Harunganae madagascariensis cortex

Harunganae madagascariensis cortex or folium, also known as Haronga bark or Haronga leaves, is a drug used in herbal medicinal products to treat functional disorders of stomach, pancreas, liver and bile function, among others.

Harunganae madagascariensis cortex contains: about 0,1 % anthranoids like Harunganin, Harunganol B and Madagascin.

Harunganae madagascariensis folium contains: dimeric 1,8 dihydroxyanthracene derivatives such as hypericin and pseudohypericin.

Harunganae madagascariensis cortex or folium (according to Commission E, a mixture of leaves and bark is used) stimulate exocrine pancreatic function, stimulate gastric juice secretion and also have a choleretic and cholecytic effect.

Haronga bark or Haronga leaves are used for dyspeptic complaints, slightly exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and functional disorders of liver and bile function.

The average daily dose of an aqueous-alcoholic dry extract is between 7.5 and 15 mg, corresponding to 25 mg drug. Due to the lack of long-term studies, the intake should not be longer than 2 months.

Especially in fair-skinned patients photosensitization is possible due to the content of hypericin and pseudo-hypericin.

In case of acute pancreatitis, acute attacks of chronic recurrent pancreatitis, severe liver dysfunction, gallstones, obstruction of the bile ducts or ileus, it is not recommended to take this medicine.

There are no known interactions with other ingredients.

1. Schilcher H (2016)Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag, Munich, S. 151 f.