Trifolium

TRIFOLIUM, Menyanthes trifoliata L., bogbean, trifol, perennial herbaceous plant of the gentian family, distributed everywhere; found in ditches, marshy meadows, and along the banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds. First described in the 17th century by Valerius Cordus. For medical purposes, the leaves of T. (Fol. Trifolii fibrini) are collected before and during flowering (May, June) and quickly dried. The dried leaves are odorless and have a very bitter taste. Components: glycoside menyanthin (C₃H₅₀O₁₄) - a yellowish, viscous amorphous mass that yields menyanthol, C₈H₈O, upon hydrolysis - a volatile liquid with the odor of bitter almonds. T. was used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite, in the form of collections, extracts, tinctures, and in pills. T. extract is part of the compound orange elixir (Elixir Aurantiorum comp., FUP) and bitter extract (Extractum aromaticum, FUP). Juice from fresh leaves was previously used for the so-called spring treatment. In folk medicine, it is considered specific for intermittent fever. In brewing, T. leaves are used to give beer a slight bitterness. T. has export importance; requirements for the product are described in all-union standards, ed. 1930, no. 903.