-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Polygala senega (Senega, Snakeroot)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Polygala senega

synonyms: senega, snakeroot, milkwort, mountain flax, seneca root, rattlesnake root, Seneca snakeroot, Senega snakeroot, klapperschlangenwurzel

part(s) used: root

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» powder: 0.5 - 1 g.

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2d

toxicity: 1

» contraindicated in active feverish conditions due to its CNS depressant effect (Brinker)

» contraindicated in active inflammation due to its local stimulant activity and intestinal irritant effects (Brinker, Felter and Lloyd)

» contraindicated in gastritis and gastric ulcers; not for long-term use (McGuffin)

» use with caution during pregnancy (Brinker, p. 121) due to its uterine stimulant action on animal uteri (Farnsworth)

» large amounts cause oropharyngeal irritation with a sense of acridity, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (Ellingwood, p. 384)

» mild effects from methylsalicylate or salicylate poisoning may occur (Duke, p. 563)

constituents: salicylates

see: Gaultheria, Salix, Populus for more information on salicylates

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Ellingwood, F. 1898. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Pharmacognosy. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

rdell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.