Indications

Primarily used to relieve smooth muscles spasms.

Hepatobiliary
• biliary colic
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Gastrointestinal
• colic
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Gynecological
• menstrual cramping
• dysmenorrhea
• ovarian neuralgia

Cardiovascular
• hyperlipidemia
• hypercholesterolemia

Musculoskeletal
• chronic rheumatism
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA )

Actions

• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Hepatic
• Cholagogue
• antihyperlipidemic

Constituents

• Steroidal Saponins (E.g. Diosgenin)
• Phytosterols (Beta-Sitosterol )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 40% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Decoction (dried root): 1-2 tsp tid

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Caution: patients with compromised renal function.

High doses: May cause nausea and vomiting.

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