Oenothera serrulata, (Onagraceae, the Evening primrose Family), 2-4 dm in height, yellow flowers, habitat: dry prairies and plains (102, 103).
American Indian groups used Oenothera biennis, the Evening-primrose, as a plant tea to treat obesity. Its roots were rubbed on muscles to strengthen them and were used internally and as a poultice for hemorrhoids. The plant was used as a poultice on boils and sores. Early settlers used the plant to treat rashes, coughs, and depression and to stimulate digestion. Its seed oil is high in linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which have cholesterol, and blood pressure-lowering effects, and are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, eczema, acne, and arthritis. Laboratory test and human trials showing anti-inflammatory, blood-thinning, and immune-modulating effects support some of these uses. Research has demonstrated that extracts of this plant can alleviate imbalances and abnormalitites of essential fatty acids to prostaglandin production. Evening Primrose has been approved in Briton for treatment of atopic eczema, premenstrual syndrome, and prostatitis (88, 239).
It is also known to produce octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid and 3-glucoside (238).
Physocarpus opulifolius, Ninebark, (Rosaceae, the Rose Family), shrub to 3 m in height, white flowers, habitat: moist, sandy or rocky soil, especially along stream banks and shores (102, 103).
The bark tea of the Pacific Ninebark, Physocarpus capitatus, was used to induce vomiting as an antidote to poisons, and in small doses as a laxative. Externally it was used as a wash or bath for rheumatism and rheumatic fever. Large doses of Pacific Ninebark are said to be fatal. The bark and leaves of many of the Rose family members contain cyanide compounds in varying amounts (88).
Additionally, it is known to produce D-Sorbitol C6H14O6, also known as L-gulitol, and is now used as a laxative (174, 238).
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