Figwort - Uses and Side Effects

The useful constituents of figwort are derived from the dried flowers and leaves of Scrophularia nodosa. It contains iridoids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. Iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides have also been isolated from the aerial parts of the plant. Two of these glycosides, harpagoside and harpagide, may have heart-strengthening and antiinflammatory properties. It's available as dried herb and root, liquid extract, and tincture.

Reported uses

Figwort is used externally to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It may also help heal wounds, ulcers, burns, and hemorrhoids. In homeopathic medicine, figwort is used to treat decreased resistance, tonsillitis, and lymph edema. It's used internally for its mild laxative effect and its mild diuretic and heart strengthening properties.

Administration

Liquid extract 0:1 preparation in 25% alcohol USP): 2 to 8 ml by mouth three times a day

Tea (steep 2 to 8 g of dried leaves and stems in 5 oz of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes: three times a day

Tincture 1:10 preparation in 45% alcohol USP): 2 to 4 ml by mouth three times a day.

Hazards

Figwort may contain cardiac glycosides; potential interactions may occur when given with antiarrhythmics or digoxin. Figwort may increase blood glucose level and therefore may decrease the effectiveness of hypoglycemics, such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas. Administration with other cardiac glycoside containing herbs such as black hellebore, digitalis leaf, lily-of-the-valley, motherwort, oleander leaf, pheasant's eye, pleurisy root, or uzara could lead to increased cardiac effects.

Those with preexisting cardiac abnormalities including arrhythmias and conduction disturbances should avoid use. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should also avoid use.

Clinical considerations

Figwort may interfere with the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Monitor patient for cardiac abnormalities. Inform patient about the potential for cardiac abnormalities. If patient experiences any cardiac disturbances while taking figwort, instruct him to discontinue the herb and to immediately report symptoms to his health care provider.

If patient has diabetes, monitor him for fluctuations in blood glucose level because herb may cause hyperglycemia. Instruct diabetic patient to monitor blood glucose level frequently and to watch for abnormal fluctuations.

If patient is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding, advise her not to use figwort.

Advise patient to keep the herb away from children and pets.

Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of figwort and the claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been validated scientifically.

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