WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants - travolekar.ru

Rhizoma Picrorhizae
Pesticide residues
The recommended maximum limit of aldrin and dieldrin is not more than
0.05 mg/kg (13). For other pesticides, see the European pharmacopoeia (13)
and the <strong>WHO</strong> guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines with
reference to contaminants and residues (12) and pesticide residues (14).
Heavy metals
For maximum limits and analysis of heavy metals, consult the <strong>WHO</strong>
guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines with reference to contaminants
and residues (12).
Radioactive residues
Where applicable, consult the <strong>WHO</strong> guidelines for assessing quality of
herbal medicines with reference to contaminants and residues (12).
Other purity tests
Chemical tests to be established in accordance with national requirements.
Chemical assays
Total picrosides I and II not less than 9% by high-performance liquid
chromatography (2).
Major chemical constituents
The major biologically active constituents are iridoid glycosides, cucurbitacin
triterpenes and simple phenols. The iridoid glycosides of interest
include kutkoside, picrosides I–III, and aucubin, among others. Cucurbitacins
B, D, E, F, I and R are among the relevant major triterpenes, and
apocynin is a bioactive phenolic constituent of this plant material (3, 5,
7, 15, 16). Structures of representative major constituents are presented
below.
Medicinal uses
Uses supported by clinical data
None.
Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well-established documents
Used orally to treat fever, immune disorders and skin diseases (1, 2). While
two studies have suggested a possible role of the rhizome for the treatment
of bronchial asthma (17, 18) and viral hepatitis (19), no randomized
controlled clinical trials have been performed.
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