Traditional Use:

• Traditionally used in folk medicine for anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects.
• A classic alterative used internally or topically for inflammatory skin disorders, minor injuries and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and is a soothing and relaxing diuretic & demulcent to the urinary tract, giving it indication in cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, and edema of kidney origin.
• Specifically used to increase lymphatic drainage & breaks up lymphatic congestion (enlarged lymph nodes) especially in the pelvis and urinary tract, and is considered a lymphatic tonic thought to clear away damp-heat, eliminate stasis and detoxify the body. Can be used in cases of lymph swellings, fever turbid urine, hematuria, traumatic injury, acute appendicitis, otitis media, etc.
• In Traditional Chinese medicine is prescribed for treatment of cancer to suppress tumor cells and in leukemia.

Evidence Based Use:

• No clinical trials in humans have been conducted.
• Demonstrate anti-proliferative effects on leukemia cells, breast cancer, laryngeal carcinoma and head and neck cancer cell lines in vitro.
• Aqueous extracts demonstrated good antioxidant activity in oxidative stress in vitro.

Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:

• Very little known.
• Iridoid glycosides including asperuloside are considered mildly laxative & purgative.

Pharmacy:

• Infusion: 1-2 tsp/cup, steep 10 min, 1-2 cups TID.
• Tincture: (1:5, 25%), 4-10 ml TID. 200 ml weekly max.
• Fresh juice: 3-15 ml, TID.
• Poultice, skin wash as needed.

Safety & Toxicity Concerns:

• None known.

Interactions:

• None reported