-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 Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.