Bryonia alba
(Bryony)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Anodyne
• Antitumor effects
• Induce hypoglycemia
• Neural stimulant
• Prostaglandin-like activity in isolated smooth muscle preparations and platelet aggregation

Clinical Indications:

• Endometriosis
• Headache from frontal region to occiput
• Hypertension
• Intestinal ulcers
• Myalgia, topically

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Cucurbitacins including:
  
  Cucurbitacins B, D, E, I, J, K, L
  Tetrahydrocucurbitacin I
• Polyhydroxyunsaturated fatty acids including:
  
  Trihydroxyoctadecadienic acids
• Tannins
• Volatile oil

Toxicity:

• Fatal dose: children-1-5 berries; adults-40 berries
• Symptoms include:
  
  Cardiac depression
  Cold perspiration and collapse
  Congestive headaches
  Decrease in temperature
  Diarrhea
  Vomiting
  Death
• Dermatitis or vesiculation from whole plant contact
• Treatment:
  
  Keep warm
  Strong tea
  Use water copiously
  Wash for dermatitis

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).