The beneficial 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 ready 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 supervene 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. Management 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 along with 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 supervene of approved drugs.
Monitor outpatient for cardiac abnormalities. Forewarn outpatient about the potential for cardiac abnormalities. If outpatient experiences any cardiac disturbances while taking figwort, instruct him to end the herb and to immediately article symptoms to his health care provider.
If outpatient has diabetes, monitor him for fluctuations in blood glucose level because herb may cause hyperglycemia. Instruct diabetic outpatient to monitor blood glucose level frequently and to watch for abnormal fluctuations.
If outpatient is pregnant, planning to come to be pregnant, or breast-feeding, advise her not to use figwort.
Advise outpatient to keep the herb away from children and pets.
Tell outpatient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
Advise outpatient to consult his health care supplier before using an herbal preparation because a approved medicine 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.
