Menyanthes trifoliata (Bogbean) Flashcards
How do you recognise Bogbean?
- Grows in boggy ground or at edges of ponds and lakes.
- Leaves divided into three equal leaflets (hence the name). Flowers pinky white with five frilly-edged petals.
- Native to Europe, parts of Asia & North America.
- Also grows in Scotland and north but less common in England/ the south.
- The roots have been used as a food & the leaves to flavour beer.
What are Bogbean ‘s main constituents?
Constituents:
* Iridoid glycosides – methiafolin, dihydrofoliamenthin, loganin - anti inflam
* Flavonoids – rutin, hyperoside, trifolioside - anti inflam
* Coumarin.
* Phenolic acids.
* Alkaloids – gentianine, gentialutin.
* Essential oil.
* Saponins.
* Vitamin C - hence why used to be used for scurvy.
What family is Bogbean?
Family: Menyantheaceae. Not the bean family!!!
What is Bogbean good for?
Summary: A bitter tonic for dyspepsia, anorexia or exhaustion. Cooling, detoxifying, mostly used now as an anti inflammatory for rhemuatoid arthritis, gout and skin problems eg excema.
Actions:
* Bitter.
* “Detoxicant”.
* “Anti-rheumatic”
* Laxative.
* Diuretic.
Applications:
* Anorexia.
* Dyspepsia.
* Rheumatoid arthritis.
* Gout.
Historically has also been used for skin conditions and scurvy.
What is Bogbean ‘s Latin name?
Menyanthes trifoliata
What parts of Bogbean do you use?
Parts used: leaves (old books list roots as well).
What safety issues might Bogbean have?
Safety: large doses can be emetic or laxative/cathartic (clears out both ends).
What useful research does Bogbean have?
External link:
I can find no useful research on this plant, but here is the bogbean page on the Native American Ethnobotany Database
What remedies might you use Bogbean in?
Dosage: 20– 30ml week 1:3 tincture - not had a problem with patients as this dose.
Has fallen out of use with Bendle, but he has used in the past for RA and sometimes OA, but not much else, sometimes used where devil’s claw might be used.
Has not used for skin connditions but some herablists do.
