Ratanhiae radix

Ratanhiae radix, the extract of the dried roots of the plant without rhizomes. Ratahia root is the officinal drug (positive monograph of Commission E), which is often used as an astringent tincture mixed with tincture of myrrh (see below Myrrha).

Commission E monograph: mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa; locally on denture pressure points.

ESCOP monograph: For oral cavity inflammation, gingivitis and sore throat.

Empirical medicine: Diarrhea, pernions, hemorrhoids, 1st degree burns.

Efficacy-determining ingredients are tanning agents (up to 15%) mainly from the group of catechin tanning agents, which are mainly concentrated in the root bark. During hydrolytic cleavage (e.g. during prolonged standing) glucose and the medicinally ineffective phlobaphene, ratanhiarot, is produced. The extract contains other substances such as catechins, lignans, starch, wax, etc.

Astringent, antibacterial, antioxidant

Indications according to Commission E: Topical applications for mild inflammations of the mouth and throat(gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis)

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over about 1 g of the crushed drug. Leave to stand for 5-10 minutes, strain and use to rinse and gargle. Undiluted tincture for brushing inflammatory areas.

Rare allergic reactions

known allergy to any of the ingredients

see below

Ratanhia camomile sage gargle, astringent

Ratanhia myrrh adstringens (NRF 7.1.)

Repha-Os® Mouth spray, Salviathymol® drops

Folk medicine applications in toothpastes, for frostbite, dermatitis solaris

1. Baumgartner L et al. (2011) Quantitative analysis of anti-inflammatory lignan derivatives in Ratanhiae radix and its tincture by HPLC-PDA and HPLC-MS. J Pharm Biomed Anal 56:546-552.
2. Stahl E et al (1981) New lipophilic benzofuran derivatives from ratanhia root. Planta Med 42:144-154
3. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 177-178