Pulsatilla is used for painful conditions of the male or female reproductive system, such as painful periods. Pulsatilla is also used for tension headache, hyperactive states, insomnia, migraines, neuralgia, general restlessness, diseases and functional disorders of the gastrointestinal GI and urinary tract.
Safety:
There are no information scientific studies available.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Effectiveness:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of pulsatilla.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable parts of pulsatilla are the above ground parts. Pulsatilla has analgesic, antispasmodic, sedative, and antibacterial properties. It exhibits both uterine stimulant and depressant activities. Pulsatilla contains ranunculin. Ranunculin hydrolyzes to a toxic unstable compound called protoanemonin, which readily dimerizes to nontoxic anemonin.84 Protoanemonin causes central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, then paralysis in experimental animals. It also has antimicrobial activity.85 Both anemonin and protoanemonin show some evidence of sedative and antipyretic activity.84 Irritation of the kidney and urinary tract might be due to the alkylating action of protoanemonin.85 Some evidence suggests anemonin might be cytotoxic.84
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
None known.
Interactions with Drugs:
None known.
Interactions with Foods:
None known.
Interactions with Lab Tests:
None known.
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:
None known.
Dosage/Administration:
Dr Clare’s Blends: 1 gm/day.
Oral: A typical oral dose is 120-300 mg dried above ground parts three times daily. Alternatively one cup tea consumed three times daily. To make tea, steep or simmer 120-300 mg dried above ground parts in 150 mL water 5-10 minutes, strain,84 0.12-0.3 mL of the liquid extract, 1:1 in 25% alcohol, has been used three times daily.84 0.3-1 mL of the tincture, 1:10 in 40% alcohol, has been used three times daily.84
Topical: No typical dosage.
Specific References: PULSATILLA
84. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
85. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
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