Persicaria maculosa
Botanical Nomenclature | Persicaria maculosa |
Common Name | Jesusplant, Lady's Thumb, Redshank, Spotted Lady's Thumb |
Taxonomy- Family | Compositae or Asteraceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Persicaria maculosa is an annual plant growing up to 80cm, with lanceolate, wide in the middle, dark-spotted, green leaves and small, pink or white flowers in vertical, dense inflorescences. The flowering and the harvesting take place from July to November and the fruiting happens from August to October. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, fruits |
Active Substances | Anthraquinones, steroids, tannins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, organic acids (acetic, gallic, petroleum), mucus, essential oil which contains flavonoids such as quercetin, melittin, isoquercetin, hyperin, kaempherol. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has astringent, diuretic, cholagogue, anthelmintic, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended for treatment of various gynecological disorders associated with inflammation and abnormal uterine bleeding. It is used against constipation, hemorrhoids, common cold, venereal diseases, headaches, gout and rhinitis. It is applied externally to the skin to heal wounds and skin injuries, while in folk medicine it is recommended to prevent gastric cancer. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (10g of dried herb in 200ml of boiled water for 15min, 2-3 times a day) and in the form of infusion (10g of dried herb in boiling water for 15min, 3 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from fresh plant. 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 | No side effects are reported. Some species may cause photosensitivity, especially in sensitive patients. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Polygonum+persicaria 2)http://omedicine.info/en/gorets-pochechujnyj-polygonum-persicaria-l.html 3)http://www.naturalcompounds.org/Featured-Extracts/Polygonum-persicaria.html 4)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/polygonum-persicaria=red-leg.php 5)http://www.plantprotection.hu/modulok/gorog/paprika/redshank_pap.htm |