable to the volatile oil of blue
flag has not been established. Acute oral toxicity (rat, LD50) for furfural has
been documented as 127 mg/kg body weight.(G48) Iridin has been reported to be
poisonous in both humans and livestock.(G22) However, it is unclear whether
this substance is the same iridin documented as a constituent of blue flag.
CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS
ASSESS
·
Assess for severe nausea and
vomiting.
·
Assess for irritation or
soreness of the mucous membranes.
·
Assess for toxicity.
ADMINISTER
·
Instruct the client to take
blue flag PO to treat constipation.
Dosages for other uses are not documented.
TEACH CLIENT/FAMILY
·
Inform the client that
pregnancy category is 2 and breastfeeding category is 2A.
·
Caution the client not to give
blue flag to children.
·
Advise the client not to use
blue flag internally except under the direction of a competent herbalist and
not to use it topically near mucous membranes.
PREPARATIONS
PROPRIETARY
MULTI-INGREDIENT PREPARATIONS
UK: Catarrh Mixture; HRI Clear Complexion; Napiers Skin Tablets;
Skin Eruptions Mixture.
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.
Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs & Natural
Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby Elsevier. USA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_versicolor
1. ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario. Toronto:Royal Ontario
Museum, 2004.
2. ^ Muma, Walter. "Blue Flag
Iris". Ontario Wildflowers. ontariowildflowers.com.
Retrieved 12 November 2014.
3. ^ Thomas Lathrop Stedman
(editor) Stedman's
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing ,
p. 406, at Google Books
4. ^ "BSBI List
2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived
from the original (xls) on
2014-10-23. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
Figure
4. Primary Chemical Components and Possible Actions
(Linda, S-R. 2010)
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