Steinmetz:Rhamnus

Rhamnus cathartica (and other species)

Also known as (or relevant to) Rhamnus cathartica (and other species) Family Rhamnaceae English Names Buckthorn Hawthorn Natural Habitat Northern Africa Europe (including Great Britain) Caucasus Asia Minor Western Asia Siberia Part(s) Used Cortex Rhamni cathartici Fructus Rhamni cathartici = Baccae Rhamni cathartici = Baccae Spinae cervinae Succus viridis (the dried juice of the unripe berries)

Constituent(s) rhamno-xanthin rhamno-emodin rhamno-cathartin colouring matter quercetin resin fatty oil gum rham-negin anthrachinon pectin rhamnosin gesterin rhamnogenin rhamnose vitamin C and other substances Action bark: laxative emetic; berry: diuretic purgative emetic colouring agent slightly toxic; dried juice: so-called sap green (used for dyeing leather and as a paint)

Rhamnus frangula

Also known as (or relevant to) Rhamnus frangula Family Rhamnaceae English Names Alder Buckthorn Black Aldertree Natural Habitat Europe (including Great Britain) especially Russia; Northern and Western Asia North Africa Part(s) Used Cortex Frangulae = Cortex Rhamni Frangulae Fructus Rhamni Frangulae

Constituent(s) bark: franguline glucofranguline frangula-emodin anthraquinone-derivates (including chrysophanol) rhamnol rhamnocerin sugar bitter principle Action bark: laxative emmenagogue tonic used in hepatic disorders and piles. The bark should be aged at least one year before use; berry: purgative and used for dyeing

Links

• Information in Von Esenbeck's book

Rhamnus purshiana

Also known as (or relevant to) Rhamnus purshiana Family Rhamnaceae English Names Sacred bark tree Chittem bark tree Natural Habitat Pacific coast of North America Part(s) Used Cortex Cascarae sagradae = Cortex Rhamni purshianae

Constituent(s) anthraquinones (emodin frangulin) fat acids dextrose resin tannin enzymes bitter principle Action laxative tonic used in obstipation. The bark should be aged at least one year before use