Pasque flower Pulsatilla vulgaris, P. pratensis
Commission E information quoted from English language edition ( ed.
Blumenthal et al, ABC 1998):
Unapproved herb on 2 counts - lack of evidence and safety concerns.
(Botanical Safety Handbook does not cover, nor does Leong and Foster)
[Reference to ranunculus - this is the buttercup genus - Ranunculus.]
Safety concerns: "The herb contains protoanemonin which is degraded to an
unknown amount during the drying process, as well as ranunculin and
degradation products (e.g. anemonin, anemoninic acid, anemonic acid)."
"Use of fresh plants, as well as preparations with protoanenomin, produces
severe irritations on skin and mucosa with itching, rashes and pustules (
ranunculus dermatitis). Internal use of higher doses results in irritation
to the kidneys and urinary tract. Use in pregnancy is absolutely
contraindicated."
Actions: "In animal experiments, after absorption, protoanemonin causes first
stimulation, then paralysis of the central nervous system. Irritations occur
in the kidneys and the urinary tract. These may be caused by the alkylating
action of protoanimonin. This effect may be connected to the observed
inhibition of caryokinase and mitosis. The ingestion of
protoanemonin-containing plants by grazing animals has been observed to lead
to abortion an teratogenic effects. "
Here are 2 different views:
Potter (Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations) claims that dried
plants do not contain protoanemonin and thus "irritancy does not constitute a
practical problem." They list herb as GSL ( general sales list - i.e.
available for sale in England).
Newall et al. ( 1996, Herbal Medicines for hcps.) states protoanemonin
rapidly degrades during drying and not present in the dry herb product. They
note "Individuals may experience an allergic reaction to pulsatilla,
especially those with existing hypersensitivity." "The dried plant is not
considered to be toxic." They note homeopathic and herbal medicinal products
used. These usually conservative authors also mildly state, "Uteroactivity
has been documented for pulsatilla. In view of this, the use of pulsatilla
during pregnancy should be avoided. Excessive ingestion is best avoided
during lactation." No mention of kidney tract irritation with high doses of
dried plants or otherwise.
This herb is in the rare minority of plants with a constituent
(protoanemonin) having a documented teratogenic effect ( KB tumour system
according to Newall et al.). Can think of few other herbs listed as
"absolutely contraindicated" for pregnancy by in the Comm E monographs.
Commission E monographs do NOT come with references, nor any specific
criteria explaining the thinking of the panel of expert phytotherapy health
care professionals. In light of how other texts view this herb, would say a
yellow flag is up at this point, and I'd want to know what the Comm E authors
know about this herb before considering it a herb of choice for anyone, let
alone nursing mothers.
A note: Many folk indications for use listed in Comm E and others, including
male and female reproductive tract conditions, but not lactation.
Sheila
Sheila Humphrey
BSc RN IBCLC
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