Indications

Endocrine
• diabetes mellitus type 2

Gynecological
• agalactia (traditional use)
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS )

Actions

• Hypoglycemic
• Galactagogue
• Diuretic
• Diaphoretic

Constituents

• Guanidine Alkaloid (Galegine )

Posology

• Tincture (1:10 in 45% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Infusion: 1 tsp of dried herb bid

Safety

Humans • No safety concerns recorded used in herbal medicine.

Grazing animals • when consumed in large amounts has led to pulmonary oedema, hydrothorax, hypotension, paralysis and death.

Interactions

Oral hypoglycemics • can potentiate insulin and other oral hypoglycemic agents. Monitor patients approrpriately.

Pregnancy • unknown effects and thus should be avoided.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

Bailey CJ, Campbell IW, Chan JCN, Davidson JA, Howlett HCS, Ritz P (eds). 2007. Metformin: the Gold Standard. A Scientific handbook; Chichester: Wiley.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003. p. 552.