| Most Common Name: | Motherwort | | Botanical
Name: | Leonurus Cardiaca | | Also
Known As (other names): | Lion's Tail, Heartwort |
The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that Motherwort treated all
matters of the heart from lovesickness to cardiac arrest (hence the botanical
name roughly translated to Lion's Heart). There is little evidence that
Motherwort or Heartwort as it is often called, has any beneficial effect on
heart disease although there may be recent Chinese studies that show an
indication that this herb may have some ability to relax cells and therefore the
heart cells too. The plant grows wild all over Europe and Asia and all of
the plant is harvested and used.
It is
used for, or in treatment of: | | Sedative | Insomnia | Anxiety | | Diaphoretic | Irritability | |
Constituents: | | Below
we list reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as
continuous research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we
also provide information about constituents and their application, effect and
side effects, if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between
constituents. | |
Leourine: Encourages uterine contractions. Assists in
childbirth. Pregnant women should not take this substance as it could induce
labor. It is not an aid to fertility, in fact the tendency to contract the
uterus may have a slight contraceptive effect. |
Iridoids. Iridoids are the most bitter compound found in plants.
These bitter compounds stimulate release of bile flow in the gut as well as
stimulating digestive secretion. Iridoids are anti-inflammatory (not as strong
as in other constituents, iridoids have some anti-inflammatory effects but should not
be used purely for this purpose), hypotensive and febrifuge. Some iridoids are
laxative and antimicrobial. | |
Diterpenes: A bitter tasting terpenoid used widely as a
stomachic. Diterpenes are believed to help with hypertension and respiratory
tract complaints such as catarrh bronchitis and colds. Some diterpenes are
believed to have tumour inhibitor properties as well as a stimulating effect on
the immune system. |
Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. | |
Alkaloids Typical alkaloids are alkaline organic vegetable
substances containing one or more nitrogen atoms. This nitrogen base is capable
of combining with acids to form crystalline salts. Most alkaloids are derived
from amino acids while a few are derived from isoprene units. Alkaloids are white or colourless solids containing oxygen (oxygen
free alkaloids are few and far between and then can only exist as liquids) Most
alkaloids are not water soluble, extraction is normally by tincture.
Alkaloids are found in about one quarter of all flowering plants. Thousands of
alkaloids have been identified from a large number of plants where the alkaloid
can be present in virtually every part of the plant or just a specific part like
rhizome, leaf or seed.
Alkaloids
generally have profound physiological impact on the human body and nervous
system effects are predominant.
Many alkaloids are used as extracted and refined compounds derived from the
actual plants or synthesised compounds in pharmaceutical drugs.
Several Alkaloids are banned in many countries because of the extreme impact
on the nervous system (strychnine for instance is a deadly poison in very small
doses) and the habit forming nature of some of the alkaloid compounds. |
Phenolics. Mostly tannins and acids but includes some tannins,
glycosides, alkaloids and essential oils. |
Contraindications,
do not use if: | | When pregnant | Diarrhoea | Only
use in consultation with medical practitioner. | | FDA
describes this herb as "undefined safety" | | | | We
at Beneforce are certainly not experts in the use of every herb. In our studies
and research we do come across warnings that a herb should not be used in
certain circumstances or for certain conditions and ailments. Where possible we
will reflect these on our pages but cannot guarantee that for any herb our list
of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Administered
as/Available in: | | Powder | Fluid
extract | Solid extract | | Dried
herb | | |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
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