It is known to produce anemonin, protoanemonin and protanemonin (238).
Greek and Chinese healers used Anemone in the form of external plaster or baths for skin ulcers and inflamed eyes. Pliny advocated its use for toothache and swollen gums. The Chinese employed Anemone for ailments ranging from dysentery to madness. Recent scientific findings have shown root and flower extracts are highly active against a large number of different disease producing microorganisms, has sedative properties, lowers blood pressure, lowers fever, stimulates gallbladder, relaxes smooth muscle of the gut , allays pain, and is very effective in treating amoebic dysentery. A 1988 study determined that anemonin is the primary compound responsible for fever lowering effects, while both anemonin and protanemonin produce a sedating effect. A 1990 study determined that protoanemonin has in vitro activity against fungi (267).
American Indian groups used the root of Spreading Dogbain, Apocynum androsaemiflolium, for syphilis, coated tongue, dropsy, and headache. For headaches the roots were either chewed, inhaled as steam, applied as a poultice, or made into a tea. Root tea was used for heart palpitations and liver problems, taken internally, or sprinkled on the chest for convulsions; also as a worm remedy, to relieve stomach cramps, and to expel placenta; taken weekly as a contraceptive. Roots were used by European settlers as a tonic or as a strong laxative and to induce sweating. The dried, powdered root was given for dizziness and insanity. Milky juice from the plant was applied to warts. Leaves were chewed and swallowed or the dried leaves were smoked as an aphrodisiac. Historically, physicians used the root for heart irregularities and liver ailments (88).
Spreading Dogbain is known to produce cymarine, adonitoxin, and cardiac glycosides such as strophanthidin C23H32O6 (174, 238).
Craig Bremmon
CEBTech Services
503 11 th Ave. SE, Suite 5
Aberdeen, SD 57401
bremm001@nvc.net Phone: 605 226-3595
Fax: 605 225-0467