Leptandra virginica

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.