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POLYGONACEAE(Dock family)
• Medicinal / Folk-medicinal aspects: • 800 species in 40 genera are chiefly found in northern temperate regions, a few in tropical, arctic and southern regions. The fruits of some species possess hooks.
Stuart (1979) noted that the powdered rhizome of Polygonum bistorta acts as a styptic, and that preparations of the root have been used in folk medicine as external applications to cuts, sores, and haemorrhoids, these styptic and vulnerary properties being attributable to the astringent tannins present in the rhizome. The plant was not irritant by patch test in one patient (Möslein 1963).
Polygonum viviparum was not irritant by patch test in one patient (Möslein 1963). The fleshy rootstock can be cooked and eaten as a substitute for nuts and raisins because of its almond flavour (Szczawinski and Hardy 1972).
The wood from Coccoloba rheifolia is said to be capable of producing dermatitis (Orsler 1973).
Wiesner (1903) drew attention to confusion between "cocoboloholz" and "Coccoloba-Holze", but remained uncertain as to the botanical source of cocobolo wood. Hausen (1970), referring to observations made by Czimatis & Hagemann (1910) (who made mention of an incident where 20 workers in a Strasbourg tool factory in 1904 suffered eye and nasal inflammation following exposure to wood dust [allegedly, according to Hausen] from Coccoloba wood), thought it possible that there must have been confusion with the wood named cocobolo from Dalbergia retusa Hemsl. (fam. Leguminosae). Record & Hess (1943) had earlier documented that cocobolo wood may be derived from any of several Dalbergia L.f. species. Woods and Calnan (1976) also referrred to this confusion of coccoloba with cocobolo. Coccoloba Uvifera Fruit Extract [INCI; of uncertain composition (see Schmidt 2017)] is a recognised cosmetic product ingredient purported to have skin protecting properties (Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products 2019, CosIng 2023/4).
According to Coville (1897), the leaves of Eriogonum stellatum are placed on burns by the Klamath Indians of North America to soothe pain by protecting the surface from the air.
This species is widely cultivated especially in North America. The plant is used for green fodder and provides good honey. The seeds are used to make flour. All parts of the plant, whether fresh or dry, are capable of producing photosensitisation if ingested, the fresh plant in the flowering stage being most toxic. Animals that are stabled do not develop symptoms of photosensitisation when fed on buckwheat. On exposure to sunlight there is inflammatory swelling (dermatitis erythematosa) of the ears, face, and eyelids accompanied by severe itching. In severe cases, vesicles appear. In very severe cases, the vesicular stage may develop into a necrotic dermatitis. Symptoms of photosensitisation may appear in less than 20 hours after commencement of feeding. The disease is known as fagopyrism (Steyn 1934). Pigments with an absorption band at about 590 nm are responsible for photosensitisation (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kingsbury 1964). Fagopyrin and related fluorescent chemicals are related to those of Hypericum (Biggers 1959). Photosensitivity (popularly known as buckwheat rash) has been reported to occur in humans who ingest buckwheat (Schaffner 1903b, Pammel 1911, Bruce 1927, Sheard et al. 1928, Steyn 1934, Mathews 1937, Muenscher 1951, Behl et al. 1966). Buckwheat has been reported to cause contact irritation of the skin (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Muenscher 1951). It can also produce Type I hypersensitivity reactions (Blumstein 1935). According to Blumstein (1935) and Blum (1941) most, if not all, cases of buckwheat poisoning in man are not examples of photosensitisation but are allergic reactions. Hjorth (1968) recorded one positive patch test reaction to the plant and negative reactions in five cases. Using the method of Daniels (1965), the seeds of Fagopyrum esculentum, both with the husk on and dehusked, did not produce psoralen-type phototoxicity for Candida albicans (Mitchell JC 1972 — unpublished observation). Use of the straw as a head rest caused asthma and rhinitis (Matsumura et al. 1964).
Ingestion of the plant has been reported to produce a photosensitivity syndrome resembling fagopyrism in animals (Steyn 1934).
Mechanical injury can occur from ingestion of the hard, trigonous, pointed fruits (Long 1924). A patient who reacted strongly when patch tested with the leaves and flowers of Polygonum nodosum (now named Persicaria lapathifolia – see below) failed to react to Polygonum convolvulus and to four other members of the Polygonaceae (Möslein 1963).
The three spined fruits stick to the feet when walking (Williamson 1955).
Referring to Polygonum arifolium, Silberhorn (1992) noted that the plant bears downward trending barbs on stem ridges and on leaf petioles. Smaller barbs are also located on the main vein of the leaf blade and on the blade margin. The plant resembles Polygonum sagittatum L. [see below], which also has barbs (Silberhorn 1992). Citing earlier literature, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) noted that in China, a decoction of the root of Polygonum barbatum L. is used as a lotion for ulcers; and that in India, a decoction of the leaf and stalk is used for the same purpose. They also noted that the leaf sap has been used as a local application to wounds, the plant being said to have antiseptic properties.
Polygonum minus is stated to be free from the "biting taste" characteristic of many species of Polygonum L. It was suspected of causing dermatitis in a cow in New South Wales (Hurst 1942). A paste made of the leaves of Polygonum salicifolium is applied to sores by the Zulus (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962).
Polygonum hydropiper irritates the hands and face of persons who collect it, producing burning and itching (White 1887). Other authors (MacDougal 1894, Schaffner 1903b, Coulter 1904, Pammel 1911, Weber 1937, Muenscher 1951, Schwartz et al. 1957) who refer to the irritant properties of the plant for humans do not add any clinical details other than a note of irritation of the eyes and nostrils by the juice of the plant. Behl et al. (1966) note that the acrid juice is irritant and the bruised leaves and the seeds, when employed as a poultice, blister the skin. Some colloquial names for this plant indicate an awareness of its properties viz. biting persicaria, bity tongue, pepper plant, red knees (Grieve 1931). According to (Grieve 1931), a fomentation of the leaves is beneficial for chronic ulcers and haemorrhoids [the latter use probably accounting for the colloquial names smartass and arse-smart]. Grieve (1931) also records that smartweed was an old country remedy for curing proud flesh in the sores of animals; and that the bruised leaves were used as a poultice to whitlows. Unfavourable effects from the plant have also been observed in animals. It is difficult to define whether contact dermatitis, dermatitis from ingestion or photosensitivity from ingestion actually occurred. Ingestion of the plant has been reported to produce a photosensitivity syndrome resembling fagopyrism in animals (Steyn 1934). In 1931, this species was present in pastures in New South Wales in which a number of cows developed dermatitis (Hurst 1942). According to Long (1924) and Gates (1930), the juice from Polygonum hydropiper is acrid, causing irritation and smarting, especially when in contact with the eyes and nostrils of animals, and is possibly a cause of dermatitis.
Pammel (1911) listed Polygonum hydropiperoides as an irritant, incorrectly citing Greshoff a as the source of his information but also, confusingly, described the plant as "slightly or not at all acrid". Massey (1941) included Polygonum hydropiperoides in a list of plants described as "less troublesome" causes of dermatitis, but did not cite the source of his information.
Möslein (1963), referring to Polygonum nodosum, observed positive patch test reactions to the flowers and the leaf in one patient who had contact dermatitis. Negative patch test reactions were observed in four control subjects. Negative patch test reactions were also observed to Polygonum aviculare L., Polygonum bistorta L., Polygonum persicaria L., Polygonum viviparum L., and to Polygonum convolvulus L. Ingestion of the plant is considered to cause dermatitis in cattle at some times (Hurst 1942).
According to Pammel (1911), Gates (1930), and Sampson & Malmsten (1935), Polygonum persicaria has a very acrid juice which can cause smarting and irritation especially when in contact with the eyes and nostrils of animals. And according to Muenscher (1951) and Schwartz et al. (1957), the plant can produce dermatitis in "susceptible" individuals. However, Möslein (1963) reported the plant to be not irritant by patch test in one patient. Ingestion of the plant has been reported to produce a photosensitivity syndrome resembling fagopyrism in swine but not in a bull (Steyn 1934, Mathews 1937).
The plant has irritant properties (Pammel 1911). This species was considered on field evidence to have caused dermatitis of the udder and perineum of dairy cattle but on testing by external application to the skin of a steer and a calf, no observable ill effect was produced (Hurst 1942). White (1937) states that in Queensland, the loss of five young pigs was attributed to this plant and that the symptoms of poisoning were swelling of the ears, face and eyelids with considerable irritation of the affected parts. However, feeding experiments produced negative results (Hurst 1942).
The stems are armed with rows of small rigid downward pointing barbs that are also present on the veins on the underside of the leaf blades. The barbs are substantial enough to lacerate bare hands when attempting to pull up the plants (Anon 2004).
Polygonum prostratum was suspected of causing necrotic dermatitis in animals in New South Wales (Hurst 1942). Gardner & Bennetts (1956) include this species in a list of plants known or suspected of causing dermatitis, probably from Hurst (1942).
Pammel (1911) listed Polygonum flaccidum as an irritant plant, but cited an incorrect source for his information.
The leaves of the plant, which is common in damp places in the United States of America, have rubefacient properties (Prosser White 1934). The juice of Polygonum acre is described as acrid and irritant (White 1887, MacDougal 1894, Pammel 1911). Schaffner (1903b), Coulter (1904), Gates (1930), and Allen (1943) note that the juice of Polygonum punctatum can cause inflammation of the skin. The plant is listed as irritant by Weber (1937).
The square stem of Polygonum sagittatum is heavily armed with unmistakable briars that can tear flesh. The leaf midribs are also spiny (Anon 1997).
The plant is used to make a tea ("Weidermannscher tea" or "Homeriana tea") and contains tannic acid and a trace of volatile oil. The plant is used for topical application as an astringent and styptic and has been reported to cause contact dermatitis in horses and sheep due to the presence of an acid or "smarting" substance which may be salicic acid (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). According to Muenscher (1951), contact with the plant has caused contact dermatitis in "susceptible" individuals. Gardner & Bennetts (1956) included this species in a list of plants known or suspected of causing dermatitis. The plant was not irritant by patch test in one patient (Möslein 1963). A gardener developed dermatitis of the opposing surfaces of the right forefinger and thumb and of the intervening finger web. Two days previously he had pulled P. aviculare which was a prevalent weed. He applied an ointment to his finger and thumb. Five months later, he developed dermatitis of the forearm and trunk. This dermatitis was attributed to a re-use of the ointment at these sites. The juice of the plant was considered to have contaminated the ointment. Patch tests were not recorded (Lloyd 1914). According to Gates (1930), repeated by Sampson & Malmsten (1935), acrid smarting substances are contained in this weed, which may cause dermatitis.
Citing earlier authors, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) noted that the rhizome of Polygonum pulchrum Blume [sic] contains an acrid resin. It is likely that they assigned an incorrect botanical authority to this name: Polygonum pulchrum Blume is now recognised as a synonym of Persicaria pulchra (Blume) Soják, an Asian taxon that does not occur in Africa.a
Referring to Polygonum cuspibatum [sic], Hjorth & Mitchell (1974) reported that this perennial species, which had become popular in Danish gardens, caused a typical streaky plant dermatitis of the arms in a gardener. Patch test to the plant produced a strong vesicular reaction; one of ten controls also had a positive reaction. Although patch tests to the leaves could produce an irritant reaction, the history and clinical findings left no doubt of an allergic contact dermatitis.
The leaf stalk from this taxon, an artificial cross with the hybrid formula Rheum palmatum × Rheum rhaponticum,a,b furnishes the vegetable known as rhubarb. Some sources identify the cross as Rheum rhaponticum × Rheum rhabarbarum.c Literature reports referring to rhubarb but lacking formal botanical identification, will most likely be referring to unspecified cultivars of Rheum × hybridum, but may possibly be referring to progeny from Rheum rhaponticum × Rheum rhabarbarum, or to Rheum rhabarbarum L. or Rheum × rhabarbarum L. (syn. Rheum undulatum L.), or to Rheum rhaponticum L. (syn. Rheum undulatum Pall.). Muenscher (1939, 1951), and later McCord (1962) included rhubarb leaves (identified as Rheum Rhaponticum) in a list of plants causing dermatitis. The original source of this information was probably Touton (1932) who referred to a report from a physician that a gardener developed a rash on his hands every time he cut the leaf stalks of Rhabarber (identified as Rheum undulatum) to prepare a compote. Anaphylaxis from ingestion of rhubarb was reported by Delcourt (1924).
This plant, which furnishes medicinal rhubarb, is listed as irritant (Schwartz et al. 1957). Chrysophanic acid, an irritant of Andira, is derived from the plant.
This species furnishes medicinal rhubarb. Chrysophanic acid is derived from this plant and from Rumex, senna (Cassia), cascara sagrada (Rhamnus). Related compounds are derived from Andira. About 200 species are recognised, of cosmopolitan distribution especially in northern temperate regions. Some species yield chrysophanic and oxalic acids. Oxalic acid is a strong local irritant and caustic. The chemical causes gangrenous ulcerations. The nails turn blue, become brittle and may fall off leaving an ulcerated nail bed (Greenberg and Lester 1954). Oxalic acid is considered to be a known allergen and is therefore removed from certain brand name cosmetics (Anon 1973). Ingestion of the plant produces burning in the mouth and poisoning (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). When eaten as pot-herbs or greens, the plant can produce dermatitis in "susceptible" individuals (Allen 1943, Muenscher 1951, Behl et al. 1966). Ingestion of the plant produces burning in the mouth and poisoning (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). When eaten as a pot-herbs or greens, the plant can produce dermatitis in "susceptible" individuals (Allen 1943, Muenscher 1951, Behl et al. 1966). The acrid smarting juice is thought to be a cause of dermatitis in horses and sheep (Gates 1930). Subsequent references to contact dermatitis caused by this plant (Massey 1941, Allen 1943, Schwartz et al. 1957, Gardner & Bennetts 1956, Behl et al. 1966) are probably derived from Gates (1930).
Wren (1975) notes that the root has been used in folk medicine for cleansing ulcers in affections of the mouth.
According to Wren (1975), a preparation of the root may be used as a traditional remedy for [unspecified] skin diseases and for haemorrhoids. Stuart (1979) notes that it is of value both internally and externally for skin complaints including ringworm, scabies, and urticaria. Massey (1941) included Rumex crispus in a list of plants described as "less troublesome" causes of dermatitis, but did not cite the source of his information. In an investigation of "weed dermatitis", an extract of the plant produced negative patch test reactions in all of 50 patients tested (Shelmire 1939a). However, both Muenscher (1951) and Stuart (1979) assert that the plant may produce dermatitis. The plant contains oxalic acid, oxalates, chrysophanic acid, emodin, tannin and other chemicals (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). Dermatitis attributed to the plant is said to be from a content of rumicin which can have rubefacient properties (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). Rumicin is a name for chrysophanic acid. The effects of chrysophanic acid and its derivatives are noted under Andira. Horses and sheep that ingest the plant in large quantities can develop dermatitis (Gates 1930, Hurst 1942, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962).
The hard fruits of Emex australis bear three rigid spreading spines which can cause injuries to humans and livestock (Aplin 1976).
This species which yields chrysophanic acid has been used in herbal medicine for skin diseases (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). Behl & Captain (1979) noted that in India, rubbing with the crushed leaves of this species or of Rumex maritimus L. (or with saliva or dilute ammonia) is recommended as a popular remedy for nettle stings (Urtica L. spp., fam. Urticaceae).
These trees found along the Amazon have slender elongated tubular branches in which stinging ants make their nest. Incautious travellers leaning against these trees are liable to be stung (Menninger 1967). References
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