Indications

Gynecological
• atonic uterus
• uterine prolapse
• amenorrhea
• menorrhagia
• partus preparator (controversial)†

Musculoskeletal
• rheumatism
• muscle weakness
• myalgia

Actions

• Emmenagogue
• Abortifacient
• Oxytocic
• Uterine Tonic
• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic

Constituents

Quinolizidine Alkaloids (Sparteine )

Posology

Decoction: 1-2 tsp/cup ti
Tincture: 1-3 ml
Liquid extract (1:2): 0.5-1 ml

Safety

† Pregnancy • Historically used in the 3rd trimester to facillate delivery, however most sources state it is contraindicated. Evidence suggests it is teratogenic, especially if used in the first trimester. Case reports exist of it causing neonatal harm (e.g. congestive heart failure, cardiomegally, stroke, respiratory complications) when used to induce labour.

Lactation • contra-indicated

Overdose • the main alkaloid (sparteine) is classified as an antiarrhythmic agent (sodium channel blocker) and overdose causes cardiac complications (e.g. hypertension, tachycardia), hyperthermia, hyperventilation.

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