Radix primulae

Primulae radix contain 5 to 12% triterpene saponins (beta-amyrin basic structure); the main saponin in the cowslip (approx. 90%) is primulic acid with the genuine aglycone protoprimulagenin A and the corresponding glycosides primulasaponins 1 and 2. Glycosides of anagalligenin and priverogenin B were also found (sugar chains mostly consist of glucose, galactose, rhamnose and glucuronic acid). The drug also contains phenol glycosides: primverine and primulaverine are the main components.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: expectorant for coughs due to colds

ESCOP monograph: for productive cough and catarrh of the airways, as well as chronic bronchitis

Commission e-monograph: catarrhs of the airways

Folk medicine: whooping cough, asthma, gout, nausea, diarrhea

Empirical medicine: Colds with viscous mucus(BfArM approval)

Ingredients: Triterpene saponins and phenol glycosides.

The triterpene saponins have an irritant effect on the gastric mucosa. This effect is said to reflexively stimulate the bronchial mucosa via nerve fibers to produce more mucus. This thins the secretion and makes it easier to cough up.

Effects: secretolytic; expectorant.

Both Primulae radxi and Primulae flos (flowers and the root) are used for the same indications. However, Primulae radix is better documented.

Catarrh of the airways(Commission E); internally in productive cough, chronic bronchitis, catarrh of the airways (ESCOP)

Primulae radix is contained in many cold remedies and expectorants. Often the drug is combined with ribwort, horseradish, liquorice, thyme, ivy, bibernelle, marshmallow, sundew, calamus, fennel, elderberry and yellow gentian. The daily dose of the drug is 0.5-1.5g.

Monotherapeutically Primulae radix is mostly used in the form of a tincture or as a tea infusion. Preparation: about 0.5 g of the powdered drug is prepared with cold water and then heated to boiling point. Then leave to stand for 5 minutes and strain. Dosage: drink one cup every 3 hours.

Stomach complaints and nausea, diarrhea.

There are no known interactions with other products.

Hypersensitivity to primrose and its ingredients, bronchial asthma, history of acute obstructive laryngitis in children, children under 12 years of age if there is a lack of data.

The fixed combination primrose root+marshmallow root+anise consists of:

• Primula radix (Primrose root)
• Althaeae radix (marshmallow root)
• Anisi fructus (Aniseed)

has a slightly antispasmodic, soothing, antibacterial and secretolytic effect. In addition, it inhibits mucociliary activity, has expectorant effects and is used for a mild catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and for a dry irritable cough.

Harvesting time and location of the plants as well as storage and processing of the drug play an essential role with regard to the phenol glycoside content. The action of the enzyme primverase produces 5-methoxymethylsalicylic acid and other odor-determining components.

1. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 173-174
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/primel.php

3. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 517-518