Motherwort (leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear, lion's tail, throw wort)
Classes: Cardiovascular, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort)
Crushed herb: 4.5 g PO q30-60min (acute conditions); TID (chronic)
Other preparations: see mfr's directions
Suggested uses of Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort)
Arrhythmia, low cardiac output, delayed menstruation, metrorrhagia
Efficacy: Insufficient reliable evidence, may improve menstrual flow, has relaxing effect on heart
Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Stomach problems
Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy, thyroid conditions
Cautions
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid
Lactation: use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Emmenagogue: contains chemicals that have effects on uterus, which may result in improved menstrual flow
Cardiac: contains chemicals that have vasorelaxing & cardiotonic effects (digoxin-like)