Motherwort
(Leonurus cardiaca)
Cardiac Function
Motherwort is recommended by Commission E for heart palpitations occurring with anxiety attacks or other nervous disorders (1). Studies have demonstrated hypotensive and negatively chronotropic effects on laboratory animals.(2) Extracts of motherwort have direct myocardial actions, inhibiting the effects of calcium chloride and stimulating alpha and beta adrenoceptors (3). Eclectic physicians used motherwort for disturbed sleep, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. (4)
References – Motherwort
1. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines Copyright © 1998 American Botanical Council. Published by Integrative Medicine Communications
2. Bradley, P.R. (ed.). 1992. British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association.
3. Newall, C.A., L.A. Anderson, J.D. Phillipson. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
4. Ellingwood, F. 1983. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications [reprint of 1919 original].
