Common name:

Motherwort

Family:

Lamiaceae

Parts used:

Aerial parts

Chemistry:

Bitter principle, bitter glycosides, essential oil, resin, organic acids, alkaloids (stachydrine, betonicine, turicin, leonurine, leonuridin, and leonurinine), flavonoids (glycosides of apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin), iridoids (ajugol, ajugoside, galiridoside, and leonurid), tannins (pseudotannins: pyrogallol and catechins), terpenoids (volatile oil, resin, wax, ursolic acid, leocardin, and a diterpene lactone similar to marrubiin), and triterpenes (ursolic acid) (Bradley, 1992; Newall et al., 1996). Other constituents include citric acid, malic acid, oleic acid, bitter principles, carbohydrates, choline, and a phenolic glycoside (caffeic acid 4-rutinoside)

Main actions:

Emmenagogue, nervine tonic

Other Actions:

Astringent, carminative, cardiotonic, diuretic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, sedative, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, antithyroid,

Dosage:

tincture 2-4ml TDS

Safety:

Pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Should not be used if menstrual bleeding is heavy. No restrictions known during lactation