Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea (L.) GouanFamily: Primulaceae
Synonyms: Anagallis arvensis f. aiurea Hyl., Anagallis arvensis f. caerulea (L.) Ludi Anagallis caerulea L., Anagallis coerulea Schreb. [Spelling variant], Lysimachia arvensis var. caerulea (L.)Turland & Bergmeier
English: Blue Pimpernel
Hindi: कृष्ण नील, Krishnaneel
Marathi: रान द्राक्ष Ran draksh
Malayalam: Bellichina
Kannada: Suryakanti soppu
Tamil: அனிச்சை (தாவரம்)
Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a naturalized plant found across parts of southern Canada. The plant contains several toxins that have poisoned livestock, and an irritant in the plant hairs can cause allergies in humans. The occurrence of poisoning appears to depend on unknown conditions, which may account for the conflicting literature reports. However, the plant has been implicated in enough cases of poisoning to be treated as a potentially toxic plant [Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System]
20 grains flower 4 ×/day for epilepsy (GMH); 15–60 grains powdered leaf (GMH); 1.8 g powdered herb 4 ×/day (HH2; PH2); for dropsy, hepatosis, and nephrosis, steep 1 tsp powdered herb/glass water 10 minutes and sip throughout the day (HH2; PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Scarlet Pimpernel) — Not covered (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Cucurbitacins could eventually generate GI problems or nephrosis (PH2). The aromatic oil, if taken internally, can cause headache and nausea (WO2). Of 22 plant extracts tested against Microsporium canis, pimpernel was most potent (IC90, 100–15 µg/ml) [Handbook of Medicinal Herbs]
Diuretic, hepatic, diaphoretic. The properties of this herb, although very active, are not yet fully known, and care should be exercised in using it. It has been successful in the treatment of liver irregularities, forms of rheumatism and dropsy. The pulverised leaves are administered in doses of from 15 to 60 grains. [HERBAL MANUAL The Medicinal, Toilet, Culinary and other Uses of 130 of the most Commonly Used Herbs]
Plant—anti-inflammatory, astringent, deobstructant, antifungal, nematocidal; toxic to leeches. [Indian Medicinal Plants An Illustrated Dictionary]
Oral (juice ordecoction);Topical (leaf juice).: Folk Medicinal Uses: 1) Snake bite, 2) Mad dog bite. [INTERNATIONAL COLLATION OF TRADITIONAL AND FOLK MEDICINE, NORTHEAST ASIA Part IV ]
Folk usage (they recommended it for fevers, abdominal complaints, profuse menstruation and festering swellings); it is impossible to be sure,however,that it was this species they understood by this name. Indeed, paucity of the records for folk uses of A. arvensis and the absence of any focus in these on one ailment above all others hardly give the impression of a herb that was particularly highly valued. [Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition, An Ethnobotany of Britian & Ireland]
Traditional use: A decoction of the herb is used to treat shortness of breath, tuberculosis, gynecological disorders, rabies, and as a diuretic in cases of edema, and is used externally for washing wounds (Khalmatov 1964 ) . The essence from blooming plants is used in homeopathy [The Medicinal Plants of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan]
Interesting Facts: Scarlet pimpernel is said to be an e√ective diuretic that helps eliminate gravel from the kidney and is used in dyspepsia. As a poultice, it was applied to the skin to relieve the itch and sting of insects. [Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada]
165 Published articles of Anagallis arvensis
