Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Hyssop (Gratiola officinalis)

Pharmacology, Toxicology

Also known as: Gratiola officinalis, Hedge hyssop

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

An article from the 1928-1936 Soviet Great Medical Encyclopedia describing Gratiola officinalis, its chemical composition including gratiolin, and its historical use as a laxative, emmenagogue, and emetic.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

AVRAN, Gratiola officinalis L., family Scrophulariaceae. In medicine, the dried herb collected during flowering is used. In addition to resinous and pectin substances, it contains the glucoside gratiolin and a terpene alcohol, gratiolon (C10H16O)2. It is used in the form of an aqueous infusion (5.0 - 10.0 : 200.0) as a laxative and menstrual-stimulating agent. In large doses, avran causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Cite this page

“Hyssop (Gratiola officinalis).” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hyssop/