PENTAGLOTTIS SEMPERVIRENS

COMMON NAME : Green Alkanet

FAMILY  :        Boraginaceae  (Borage family)

HABITAT / GROWING :

Perennial. Introduced from southwest Europe

PARTS USED :  bark, root

TRADITIONAL & MODERN USE:

A red dye of naphthoquinone structure can be made from the rind of the root.

Bark and roots have shown antibiotic activity, particularly against Staphylococcus. Constituents used to good

effect when applied to varicose leg ulcers. The name alkanet comes from the Arabic al-hinna, the dye being

similar to henna.

CONSTITUENTS:

·        Contains small quantities of alkaloids.