Collinsonia canadensis

Stone root

Stone root (Collinsonia Canadensis) is a perennial medicinal herb in the mint (Lamiaceae) family. Other common names include horsebalm, richweed, hardhack, heal-all, horseweed, ox-balm and knob root. The botanical name, Collinsonia canadensis, was given to this plant in honour of the English merchant, botanist and Quaker Peter Collinson (1693-1768), whom it is told, had an affinity for transporting and cultivating North American plants. The most commonly used name, stone root, was given to the plant by the Quakers, who were also the first to use the plant commercially.1 At this time in Europe, the plant was not actually used medicinally, but has been used by Native Americans and early American settlers for a variety of conditions. Most often the leaves of the plant were crushed, and then applied topically to cuts, bruises, ulcers, and ring worm. Stone root was included in the material medica after observing Native American using it as a medicinal plant. By 1854 it was listed in the first edition of King's American Dispensatory.2, 1

Stone root seems to have been a forgotten medicinal plant. Searching MedLine for 'Collinsonia canadensis' brings up one result about a new flavonoid isolated from the leaf and stem. 'Stone root' does not produce any studies at all. However, stone root was a key herb for both the Eclectics and the Physiomedicalist, and it seems worthwhile to further explore the uses of this medicinal plant in spite of the lack of scientific evidence for its actions.

Description

Stone root is a perennial plant that grows 90 to 120 cm high. The leaves are light green above and pale green, glabrous, broad, cordate or ovate below, becoming narrower and shorter above. The flowers are dirty yellow, labiate, with red venation on the inside in richly blossomed panicles. The medicinal part is the rhizome and root, gathered and dried in autumn. The rhizome is grayish-brown to black, very hard, fibrous, up to 8 cm long. It is very dense, knobby, and covered with a thick black mat of fibrous roots. The shoots are glabrous, often tinged red, with few side shoots. Stone root favors moist woodlands with at least 60% canopy cover, and elevations less than 500 m. It is indigenous to Eastern North America - from Canada to Carolinas in the US. It is also found in central Europe. The root has a strongly aromatic and unpleasant smell. The taste is unpleasantly bitter.3

Constituents

Early (1885) investigations of stone root found it to contain resin, starch, tannin, wax in all parts of the plant, mucilage in the root, and volatile oil in the leaves. The therapeutic constituent or constituents of stone root have never been determined. The old Eclectic concentration (or resinoid) quickly became obsolete in the practice of modern Eclectics who favoured a 1:1 liquid extract.

Stone roots is reported to contain about 0.05% essential oil consisting mainly of the sesquiterpenes germacrene-D and caryophyllene, the monoterpenes limonene and alpha- and beta-pinenes and the phenylpropanoi, elemicin. (one of the notable constituents in nutmeg). Caryophyllene is a constituent of many essential oils, in particular, clove and black pepper. Several biological activities are attributed to beta-caryophyllene, such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and local anaesthetic activities.5 Germacrenes and pinenes are typically produced in a number plant species for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Monoterpenes including limonene have anticarcionogenic activities by inducing phase II hepatic metabolizing enzymes. Limonen increase the levels of liver enzymes Glutathione S-transferase (GST) involved in detoxifying carcinogens.6 Limonene has been shown to reduce hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing apoptosis.7

Stone root also contains caffeic acid derivative including rosmaric acid. It is proposed that the reported activities of stone root are due to the essential oil and rosmaric acid. It is difficult to attribute the reported actions of stone root to these constituents as they are found in quite low concentrations in root. The leaf contains flavones including 2,5-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone, baicalein-6,7-dimethyl ether, norwogenin-7,8-dimethyl ether, and tectochrysin (5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone).8

Therapeutic activities

The principal therapeutic action of stone root seems to be exerted upon the venous system and mucous tissues. In the quant but very insightful language of the Eclectic writers, there are three strongly distinctive indications which are serving as a sign-board for its internal administration: Congestion, Irritation and a sense of Constriction. All three indications are frequently due to a congestion of the portal system upon which stone root has a special action on. Stone root has a tonic action of enfeebled muscular tissue which makes it indicated in atonic conditions of the heart muscles and, more noticeably, on the walls of the veins and capillaries. Haemorrhoids are prime examples of a disease condition characterised by congestion, irritation and constriction.1

In Herbal Medication - A clinical and dispensary handbook, Priest and Priest describe stone root as an organ remedy (trophorestorative) for the gastro-intestinal system. They list its specific characteristics as: Stimulates, cleanses and tones the alimentary mucous membrane - slightly astringent: sutiable for catarrhal and atonic conditions. Vaso-constracting to the portal system; indicated for pelvic/rectal congestion secondary to portal back-pressure and venous stasis. The actions of stone root are listed as alterative, diuretic and tonic.9

Interestingly, the British Herbal Pharmacopeoia from 1983 erroneous lists stone root as being litholitic (antilithic) and therefore indicated for urinary and renal culculi.10 This seems to be based on the common name, stone root, rather than from observation of its medical effects. Stone root, while being diuretic and mildly anti-inflammatory and restorative to mucous membranes, is not specifically indicated for kidney or bladder stones.

Actions

Tonic, stimulant, stomachic, carminative, alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic and astringent. Some writers also list stone root as an emmenagogue defined as a remedy which moves blood and relieves pelvic congestion and pain.11

Energetics

spicy, sour, warm.10

Traditional usage

One of the first uses of stone root by Eclectics was in the treatment of that form of laryngitis known as 'minister's sore throat'. It was considered to be the best remedy for this condition of over use of the voice. It was also used for chronic laryngitis, pharyngitis, and in some cases of chronic bronchitis, and tracheitis.12

The Physiomedicalists in England soon held stone root in high regard. Cook wrote of stone root in the The Physiomedical Dispensatory of 1889 that he found it most useful in nervous headache, colic pains, and nervous forms of dysmenorrhea; and have been used to good advantage in light cases of leucorrhoea and persistent laxity of the bowels. It's soothing and tonic impression was considered useful in nearly every form of moderate female nervousness. It was considered to be as effective as more pure nervine tonics as motherwort.13

Stone root also became a respected homoepathic remedy. Often use in low dilutions or mother tincture. As usual, the homoeopaths, like the early herbalists, seem to have had great powers of observations and could describe the actions of a remedy in the minute details and with great clarity. These detailed descriptions were used to differentiate between similar acting remedies. This is not only useful in homoeopathy but also in selecting herbal medicines with similar actions. Stone root is described as being indicated for pelvic and portal congestion, resulting in dysmenorrhoea and haemorrhoids. Congestion of pelvic viscera, with haemorrhoids, especially in latter months of pregnancy. Dropsy from cardiac disease (mild congestive heart failure). Palpitation; in patients subject to piles and indigestion; heart's action persistently rapid but weak. After heart is relieved old piles reappear, or suppressed menses return. One of the main specific indications was chronic, painful, bleeding piles; sensation as if sticks, sand or gravel had lodged in rectum. Haemorrhoidal dysentery with tenesmus. Another indication which sounds very much like irritable bowel syndrome is: Alternate constipation and diarrhoea; congestive inertia of lower bowel; stools sluggish and hard with pain and great flatulence. Constipation. There is no scientific investigations concerning the use of stone root in pregnancy, but the old herbalists considered it safe to use for pruritus in pregnancy with haemorrhoids making it difficult to lie down.14

Later, in an Eclectic materia medica of 1905, Petersen repeats the claims that stone root is indicated for a sense of constriction, pain and constriction with irritation in throat, larynx, bladder and anus; a feeling as if a foreign body was lodged in the part; and for pain in the rectum and lower bowels. Stone root was considered to have a special influence on the nervous system and mucous membranes, removing congestion and improving circulation of the capillaries. It was a valuable remedy in sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, with relaxed and enfeebled capillary circulation.15

Ellingwood, in The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy published in 1919, also states that the specific symptomatology for stone root is in piles with a sense of fullness, or of a foreign body in the rectum, in all relaxed conditions of the mucous membranes of the lower bowel. It works more promptly if there is passive congestion with blueness or dark discolouration of the membranes, showing imperfect venous capillary circulation. The faeces are described as dry scybala - a hardened masses of faeces.16

In modern British herbal medicine, stone root is used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis and varicose veins.17 Contemporary American herbalist, Michael Tierra, writes that stone root is considered to be a specific organ remedy for the rectum and anus. It has a tonic action upon the bowels and is a specific for haemorrhoids caused by constipation with vascular blockage. It is given for rectal pains and inflammation; and for dysentery with accompanying rectal problems. Its specific indications seem to be a bearing-down sensation with accompanying heat, constriction and dryness. For rectal problems small doses are preferred: 1 to 2 drops of the tincture in water three or four times daily. It may be taken internally and directly applied to the rectum nightly in the form of an ointment or bolus. It is also used for gastro intestinal diseases such as gastritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and colitis. Outside the gastrointestinal system, stone root mixed with honey is used for sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, chronic laryngitis and tracheitis. Lastly it is used in various female disorders, including excessive, insufficient and painful menstruation.10

Indications

Gastrointestinal and venous system

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids alone, or combined with witchhazel,12 especially with a sense of heat, burning or constriction in the rectum.1 Haemorrhoids of pregnancy, with poor venous circulation in the pelvic viscera.12 Stone root is also used before and after operations for haemorrhoids, combine equal parts of the fluid extracts of stone root and witchazel, 1-1.5 ml of the mixed extracts every two hours. The distilled extract of witchhazel can be injected into the rectum, or kept in contact with the external piles by a compress, especially during sleep.12

Varicosis

This agent having a specific influence as suggested above, upon the walls of both the veins and the arterioles has been my most reliable remedy in the treatment of varicosis. This may be general or local; it may be permanent or temporary, as in pregnancy.12

Pain or discomfort in the rectum

Pain in the rectum from whatever cause, especially pain not attributable to a definite cause, and pain after surgical operations or a sensation of weight, constriction and general uneasiness in the rectum. In pain in the lower bowels, persistent and steady. Either 4 ml as a single full dose, or 10 drops of the tincture in water every ten minutes. It is also used in the treatment of irritable bowel, flatulent, biliary and infantile colic.12

Gastritis and constipation

Stone root is considered an excellent remedy for chronic gastritis or indigestion and lack of appetite, spasmodic condition of the stomach and intestines, especially where the circulation is defective and digestion is attended with pain and nervous symptoms occurring before meals; and when there is congestion of the liver and a tendency to haemorrhoids. Also indicated for constipation especially with a sense of constriction, heat and weight in the rectum and dry, hard, feaces1 with contraction of sphincter, and contracted and painful perineum.11

Dysentery

In subacute proctitis, and muco-enteritis, with dysentery, or following dysentery.12

Respiratory system

Laryngitis

In chronic laryngitis or pharyngitis, with relaxed walls of the larynx, with dark discoloration and enfeebled capillary circulation, especially in the condition traditionally known as clergyman's or minister's sore throat, where there is a tickle in throat and involuntary coughing, often caused by the overuse of the voice.12

Stone root is highly esteemed for chronic catarrhal diseases of the mucous tissues of the pharynx, naso-pharynx and larynx.

Urinary system

Stone root is used in incontinence of urine, taken after evening meal and at bedtime. This is probably due to a soothing action on the mucous membranes.1

Heart

Stone root is considered a non-stimulating heart tonic improving the strength and character of the heart. It was used for functional heart troubles and it was thought to be especially valuable when the heart is debilitated from protracted fevers or from rheumatic inflammation, or from overstrain.1

Female disorders

Stone root is also used for a variety of female disorders including amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, vicarious menstruation, prolapsed uterus, leucorrhoea, threatened abortion, and pruritis-vulvae due to varicosis.

Use in pregnancy

No scientific information. Considered safe to use during pregnancy by the early herbalists.

Contraindications and cautions

None documented.

Administration and Dosage

Stone root is used internally as an infusion or liquid extract or externally as an ointment. It is sometimes given as a daily dose, but was frequently prescribed by the Eclectics and Physiomedicalists in smaller, divided dosages.

Dosage: 1:1 liquid extract in 25% alcohol - 1.0 to 4.0ml daily.2, 7, 8

References

  1. Mundy WN A Treatise on Collinsonia Canadensis 1904 http://www.herbaltherapeutics.net/Collinsonia.doc.pdf Accessed 3.1.08
  2. Plants to Watch. Non-timber Products from Appalachian Forest and Field.Collinsonia canadensis (L.) Filyaw T http://www.appalachianforest.org/ptw_stoneroot.html Accessed 3.1.08
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C (eds) PDR for Herbl Medicines 2007 4th Edtion, Thomson:Montvale 820
  4. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Chemicals in: Collinsonia canadensis L. (Lamiaceae) - Stone Root http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/farmacy2.pl Accessed 3.1.08
  5. Legault J, Pichette A. Potentiating effect of beta-caryophyllene on anticancer activity of alpha-humulene, isocaryophyllene and paclitaxel. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 Dec;59(12):1643-7.
  6. van Lieshout EM, Posner GH, Woodard BT, Peters WH.Effects of the sulforaphane analog compound 30, indole-3-carbinol, D-limonene or relafen on glutathione S-transferases and glutathione peroxidase of the rat digestive tract.Biochim Biophys Acta. 1998 Mar 2;1379(3):325-36.
  7. Kaji I, Tatsuta M, Iishi H, Baba M, Inoue A, Kasugai H.Inhibition by d-limonene of experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats does not involve p21(ras) plasma membrane association.Int J Cancer. 2001 Aug 1;93(3):441-4.
  8. Stevens JF, Ivancic M, Deinzer ML, Wollenweber E. A novel 2-hydroxyflavanone from collinsonia canadensis. J Nat Prod. 1999 Feb;62(2):392-4
  9. Priest AW, Priest LR Herbal Medication. A clinical and dispensary handbook 1982 Fowler: London. 96
  10. British Herbal Mediicne Association Scientific Committee British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 BHMA:Cowling 72
  11. Tierra M. http://www.planetherbs.com/articles/bloodherb.html#COLLINSONlA accessed 2.1.2008
  12. Felter HW, Lloyd JU King's American Dispensatory, 1898 http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/collinsonia.html Accessed 3.1.08
  13. Cook W The Physiomedical Dispensatory, 1889
  14. Allen HC, Keynotes And Characteristics With Comparisons of some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica 1898. http://homeoint.org/books/allkeyn/index.htm Accessed 3.1.08
  15. Petersen FJ The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905
  16. Ellingwood F. The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy 1919 http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/collinsonia.html Accessed 3.1.08
  17. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996