Linden-blossom

(Tilia vulgaris)

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Linden flower contains 3–10% mucilage polysaccharides, mainly arabinogalactans and uronic acids; approximately 2% condensed tannins (procyanidin dimers B-2 and B-2); approximately 1% flavonoids, mainly quercetin glycosides (rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin, isoquercitrin) and also kaempferol glycosides (astragalin); phenolic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids); and 0.02–0.1% essential oil containing alkanes and monoterpenes (Bradley, 1992; List and Harhammer, 1979; Newall et al., 1996; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).

The Commission E reported diaphoretic activity.

The British Herbal Compendium reported antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sedative, hypotensive, emollient, and mildly astringent actions (Bradley, 1992). The flavonoids and phenols in the flowers are reportedly diaphoretic in vitro. A substance occurring in linden flower volatile oil, farnesol, demonstrates some sedative and antispasmodic activity on rat duodenum in vitro (Lanza and Steinmetz, 1986). Although it is present only in small amounts in linden extracts, it may be therapeutically active (Taddei et al., 1988). In initial, experimental tests, both hypotensive and vasodilative actions were noted in animals receiving linden flower extract intravenously. Their heart rate increased and cardiac muscle tone relaxed (Bradley, 1992). This effect on the heart has been a matter of some concern. In excess amounts, linden flower is known to be cardiotoxic (Pahlow, 1979; Newall et al., 1996; Tyler, 1993).



Uses

The Commission E approved linden flower for colds and cold-related coughs.

The British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for upper respiratory catarrh, common colds, irritable coughs, hypertension, and restlessness (Bradley, 1992). The German Standard License for linden flower infusion indicates its use for alleviation of cough irritation due to catarrh of the respiratory tract and for feverish colds for which a sweat treatment is desired (Bradley, 1992; Braun et al., 1997; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).

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