Menyanthes trifoliata
Botanical Nomenclature | Menyanthes trifoliata |
Common Name | Bogbean, Buckbean |
Taxonomy- Family | Gentianaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Menyanthes trifoliata is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing up to 25cm, with large, trifoliate, smooth leaves and white, fluffy flowers. The flowering lasts from May to June and the harvesting takes place from April to June. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Flowers, leaves, root |
Active Substances | Meliatine, loganin, sveroside (bitter agents) menyanthine (glucoside), alkaloids, saponins, essential oil, flavonoids, pectin, anthraquinone derivatives (such emodin, chrysophanol, rhein, frangula emodin, alaterine) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as gastric, digestive, tranquilizer, sedative, diuretic and cholagogue. It is applied externally to the skin against arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended for the treatment of amenorrhea, digestive disorders and hepatic insufficiency. It is administered as astringent in the form of gargles against gingivitis and periodontitis. |
Method of Administration | It is administered in the form of herbal tea (1-2 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 3 times a day), tincture (1-4mL, 3 times a day), infusion (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 15min, 2-3 times a day) and in the form of powder, which is dissolved in water or milk. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Overdose may cause abdominal pain, colic, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and hemolysis, perhaps due to the contained salicylic acid. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Menyanthes+trifoliata 2) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bogbea63.html#pre 3) http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/bogbean.html 4) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail180.php 5)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Menyanthes_trifoliata 6)http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/Bogbean_Herbal_Materia_Medica/167 |