Witch hazel - Hamamelis virginiana L.

Author(s): Oschmann, R.

Abstract: Preparations from Hamamelis virginiana are efficient remedies for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Eczematous diseases, especially atopic exzema and hemorrhoidal complaints are indications for the user of Hamamelis virginiana. Further Hamamelis-preparations contrary to some other topical used phytomedicines are well tolerated. Effectiveness and safety of the drug is confirmed by a positive estimation by the BGA and the FDA. The constituents that are responsible for the effects of Hamamelis have not yet been clearly identified. Effective substances are present in aqueous-alcoholic extracts as well as in water steam destillates. The adstringent and locally hemostyptic effects of Hamamelis virginiana are mainly related to tans, while other effects such as the antiinflammatory and radical scavenging effects most probably depend on flavonoids, esters and ketones. The actual supply with skin preparations as well as the subjective wellbeing of the patients demand the exploration of such phytomedicines which are effective drugs and show a very low rate of undesired effects as compared with many synthetic drugs. Furthermore well designed clinical studies are necessary in order to provide the physician with rational arguments for a therapeutic use of Hamamelis virginiana. Besides pharmacological and clinical trials history, botany and analytics of Hamamelis virginiana are reviewed.

Keyword(s): Hamamelis virginiana

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