Cynanchum vincetoxicum

Cynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroids
Cynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroidsCynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroidsCynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroidsCynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroidsCynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroidsCynanchum vincetoxicum, Asclepiadaceae, Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroids
Botanical Nomenclature Cynanchum vincetoxicum
Common Name White Swallow-Wort
Taxonomy- Family Asclepiadaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Cynanchum vincetoxicum is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing up to 1m, with lanceolate or oval or heart-shaped, green leaves and white-yellow flowers. The flowering lasts from June to July.
Region Found Epirus (Pindos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances The whole plant
Active Substances Vincetoxin (glucoside), pregnene, steroids
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The herbal tea has appetizing, diuretic and emetic properties. It is recommended to regulate lipid metabolism, as well against anxiety and stress. It is applied externally to the skin for the treatment of various skin diseases. In homeopathy it is administered in the form of tincture against snake's bite and rabies virus. Nowadays, it is not widely used in medicine due to its action in the cardiovascular and nervous system (digitalis like effect)
Method of Administration In homeopathy is recommended the external use of the plant in the form of tincture. It is also used as an ingredient in slimming pills.
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 Plant's oral administration is not recommended nowadays, as it is toxic and it can cause vomiting, breathing difficulty, paralysis, cardiac arrest and allergic reactions. Its external use should be avoided during pregnancy.
References 1) http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/usdisp/vincetoxicum.html 2) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-668-german%20ipecac.aspx?activeingredientid=668&activeingredientname=german%20ipecac 3) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cynanchum+vincetoxicum 4) http://www.mediabakery.com/imr0226606-swallow-wort-vincetoxicum-officinalis-vincetoxicum-hirundinaria-cynanchum-vincetoxicum-medicinal-plant-toxic-poisonous.html 5) http://www.rxlist.com/german_ipecac/supplements.htm