Ononidis radix

Ononidis radix, also called hay root, is a drug monographed by several commissions (Commission E, ESCOP) and used in herbal medicinal products for the preventive treatment (flushing therapy) of inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. The drug consists of whole or cut dried roots of the plant.

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: increase the volume of urine, irrigation of the urinary tract, for mild urinary symptomsESCOP monograph
: irrigation of the urinary tract in inflammatory diseases, for kidney gravel, for urinary tract infectionsCommission
E monograph: irrigation in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, for the prevention and treatment of kidney gravel.

Ononidis radix contains isoflavonoids (ononin), flavonoids, small amounts of essential oil, triterpenes (including alpha-onocerine).

The hypocrite root has diuretic effects.

Ononidis radix is used for the preventive treatment of renal gravel and as a flushing therapy for inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.

The usual daily dose is between 6 and 12 g and is used for infusions or other galenic preparations for ingestion.

There are no known adverse effects.

In case of existing edema due to impaired cardiac and renal activity should refrain from taking. Allergy to any of the ingredients, children under 12 years, no data for lactation and pregnancy.

During a flushing therapy, care must be taken to ensure a sufficient fluid intake of at least 2 l/day.

1. Schilcher H (2016) Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag, Munich, p. 155 f.
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/hauhechel.php
3. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-ononis-spinosa-l-radix_en.pdf