Pulsatilla, also known as pasque flower and meadow anemone, is a versatile herb. Traditionally, different species of pulsatilla were used to treat dysentery, headache, pain and reproductive system disorders. The fresh plant of all pulsatilla species is poisonous due to the toxic chemical protoanemonin, which becomes non-toxic as the plant dries, so use only the dried roots, flowers and leaves in herbal teas and tinctures. Do not use pulsatilla if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Cancer
There are several chemicals in pulsatilla with anti-cancer properties. A report in the 2004 issue of the "European Journal of Pharmacology" found that betulinic acid in Pulsatilla chinensis kills melanoma cells. The saponins in Pulsatilla koreana also have anti-tumor actions. A study reported in the 2005 issue of the "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" tested 17 saponins in Pulsatilla koreana and found that two, derived from the saponin hederagenin, were potent anti-tumor agents.
Menstrual Problems
Pulsatilla is a popular anti-spasmodic and can alleviate menstrual spasms, cramping or headaches from premenstrual syndrome. A homeopathic remedy containing pulsatilla treats premenstrual symptoms such as depression. Pulsatilla is used to treat amenorrhoea, the absence of the menses as it stimulates menstrual flow. It is also used as a uterine tonic and stimulant.
Acne
Pulsatilla koreana contains the antibacterial agent pulsaquinone. Research reported in 2009 in the "Archives of Pharmacal Research" found that pulsaquinone and some of its derivatives are effective against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium that causes the whiteheads and blackheads of acne.
Memory
Pulsatilla may eventually play a role in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's that affect the mind and memory. A study in the 2007 issue of "Planta Medica" found that Pulsatilla koreana had neuroprotective effects. Researchers used a standardized extract of Pulsatilla root known as SK-PC-B70M, which is rich in saponins. The active ingredient in SK-PC-B70M is hederacolchiside-E, a chemical that seemed to reverse cognitive impairment and improve memory in study participants.
Boils
Boils can be painful skin infections that appear as abscesses or pimples on the skin. Pulsatilla tea or tincture is an effective remedy for boils. Its antimicrobial properties help to cure the infection, and its analgesic action relieves the pain.
Nervousness
Pulsatilla is a standard nervine in herbal medical systems throughout the world. It has a moderate relaxing effect on the nerves and works to restore nerve tissue. Pulsatilla is also useful for insomnia, tension headaches and nervous exhaustion.
Respiratory Infections
Pulsatilla has antimicrobial activity effective against respiratory infections. If earache accompanies an upper respiratory infection, pulsatilla tincture can ease the pain.
References
- "European Journal of Pharmacology": Apoptotic activity of betulinic acid derivatives on murine melanoma B16 cell line
- "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin": Antitumor activity of Pulsatilla koreana saponins and their structure-activity relationship
- "Archives of Pharmacal Research": Anti-acne activities of pulsaquinone, hydropulsaquinone, and structurally related 1, 4-quinone derivatives
