american dogwood

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The american dogwood plant is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Its actions and spectrum include: 

Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Diuretic, febrifuge (fever reducer) and Tonic (strengthens and replenishes) 

Because of its astringent and antibacterial qualities, it is topically applied to wounds, sores, and rashes. 

It is used historically in cases of malaria and other infectious disorders to lower fever and encourage sweating 

Used in traditional medicine for bronchitis, asthma and bladder infections. Considered a tonic for the respiratory and urinary systems. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

None

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• american dogwood or other plants in the Cornus family may cause allergies in certain people. It is advised to stay away from utilising american dogwood if you have a history of plant allergies. 
• american dogwood might thin the blood since it has anticoagulant qualities. It is advisable to avoid using american dogwood or to seek medical advice before using it if you are using blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. 
• Despite the scant data supporting its potential hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects, patients with liver illness should nevertheless exercise caution when consuming american dogwood. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

It is unclear how the american dogwood plant affects the body. According to some research, the following substances in american dogwood may be the source of its therapeutic benefits: 

Astringent and antibacterial tannins are abundant in american dogwood. Tannins are thought to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of wounds by binding to and precipitating proteins. 

Several flavonoids, which are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, are present in american dogwood. They may also protect the cardiovascular system, according to some theories. 

Iridoids, which are present in american dogwood and are thought to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, they are believed to preserve the liver and may one day be used to treat disorders of the liver. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Uncertainty arounds the pharmacodynamics of the american dogwood plant. According to its traditional applications and early research, american dogwood may have the following effects: 

The tannins found in american dogwood have astringent qualities. Tannins are substances that, when applied topically, can tighten and tone the skin, lessen swelling, and accelerate the healing of wounds. 

Iridoids and flavonoids, two substances present in american dogwood, have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, american dogwood might be used as a natural treatment for ailments like bronchitis, arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. 

The antibacterial properties of tannins and other chemicals found in american dogwood may make them effective in the treatment of illnesses including diarrhoea and dysentery. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

american dogwood is probably absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally, although it is unclear how much of its active ingredients are absorbed and how much of them are bioavailable. 

Distribution 

The active components of american dogwood may be transported throughout the body once ingested, however it is unknown what tissues the active ingredients are concentrated in or what their precise targets are. 

Metabolism 

There is little knowledge about how american dogwood affects human metabolism. The liver may be involved in the metabolism of its active components, according to some animal studies. 

Elimination and excretion 

It is unclear how the body eliminates american dogwood and its active ingredients. They could be excreted by way of the liver or kidneys. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

There are various ways to consume american dogwood plant, including 

To prepare a tea or infusion, the dried bark or leaves of the american dogwood plant can be soaked in boiling water. It is believed that using american dogwood in this manner can help with fever, discomfort and diarrhoea. 

american dogwood bark or leaves are steeped in glycerin or alcohol to create tincture.  

The extract of american dogwood is offered as a tablet or capsule. For people who don’t like the flavour of tea or tincture, this can be a simple way to consume the plant. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: american dogwood 

Why do we use american dogwood? 

american dogwood has long been used to treat inflammation and pain, especially in the joints. Treatment for rheumatism, gout and arthritis may be aided by it. 

Fever, diarrhoea and other illnesses have all been treated with american dogwood in the past. According to studies, some of its active components may have antibacterial qualities, making it potentially helpful in the treatment of diseases brought on by bacteria, viruses or fungi. 

Traditional remedies for anxiety, stress, and nervous tension include american dogwood. Its active ingredients may have a relaxing impact on the nervous system, according to certain research.