Scientific name
Hydrastis canadensis
Family
Ranunculaceae
Origin
North America, Canada
Parts Used
Drug consisting of dried rhizomes (Pharmacopoeia)
Chemical constituents
- Alkaloids (berberine, hydrastine, canadine)
Idraste in Herbalist: Property of the Idraste
The hydraste was used internally as a specific vasoconstrictor for the pelvic district (metrorrhagia, hemorrhoids), but due to its alkaloid content it can only be used externally, as a disinfectant and healing agent. Berberine would have interesting immunostimulating, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal: in fact, in the past it was also used against infectious diarrhea.
Warnings
The oral use exposes to risks of toxicity on the CNS, as the alkaloids stimulate the bulbar center with consequent hypertensive crises, therefore the use of hydrases as phytotherapic is to be abandoned.
Contraindications
Do not use in case of known hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological interactions
- heparin: antagonizes the anticoagulant effect;
- B vitamins: prolonged treatment with hydraste reduces the absorption of vitamins.