FWD 2 Expanded Commission E: Pine Needle oil

Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E

Pine Needle oil

Latin Name: Pinus sylvestris
Pharmacopeial Name: Pini aetheroleum
Other Names: dwarf pine needle oil

Overview

Pine needle oil is steam distilled from the fresh needles, branch tips, or the combined fresh branches with needles and branch tips of Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine or Norway pine) or other essential oil-containing species of Pinus (DAB 1997).Scots pine is an evergreen conifer tree native to Eurasia, introduced to North America by European settlers, now cultivated extensively in the eastern United States and Canada. Its natural habitat includes the mountains of Scotland, the Scandinavian peninsulas through central Europe, south to the Mediterranean and east through eastern Siberia. More than 35 different seed sources or varieties of Scots pine are commercially recognized. Pine needle oil is produced in Austria, Russia, and Scandinavia (Leung and Foster, 1996; Koelling, 1999; PFAF, 1997). As a Christmas tree, Scots pine is probably the most cultivated species in the United States (Koelling, 1999).

Pines of all kinds have been used medicinally in many countries from the earliest times (Bown, 1995). Scots pine is the source material of Spirits of Turpentine, B.P. and Russian Turpentine. The young branches of black spruce (P. nigra) are the source material for 'essence of spruce,' and the essential oil distilled from the leaves of the dwarf pine (P. umilio) is the source material for 'oil of pine' (Grieve, 1979). The topical antieczematic and rubefacient over-the-counter drug Pine Tar USP (syn. pix liquida) is obtained from the distillation of the wood of longleaf pine (P. palustris Mill.) or other species of pine(Bown, 1995; Budavari, 1996; Taber, 1962). The essential oil distilled from the fresh leaves of P. pinea and/or P. sylvestris is used in northern India as a component of a compound preparation (oil of pine, magnesii carbonas levis, distilled water) for inhalation to treat chronic laryngitis (Nadkarni, 1976). The steam-distilled essential oil from the balsam of P. densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. is official in the Chinese and Japanese pharmacopeias. Song-jie (its Chinese name) was first mentioned in Chinese medical literature ca. 500 C.E. as an antiarthritic and analgesic drug. Today, it is used in the traditional medicines of China, Japan, and Korea, administered as a topical paint to treat rheumatism (Bown, 1995; But et al., 1997). The Micmac of Canada prepare an aqueous infusion of the needles and twigs of white pine (P. strobus L.) for oral ingestion as a medicine for colds (Lacey, 1993).

In Germany, pine needle oil is official in the German Pharmacopoeia, the Standard Licenses for Finished Drugs Monographs, and it is also approved by Commission E. Drops of the essential oil are added to boiling water for inhalation of steam vapor as a supportive treatment for catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract. The drops are also applied topically by carefully rubbing into the skin for rheumatic complaints (BAnz, 1998; Braun et al., 1997; DAB 1997). The Germans also prepare an aqueous infusion of pine shoots for oral ingestion for the same indications as the oil (Meyer-Buchtela, 1999). In German pediatric medicine, Pumilio pine oil is used as a component of 'Inhalatio composita' formulation (eucalyptus oil 45%, Pumilio pine oil 45%, peppermint oil 10%), intended especially for coryza (acute cold and nasal inflammation) and nasal catarrh in children (Schilcher,1997). In the United States, pine needle oil, distilled from the leaves of dwarf pine (P. mugo Turra [syn. P. montana Mill.] and P. pumilio Haenke), is official in the National Formulary. It is used as a component in cough and cold medicines, vaporizer fluids, nasal decongestants, and analgesic ointments (Leung and Foster, 1996). The essential oil of Scots pine (P. sylvestris)is also used in aromatherapy. This plant is also used in Bach Flower Remedies (homeopathic), available in natural foods stores and herb shops (Bown, 1995; PFAF, 1997).

The approved modern therapeutic applications for pine needle oil are supportable based on its history of use in well established systems of traditional and conventional medicines,and on phytochemical investigations, and pharmacological studies.

German pharmacopeial grade pine needle oil is the steam-distilled essential oil extracted from the fresh needles, branch tips or from the combined fresh branches with needles and branch tips of P. silvestris L. or other essential oil-containing species of Pinus. Identification is confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and organoleptic evaluation. Its relative density must be 0.8550.885, refractive index 1.4701.485, optical rotation 30.0 to +/10.0?, and acid number of maximum 1.0 (DAB 1997). Shelf life is one year when stored and packaged according to the German Standard License monograph requirements (Braun et al., 1997).

Description

The essential oil obtained from fresh needles, tips of the boughs or fresh boughs with needles and tips of P. sylvestris L., P. mugo species pumilio (Haenke) Franco, P. nigra Arnold or P. pinaster Soland [Fam. Pinaceae] and their preparations in effective dosage.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Constituents include 5097% monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as a-pinene, with lesser amounts of 3-carene, dipentene, b-pinen, D-limonene, a-terpinene, g-terpinene, cis-b-ocimene, myrcene, camphene, sabinene, and terpinolene (Schulz et al, 1998). Other constituents include bornyl acetate, borneol, 1,8-cineole, citral terpineol, T-cadinol, T-muurolol, a-cadinol, cayophyllene, chamazulen, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, and isocaproic acid (Leung and Foster, 1996).

The Commission E reported secretolytic, hyperemic, and slight antiseptic activity.

The active principles of some essential oils responsible for the antiviral and antibacterial activities are thought to be limonene, dipentene, and bornyl acetate (Leung and Foster, 1996). Pine needle oil and other essential oils can cause a decongestant effect by stimulating reflex vasoconstriction (Schulz et al., 1998).

Uses

The Commission E approved pine needle oil for catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract, and externally only for rheumatic and neuralgic ailments. It has been used as a fragrance and flavor component in cough and cold medicines, vaporizer fluids, nasal decongestants, and analgesic ointments (Leung and Foster, 1996).

Contraindications

Bronchial asthma, whooping cough.

Side Effects

Intensified irritation may occur on skin and mucous membranes. Bronchospasms may be intensified.

Use During Pregnancy and Lactation

No restrictions known.

Interactions with Other Drugs

None known.

Dosage and Administration

Internal:

Unless otherwise prescribed:

For inhalation: Add several drops to hot water, inhale vapors.

External:

Apply several drops of liquid and semi-solid preparations, concentrations of 10-50%; rub into affected area.

Ointments: In the form of alcoholic solutions, gels, emulsions, or oils.

References

BAnz. See Bundesanzeiger.

Bown, D. 1995. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: DK Publishing, Inc. 329.

Braun, R. et al. 1997. Standardzulassungen f r FertigarzneimittelText and Kommentar. Stuttgart: Deutscher Apotheker Verlag.

Budavari, S. (ed.). 1996. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 12th ed. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck & Co, Inc.

Bundesanzeiger (BAnz). 1998. Monographien der Kommission E (Zulassungs- und Aufbereitungskommission am BGA f r den humanmed. Bereich, phytotherapeutische Therapierichtung und Stoffgruppe). Kln: Bundesgesundheitsamt (BGA).

But, P.P.H. et al. (eds.). 1997. International Collation of Traditional and Folk Medicine. Singapore: World Scientific. 1516.

Deutsches Arzneibuch (DAB 1997). 1997. Stuttgart: Deutscher Apotheker Verlag.

Grieve, M. 1979. A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

Koelling, M.R. 1999. History and CharacteristicsScotch PinePinus sylvestris L. Okemos, MI: National Christmas Tree Association Internet Committee. Available at: www.christree.org/treetype/scotch.html

Lacey, L. 1993. Micmac MedicinesRemedies and Recollections. Halifax, NS: Nimbus Publishing Ltd. 29, 36, 99, 115.

Leung, A.Y. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Meyer-Buchtela, E. 1999. Tee-RezepturenEin Handbuch f r Apotheker und rzte. Stuttgart: Deutscher Apotheker Verlag.

Nadkarni, K.M. 1976. Indian Materia Medica. Bombay: Popular Prakashan. 959.

Plants For A Future Database (PFAF). 1997. Cornwall, England: Plants For A Future. Available at: www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf-cgi

Schilcher, H. 1997. Phytotherapy in PaediatricsHandbook for Physicians and Pharmacists. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. 3032.

Schulz, V., R. Hnsel, V.E. Tyler. 1998. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. New York: Springer.

Taber, C.W. 1962. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 9th ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company. 61.

Additional Resources

Bruneton, J. 1995. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing.

Budavari, S., M.J. O'Neil, A. Smith, P.E. Heckelman (eds.). 1989. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 11th ed. Rahway, N.J.: Merck & Co., Inc.

Guenther, E. 1948. The Essential Oils, Vols. 16. New York: Van Nostrand.

Kartnig, T., F. Still, F. Reinthaler. 1991. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of young pine shoots (Picea abies L.). J Ethnopharmacol 35(2):155157.

Riechelmann, H., C. Brommer, M. Hinni, C. Martin. 1997. Response of human ciliated respiratory cells to a mixture of menthol, eucalyptus oil and pine needle oil. Arzneimforsch 47(9):10351039.

This material was adapted from The Complete German Commission E MonographsTherapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. M. Blumenthal, W.R. Busse, A. Goldberg, J. Gruenwald, T. Hall, C.W. Riggins, R.S. Rister (eds.) S. Klein and R.S. Rister (trans.). 1998. Austin: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications.

1) The Overview section is new information.

2) Description, Chemistry and Pharmacology, Uses, Contraindications, Side Effects, Interactions with Other Drugs, and Dosage sections have been drawn from the original work. Additional information has been added in some or all of these sections, as noted with references.

3) The dosage for equivalent preparations (tea infusion, fluidextract, and tincture) have been provided based on the following example:

  • Unless otherwise prescribed: 2 g per day of [powdered, crushed, cut or whole] [plant part]
  • Infusion: 2 g in 150 ml of water
  • Fluidextract 1:1 (g/ml): 2 ml
  • Tincture 1:5 (g/ml): 10 ml

4) The References and Additional Resources sections are new sections. Additional Resources are not cited in the monograph but are included for research purposes.

This monograph, published by the Commission E in 1994, was modified based on new scientific research. It contains more extensive pharmacological and therapeutic information taken directly from the Commission E.

Excerpt from Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs
Copyright 2000 American Botanical Council
Published by Integrative Medicine Communications
Available from the American Botanical Council.