Linn. var. dissectifolia C. B. Clarke, non-Boiss.
Family: Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat: Kashmir at 3,900 m.
English: Burnet Saxifrage, Pimpinel- la Root.
Action: Root—carminative, stimulant, expectorant, cholagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue. Used for diarrhoea.
Key application: Rhizome—in catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract. (German Commission E. Above ground parts have been included among unapproved herbs.)The main components of the fruits and roots are isoeugenol epoxy tiglic ester, isoeugenol epoxy-2-methylbu- tanoic ester and 4-phenyl tiglic ester. Roots also contain pimpinellin and isopimpinellin.
There are at least five different species of anise-like medicinal plants that are recognized in Dominican healing traditions. Those that are included in the present edition of this book are listed below in bold along with their other common Spanish names:- Anís chiquito = anís de comer, anís de cocinar, anís pequeño, aniscito (Pimpinella anisum)- Anís comino = comino (Cuminum cyminum) or hinojo- Hinojo = anís hinojo (Foeniculum vulgare) or anís comino- Anís de estrella = anís estrellada, anís grande (Illicium verum)- Aniseto = aniceto (Piper marginatum)The common names of the first three types of anís are easily confused because their dried fruits or “seeds” (the part of the plant traditionally used for medicine) are similar in appearance, taste and shape. For more information on a specific type of anís, see the plant entry for the appropriate common name listed in bold above.... anís
Anise, anise burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella anisum).Plant Part Used: Fruit (seed).Dominican Medicinal Uses: The seeds are traditionally prepared as a decoction and taken orally for colic (in children and adults), common cold, empacho, flatulence, flu, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, indigestion, nervous tension, pasmo and stress.Safety: The seeds are generally regarded as safe for human consumption in moderation and widely used as a culinary spice. Caution is advised if this herbal remedy is combined with anís de estrella due to potential contamination with a toxic look-alike (see entry for “Anís de estrella”).Contraindications: Studies show conflicting recommendations regarding safety of internal use during pregnancy and lactation. Use of this herb in combination with anís de estrella is contraindicated in children (due to potential for contamination with the toxic look-alike Illicium anisatum (see “Anís de estrella”); however, anís chiquito is considered safe for children when used appropriately.Drug interactions: Anticoagulants, NSAIDS, antiplatelet drugs, warfarin: Avoid use of anís chiquito if taking any of these medications due to potential risk of excessive bleeding as a result of interaction with coumarin derivatives.Clinical Data: No clinical trials of the oral use of this herb have been identified in the available literature. One open clinical trial has evaluated the pediculicidal effects of anise oil in combination with other ingredients.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following biological activities of this plant have been investigated in laboratory studies using in vitro or animal models: anticonvulsant, antidiuretic, antiflatulent, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, estrogenic, expectorant, hypotensive, liver regeneration, muscle stimulant and mutagenic.* See entry for Anís chiquito in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... anís chiquito
(Wall.) Engl.
Synonym: B. ciliata Sternb. Saxífraga ligulata Wall.
Family: Saxifragaceae.
Habitat: Temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan, between altitudes of 900 and 3,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Paashaanabheda, Ashmaribhedikaa, Ashmaribhit, Ashmghna, Shilaabhit, Shilaabheda. (These synonyms are also equated with Aerva lanata Juss.)
Siddha/Tamil: Padanbethi.
Action: Leaf and root—antiscorbutic, astringent, spasmolytic, antidiarrhoeal. Used in dysuria, spleen enlargement, pulmonary affections as a cough remedy, menorrhagia, urinary tract infections. Alcoholic extract of roots— antilithic. Acetone extract of root- bark—cardiotoxic, CNS depressant and anti-inflammatory; in mild doses diuretic but antidiuretic in higher doses. Anti-inflammatory activity decreases with increasing dosage.
Due to its depressant action on the central nervous system, the drug is used against vertigo, dizziness and headache in moderate or low dosage.
Key application: In lithiasis, dysuria, polyuria. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The rhizome contains an active principle bergenin (0.6%), gallic acid, glucose (5.6%), tannins (14.2-016.3%), mucilage and wax; a C-glycoside and beta-sitosterol.Bergenin prevented stress-induced erosions in rats and lowered gastric outputs.(Paashaanabheda indicates that the plant grows between rocks appearing to break them; it does not necessarily mean that it possesses lithotriptic property.)
Dosage: Rhizome—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I)... bergenia ligulata
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