Orris
Botanical Description & Habitat
Iris florentina
Family
Iridaceae
Common Names
Florentine iris
Habitat
Mediterranean countries; commercial production centered in Florence, Italy.
Medicinal Parts
Dried Rootstock, collected in late summer, early autumn.
Historical Properties & Uses
Orris root is used as a diuretic and stomachic in the treatment of edema due to dropsy or other conditions. Orris root is also applied as an expectorant and demulcent in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs and sore throat. The stomachic action is used in case of colic, and to promote liver health.
This herb has not achieved approval status by the German Commission E. Either there was insufficient evidence in favor, or a contraindication.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Pharmacology of Orris Root
Orris root contains a small amount of highly volatile oil highly prized in perfumery, toilet and dentistry preparations.
Orris root has been shown to be an effective antibiotic against a variety of gram negative and gram positive micro-organisms.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes orris root demulcent, aromatic, expectorant and anti-diarrheal, for use in the treatment of cough, and diarrhea in infants; notes a former use in upper respiratory catarrh.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
Orris, insofar as its diuretic action increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuremic effects of glucose elevating agents.
Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine.
The effects of dopamine and diuretic agents are additive. Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive drugs, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine.
Possible Interactions
In conjunction with ACTH or corticosteroids, this diuretic is more prone to produce hypokalemia.
Use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs. The diuretic action of orris may reduce renal clearance of lithium.
An initial dose of captopril (an antihypertensive) may cause a severe drop in blood pressure within three hours if the person is also using a strong diuretic.
Comments
Prolonged use of this diuretic may affect certain lab test results such as electrolytes (esp. potassium and sodium), bun, uric acid, glucose, and pbi.
Strong diuretics such as this in conjunction with indomethacin may produce natriuretic effects.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Orris root is devoid of toxicity and side effects.
The German Commission E status is "null" or neutral i.e. while it is not approved, there is no documented risk. There may also be some concern over the claims made by manufacturers i.e. they are unproven.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
Use 200mg-1g of dried root. Use freely as part of toilet and dental preparations, and in cachous for halitosis.
References
Maruzzella, J. & M. Lichtenstein. The in vitro antibacterial activity of oils. J of American Pharmaceutical Association, 45, 378-381, 1956.
Maruzella, J. & A. Sicurella A. Antibacterial activity of essential oils. J of American Pharmaceutical Association, 49(11), 692-694, 1960.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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