Rhamni cathartici fructus
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Rhamni cathartici fructus, the berry of the purging buckthorn, is a drug that is used in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of constipation or anal fissures, among other things.
Quality is specified in the German Pharmacopoeia (DAB).
HMPC: not processed
ESCOP: not processed
Commission E-Monograph: Constipation
Folk medicine: rheumatism, gout, low blood pressure, water retention, chronic skin rashes and eczema, stimulation of digestion, blood purifying effect
IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.
Rhamni cathartici fructus contains up to 5% anthraglycosides (according to DAB at least 4% calculated as glucofrangulin A), predominantly of the emodin type (especially frangulin and glucofrangulin). Furthermore the flavonoids rhamnecitin, quercentin and kaempferol.
EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Buckthorn berries stimulate peristalsis and also have a laxative, hydragogic and anti-absorptive effect.
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
Hawthorn berries are used, according to Commission E, for the treatment of constipation or for diseases where a slightly laxative effect is desired (e.g. anal fissure, haemorrhoids.
DosageThis section has been translated automatically.
The daily dose is 20 to 30 mg of hydroxyanthracene derivatives, calculated as glucofrangulin A. The individually correct dosage is the smallest required to produce a softly formed stool. The drug can be taken in the form of infusions, elixirs, decoctions or cold macerates. No finished preparation currently available.
As buckthorn berries irritate the intestinal mucosa, they should not be taken for longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
In individual cases, cramp-like gastrointestinal complaints may occur, at which point the dose should be reduced. Long-term use may also lead to albuminuria, haematuria or electrolyte loss, which may result in cardiac dysfunction (especially if diuretics or cardiac glycosides are taken at the same time) or muscle weakness. Melanosis coli usually resolves after the drug is discontinued.
ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.
If the following disease is present, the patient should refrain from taking it:
ileus of any origin, acute inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown cause, pregnancy, lactation (due to insufficient toxicological studies), children under 12 years of age.
InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.
In long-term use, a potassium deficiency can lead to an increase in the effect of cardiac glycosides and influence the effect of antiarrhythmics. Potassium losses can be intensified by thiazide diuretics, adrenal cortex steroids or liquorice root.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Hawthorn berries should only be used if no therapeutic effects have been achieved through a change in diet or on a swelling agent.
Since an effect is often difficult to regulate, an application can only be recommended to a limited extent. Even a moderately high dosage can cause strong reactions such as cramp-like abdominal pain or vomiting; this is especially true for tea infusions.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Mühlemann H et al.(1970) Anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides. 19.
- Synthesis of alpha and beta frangulin and frangula-emodin-9-anthron-10-C-glycoside. Pharm Acta Helv 45:728-753.
- Rosenthal I et al.(2014) Validated method for the analysis of
- frangulins A and B and glucofrangulins A and B using HPLC and UHPLC. J Nat Prod. 77:489-496.
- Schilcher H (ed.) in, Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag (2016) Munich, p. 194 f.
- https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/kreuzdorn.php
- https://heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/kreuzdorn.htm
- https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/rhamnus_catharticus/kreuzdorn.htm