Scientific Name: Agropyron/Elymus repens
Constituents:
- Saponins
- Carbohydrates & Polysaccharides (including Inulin, Triticin, Inositol, Mannitol) & Mucilage
- Coumarins
- Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside & baicaleine)
- Iridoids
- Phenocarboxylic acids (chlorogenic and p-hydroxycinnamic acids)
- Vitamins (Vitamins C & Beta-carotene) & Minerals (Iron & Potassium)
- Tannins
Medicinal actions:
- Anti-lithic
- Anti-microbial
- Demulcent
- Diuretic
- Expectorant
Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:
- Saponin & potassium content both theorized to induce urinary flow by increasing the osmotic pressure within the glomerular tubules. Small sugars present are poorly absorbed from the gut and may also account for gentle diuretic effects.
- Mucilage and polysaccharides have soothing and demculent effects.
Pharmacy:
- Decoction
- Tincture
- Dried rhizome
Safety & Toxicity Concerns:
- Generally well tolerated and no side effects have been reported.
- Oral administration of infusion has demonstrated a decrease in citraturia when combined with a high carbohydrate diet, and an increase in calcuria and decrease in magnesiuria when combined with a standard diet.
- Theoretical concern when used in edema from heart failure or kidney insufficiency due to inadequate excretion of salt from diuretic effects.
Interactions:
- Theoretical hypokalemia with long term use alongside K+ depleting diuretics.
