Indications

Immune
• infections
- colds
- influenza
- lyme disease
- dengue fever
- infectious diarrhea
- sexually transmitted diseases
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• malignancies
- thyroid cancer
- breast cancer
- leukemia

Musculoskeletal
• inflammatory conditions
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• bursitis

Actions

• Immunostimulant
• Antiinflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Anticancer
• Antiviral
• Hypotensive
• Gastroprotective

Constituents

• Alkaloids (Indole)
• Triterpenoids
• Proanthocyanidins

Posology

• Tincture (unspecified conc.): 1-2 ml tid
• Decoction (dried bark): 1 g tid

Safety

Pregnancy and lactation: Traditionally used in contraception. Avoid use as safety has not yet been established.

Autoimmune diseases: Controversy over immunomodulating herbs causing benefit or harm. Monitor progress.

Interactions

• Immunosuppresive drugs - may have an antagonizing effect

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002