Hamamelis virginiana.  Witch hazel   Family: Hamamelidaceae   

PARTS USED: Leaves
ACTIONS
 GROUP: The Skin & Mucous Membranes- Astringents
1. Astringent.[1,2,4]
2. Anti-inflammatory.[1,2]
3. Hemostatic.[1,2,4]
4. Venous constrictor.
5. Antiseptic.
6. Skin tonic- equal parts of Rose water and Witch hazel water.[4]
INDICATIONS
1. Diarrhea.[1,2] Diarrhea with hemorrhoids- especially the bark. Hematemesis. Mucus colitis.
2. Hemorrhoids  leaves- used topically.[4]  Metrorrhagia. Hemoptysis. Hematuria. Hemorrhage.[4]
3. Anal prolapse. Uterine prolapse.
3. Varicose veins.[4]
4. Leukorrhea.
5. Bruises- especially the leaf. Inflamed swellings. Including bites and blisters.
6. Sore eyes, blepharitis.
Locally:  Sprains and bruises, spots and blemishes, in eye drops, aftershave lotions and in cosmetic preparations- using distilled extract, known as Witch hazel water.[4] Localised inflamed swelling. Hemorrhoids.
COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS:
Dried leaf  2 g,[1,2] or by infusion.
Fluid extract BPC 1:1 in 45% alcohol,[1,2,3] 2-4 ml.[1,2]
Local:  Compress, douche, lotions, ointment.
Hamamelis Water BPC for local application.[1]
  
PART USED: Witch hazel bark
ACTIONS
1. Astringent.[1]
2. Antihemorrhagic.[1]
3. Anti-inflammatory.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Diarrhea.  Mucous colitis. Hemorrhoids.[1]
Locally-  External hemorrhoids.[1]
COMBINATIONS
- Hemorrhoids- use with Ranunculus or Plantago major.[1]
- Diarrhea- use with Agrimonia and Quercus.[1]
PREPARATIONS:  3X /day
Bark tincture  (BPC 1934) 2-4 ml.[1,2,4]
Twigs: Distilled extract of witch hazel BPC 1949.[4]
Used diluted as a mouthwash.
    
ORIGIN: North America and Canada
DESCRIPTION: Leaves broadly oval, up to 15 cm long, 7 cm borad, the margin dentate or crenate, the apex acute and the base asymmetrically cordate. When dried the lamina is papery, dark greenish brown. Venation pinnate, very conspicuous on the lower surface. Bark quilled or channelled, usually in pieces up to 10 cm long and 2 cm broad, 1-2 mm thick, with a silvery grey external surface with numerous lenticels and a pinkish-brown striated inner surface. Fracture fibrous and laminated.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Research
Distilled witch hazel water is reputed not to contain tainnins; however its astringency is not otherwise explained.[1]
References
[1] Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients used in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, Albert Y. Leung. Pub. John Wiley & Sons Inc. (1980) NY

North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out.
Trüeb RM1.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
A sensitive scalp is a frequent problem in daily clinical practice and often represents a major challenge for dermatologists.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a Northamerican Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-based shampoo and tonic (Erol(®) Energy) for treatment of the sensitive scalp.
METHODS:
Retrospective observational study of male and female patients given Erol(®) Energy products in the period between August 2010 and December 2013 at the Center for Dermatology and Hair Diseases Professor Trüeb to treat irritable scalp conditions or as concomitant treatment to minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alocepia.
RESULTS:
Shampoo was applied successfully in 1,373 patients (1,233 women and 140 men). Patients reported improvement of subjective manifestations of irritation and rated tolerance of both products as good to excellent. During this period, 369 (26.9%) have received Erol(®) shampoo more than once.
CONCLUSIONS:
The choice of appropriate hair-care products represents an important aspect in the management of the sensitive scalp and related conditions. With the Erol(®) Energy hair-care products, the advantages of H. virginiana are available for successful treatment of the scalp, especially in the context of problems associated with red scalp, scalp burn-out, and the use of topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia.
PMID: 25210333 PMCID: PMC4158622 DOI: 10.4103/0974-7753.139079 Int J Trichology. 2014 Jul;6(3):100-3. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.139079. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) fractions and the importance of gallate moieties--electron transfer capacities in their antitumoral properties.
Lizárraga D1, Touriño S, Reyes-Zurita FJ, de Kok TM, van Delft JH, Maas LM, Briedé JJ, Centelles JJ, Torres JL, Cascante M.
Abstract
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginia) extracts are used in traditional medicine. They are particularly rich in gallate esters included in proanthocyanidins, hydrolyzable tannins (galloylated sugars), and methyl gallate. This study examines the response of human colon cancer cells to treatment with fractions obtained from a witch hazel polyphenolic extract. The results are compared with those obtained previously with homologous fractions from grape (less galloylated) and pine (nongalloylated). Witch hazel fractions were the most efficient in inhibiting cell proliferation in HT29 and HCT116 human colon cancer cell lines, which clearly shows that the more galloylated the fractions, the more effective they were at inhibiting proliferation of colon cancer cells. Witch hazel fractions were, in addition, more potent in arresting the cell cycle at the S phase and inducing apoptosis; they also induced a significant percentage of necrosis. Interestingly, the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest effects induced were proportional to their galloylation. Moreover, witch hazel fractions with a high degree of galloylation were also the most effective as scavengers of both hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and in protecting against DNA damage triggered by the hydroxyl radical system. These findings provide a better understanding of the structure-bioactivity relationships of polyphenolics, which should be of assistance in choosing an appropriate source and preparing a rational design for formulations of plant polyphenols in nutritional supplements.
PMID: 19035659 DOI: 10.1021/jf802345x J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Dec 24;56(24):11675-82. doi: 10.1021/jf802345x. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hamamelitannin from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) displays specific cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells.
Sánchez-Tena S1, Fernández-Cachón ML, Carreras A, Mateos-Martín ML, Costoya N, Moyer MP, Nuñez MJ, Torres JL, Cascante M.
Abstract
Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) bark is a rich source of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins reported to exert a protective action against colon cancer. The present study characterizes different witch hazel tannins as selective cytotoxic agents against colon cancer. To cover the structural diversity of the tannins that occur in H. virginiana bark, the hydrolyzable tannins, hamamelitannin and pentagalloylglucose, together with a proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (F800H4) were selected for the study. Treatment with these compounds reduced tumor viability and induced apoptosis, necrosis, and S-phase arrest in the cell cycle of HT29 cells, with hamamelitannin being the most efficient. Owing to polyphenol-mediated H(2)O(2) formation in the incubation media, the antiproliferative effect was determined in the presence and absence of catalase to rule out any such interference. The presence of catalase significantly changed the IC(50) only for F800H4. Furthermore, at concentrations that inhibit the growth of HT29 cells by 50%, hamamelitannin had no harmful effects on NCM460 normal colonocytes, whereas pentagalloylglucose inhibited both cancerous and normal cell growth. Using the TNPTM assay, we identified a highly reactive phenolic position in hamamelitannin, which may explain its efficacy at inhibiting colon cancer growth.PMID: 22216935 DOI: 10.1021/np200426k
J Nat Prod. 2012 Jan 27;75(1):26-33. doi: 10.1021/np200426k. Epub 2012 Jan 4. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Highly galloylated tannin fractions from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark: electron transfer capacity, in vitro antioxidant activity, and effects on skin-related cells.
Touriño S1, Lizárraga D, Carreras A, Lorenzo S, Ugartondo V, Mitjans M, Vinardell MP, Juliá L, Cascante M, Torres JL.
Abstract
Witch hazel ( Hammamelis virginiana) bark is a rich source of both condensed and hydrolizable oligomeric tannins. From a polyphenolic extract soluble in both ethyl acetate and water, we have generated fractions rich in pyrogallol-containing polyphenols (proanthocyanidins, gallotannins, and gallates). The mixtures were highly active as free radical scavengers against ABTS, DPPH (hydrogen donation and electron transfer), and HNTTM (electron transfer). They were also able to reduce the newly introduced TNPTM radical, meaning that they included some highly reactive components. Witch hazel phenolics protected red blood cells from free radical-induced hemolysis and were mildly cytotoxic to 3T3 fibroblasts and HaCat keratinocytes. They also inhibited the proliferation of tumoral SK-Mel 28 melanoma cells at lower concentrations than grape and pine procyanidins. The high content in pyrogallol moieties may be behind the effect of witch hazel phenolics on skin cells. Because the most cytotoxic and antiproliferative mixtures were also the most efficient as electron transfer agents, we hypothesize that the final putative antioxidant effect of polyphenols may be in part attributed to the stimulation of defense systems by mild prooxidant challenges provided by reactive oxygen species generated through redox cycling.
PMID: 18311930 DOI: 10.1021/tx700425n Chem Res Toxicol. 2008 Mar;21(3):696-704. doi: 10.1021/tx700425n. Epub 2008 Mar 1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov