Latin Name: Leptandra virginica
Common name: Black root
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Parts used: Root
Constituents: Volatile oil, tannic acid, gum, resin (leptandrin).
Medicinal actions: Alterative, bitter tonic, abortifacient.
Medicinal use: Constipation, ongoing issues with liver and gallbladder.
Pharmacology: Exerts mild, persistent, gentle hepatic stimulation of bile production without stimulating the contraction of the gall bladder. The bitter root also acts to tonify the digestive system.
Pharmacy:
- Extract: 20-50 drops (1:1), TID
- Tincture: 5ml (1:5) TID, maximum weekly dosage of 100ml
Toxicity: None known.
Contraindications: Do not use in pregnancy or in digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or colitis.
Interactions: May interact with diuretic and anti-coagulant medications.
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