Scientific name
Rhamnus frangula
Family
Rhamnaceae
Origin
The frangola is a common plant in the woods of Italy
Used Parts
Drug given by the bark (of the stem and branches)
Chemical constituents
- Anthraquinone glucosides: frangulins and glucofrangulins A and B and their aglycones;
- saponins;
- Tannins;
- Triterpenes.
Frangola in Herbalist: Property of the Frangola
The frangola has well-known laxative properties, which should be used only occasionally to resolve acute episodes of constipation or to prepare for surgical interventions or diagnostic tests (colonoscopy). The buckthorn is commonly used in laxative infusions, as well as standardized extracts purified for laxative purposes. Due to the presence of anthraquinone glycosides it should be used only in special cases and occasionally: maximum dose 30 mg per day of glucosides.
Side effects
Abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur after taking fringe preparations. The fresh vegetable drug causes vomiting.
Contraindications
Avoid the use of buckets in case of gastritis, colitis, diverticulitis, appendicitis, abdominal pain, glomerulonephritis, intestinal obstruction or more generally in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological Interactions
- cardiotonic (Digital, Adonide, Mughetto, Scilla, Strofanto, etc.): increased toxicity, reduced absorption of oral drugs;
- licorice: the abuse of licorice can increase hypopotassemia;
- diuretics: increased hypokalemia;
- antiarrhythmics (quinidine, hydroquinidine, ajmalina): increased toxicity with risk of torsade de pointes (from hypokalemia);
- analgesics: anthraquinone glycosides can aggravate analgesic nephropathy;
- halofantrine: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly peak torsions;
- beta blockers: tip torsion;
- corticosteroids: increased risk of hypokalemia;
- macrolides: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias;
- vincamine: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
