Pokeweed- OT? (longish)

[Robyn]

To add to the below contributions:

“Down in Louisiana
Where the alligators grow so mean
There lived a girl that I swear to the world
Made the alligators look tame
Poke salad Annie, poke salad Annie..........."

This great song by Tony Joe White takes me back to my youth and seems
fitting here

Even though this remedy homoeopathically (vegetable mercury) is used for
similar conditions, there is much much more specific use due to the
'proving' data - however, the proving data has been obtained from the
ingestion of root, berries and in only a few cases the greens - but mainly
toxic reactions, tincture of root, and up to 2x of root - so, the action
homoeopathically is similar to that of the herbal one - clearly in Boericke,
which seems to reflect the traditional herbal use as well as homoeopathic,
it was recorded as being used in low potencies and you will find that most
of the old cases report their cures using tincture to low potencies.

Below is some info on the use of the root in Herbalism for anyone
interested:
Poke Root from Phytolacca decandra also known as P. americana is one of the
main Immune-enhancing as opposed to immune-modulating herbs used in formulas
in Western Herb. Med. It also has antiinflammatory, lymphatic, depurative
actions.

It is prescribed in formulation for skin conditions acting via lymphatic
system, inflammatory conditions or infections especially of the respiratory
tract and reproductive systems, Mastitis, mammary abscess, and has been used
for uterine and breast cancers and is also used in topical treatment of skin
irritation, infection or infestation.

It is contraindicated in among other situations, Lymphocytic leukemia due to
a report of increased lymphocyte count reported in a woman comsuming the
fresh root and the lymphcyte stimulating activity of the lectins in vitro.

I was doing a write up on this as a herb recently, and there were no
clinical studies to be found, however there is pharmacologic research
leading to an explanation for its immunologic activity which basically seems
to activate plasma cells - there is more detail but won't go into it here;
and saponins are the anti-inflammatory component

Traditionally in West. Herb. med it is prescribed for Breast and uterine
cancer, Chronic rheumatism, and topically for skin and glandular disorders
including scabies, tinea, acne, mastitis and mammary abscess; it acts on the
skin and glandular structures particularly of the mouth, throat, or
reproductive tract (tonsillitis, laryngitis, lymphadenitis, mumps, ovaritis,
glandular swellings and has marked action on the mammary glands

Native Americans used it as a poultice and topically for fever and has been
official in the USP from 1820 to 1916, the NF from 1916 to 1947

The amount suggested in tincture form per day is 0.15-0.7 mL of 1:5
strength, but the use of tinctures from the fresh plant is considered toxic

There were poisonings in North America during the 19th century from overdose
of dried plant tinctures and ingestion of berries or roots mistaken for
other vegetables. More recently poisoning has occurred from ingesting the
fresh root without boiling first and also ingesting decocted powdered root.
Adverse events have occurred in Australia resulting from excessive intake:
in some cases hospitalisation was requited and in one case a shock reaction
with pronounced hypotension and tachycardia occurred. Topical application of
preparations derived from the green plant and root has produced inflammation
of the skin.
Here's a recipe for the famous Poke Salad that is still being served at
restaurants down South

BETTY’S POKE SALAD GREENS

5 pounds poke leaves, stems removed, leaves washed and rinsed
½ pound pork fatback, baked in oven until crisp
2-3 large bunches of green onions, roughly chopped
-- Bring the leaves to a boil in a large pot, allow to cook for about 15
minutes

-- Drain the water from the pot and refill the pot with fresh water

-- Bring the pot to a boil again and allow to cook for about 15 minutes or
until the leaves turn an olive green color

-- Drain the leaves and rinse with cold water

-- Squeeze the water from the leaves, as one would do with spinach; return
leaves to pot

-- Pour the grease from the fatback onto the leaves and add the onions

-- Cover and allow to cook until the onions are very tender, then serve.
Robyn
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.706 / Virus Database: 462 - Release Date: 14/06/2004

[Robyn]

I sent this again as it didn't arrive on my server - sorry if it is repeated
To add to the below contributions:

“Down in Louisiana
Where the alligators grow so mean
There lived a girl that I swear to the world
Made the alligators look tame
Poke salad Annie, poke salad Annie..........."

This great song by Tony Joe White takes me back to my youth and seems
fitting here

Even though this remedy homoeopathically (vegetable mercury) is used for
similar conditions, there is much much more specific use due to the
'proving' data - however, the proving data has been obtained from the
ingestion of root, berries and in only a few cases the greens - but mainly
toxic reactions, tincture of root, and up to 2x of root - so, the action
homoeopathically is similar to that of the herbal one - clearly in Boericke,
which seems to reflect the traditional herbal use as well as homoeopathic,
it was recorded as being used in low potencies and you will find that most
of the old cases report their cures using tincture to low potencies.

Below is some info on the use of the root in Herbalism for anyone
interested:
Poke Root from Phytolacca decandra also known as P. americana is one of the
main Immune-enhancing as opposed to immune-modulating herbs used in formulas
in Western Herb. Med. It also has antiinflammatory, lymphatic, depurative
actions.

It is prescribed in formulation for skin conditions acting via lymphatic
system, inflammatory conditions or infections especially of the respiratory
tract and reproductive systems, Mastitis, mammary abscess, and has been used
for uterine and breast cancers and is also used in topical treatment of skin
irritation, infection or infestation.

It is contraindicated in among other situations, Lymphocytic leukemia due to
a report of increased lymphocyte count reported in a woman comsuming the
fresh root and the lymphcyte stimulating activity of the lectins in vitro.

I was doing a write up on this as a herb recently, and there were no
clinical studies to be found, however there is pharmacologic research
leading to an explanation for its immunologic activity which basically seems
to activate plasma cells - there is more detail but won't go into it here;
and saponins are the anti-inflammatory component

Traditionally in West. Herb. med it is prescribed for Breast and uterine
cancer, Chronic rheumatism, and topically for skin and glandular disorders
including scabies, tinea, acne, mastitis and mammary abscess; it acts on the
skin and glandular structures particularly of the mouth, throat, or
reproductive tract (tonsillitis, laryngitis, lymphadenitis, mumps, ovaritis,
glandular swellings and has marked action on the mammary glands

Native Americans used it as a poultice and topically for fever and has been
official in the USP from 1820 to 1916, the NF from 1916 to 1947

The amount suggested in tincture form per day is 0.15-0.7 mL of 1:5
strength, but the use of tinctures from the fresh plant is considered toxic

There were poisonings in North America during the 19th century from overdose
of dried plant tinctures and ingestion of berries or roots mistaken for
other vegetables. More recently poisoning has occurred from ingesting the
fresh root without boiling first and also ingesting decocted powdered root.
Adverse events have occurred in Australia resulting from excessive intake:
in some cases hospitalisation was requited and in one case a shock reaction
with pronounced hypotension and tachycardia occurred. Topical application of
preparations derived from the green plant and root has produced inflammation
of the skin.
Here's a recipe for the famous Poke Salad that is still being served at
restaurants down South

BETTY’S POKE SALAD GREENS

5 pounds poke leaves, stems removed, leaves washed and rinsed
½ pound pork fatback, baked in oven until crisp
2-3 large bunches of green onions, roughly chopped
-- Bring the leaves to a boil in a large pot, allow to cook for about 15
minutes

-- Drain the water from the pot and refill the pot with fresh water

-- Bring the pot to a boil again and allow to cook for about 15 minutes or
until the leaves turn an olive green color

-- Drain the leaves and rinse with cold water

-- Squeeze the water from the leaves, as one would do with spinach; return
leaves to pot

-- Pour the grease from the fatback onto the leaves and add the onions

-- Cover and allow to cook until the onions are very tender, then serve.
Robyn

[Patricia Hatherly]

Dear All

Some interesting perspectives here; thanks for sharing.
Robyn, I'd like some more info on the anti-inflammatory action of the
lectins and saponins if that's possible/appropriate?

Andy's point re the toxicity overload may be associated with Phytolacca's
known affinity for the lymphatic system which is possibly why it's the main
Rx in our Repertories for "mastitis after confinement".

That women get mastitis in the very early days is largely due to an oedema
problem. The increased blood volume needed to "feed" the placenta re-routes
itself immediately following birth to deliver nutrients and hormones to the
breasts resulting in oedema and possibly cellulitis when the milk comes in
if the breast is not adequately drained....leading to stasis which invites
bacterial "residence".

Clinically I've found over the years that a water potency of Phyt 200C used
aggressively 4hrly until the sore throat sets in helps to deter the mastits
in women who have obvious lymphatic congestion. Potential "sufferers" can be
detected during the pregnancy by checking for elasticity of the skin (pinch
test).Women with inelastic skin are potential candidates for breast oedema.

regards
Patricia

Robyn wrote:
respiratory
used
skin
to
seems
has marked action on the mammary glands

[Robyn]

I am glad my mail came through to the list for others, as for me it did not
come through - who knows what happens to these mails lost to the ether
Patricia wrote:
Hi Patricia

***before mentioning the antiinflammatory aspects just thought would offer
this to those who were interested in the weight loss aspect of phytolacca

The Ayurvedic herb Gymnema sylvestre is contained in a tablet which is sold
in Japan as a weight loss agent and this action is based on the effect of
reduced glucose absorption produced by the saponin content of the extract -
it does this by disrupting the cell membrane structure leading to poor
absorption of smaller nutrient molecules which are otherwise rapidly
absorped. So, this is likely behind the use of Phytolacca for weight loss.
Saponins as many of you may be aware have a detergent effect which helps
increase the solubility of lipophilic molecules via micelle formation - so
these phytochemicals produce a foam when dissolved in water - and the word
is derived from the word soap in Latin = sapo.

The key constituents of Poke root are Triterpenoid saponins
(phytolaccosides) and Sterols, mitogens and antivral proteins.

There is only a small amount of info on the antiinflammatory action - much
more has been demonstrated for the immunological activity:

The antiinflammatory activity was demonstrated when crude saponins isolated
from poke root exhibited potent inhibitory activity on acute oedema in rats
and mice when given by intraperitoneal injection. A 50% inhibition of
carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats was demonstrated at 15-30mg/kg
(references can be supplied if interested)

Re the lectins

Lectins (as you are probably aware) are plant glycoproteins that act like
specific antibodies but are not antibodies in that they are not evoked by an
antigenic stimulus

It is thought that the lectin traces found in poke root, even though too
large to be absorbed through the gut wall, may interact with gut-associated
lymphoid tissue and may even be absorbed in small quantities. It has been
suggested that in situations of overdosage, the saponins may facilitate the
bioavailability of the lectins via their detergent activity and their
irritating effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Robyn