Motherwort cardiac chemical composition. Leonurus cardiaca L - Motherwort. Interactions with other active ingredients

Family Lamiaceae

Genus Leonurus L - Motherwort

Motherwort has been used in folk medicine since the 15th century. Since the 30s. In the 20th century, it began to be used in medicine as a sedative in the form of an aqueous-alcoholic extract. Introduced into scientific medicine in Russia since 1932.

Description

Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca L. A perennial herbaceous plant from the family Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) with a short woody rhizome and lateral roots extending from it and from the tap root. The root system is located shallow in the soil.

Stems green, often reddish-violet, erect, branched in the upper part, 0.5-2 m high.

Leaves petiolate, opposite, gradually decreasing towards the top of the stem, dark green above, with a grayish honey mushroom below. The lower leaves are long-petiolate and five-parted; medium short-petiolate, tripartite or three-lobed, with wide oblong toothed lobes; apical simple, with two lateral teeth.

Flowers small, pink, equipped with hairy subulate-shaped flower stalks, sit in spaced whorls, forming long spike-shaped apical inflorescences. Seeds - dark brown nuts long
2-3 mm. Motherwort blooms in June-July; after mowing during the period of mass flowering, under favorable conditions, after 1.5-2 months, secondary flowering of the regrowth is observed. Seed ripening occurs in August-September and begins from the lower inflorescences. It reproduces mainly by seeds.

Along with motherwort, the closely related Motherwort (Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib.), whose range coincides with the range of the main species, is used. It differs from motherwort cordial in that the plate of its lower and middle leaves is five-lobed, and the upper ones are three-lobed; in addition, the stems, like the whole plant, are covered with protruding long hairs.

Spreading

The habitat of motherwort is in the temperate zone of Eurasia. It is widespread throughout almost the entire European part (except for the northern, semi-desert and desert regions), in the south of Western Siberia, in Western and Eastern Transcaucasia, and is found everywhere in Ukraine, Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory. To the east, its range narrows, extending only a small tongue into the southern regions of Siberia and Northern Kazakhstan. Both species usually grow near homes, often as weeds. Motherwort cordial grows scatteredly, sometimes forming thickets in weedy places, fallow lands, wastelands (hence the Russian name of the plant), along the edges of fields, near roads, along cliffs, near fences. Found in small groups among bushes, forest clearings, forest edges, shelter belts, and pastures.
At the Middle Volga zonal experimental station of VILAR, the Samara variety was bred and zoned.

Growing on site

The culture is extremely unpretentious to soil fertility and moisture supply.

Preparing the soil for motherwort does not have any special features and is carried out according to general rules. In one place, motherwort is cultivated for 3-4 years. To obtain a high yield of grass during the entire growing period, you should add 8-10 kg/m2 of organic fertilizers and 40 g/m2 of mineral fertilizers in terms of ammophosphate when digging the site.

Reproduction

For autumn sowing, before winter (7-10 days before the onset of permanent frosts), dry seeds are used, planting them to a depth of 1-1.5 cm with a seeding rate of 1 g/m2. When sowing in spring, seeds can be stratified for a month at a temperature of 0-4 °C. In this case, they are sown to a depth of 2-3 cm with a seeding rate of 0.8 g/m2. Row spacing is 60-70 cm.

Care

Care consists of loosening the rows, removing weeds, fertilizing, and watering during the dry period. Feeding in the first year of life is carried out a month after emergence, and transitional areas should be fed twice: in early spring and after the first harvest. The rate of application of mineral fertilizers in each case is 20 g of nitrogen and 25 g of phosphorus per 1 m2.
Transitional crops are harrowed in early spring, and then fed and loosened. Harvesting is best done in the second year after sowing. Motherwort grass is harvested in the mass flowering phase when 1/3 of the flowers open in the lower part of the inflorescence. The upper leafy part of the plant is cut off. The second collection is carried out 1-1.5 months after the first. The seeds are harvested by hand when they are fully ripened. Seed plots are not used for raw materials. Freshly harvested motherwort seeds have a reduced germination rate (30-35%) and an extended germination period. As the seeds are stored, they undergo post-harvest ripening, and their germination rate is 80-85% after 2 months. Seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of 2-4 °C, the optimal temperature is 20 °C. The first shoots appear in favorable conditions on the 4-5th day, but the total germination period is extended and lasts 15-20 days. The seeds belong to the group of mesobiotics, and even in the 4th-6th year of storage their germination rate remains within 75-80% of the original. The total lifespan of seeds is 8-9 years.

The plant is tall, and therefore it is better to place it near the fence, in the background of the mixborder.

Medicinal raw materials

The tops of stems up to 40 cm long with flowers and leaves (grass) are used. Rough stems thicker than 5 mm, as well as damaged or yellowed leaves are not allowed in the raw materials. Raw materials of late harvest with heavily lignified sepals and spiny teeth are considered defective; There should be no plants collected during fruiting. Cleaning is best done after the dew has disappeared in dry weather. The cut grass is dried in a dryer at a temperature of 50-60 ° C, as well as in attics or under sheds, spreading the grass on fabric, paper or other clean surface in a layer of 5-7 cm thick and stirring it periodically. Drying time is about one week. The end of drying is determined by the fragility of the stem. The shelf life of raw materials is 3 years.

Chemical composition

Active ingredients

In the grass of the described motherworts, alkaloids (0.035-0.4%) were found, contained only at the beginning of flowering; Stahydrin, saponins, tannins, bitter and sugary substances, essential oil (0.05%), rutin, carotene were also discovered. A new flavonoid glycoside was isolated. The main active ingredients in motherworts cordis and quinqueloba are flavonol glycosides.

Application

Medicinal
Application in official and folk medicine

Indications for the use of motherworts pentaloba and cordis are almost the same. These medicinal plants are used not only in Russia, but also in other countries.
Motherwort preparations are non-toxic, have a calming effect on the central nervous system, sedative properties, lower blood pressure, slow down the rhythm of heart contractions and increase their strength, and have anticonvulsant activity in the experiment. They have a beneficial effect on carbohydrate and fat metabolism, reduce the level of glucose, lactic and pyruvic acids, cholesterol, total lipids in the blood, and normalize protein metabolism.
In practical medicine, motherwort preparations are used as substitutes for valerian. They are used as a means of regulating the functional state of the central nervous system, as a sedative for cardioneuroses.
Motherwort preparations are used as a sedative for increased nervous excitability, cardiovascular neuroses, hypertension, coronary heart disease, myocarditis, insomnia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, neurasthenia and psychasthenia, and neuroses. Positive results are obtained from the use of motherwort in patients in the premenopausal and menopausal periods with functional disorders of the central nervous system. It is also prescribed for neuroses of the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, and spastic pain.

In Romania doctors use it not only as a heart remedy, but also for Graves' disease and epilepsy. In England Motherwort is recommended for hysteria, neuralgia, heart weakness and shortness of breath. In Bulgaria motherwort is used as a hemostatic agent. It was established in an experiment that motherwort preparations accelerate the process of blood clotting.

In folk medicine of Bulgaria Motherwort is also used as a tonic for tuberculosis, various nervous diseases, as a diuretic and as a means of regulating the menstrual cycle.
In Ukrainian folk medicine, the aerial part was used as an antitussive for bronchial asthma; it was also used for cystitis, edema, rheumatism, epilepsy, and stomach colic.
In Russian folk medicine, motherwort is known as a remedy used for palpitations. Taken for all kinds of unrest, nervous shock, hysteria, neurasthenia, cardiac weakness, neuroses of the cardiovascular system, angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, myocardial dystrophy, various forms of hypertension (as a means of dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure), impotence and many other diseases.

Use at home

People prefer a fresh plant, using the juice squeezed out of it. Dried motherwort is consumed in correspondingly increased quantities: 1 tbsp. spoon with top of finely chopped plant on | 1 glass of boiling water as an infusion in two doses. Juice from a fresh plant is taken 3 times a day, 30-40 drops per 1 tbsp. a spoonful of water half an hour before meals.
Both the juice from the fresh plant and the infusion from the dried plant are taken for weakened heart activity, cardiac neurosis, weak pulse, and shortness of breath. It is also used for gastrointestinal diseases. Motherwort is also used for various nervous shocks, fears, stress, etc. as a calming agent for the nervous system, preferring it to valerian and bromides.
For high blood pressure, it is used in a mixture in equal parts with marsh cudweed grass, hawthorn flowers and mistletoe leaves, 40 g per 1 liter of boiling water.
For the winter, motherwort is prepared by mixing 2 parts of fresh juice with 3 parts of alcohol. Take 3 times a day, 25-30 drops in water.
To prepare an infusion of motherwort herb, 15 g (4 tablespoons) of the raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, poured with 200 ml (1 glass) of hot boiled water, covered with a lid and heated in boiling water in a water bath with frequent stirring for 15 minutes, cooled for 45 minutes at; room temperature, filter, and squeeze out the remaining raw materials. The volume of the resulting infusion is added with boiled water to 200 ml. Take 1/3 cup 2 times a day 1 hour before meals.
The prepared infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Motherwort tincture is prepared with 70% alcohol (1:5). Transparent liquid of greenish-brown color, faint odor, bitter taste. Available in 25 ml dropper bottles. Prescribe 30-35 drops 3-4 times a day.

Honey plant

Motherwort is a good honey plant; it produces nectar even during drought.

Technical Application

Fatty oil from motherwort seeds is suitable for making high-quality varnishes, as well as for impregnating paper and fabrics in order to make them waterproof. From the plant you can obtain fiber that is similar in quality to flax fiber and Chinese hemp. The aerial part of the motherwort colors the tissues dark green.

Motherwort is one of the most famous weeds, which has medicinal properties and is recognized by scientific medicine in most countries. The Latin name Leonurus quinquelobatus (Moonwort five-lobed) indicates the characteristic structure of the plant’s leaves, cut into five parts (“lobes”). According to the Linnaean classification, the plant is called Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), in which there is an obvious indication of its healing qualities. Some folk healers call motherwort cordial dagga - a native of Latin America, known as the “lion's tail” (in Latin - Leonotis Leonurus) - from time immemorial used by shamans when performing magical rituals. It is worth noting that all plants of the genus Leonurus have medicinal properties to one degree or another, therefore, traditionally, different peoples use all kinds of motherwort (P. siberian, P. glaucous), which are not included in the register of medicinal raw materials.

Leonurus cordis “entered” European herbalists already in the 15th century, and after some 4 centuries it received universal recognition, and since 1930 it has successfully competed with valerian in terms of treating heart diseases.

For medicinal purposes, the flowering tops of the grass are used, which are harvested during flowering (June - August). Motherwort is an eternal companion of humans, and can often be found in landfills and garbage heaps near homes. Motherwort often settles on the sides of country roads, and by the way, all of the listed places are a bad option for harvesting medicinal plants. You can obtain environmentally friendly medicinal raw materials if you harvest motherwort, which grew in the steppe, along dry river bends, etc. For drying, motherwort is spread in a loose layer under sheds, or, tied into bunches, hung in attics.

In folk medicine, the use of motherwort root is practiced, which is dug up in the fall, at the end of the plant's growing season.

Chemical composition

The pharmacological effect of motherworts, in particular motherwort cordis, is determined by the presence of a group of characteristic alkaloids (leonurine, stachidrine, etc.). Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, etc.) and saponins, which have a multifaceted effect on the body, also play an important role.

As mentioned earlier, motherwort confidently competes with valerian preparations, since its effect is much stronger (certain species, for example, Siberian motherwort, are 3 or more times more powerful than valerian).

The sedative (calming) effect is one of the main properties that are emphasized when using motherwort in medical practice, although the cases of prescribing drugs among different peoples vary greatly.

In Bulgarian medicine, motherwort is traditionally prescribed to relieve convulsions as a sedative in the treatment of neuroses. In Bulgaria, motherwort is often used as a diuretic and blood-restoring (anemia) agent. Painful menstruation, neuroses due to menopause - here Bulgarian doctors turn to motherwort preparations for help. Traditional healers in Bulgaria consider motherwort to be an indispensable tonic in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Czechs, Romanians and Hungarians resort to the help of motherwort in case of pain in the heart area, palpitations, etc.

English doctors prescribe motherwort tincture for weakening of the heart muscle; prescribed to patients suffering from hysterical seizures; used for diseases of a neuralgic nature.

Americans practically do not use valerian, but in every home medicine cabinet of a US resident there is always a tincture of motherwort.

In Russia, motherwort is considered an excellent remedy for lowering blood pressure.

If we briefly characterize the pharmacological effect on the body, then in a row the most significant medicinal properties the following must be included:

- Hypotensive.
- The ability to stimulate the heart muscle, increasing the amplitude of heart contractions, and at the same time decreasing the frequency.
— The ability to dilate the coronary vessels of the heart, resulting in increased oxygen flow.

Brief list of indications for use motherwort:

— Cardiovascular neuroses;
— Overexcited state of the nervous system;
— Hypertension (early stages of the disease);
— Diseases of the heart and blood vessels (myocarditis, defects, angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, etc.);
- Goiter (Graves' disease);
— Nicotine poisoning (with symptoms of myocardiopathy);
- To enhance the effect of anticonvulsants.

Motherwort preparations

- Motherwort tincture. Prepared using 76% alcohol. The proportions of raw materials to extractor are 1:5. Leave for 2 - 3 weeks. The drug is prescribed, depending on the nature of the disease, up to 4 times a day, from 30 to 40 drops per dose.

- Herbal infusion. Pour 2 tbsp. raw materials with half a liter of boiling water, and leave for 2 hours. Take half a glass 3-4 times a day. The infusion is indicated for increased nervous excitability, sleep disturbance (insomnia), neuroses of cardiac origin, etc. Also, taking the infusion increases diuresis and promotes expectoration and therefore it is often prescribed for edema (dropsy) and colds.

— Liquid motherwort extract. This medicinal drug was developed on the basis of the research institute of one of the Moscow institutes of clinical medicine and was successfully tested in the inpatient department of the hospital named after. Botkin and in other medical institutions. The drug is prepared by repercolation (multiple infusion of fresh portions of medicinal raw materials) in 70% alcohol. In the conclusion on the drug, experts noted that in patients taking the extract, general overexcitation decreased and the heart rate stabilized. The liquid extract was effective in the treatment of myocardiopathy that appeared against the background of nicotineism. It also indicates a decrease in blood pressure and a decrease in shortness of breath in patients suffering from essential hypertension. Recommended dosages: from 15 to 25 drops 3 - 4 times a day.

- Tea. If you look at it, tea is the same infusion, only the duration of infusion when preparing the drug is significantly reduced. For 250 ml of boiling water you will need 2 tbsp. dried and crushed raw materials. Leave for 10 - 15 minutes. Tea is consumed without sweeteners, drinking in small sips. When it is reasonable to carry out long-term, course treatment, such a drug is used in 3-4 doses during the day. The course of treatment, depending on the nature of the disease and the achievement of a therapeutic effect, can vary from 2 to 4 weeks. Tea is indicated for the same diseases as motherwort infusion.

— Collection with motherwort. A tea mixture, which includes other medicinal plants in addition to motherwort, often has a more effective effect when compared with single preparations. In all cases where it is reasonable to use motherwort infusion or tea, a collection containing the following components has a good effect: valerian root - 5 parts, 10 parts each of St. John's wort, lemon balm leaves and hawthorn flowers; motherwort - 20 parts. All ingredients must be thoroughly mixed and stored in a hermetically sealed container. To prepare the drug you will need 2 tsp. herbal mixture per 250 ml of boiling water. After steeping for five minutes, the tea is ready to drink.

- Calming collection. The remedy was proposed by Bulgarian folk healers and is intended for the treatment of patients suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia, which causes sleep disturbances, a feeling of inexplicable anxiety, increased heart rate, etc. The herbal mixture does not contain narcotic properties, but has a mild hypnotic effect action and pronounced sedative effect. Which includes motherwort, valerian root, St. John's wort and lemon balm leaves in a ratio of 2:1:1:1. The preparation is prepared according to the method indicated in the description of brewing the collection with motherwort.

- For hypertension. The composition of the herbal collection includes mistletoe (leaves), motherwort herb, hawthorn and marshweed (at the rate of 30 - 40 g of each per 1 liter of water). Pour boiling water over the mixture, let it brew (in a thermos) for 2 hours, strain and store in the refrigerator. Drink a third of a glass three times a day. Depending on the therapeutic effect obtained, the drug can be continued after a week's break. It should be noted that this drug is effective only in the treatment of hypertension in the initial stage.

- From high blood pressure. For 1 liter of boiling water you need to take 1 tbsp. the following herbs: knotweed, calamus root, motherwort, bearberry leaves. Leave in a thermos overnight. Dissolve the same amount of May honey in half a liter of vodka, mix with herbal infusion and continue infusing for another 9 days. Use morning and evening, starting with 1 tsp, gradually increasing over the course of a week to 1 tbsp. appointment. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated by preparing a new portion of the drug.

- Dysmenorrhea. The cessation of menstruation may be a consequence of physiological changes in the body (menopause), or it may be a consequence of disorders in the body. In any case, to relieve unpleasant symptoms (nervousness, rushes of blood to the head, headaches, etc.), a collection made from medicinal herbs helps: blackberry leaf - 25 g, cudweed grass - 15 g, motherwort, fragrant woodruff - 20 each g, hawthorn color - 10 g. Brew like tea, 2 tsp per 250 ml of boiling water. herbal mixture (leave for 10 minutes). The expected effect should appear in 7 - 10 days.

- Epilepsy. This drug will not be able to cure the disease, but it will help reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. The collection includes: curly lily tubers, motherwort, Danish astragalus, open lumbago (sleep-grass), lemongrass berries and ephedra horsetail herb (1 tsp each). This amount is enough to prepare 300 ml of infusion (pour boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes). You need to take the product in the morning and evening.

- Tremor. Involuntary trembling of the hands and head often indicates the development of parkinsonism, but can also be a consequence of disorders of the nervous system. Here it is appropriate to resort to the help of medicinal herbs by preparing a collection consisting of 150 g of hawthorn fruit, valerian root and motherwort herb - 100 g each, mint leaves, dill seeds and hop heads - 50 g. For 2 cups of boiling water - 2 tbsp. l. mixture, cook for 5 minutes, leave for 2 hours in a thermos. Take 50 ml 3 times a day. Prepare a new portion of the drug daily. Treatment requires persistence and duration - carried out in monthly courses with breaks of 10 days.

- For infertility. Often, difficulties with conception do not have a pathological background, and in such cases, traditional healers advise using a collection of herbs a month or two before the expected conception: calendula flowers, motherwort, immortelle (not cumin, namely immortelle!) and chamomile, buckthorn bark, horsetail , St. John's wort, yarrow, bearberry and plantain leaves. Take all herbs in equal weight proportions. For half a liter of boiling water you need 10 tsp. herbal mixture. Leave for 2 hours. Drink 100 ml three times a day.

Motherwort was also not ignored by homeopaths, who adopted a drug with the same name as the plant - Leonurus cardiaca. “Leonorus cardica” is prepared from fresh herbs in the form of an alcohol tincture and is usually prescribed in D1 dilution. Prescribe homeopathic tincture 10 - 15 drops up to 3 times a day for flatulence, menopausal disorders and heart weakness.

Side effects and contraindications

No categorical contraindications to treatment with motherwort have been officially found, however, doctors do not recommend using its monopreparations in case of bradycardia and hypotension (low blood pressure). At the same time, taking into account the fact that when compiling drugs, other ingredients can be introduced into the formulation, which, theoretically, have their own contraindications. It is better to entrust a specialist to make a decision on the use of this or that product.

An overdose of motherwort preparations is fraught with unpleasant consequences, which include vomiting and diarrhea (often with blood).

Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib Leonurus cardiaca L. ( L. cardiaca, L. subsp. villosus (Desf.) Jav.), fam. Lamiaceae – Lamiaceae.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

PHARMACOPOEIAL ARTICLE

FS.2.5.0034.15

Leonuri herba Instead of Global Fund XI, issue. 2, art. 54

(amendment No. 5 dated June 16, 1999)

Collected at the beginning of flowering and dried grass of the wild and cultivated herbaceous plant Leonurus pentaloba - Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib. and motherwort cordial (motherwort vulgaris) – Leonurus cardiaca L. ( L. cardiaca, L. subsp. villosus (Desf.) Jav.), fam. Lamiaceae – Lamiaceae.

AUTHENTICITY

External signs

Whole raw materials. The upper parts of the stems, up to 40 cm long, with flowers and leaves; individual leaves, flowers, parts of inflorescences and stems can be found. The stem is tetrahedral, pubescent, or pubescence only along the ribs, hollow, up to 0.5 cm thick. Leaves are opposite, the lower ones are three-, five-lobed or separate, in inflorescences – three-lobed or lanceolate, toothed or entire with a wedge-shaped base, up to 14 cm long, up to 10 cm wide. Inflorescences are spike-shaped, interrupted; flowers and buds are collected in whorls of 10–20 in the leaf axils. The calyx is tubular-bell-shaped with 5 subulate-pointed teeth, conical, spiny. Corolla up to 0.12 cm long, two-lipped, longer than the calyx, upper lip entire, lower – three-lobed; stamens 4; ovary inferior. The stems, leaves, and flower calyxes are covered with hairs.

The color of the stems is grayish-green, brownish-green, the leaves are dark green, grayish-green, the sepals are green, the corollas are grayish-pink or pinkish-violet. The smell is weak. The taste of the water extract is bitter.

Crushed raw materials. Pieces of stems, leaves, inflorescences passing through a sieve with 7 mm holes.

When examining the crushed raw material under a magnifying glass (10×) or a stereomicroscope (16×), pieces of the stem are visible, tetrahedral or (more often) split with a pubescent (for motherwort slightly pubescent) grayish-green, brownish-green surface; pieces of leaves – dark green, grayish-green, heavily pubescent; flowers or parts thereof: calyx tubular-bell-shaped, pubescent, with spiny teeth, corolla two-lipped grayish-pink or pinkish-violet, pubescent on the outside.

The color of the crushed raw materials is grayish-green. The smell is weak. The taste of the water extract is bitter.

Powder. Pieces of stems, flower stalks, leaves and inflorescences passing through a sieve with 2 mm holes.

When examining the powder under a magnifying glass (10×) or a stereomicroscope (16×), pieces of a grayish-green stem, covered with hairs on the surface and whitish or yellowish-white at the fracture, are visible; green particles of pubescent leaves and calyx, fragments of pubescent grayish-pink or pink-violet corolla.

The color of the powder ranges from grayish-green to brownish-green with numerous whitish, yellowish-white, grayish-white, pink-violet and grayish-pink inclusions. The smell is weak. The taste of the water extract is bitter.

Microscopic signs

Whole raw materials, crushed raw materials. When examining leaf preparations from the surface, epidermal cells with thin sinuous side walls should be visible on both sides. Numerous stomata are present on the lower side and are accompanied by 3–4 (rarely 2) parastomatal cells (anomocytic type). On both sides of the leaf there are numerous simple multicellular hairs with a warty surface, consisting of 2 - 5 cells, expanded at the joints, and rare simple unicellular hairs, as well as capitate hairs on a one-, two-cell short stalk with a rounded head consisting of 1 - 2 cells. Essential oil glands are located mainly on the underside of the leaf, consisting of 4 – 6 (less often 8) excretory cells on a short stalk.

The corolla of the flower is densely covered with hairs on the outside. The epidermis of the upper lip of the corolla consists of elongated cells (outer side) and smaller isodiametric cells (inner side) with sinuous walls. On the outer side of the upper lip there are hairs, simple unicellular and multicellular, consisting of 2 - 6 (less often 8) cells, with a warty surface, as well as capitate hairs. Essential oil glands are present. A large number of simple unicellular and multicellular warty hairs are found along the edge of the upper lip. On the inner side there are rare simple unicellular and multicellular hairs, consisting of 2–4 cells, as well as capitate hairs. The epidermis of the lobes of the lower lip of the corolla consists of isodiametric cells with straight walls. On the outer side the hairs are simple unicellular, often curved, multicellular – of 2–3 cells, capitate hairs and essential oil glands. The hairs on the inner side are predominantly simple unicellular with a warty surface and capitate. No hairs or glands are found near the edge and along the edge of the lower lip on both sides. The mesophyll contains small druses of calcium oxalate. The epidermal cells of the corolla tube on both sides have an elongated or isodiametric shape and straight walls. On the outside of the tube there are simple unicellular and multicellular hairs, consisting of 2–3 cells, often curved, as well as capitate hairs. Essential oil glands are detected. On the inner side of the tube in the upper part there are sparse simple hairs consisting of 1–2 cells, as well as capitate hairs and essential oil glands, and in the central part there is a significant number of simple single-celled, often curved thin-walled hairs.

The epidermal cells of the sepals on both sides have an elongated or isodiametric shape with sinuous or slightly sinuous walls. On the outer side there are stomata of the anomocytic type and many hairs, simple unicellular and multicellular with a warty surface, as well as capitate hairs. Simple multicellular hairs consist of 2–6 cells and are found in significant numbers at the apex of the sepal and along the edge of the tooth; at the base, as well as in the central part and along the veins, there is a large number of mechanical fibers. On the inner side of the sepal there are hairs, simple warty unicellular and multicellular, consisting of 2–5 cells, as well as capitate hairs and essential oil glands. The pollen is round, triangular, smooth, tricolate.

When examining a crushed preparation of the peduncle and stem, epidermal cells of an isodiametric or elongated rectangular shape with straight walls are clearly visible; the main diagnostic signs (type of stomatal apparatus, hairs, essential oil glands) characteristic of the motherwort leaf are detected; the vascular bundles include spiral, scalene and reticular vessels.

Powder. The powder contains fragments of the epidermis with stomata, simple unicellular and multicellular hairs with a warty surface; essential oil glands, consisting of 4–6 excretory cells and a single-cell stalk; pollen is round, triangular, smooth, tricolate. Fragments of the stem and flower are also found, containing the main diagnostic features (type of stomatal apparatus, hairs, glands) characteristic of the motherwort leaf.

Drawing – Motherwort grass.

1 – fragment of the epidermis (lower side) with tortuous walls, anomocytic stomata, essential oil gland (200×), 2 – simple multicellular warty hair and capitate hair (200×), 3 – fragment of a flower corolla tube with simple unicellular thin-walled hairs (200 ×), 4 – fragment of the upper lip of the corolla of a flower: a – simple unicellular coarsely warty hair (200×)

Determination of the main groups of biologically active substances

Thin layer chromatography

Preparation of solutions

Standard sample solution (RM) methyl red. About 0.002 g of methyl red is dissolved in 10 ml of 96% alcohol. The shelf life of the solution is no more than 6 months when stored in a cool, dark place.

Solution CO sudana redG. About 0.0025 g of Sudan red G is dissolved in 10 ml of 96% alcohol. The shelf life of the solution is no more than 6 months when stored in a cool, dark place.

About 1.0 g of raw material, crushed to the size of particles passing through a sieve with holes measuring 0.5 mm, is placed in a flask with a ground section with a capacity of 100 ml, 10 ml of 70% alcohol is added and heated at a temperature (40 + 5) °C, stirring constantly, for 30 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the resulting extract is filtered through a paper filter (test solution).

On the starting line of a chromatographic plate with a layer of silica gel on a polymer substrate measuring 10 × 10 cm in the form of strips 10 mm long and no more than 3 mm wide, apply 20 μl of the test solution and 5 μl each of a solution of methyl red CO and a solution of Sudan red G (CO solutions can be applied in one strip). The plate with the applied samples is dried at room temperature for 10 minutes, placed in a chamber previously saturated for at least 30 minutes with a mixture of solvents toluene - ethyl acetate - glacial acetic acid (70:25:5) and chromatographed using an ascending method. When the solvent front passes about 80–90% of the length of the plate from the starting line, it is removed from the chamber, dried until traces of solvents are removed and treated with a 2% dimethylaminobenzaldehyde solution.

The plate is viewed in daylight. If necessary, warm up slightly at a temperature of about 80°C for 2-3 minutes.

The chromatogram of solutions of CO methyl red and CO Sudan red G should show: a zone of pink or red color (methyl red), and a zone of red or brownish-red color (Sudan red G).

On the chromatogram of the test solution, zones of pink iridoids almost immediately appear above the CO methyl red zone (there may be a zone of the same color below the methyl red zone) quickly turning into grayish-blue zones; detection of additional zones is allowed.

TESTS

Humidity

Whole raw materials crushed raw materials, powder- no more than 13%.

Total ash

Whole raw materials crushed raw materials, powder- no more than 12%.

Ash, insoluble in hydrochloric acid

Whole raw materials crushed raw materials, powder— no more than 6%.

Raw material grinding

Whole raw materials: particles passing through a sieve with holes measuring 3 mm - no more than 5%. Crushed raw materials: particles that do not pass through a sieve with holes measuring 7 mm - no more than 5%; particles passing through a sieve with holes measuring 0.18 mm - no more than 5%. Powder: particles that do not pass through a sieve with holes measuring 2 mm - no more than 5%; particles passing through a sieve with holes measuring 0.18 mm - no more than 5%.

Foreign matter

Raw materials that have changed color (darkened and blackened) . Whole raw materials, crushed raw materials— no more than 7%.

Stems. Whole raw materials— no more than 46%.

Pieces of stems. Crushed raw materials— no more than 46%.

Organic impurity. Whole raw materials crushed raw materials— no more than 3%.

Mineral impurity. Whole raw materials crushed raw materials, powder— no more than 1%.

Heavy metals

Radioactivity

The determination is carried out in accordance with the General Pharmacopoeia Monograph “Determination of radionuclide content in medicinal plant materials and medicinal herbal preparations.”

Pesticide residues

The determination is carried out according to the requirements.

Microbiological purity

The determination is carried out according to.

quantitation

Whole raw materials, crushed raw materials, powder: the amount of flavonoids in terms of rutin is not less than 0.2%; extractive substances extracted with 70% alcohol - no less than 15%.

Total flavonoids

The analytical sample of raw material is crushed to the size of particles passing through a sieve with holes measuring 0.5 mm. About 2.5 g (exactly weighed) of crushed raw material is placed in a conical flask with a capacity of 250 ml, 50 ml of 70% alcohol is added, the flask is closed with a stopper, weighed with an error + 0.01 g and left for 1 hour. Then the flask is connected to reflux, heated in a water bath, maintaining a low boil for 1 hour. Then the flask is cooled to room temperature, weighed, and if necessary, its contents are brought to the original weight with 70% alcohol . The contents of the flask are filtered through a folded paper filter, discarding the first 25 ml of the filtrate (solution A).

2.0 ml of solution A is placed in a 25 ml volumetric flask, 5 ml of aluminum chloride, 2% alcohol solution is added and the volume of the solution is adjusted to the mark with 96% alcohol, and mixed (solution B). After 30 minutes, measure the optical density of solution B on a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 410 nm in a cuvette with a layer thickness of 10 mm.

As a reference solution, use a solution consisting of 2.0 ml of solution A, 0.1 ml of glacial acetic acid brought to the mark with 96% alcohol in a 25 ml volumetric flask.

Where A– optical density of solution B;

– specific absorption rate of the rutin complex with aluminum chloride at a wavelength of 410 nm, equal to 260;

A– weight of raw materials, g;

W– raw material humidity, %

Extractives . In accordance with the requirements (method 1 from a sample of 1.00 g of raw material, crushed to a particle size that passes through a sieve with 1 mm holes, extractant alcohol 70%).

Note. Determination of the amount of flavonoids in terms of rutin is carried out in raw materials intended for the production of medicinal herbal preparations (packs, filter bags); determination of extractive substances extractable with 70% alcohol is carried out for raw materials intended for the production of extracts.

Packaging, labeling and transportation

Carried out in accordance with the requirements of the General Pharmacopoeia Monograph “Packaging, labeling and transportation of medicinal plant materials.”

Storage

Storage of medicinal products is carried out in accordance with the requirements.

Motherwort (heart grass) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, known for its sedative effects. It grows almost everywhere, choosing abandoned wastelands (hence the name), clearings, and village streets.

Blank

In folk medicine, the tops of motherwort shoots are used. The grass is collected during the flowering period of the plant (from approximately the end of June to mid-August). Stems are chosen no thicker than 5 mm. Flowers must be fully bloomed. The shoots are cut to a length of 30-40 cm. The motherwort is dried in the shade, in the attic or other well-ventilated area, periodically turning it over, or by tying it in bunches and hanging it on ropes. You can also use special dryers with temperatures up to 50°C for drying. Dry grass is crushed. Motherwort is stored for 3 years.
In addition to motherwort grass, you can prepare the juice of this plant for future use. To do this, the cut tops are washed, scalded with boiling water, ground in a meat grinder and squeezed through cheesecloth. Then the resulting juice is diluted with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio, poured into a glass container and stored in the refrigerator for no more than a year. Juice undiluted with alcohol can be stored for no longer than 3 days.

Composition and use of motherwort

Motherwort contains: rutin, saponins, tannins, carotene, alkaloids, essential oil. In folk medicine, this plant, which has sedative, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, is used to treat:

• cardiovascular diseases;
• neuroses, depression;
• enlarged thyroid gland;
• insomnia;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• scanty and delayed periods;
• burns, wounds (externally).

Recipes

Motherwort infusion:

• 15 g of dry motherwort herb;
• 200 ml boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the motherwort and let it brew for 15 minutes. Then strain. Drink 1 tablespoon three times a day before meals.
Tincture:

• 1 part motherwort herb;
• 5 parts 70% alcohol.

Fill the herb with alcohol and place it in a dark place for 14 days. Strain the finished tincture and take 30 drops three times a day before meals, diluting with water.

Motherwort decoction:

• 1 tbsp. motherwort herbs;
• 1 tbsp. boiling water

Grind the motherwort herb, add boiling water and cook in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then remove the broth from the bath and let it brew for 40 minutes. Strain. Drink 1/3 glass three times a day before meals.

You can wash your face with a decoction of motherwort as a rejuvenating lotion.
Collection for thyroid diseases:

• 2 tbsp. hawthorn fruit;
• 1 tbsp. motherwort herbs;
• 1 tbsp. peppermint;
• 1 tbsp. green walnut;
• 1 tbsp. valerian roots.

Prepare a mixture from the indicated herbs and brew in the ratio: one tablespoon of the mixture per glass of boiling water. Leave for half an hour and strain. Drink 1/2 glass twice a day before meals. Recommended course of treatment: 30 days, then a break of 10 days and again for 30 days.
Motherwort tea:

• 2 tsp dried motherwort greens;
• 1 tbsp. boiling water

Pour boiling water over the motherwort, cover the container with a lid and leave for 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm in small sips. Motherwort tea is not only a good sedative, but also has a rejuvenating effect on the body.
If desired, you can add hawthorn berries, mint leaves, chamomile, and hops to motherwort tea.

Soothing tea collection (recipe 1):

• 4 parts motherwort herb;
• 3 parts St. John's wort herb;
• 2 parts lemon balm;
• 2 parts hawthorn flowers;
• 1 part valerian root.

Prepare a mixture from the indicated herbs and brew in the ratio: two teaspoons of the mixture per glass of boiling water. In five minutes the tea is ready.
Soothing tea collection (recipe 2):

• 1 tbsp. motherwort herbs;
• 1 tbsp. St. John's wort;
• 1 tbsp. yarrow;
• 1 tbsp. chamomile flowers;
• 1 tbsp. peppermint leaves.

Brew 1 tablespoon of the collection of these herbs with a glass of boiling water. Drink 1/2 glass warm 2-3 times a day half an hour before meals.
Tea for vegetative-vascular dystonia:

• 2 parts motherwort herb;
• 1 part St. John's wort;
• 1 part lemon balm;
• 1 part valerian root.

Prepare this tea mixture and brew as in the recipe above.

Collection for nervous excitement and rapid heartbeat:

• 1 part motherwort herb;
• 1 part valerian root;
• 1 part caraway fruit;
• 1 part fennel fruit.

Take one tablespoon of the mixture, pour a glass of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour. Drink half a glass three times a day.
Motherwort for oily hair:

• 2 tbsp. motherwort herbs;
• 1 liter of water.

Pour water over the herb and leave for 2 hours, then bring the resulting infusion to a boil and cool. Wash your hair with this decoction or use it as a rinse.

Contraindications

Contraindications to motherwort treatment are:

• childhood;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• hypotension;
• bradycardia;
• individual intolerance.

Medicines based on motherwort are incompatible with alcohol! Also, you should not take medications with this plant if you plan to stay in the sun for a long time. The combined use of motherwort with other sedatives and antidepressants is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Description, chemical composition, medicinal properties

Description of the plant Motherwort cordial

Motherwort cordial- a perennial herbaceous plant of grayish color (from dense pubescence). Has one or more stems. The stems are erect, branching, reddish, 50 - 200 cm high, bearing opposite petiolate leaves, gradually decreasing towards the top of the stem. The leaves of motherwort are palmately five-parted almost to the middle, bright green, grayish below, round in outline, 6 - 12 cm long. The flowers are pink, collected in false whorls in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit consists of four triangular dark brown nuts 2 - 3 mm long, enclosed in the remaining calyx. Blooms from June to September.

What is used in the motherwort plant?

The medicinal raw material is herb, which is harvested during flowering in July, the tops are cut off without thick lower stems, and quickly dried in a well-ventilated area without access to sunlight.

Chemical composition of motherwort

Alkaloids (0.035 - 0.4%) were found in motherwort grass, contained only at the beginning of flowering, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, etc.); Stahydrine, saponins, tannins, bitter and sugary substances, and essential oil (0.05%) were also found.

The healing properties of motherwort

Motherwort preparations have sedative properties, lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.
It is prescribed as a sedative for increased nervous excitability, insomnia, hysteria, cardiovascular neuroses, early stages of hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, myocarditis, heart defects, palpitations, cerebral contusions, and in some cases Meniere's syndrome. Its action is similar to that of valerian, but is more intense in some cases of cardiac neurosis.
In folk medicine, motherwort is used for bladder diseases, palpitations, headaches, and coughs. A decoction of the root is recommended for bleeding, a poultice from the root is recommended for aching bones.

Recipes using motherwort

• Infusion of motherwort herb: 2 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water over the herbs and leave until cool. Take 1 - 2 tbsp. l. 3 - 4 times a day.


• Fresh motherwort juice - 20 - 40 drops 3 times a day before meals.


• Motherwort herb powder - prescribed 1 g 3 times a day.


• Motherwort tincture is prepared with 40 - 70% alcohol (1:5). Leave for 7-14 days, filter, take 15 drops 3 times a day.

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