| The useful constituents of figwort are derived from | | | | could lead to increased cardiac effects. |
| the dried flowers and leaves of Scrophularia nodosa. It | | | | Those with preexisting cardiac abnormalities including |
| contains iridoids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. | | | | arrhythmias and conduction disturbances should avoid |
| Iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides have also been | | | | use. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should also |
| isolated from the aerial parts of the plant. Two of | | | | avoid use. |
| these glycosides, harpagoside and harpagide, may | | | | Clinical considerations |
| have heart-strengthening and antiinflammatory | | | | Figwort may interfere with the intended therapeutic |
| properties. It's available as dried herb and root, liquid | | | | effect of conventional drugs. |
| extract, and tincture. | | | | Monitor patient for cardiac abnormalities. Inform patient |
| Reported uses | | | | about the potential for cardiac abnormalities. If patient |
| Figwort is used externally to treat skin conditions, such | | | | experiences any cardiac disturbances while taking |
| as eczema and psoriasis. It may also help heal | | | | figwort, instruct him to discontinue the herb and to |
| wounds, ulcers, burns, and hemorrhoids. In homeopathic | | | | immediately report symptoms to his health care |
| medicine, figwort is used to treat decreased | | | | provider. |
| resistance, tonsillitis, and lymph edema. It's used | | | | If patient has diabetes, monitor him for fluctuations in |
| internally for its mild laxative effect and its mild diuretic | | | | blood glucose level because herb may cause |
| and heart strengthening properties. | | | | hyperglycemia. Instruct diabetic patient to monitor blood |
| Administration | | | | glucose level frequently and to watch for abnormal |
| Liquid extract 0:1 preparation in 25% alcohol USP): 2 to | | | | fluctuations. |
| 8 ml by mouth three times a day | | | | If patient is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or |
| Tea (steep 2 to 8 g of dried leaves and stems in 5 oz | | | | breast-feeding, advise her not to use figwort. |
| of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes: three times a day | | | | Advise patient to keep the herb away from children |
| Tincture 1:10 preparation in 45% alcohol USP): 2 to 4 ml | | | | and pets. |
| by mouth three times a day. | | | | Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or |
| Hazards | | | | dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a |
| Figwort may contain cardiac glycosides; potential | | | | new prescription. |
| interactions may occur when given with | | | | Advise patient to consult his health care provider |
| antiarrhythmics or digoxin. Figwort may increase blood | | | | before using an herbal preparation because a |
| glucose level and therefore may decrease the | | | | conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be |
| effectiveness of hypoglycemics, such as insulin, | | | | available. |
| metformin, or sulfonylureas. Administration with other | | | | Research summary |
| cardiac glycoside containing herbs such as black | | | | The concepts behind the use of figwort and the claims |
| hellebore, digitalis leaf, lily-of-the-valley, motherwort, | | | | made regarding its effects haven't yet been validated |
| oleander leaf, pheasant's eye, pleurisy root, or uzara | | | | scientifically. |