Bogbean- How Bogbean Works? - Side Effects of Use

Taxonomic Class

Gentianaceae

Common Trade Names

Bogbean and Figwart Capsules

Common Forms

Available as dried leaf, liquid extract, and tincture.

Source

Bogbean extract is made from the leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata. This plant is native to swamps and marshes in Europe and North America.

Chemical Components

Several acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic, folic, palmitic, salicylic, vanillic), alkaloids (choline, gentianin, gentianidine), and flavonoids (hyperin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, trifolioside) are present in bogbean. Other components include a coumarin, scopoletin, iridoids, carotene, and ceryl alcohol.

Actions

Bogbean is claimed to have diuretic properties. An in vitro study suggests that compounds isolated from bogbean may be valuable analgesics. The isolation of eight compounds from the dried rhizomes of M. trifoliata and their inhibition on prostaglandin synthesis was reported. Two of the eight compounds showed significant inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, with compounds 2 to 14 times more potent than aspirin. The other isolated compounds did not affect prostaglandin synthesis.

Tertiary references suggest that bile-stimulating properties have been described for both caffeic and ferulic acid. Bogbean extracts have also demonstrated antibactericidal properties .

Reported Uses

Bogbean has been reported to be an antirheumatic, an appetite stimulant, a cathartic laxative, and an agent for fevers, scurvy, and dropsy (edematous state). Human trials evaluating bogbean for safety and efficacy are lacking.

Dosage

• Dried leaf: 1 to 2 g in a tea P.O. t.i.d.

• Extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 1 to 2 ml P.O. t.i.d. with plenty of juice or water at mealtimes.

Adverse Reactions

• GI: nausea, vomiting.

• Hematologic: bleeding, hemolysis .

Interactions

• Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin): May potentiate action of anticoagulants because of coumarin derivative in bogbean. Avoid administration with bogbean.

• Antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidrogrel, ticlopidine): May increase risk of bleeding. Avoid administration with bogbean.

Contraindications And Precautions

Bogbean is contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding patients.

Special Considerations

• Monitor for signs of bleeding, especially in patients receiving concomitant anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy .

• Alert Inform the patient that ingestion may result in severe, protracted nausea and vomiting.

• Advise the patient to keep liquid extracts away from children because of poisoning risk.

• Advise the patient to report abdominal pain, dizziness, or vomiting. Urge him to stop taking bogbean if symptoms persist.

Points of Interest

The fruit of trifoliata, a plant found predominantly in swamps and bogs, resembles a small bean; hence the name bogbean.

Small quantities of bogbean are used as a natural food flavoring in Europe.

Commentary

Although animal studies have documented a few therapeutic pharmacologic uses for bogbean, definitive validation from human clinical trials is not available to justify its use for any therapeutic claims. Questions about safety remain unanswered.