Scientific name
Hydrastis canadensis
Family
Buttercup
Origin
North America, Canada
Used Parts
Drug consisting of dried rhizomes (Pharmacopoeia)
Chemical constituents
- Alkaloids (berberine, hydrastine, canadian)
Idraste in Herbalist: Property of the Upstairs
Hydraste was used internally as a specific vasoconstrictor for the pelvic district (metrorrhagia, hemorrhoids), but due to its alkaloid content it can only be used externally, as a disinfectant and a healing agent. Berberine would have interesting immunostimulant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties: in fact, in the past it was also used against infectious diarrhea.
Warnings
Oral use exposes you to CNS toxicity risks, as the alkaloids stimulate the bulbar center with consequent hypertensive crisis, therefore the use of hydroxides as a phytotherapic is to be abandoned.
Contraindications
Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological Interactions
- heparin: antagonizes the anticoagulant effect;
- vitamins group B: prolonged treatment with hydrates reduces the absorption of vitamins.
