Lily-of-the-valley herb

Convallariae herba, lily-of-the-valley herb.  

Lily-of-the-valley herb consists of the dried, above-ground parts of Convallaria majalis L.  [Fam.  Liliaceae], or closely related species, as well as their preparations in effective dosage.  The herb is harvested during flowering season.  The lily-of-the-valley contains cardioactive glycosides; the principal glycoside is convallotoxin.  

Uses

Mild cardiac insufficiency, heart insufficiency due to old age, chronic cor pulmonale.  

Contraindications

Therapy with digitalis glycosides, potassium deficiency.  

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias.  

Increased effectiveness and also side effects of simultaneously administered quinidine, calcium, saluretics, laxatives, and extended therapy with glucocorticoids.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Average daily dosage:

• 0.6 g standardized lily-of-the-valley powder;
  
• equivalent preparations.  

Comminuted herb, as well as galenical preparations thereof for internal use.  

Positive inotropic on the myocardium
Economizes heart performance
Lowers the elevated left-ventricular diastolic pressure, as well as
pathologically elevated venous pressure
Tonic for the veins
Natriuretic
Kaliuretic