Aletris

Generic name: Aletris Farinosa L.
Brand names: Ague Grass, Ague Root, Aloerot, Blazing Star, Colic Root, Crow Corn, Devil's-bit, Huskwort, Mealy Starwort, Stargrass, Starwort, Unicorn Root, Whitetube Stargrass

Usage of Aletris

Estrogenic activity

Aletris has been reported to have estrogenic activity, although estrogenic compounds have not been isolated nor have detailed studies confirmed this activity.

Mechanism of action

The potential estrogenic properties of aletris may be due to a diosgenin-derived steroid that has not yet been characterized.

Animal data

Studies have indicated the drugs examined act on the strips of the isolated human uterus in the same manner as on the guinea pig uterus, but to a much lesser degree. Aletris farinosa, Pulsatella pratensis, and oil of valerian depress the activity of the strips.Pilcher 1917 Another pharmacological study shows similar results of Aletris farinosa on the isolated uterine tissue of the rat, the guinea pig, and the rabbit. Studies also were conducted on the in vivo uterus of the rabbit and the cat. It exerted a definite action of depression on the isolated uterus of the rat. The antagonistic action of aletris against the stimulating effect of the oxytocic principle of the posterior lobe of the pituitary (pitocin) also was studied on the isolated uterus of the rat. The results using the isolated uterine tissue of the guinea pig and of the rabbit and the in vivo rabbit uterus were inconsistent, the predominant action being stimulation. The effect of aletris on the decerebrate cat and the cat that was estrus induced by the injection of a compound estrogenic preparation was mainly pronounced sedation.Butler 1944

Clinical data

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the estrogenic activity of aletris.

Aletris side effects

No adverse events have been reported with the use of aletris.

Before taking Aletris

Documented adverse effects. Antagonizes some oxytocins. Avoid use.McGuffin 1997

How to use Aletris

There is no recent clinical data to justify human dosage. Classical texts recommend 2 to 6 g of root daily.

Warnings

The plant has been reported to have narcotic properties, and in small doses can induce colic, stupefaction, and vertigo.Duke 1985

What other drugs will affect Aletris

None well documented.

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