Pyrethri Radix

Latin name: Pyrethri Radix

Common name: Pyrethrum root 

Cultural significance/history: pyrethrum has been used for centuries as an insect repellent and a treatment for lice in the middle east

Active ingredient: flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acid, pyrethrins 

Where is it found: North Africa, the Middle East, Northern India, The Himalayas, 

Uses/indications: head lice and insect repellent, also a lozenge due to its reflex action on the salivary glands. 

Mechanism of action: Pyrethrins target voltage gated sodium channels in insects, causing prolonged depolarization, loss of motor coordination and death. 

Pharmacokinetics: oral/transdermal absorption, fast excretion via CYP P450 system which makes humans less sensitive to it

Side effects: mild skin irritation, itching, allergic contact dermatitis (rare), nausea, vomiting,tremors

Sample #32/43 and #33/43