Page 19 - phytotherapy_ EBOOK_2025

• Precautions: Side effects include headache, irritability, restlessness, nausea, sleeplessness,
tachycardia, and urinary disorders. Dependence can develop. Should only be administered for short
periods.
o Pregnancy: Should not be used during pregnancy.
o Drug Interactions: Additive effect with caffeine or other CNS stimulants. Risk of heart
rhythm disturbance with cardiac glycosides or halothane. Potentiates MAO-inhibitors. May
cause high blood pressure with Secale alkaloid derivatives or oxytocin.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

• Habitat/Names: Originally indigenous to Asia, spread to Europe and China.
• Chemical composition: Mucilages (polysaccharides), Pectins, Starch.
• Effects: Alleviates local irritation, inhibits mucociliary activity, stimulates phagocytosis, and

functions as an anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant. Efficacy has been demonstrated as a gargle
for throat inflammation.
• Indications (Commission E): Cough/bronchitis.
• Drug Interactions: The absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.

Cowslip (Primula veris)

• Habitat/Names: Indigenous to Central Europe. Also known as Oxlip, Key Flower, or Primrose.
• Chemical composition: Flavonoids (3%), Primine, Triterpene saponins.
• Effects: Has an expectorant effect, attributed to the flavonoid and saponin content. The saponins also

provide diuretic effects, post-dated to be due to vagal stimulation.
• Indications (Commission E): Cough/Bronchitis.
• Unproven Uses: Folk medicine uses include insomnia, anxiety, and as a nerve tonic for headaches.

Gumweed (Grindelia camporum)

• Habitat/Names: Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Also known as Rosin Weed or Tar Weed.
• Chemical composition: Diterpene acids, Volatile oil, Polyynes, Flavonoids.
• Effects: In vitro, the drug has antimicrobial, fungistatic, and spasmolytic effects, caused by the resin

(which contains diterpenes) and phenol carbolic acids.
• Indications (Commission E): Cough; Bronchitis.

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