Page 18 - phytotherapy_ EBOOK_2025

• Effects: Expectorant and antispasmodic. Hedera saponin C exhibits antiviral, antibacterial,
antimycotic, and anthelmintic effects. Fresh leaves can be an irritant to the skin and mucosa.

• Indications (Commission E): Cough; Bronchitis.
• Unproven Uses: Folk medicine uses include liver, spleen, and gallbladder disorders, gout, and

rheumatism.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

• Habitat/Names: Indigenous to Australia; cultivated in subtropical regions. Also known as Blue Gum
or Fever Tree.

• Chemical composition (Oil): Chief constituent is 1,8-cineol (over 80%).
• Effects: Inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis. Used topically, it has a mild hyperemic (blood flow) and

expectorant effect. In vitro, the oil was enzyme-inducing. It is secretolytic, expectorant, and mildly
antispasmodic.
• Indications (Commission E): Cough/bronchitis; Rheumatism.
• Precautions: Should not be taken internally if inflammation of the GI tract or biliary ducts is present,
or with severe liver illness. Preparations should not be applied to the faces of infants or small children,
as this can lead to glottal or bronchial spasms, asthma-like attacks, or death by asphyxiation.
• Overdosage: Can be life-threatening. Severe poisonings are possible in children with just a few drops.
Symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, circulatory collapse, and asphyxiation. Vomiting should
not be induced due to aspiration risk.

Ma-Huang (Ephedra sinica)

• Habitat/Names: Grows in Mongolia and China. Also known as Ephedrine.
• Chemical composition: Alkaloids of the 2-aminophenylpropane type (e.g., ephedrine).
• Effects: The level of active principles can fluctuate drastically. Ephedrine acts by indirectly

stimulating the sympathomimetic and central nervous systems. It is bacteriostatic, positively inotropic,
and positively chronotropic.
• Indications (Commission E): Cough/bronchitis.
• Contraindications: Anxiety, restlessness, high blood pressure, angle-closure glaucoma, prostate
adenoma, pheochromocytoma, and thyrotoxicosis.

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