Plant Name
Amorpha fruticosa L.
Botanical Info
Shrub , 1-2 (and up to 6) m high.
Geography:
Range of the species covers western Canada, virtually the entire territory of the United States, northern Mexico. Naturalized in Europe and in the temperate parts of Asia.
Chemical Content
The seeds of the plant contain a glycoside amorfin, poorly soluble in cold water. In the fruits: rotenoid, 6′-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-12a-hydroxydalpanol.
Traditional Use and Activity
Amorfin has cedative, cardiotonic and neurotropic properties. Drugs based on the plant are used as a sedative for vegetative neuroses, the neuroses of the cardiovascular system and paroxysmal tachycardia. In the non-toxic doses, it prevents seizures caused by camphor and, to a lesser extend, prevents strihnin cramps. Frutitsin, a an amorfin-based drug, has a sedative effect and is used for various neurotic conditions (paroxysmal tachycardia, dystonia, nervous disorders of the cardiovascular system.