Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
"Annual, biennial, unarmed. Stem: generally erect. Leaf: odd-1-pinnate; stipules generally narrow or bristle-like, bases fused to petiole; leaflets 3, margin toothed or wavy. Inflorescence: raceme, axillary or terminal, slender or short-cylindric, many-flowered. Flower: calyx lobes ± equal; corolla yellow or white; 9 filaments fused, 1 free. Fruit: indehiscent, 2–4 mm, ovate, compressed but thick, leathery, bumpy or not, ridges transverse to finely net-like. Seed: 1–2.
20 species: temperate Europe, especially Mediterranean, subtropical Asia, northern Africa, widely introduced, naturalized; several species widely cultivated for forage, green manure, soil improvement. (Greek: honey-lotus) TOXIC: inclusion in hay enhances production of mold toxins that may cause cattle death.
Unabridged references: [Stevenson 1969 Can J Plant Sci 49:1–20]" [Jepson]
Species Mentioned: (Sweet Clover) Melilotus sp. including; M. officinalis, M. albus, and M. indicus M. officinalis & M. alba
White and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus alba and Melilotus officinalis) are nearly identical, except that one has white, the other yellow, flowers. These straggly biennials, 2 to.6 feet tall, have long, narrow, slightly toothed leaflets in threes-typical of clovers. The small white or yellow flowers grow in loose, vertical, tapering spikes. They contain coumarin, which smells a little like vanilla. You can find these species in overgrown fields, poor and disturbed soil, and near the seashore. [Wild]
Use only completely fresh leaves. Avoid any that are spoiling. [Wild]
Some time ago, someone noticed that cattle got sick and died if they ate decomposing sweet clover leaves. Upon investigation, it turned out that fermentation transformed harmless coumarin into dicoumarin, which stops blood from clotting. The cattle were dying of internal hemorrhages. This substance became the first medical blood-thinning drug, dicumerol, as well as warfarin, a rat poison.[Wild]
Sweet clover is indeed sweet-scented, due to the coumarin present in the herb; the aroma becomes even more pleasant when dried. The herb is a traditional flavoring additive in smoking tobacco, snuff, and Gruyere cheese. Melilotus has also been used in closets to scent clothes and protect them from moths; add the dry flowers to a chest of woolens or furs. This is a wonderful alternative to commercial moth balls!
Fragrance: Melilotus alba & officinalis:Scent your clothing by putting the fragrant flowers in your dresser drawers.[Wild] The dried plants have been widely used in potpourri and sachets. These were sometimes kept with clothes in the belief that their scent would repel moths. Melilotus has also been used in closets to scent clothes and protect them from moths; add the dry flowers to a chest of woolens or furs. This is a wonderful alternative to commercial moth balls!
Melilotus Sp. "Other-Havasupai Incense & Fragrance Leaves dried, ground, placed in a small bundle, and tied onto women's clothes as a perfume. (197:227) " [NAEth Moerman]
"Melilotus officinalis Incense & Fragrance - Grass hung in houses for the pleasant fragrance. (as M. alba 69:365) Bunches of plants hung in the home for the fragrance. (as M. alba 70:91) Iroquois Incense & Fragrance Flowers used in a bouquet to perfume the house. (as M. alba 142:93) Keres, Western Insecticide Plant used in beds as a bedbug repellent. (as M. alba 171:53)" [NAEth Moerman]
Fodder: These plants are very important to bees and other insects as a source of nectar. They are also valuable forage for cattle and deer.
Melilotus officinalis "Food-Jemez Forage Plant very nutritious food for horses. (as M. alba 44:25) " [NAEth Moerman]
Smoke: The leaves were added to herbal smoking mixes.
Leaves: The leaves are useful as a wash or poultice for wounds and may contain an antibiotic. A tea has been used externally for sore muscles and as an eyewash. The tea has been used internally as a carminative and digestive. The anticoagulant properties of dicoumarol have found a place in traditional medicine, to treat thrombosis and phlebitis, though it is too dangerous to use without expert supervision.
Melilotus officinalis "Drug-Iroquois Dermatological Aid Infusion of flowers and rhizomes from another plant applied to the face for pimples and sun- burn. (as M. alba 141:49) Febrifuge Infusion taken for typhoid-like fever caused by odor from killed snake. (as M. alba 87:364) Navajo, Ramah Cold Remedy Cold infusion taken and used as lotion for colds caused by becoming chilled. (as M. alba 191:33) " [NAEth Moerman]
MELILOTUS (Sweet Clover) FLOWERING HERB. Standard Infusion, 2-4 ounces; the tea for topical use. Not for extended consumption as a tea, due to its coumarin content.[Moore (1995)]
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West recommends sweet clover poultices for mastitis, soft tissue inflammations, and sore breasts. The tea is used for upset stomach and intestinal infections. Moore cautions against long-term tea use as Melilotus is high in coumarin (an anticoagulant substance) and may combine inappropriately with prescription drugs, creating harmful compounds. (See Caution, following.)
|
Melilotus indicus (1.) All., Annual Yellow Sweetclover
|
It has been established experimentally that by using grafts of Melilotus alba on Trigonella foenum graecum, practically no coumarin is formed in the shoots of M. alba ; therefore, it may be inferred that the roots are absolutely essential for coumarin synthesis, perhaps since they provided an important precursor (Reppel and Wagenbreth, 1958)[PCPB]
Major Constituents and Therapeutic Values [CRNAH]
| ||
| Species | Major Constituents | Therapeutic Value |
| Melilotus alba Medicus M. indica (L.) All. |
Hydroxycinnamic aicd, coumarinic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, cumaric acid, umbelliferone, scopoletin, melilotoside, melilotic acid, beta-Dglucosyloxy, dicumarol, chlogogenic acid, caffeic acid, melilotic acid.[48] | Anticoagulant, treat bowel complaints,
infantile diarrhea. A bactericide. |
| Melilotus arvensis L. | Flavonoids, coumarins, resin, tannins, volatile oil, dicoumarol.[102] | Help varicose veins and hemorrhoids,
reduce the rash of phlebitis and thrombosis. |
| Melilotus officinalis Lamk. | Flavonoids, resin, tannins, coumarins, hydroxycoumarin, hydrocoumarin.[99,107] | Reduce the risk of phlebitis and
thrombosis, sedative, antispasmodic. |
Melilotus alba Medicus, M. indica (L.) All., M. suaveolens Ledeb.: Anticoagulant, treat bowel complaints, infantile diarrhea. A bactericide.[CRNAH]
400 mg daily of an extract of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus offcinalis) containing 8 mg coumarin has been shown to be effective in reducing lymphedema of the upper arm caused by lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. A possible mode of action is the edema-preventing property of coumarines that results from the activation of macrophages and subsequent proteolysis in the tissue affected by chronic lymphedema (89) [LOE-C].[BMBBed]
Yavada and Jain [50] have recently identified a new flavone glycoside, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,3′-dimethoxy flavone-7-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-â-d-galactopyranoside from Melilotus indica (Leguminosae), a medicinal plant used in various applications, including the treatment of infantile diarrhea, found in India, the Middle East, and Europe. This compound was found to exhibit antibacterial activity against pathogens that caused diarrhea.[ModPhyt]
Fertilizer Sweet Clover has been called the aristocrat of weeds, as the six-foot tall plants are unsurpassed at accumulating nutrients and restoring fertility to damaged land. Their penetrating roots reach deep into the soil, to loosen it and bring minerals to the surface. They are said to produce greater amounts of organic matter than any other common green manure plants. Their root nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria The plants should be incorporated into the soil at the end of their first year, or in the second year as they reach full size, but before they flower and turn woody.
"Melilotus albus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate.
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife." [PFAF]
"Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil." [PFAF]
Habitat / Range "Mesic to dry fields, roadsides and waste places; common in S half of BC east of the Coast-Cascade Mountains, rare to the W and N; introduced from Eurasia. Fields and waste places on dry, not acid soils[17]. Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain." [PFAF]
Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]
The dried leaves can be toxic. though the fresh leaves are quite safe to use. This is possibly due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay, if taken internally it can prevent the blood clotting. It is not coumarin but dicoumarin, which is produced when a mould breaks down coumarin, that is the danger. careful dryig and storage should prevent this.
| Melilotus alba Medik [CRNAH] | |
| Major Constituents | Therapeutic Value |
|
Hydroxycinnamic acid, coumarinic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, cumaric acid, umbelliferone, scopoletin, melilotoside, melilotic acid, beta-D-glucosyloxy, dicumarol, chlogogenic acid, caffeic acid, melilotic acid.[48] |
Anticoagulant, treat bowel complaints, infantile diarrhea. A bactericide. |
|
Flavonoids, coumarins, resin, tannins, volatile oil, dicoumarol.[102] |
Relieve varicose veins and hemorrhoids, reduce the rash of phlebitis and thrombosis |
Manure: "The plant is a good green manure crop[20, 87, 172]. It can be sown in the autumn and overwintered or sown from spring to mid summer. It can be cut several times for compost material before being finally incorporated into the soil[87]. Fast growing, it produces a high bulk of organic material and also fixes a large quantity of atmospheric nitrogen[87]." [PFAF]
"A fast growing plant[87], it dislikes shade. A good bee plant[4, 46]. The dried plant has a sweet smell of newly mown hay[245]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]." [PFAF]
"Seed - sow spring to mid-summer in situ[87]. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather[K]. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks." [PFAF]
Family Fabaceae (Pea family)
Other Names: King’ s clover, Sweet clover, Ribbed melilot, Yellow melilot [HMI Stockey]"Melilotus officinalis is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in).
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen." [PFAF]
"Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought." [PFAF]
USDA Flower Colour: Yellow
USDA Blooming Period: Summer
USDA Fruit/Seed characteristics:
According to the USDA, this species is a known allelopath. [USDA-E-flora]
"Mesic to dry fields, roadsides and waste places; frequent in S half of BC east of the Coast-Cascade Mountains, rare to the W and N; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Grassy fields and roadsides, avoiding acid soils[17]. Europe to E. Asia. Naturalized in Britain." [PFAF]
Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]"The dried leaves can be toxic. though the fresh leaves are quite safe to use. This is possibly due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay, if taken internally it can prevent the blood clotting. It is not coumarin but dicoumarin, which is produced when a mould breaks down coumarin, that is the danger. careful dryig and storage should prevent this."
"Herbs that contain coumarin or closely related compounds have also been suspected of causing bleeding events or enhancing the effects of anticoagulants. Coumarin itself is not active in humans; in order for it to have activity it must undergo a transformation due to different types of molds. Reports of bleeding due to coumarin-containing herbs, most notably sweet melilot (Melilotus officinalis) have been made owing to consumption of fermented leaves by cattle. Reports regarding an anticoagulant effect of coumarin-containing herbs in humans have only rarely been made."[BMWH]
| PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS |
|---|
"No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Administration of the drug in higher dosages can lead to headache and stupor, transitory liver damage is possible for a very small number of particularly susceptible patients. Elevation of liver enzyme values usually disappears following discontinuance of the drug. (Monitoring of the liver enzyme values is recommended.)" [PDR]
"Used either externally or internally, it can help treat varicose veins and haemorrhoids though it requires a long-term treatment for the effect to be realised[254]. Use of the plant also helps to reduce the risk of phlebitis and thrombosis[254]. Melilot contains coumarins and, as the plant dries or spoils, these become converted to dicoumarol, a powerful anticoagulant[254]. Thus the plant should be used with some caution, it should not be prescribed to patients with a history of poor blood clotting or who are taking warfarin medication[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity[21]." [PFAF]
Melilot is used mainly to treat inflammation, oedema and capillary fragility. [HMI Stockey] Approved by Commission E for Blunt injuries, Hemorrhoids and Venous conditions [PDR]
"The flowering plant is antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant, mildly sedative and vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 238, 240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of sleeplessness, nervous tension, neuralgia, palpitations, varicose veins, painful congestive menstruation, in the prevention of thrombosis, flatulence and intestinal disorders[7, 238]. Externally, it is used to treat eye inflammations, rheumatic pains, swollen joints, severe bruising, boils and erysipelas, whilst a decoction is added to the bath-water[9, 238]. The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[7]." [PFAF]
Production: "Sweet Clover consists of the dried or fresh leaf and flowering branches of Melilotus officinalis, and/or Melilotus altissimus." [PDR]
EFFECTS "The drug has an antiphlogistic, antiexudative and antiedematous effect, which explain its use for inflammatory and congestive edema. It increases venous reflux and improves lymphatic kinetics.
Animal experiments showed an increase in healing wounds." [PDR]
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
"The drug is used internally for problems arising from "chronic venous insufficiency, such as pain and heaviness in legs, night cramps in die legs, itching and swelling; for the supportive treatment of thrombophlebitis, postthrombotic syndromes, hemorrhoids and lymphatic congestion. Externally, the drug is used for contusions, sprains and superficial effusions of blood." [PDR]
"Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Sweet Clover is used as a diuretic." [PDR]
Dosage:
Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug for infusions and other galenic preparations for oral use; liquid forms of medication for parenteral application; ointments, liniments, cataplasms and herbal sachets for external use; ointments and suppositories for rectal use." [PDR]
"Preparation: To prepare an infusion, pour boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of comminuted, cut drug, then strain after 5 to 10 minutes." [PDR]
"Daily Dosage: The average daily dose of the herb or preparation in amounts corresponding to 3 to 30 mg of coumarin; parenteral application corresponding to 1.0 to 7.5 mg of coumarin." [PDR]
"Infusion — As a therapy for varicose veins, 2 to 3 cups daily." [PDR]
"External — As a poultice for hemorrhoids." [PDR]
"Storage - The drug must be stored away from light in sealed containers to prevent loss of coumarin." [PDR]
Sweet Melilot herb (Melilotus alba, M. officinalis) Dysmenorrhea associated with lameness in hip and along sciatic nerve; neuralgic pains.[BMWH]
Part used: Herb.
Action: Carminative, emollient.
The 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion in wineglass doses as needed, to relieve flatulence. Sometimes used in fomentations and poultices.[HM Ward]
MELILOTUS. Melilotus officinalis alba. [Ellingwood] |
CONSTITUENTS—Coumarin, melilotic acid, coumaric acid. Therapy—Melilotus is a stimulant to the local circulation, and is adapted to those cases where debility or a feeble vital power, as in delicate females and poorly nourished infants, is associated with congestion, as in atonic neuralgias and spasms occurring during the period of dentition, and in congestion of the uterus, ovaries, rectum, bowels, stomach, or bladder in feeble subjects. It is also a remedy for pain from determination of blood as in headache with throbbing. |
PARTS USED: Plant and Flowers.
PROPERTIES AND USES: Exp. Diu. Emo . Aro. Car.
The tea strengthens the head and memory, cleanses the kidneys, expels stones and is of great value in retention of the urine. It is also very useful in dropsy, stitch in side and in fevers. Steeped in milk it is a great remedy for cholerine. It is used especially as a plaster to soften hard tumors, hardened liver and spleen, throat troubles, abdominal pains and rheumatism. The herb placed between clothes chases moths away. The juice clears the eyesight.
The celebrated Melilot Plaster for rheumatism, swollen joints, swollen glands, tumors, etc., is made as follows: Take 500 grams yellow wax, 45 grams each of Olive oil, Resin, and Tallow, 20 grams Gum Ammoniac dissolved in 45 grams of Turpentine; 125 grams of powdered Melilot; 8 grams each of Wormwood, Chamomile and Bay Leaves.[IP2 Deschauer]
The small yellowish or white flowers are in a close, rounded raceme on an angular stem; leaves serrate, trifoliate; odor fragrant, honey-like; taste aromatic and bitter. They contain melilotol (a fragrant volatile oil), coumarin (the aromatic principle of tonka), cumaric acid, and melilotic (hydrocumaric) acid, having a honey-like odor. An infusion is used as a stimulant and antispasmodic in whooping cough, but it is generally used as a local anodyne in poultices.[Sayre'sMateriaMedica3]
The leaves and flowering tops of Melilotus officinalis, Willdenow (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A common weed found everywhere in the United States. Dose, 1 to 30 grains.
Preparation.—Specific Medicine Melilotus. Dose, 1 to 20 drops.
Specific Indications.—Idiopathic, atonic headaches and chronic neuralgias; coldness, tenderness, lameness or marked soreness of tissues; painful menstruation or menstrual colic with soreness and coldness; ovarian neuralgia.
Action and Therapy.—Melilotus is a remedy for pain associated with a sensation of coldness of the extremities and marked tenderness, lameness, or soreness to the touch. With these indications it is very effectual in some cases of ovarian neuralgia and dysmenorrhea. Though it may relieve headache due to gastric disorders, it is best adapted to painful states not resulting from reflexes, but rather those of an idiopathic type. Following the specific indications it has proved a remedy of worth in menstrual and intestinal colic, gastralgia, neuralgia of the stomach, visceral neuralgia, painful dysuria, and sciatic neuritis. It frequently cuts short recurrent neuralgia when induced by cold, and benefits in rheumatoid lameness or soreness.[Felter EMM]
Action: Plant—astringent, wound healer, styptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, mild analgesic, anticoagulant, spasmolytic. Flower and leaf—diuretic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, vasodilator. Seed—used in cold. Key Application: In chronic venous insufficiency. For supportive treatment of thrombophlebitis, haemorrhoids and lymphatic congestion. (German Commission E.) As venotonic, vulnerary. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) The herb contains coumarin derivatives; flavonoid glycosides, including kaempferol and quercetin. Dicoumarol (melitoxin) is produced when fermentation takes place in melilot. Seeds gave canavanin and trigonelline. Reported poisonous to horses. The flowers contain the flavonoids, quercetin andmyricetin besides kaempferol. Th herb has shown increase in venous reflux and improvement in lymphatic kinetics. Animal experiments show an increase in healing wounds. Flower and leaf extracts have shown analgesic activity, prolongation in pento-barbital-induced hypnosis time and smooth muscle relaxant activity in mice; also exhibited hypotensive and vasodilatory activity in rabbit. Dicoumarol is a potent anticoagulant. In Europe and China, the plant extract is used for inflammations, arthritis, rheumatism, phlebitis, venous insufficiency, haemorrhoids, brachialgia and bronchitis.[Khare IMP]
| YELLOW SWEET CLOVER (Melilotus officinalis Lam.) | |
| Synonyms: M. arvensis Wallr., M. officinalis var. micranthus O. E. Schulz, M. vulgaris Hill, Trifolium officinale L. [HMH Duke] | |
| Activities (Yellow Sweet Clover) | |
| "Alterative (f; CRC); Analgesic (1; CRC; PNC); Antiaggregant(1; CRC; MAB; PNC); Antiedemic (2; BRU; KOM; MAB; PH2); Antiexudative (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory (2; FAD; KOM; MAB; PH2); Antiprostaglandin (1; MAB); Antispasmodic (f; CRC; HHB; MAD; PNC); Antitumor (1; MAB); Astringent (f; CRC); Carcinogenic (1; MAB); Carminative (f; CRC; HHB; PNC); Collyrium (f; CRC); Decongestant (f; PH2); Digestive (f; CRC; MAB); Diuretic (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Emollient (f; CRC; MAB); Expectorant (f; CRC); Fumitory (f; CRC); Hemostat (f; CRC); Hepatotoxic (1; MAB); Hypotensive (1; PNC); Immunostimulant (1; MAB); Insectifuge (f; CRC; DEM); Lactagogue (f; MAD); Laxative (f; CRC); Lymphotonic (1; PH2); Myorelaxant (1; PNC); Nervine (f; CRC); Neuralgia (f; MAB); Poison (f; CRC); Proteolytic (1; MAB); Sedative (1; PNC); Stimulant (f; CRC); Tonic (f; CRC); Vasodilator (1; PNC); Vulnerary (1; PH2)." [HMH Duke] | |
| Selected Indications (Yellow Sweet Clover) | |
| Bruise (2; BRU; DEP; KOM; PH2); Cancer (1; JLH; MAB); Cancer, anus (f; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, eye (f; JLH); Cancer, joint (f; JLH); Cancer, kidney (1; MAB); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, nose (f; JLH); Cancer, prostate (1; MAB); Cancer, scrotum (f; JLH); Cancer, sinew (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Carcinoma (f; JLH); Cold (f; CRC; DEM); Colic (f; CRC; FAD; FEL); Cramp (2; CRC; HHB; KOM; MAD; PH2; PNC); CVI (2; KOM; MAB; PH2); Edema (2; HHB; KOM; MAB; PH2); Gas (f; BRU; CRC; FAD; FEL; HHB; PNC); Gastrosis (f; BRU; FEL); Headache (f; CRC; FAD; FEL; HHB; MAD); Hemorrhoid (2; BRU; CRC; KOM; MAB; PH2); Induration (f; JLH; MAD); Infection (f; MAD); Inflammation (2; FAD; KOM; MAB; PH2); Lymphatic Congestion (2; KOM; MAB; PH2); Ophthalmia (f; BRU; MAD); Otosis (f; MAD); Pain (1; CRC; FEL; MAB; PNC); Swelling (2; BRU; CRC; KOM; MAB; PH2; MAD); Thrombophlebitis (2; HHB; KOM; MAB; PH2); Thrombosis (1; CRC; HHB; PH2); Tumor (1; CRC; MAB); Varicosis (2; CRC; HHB; MAB; PHR; PH2); Water Retention (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Wound (2; CRC; FAD; PHR; PH2). [HMH Duke] | |
| Dosages (Yellow Sweet Clover) | |
| "Pour 150 ML boiling water over 1–2 tsp finely chopped herb, strain, let cool, and drink 2–3 cups/day for phlebitis (BIS); 2 tsp (4.2 g) herb cold tea/day (MAD); 1–2 tsp powdered herb/cup, steep 5–10 minutes, 2–3 cups/day for varicose veins (PH2); herb in amounts equivalent to 3–30 mg coumarin (KOM); parenterally 1–7.5 mg coumarin (KOM); 1 mg/kg coumarin, equivalent to ca. 10 ml/day liquid extract (1:2) (MAB)." [HMH Duke] | |
| Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Yellow Sweet Clover) | |
| "Commission E reports no contraindications, adverse effects, or interactions, except for headache (rarely) (AEH; KOM; PH2). Coumarins in moldy hay cause uncontrolled bleeding in cattle (FAD). High doses can cause headache, stupor, and elevated liver enzymes (clears up on discontinuance) (PHR). Nephrotoxic in rats (0.8–1.71 mM/kg) (MAB). Carcinogenic (200 mg/kg orl mouse) (MAB). Low doses of coumarin, like aspirin, reduce chemically induced endothelioma, rendering them useful in ischemic heart disease (MAB). “Coumarin has been used to treat brucellosis in humans, and other chronic infections, including mononucleosis, mycoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, Q fever, and psittacosis” (MAB). Dicoumarol is >1000 times better than coumarin as an antiaggregant (MAB). Grapefruit juice slows body conversion of coumarin to umbelliferone. (MAB)." [HMH Duke] |
Dicoumarol: Poorly dried or fermented leaves produce a substance called dicoumarol. This is a potent anti-coagulant which is extremely poisonous in excess, it prevents the blood from coagulating and so it is possible to bleed to death from very small wounds. Dicoumarol is used in rat poisons[238].
COMPOUNDS: IN THE FRESH PLANT
Coumarinic acids glycosides: including melilotoside
COMPOUNDS: IN THE DEHYDRATED DRUG
Free coumarin (0.4-0.9%): formed from the coumarinic acids during dehydration, furthermore 3,4-dihydrocoumarin, melilotol, melilotin
Hydroxycoumarins: including among others umbelliferone, scopoletin, herniarin. fraxidin
Flavonoids: including, among others, kampferol- and quercetin glycosides
Triterpene saponins: including azuki saponin-V-carboxylate, azuki saponin II, aglycones soya sapogenols B and E, melilotigenin
Volatile oil: traces of very complex composition
COMPOUNDS: IN THE SEEDS
Canavanin
Trigonelline
The main active constituents of melilot are natural coumarin and its derivatives, melilotin, melilotol, dihydrocoumarin, umbelliferone and scopoletin, which are formed on drying from the glycoside melilotoside. If spoilage and subsequent fermentation occur, some coumarin derivatives can be transformed into the potent anticoagulant dicoumarol (bishydroxycoumarin). Other constituents present are flavonoids (including quercetin) and a number of saponins.[HMI Stockey]
"Prefers a well-drained to dry neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position[238]. Prefers a clay or a saline soil[13]. Dislikes shade. Established plants are drought tolerant[238]. The flowers are rich in pollen making this a good bee plant[4, 7, 8, 13]. If they are cut back before flowering, the plants will grow on for at least another year before dying[115]. The dried plant has a sweet aromatic fragrance like newly mown hay[245]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]." [PFAF]
Green Manure: "The plant can be used as a green manure, enriching the soil with nitrogen as well a providing organic matter[238]." [PFAF]
"Seed - sow spring to mid-summer in situ[87]. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather[K]. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks." [PFAF]