Melilotus

MELILOTUS, sweet clover, an herbaceous plant of the legume family (Papilionaceae). Many species of sweet clover have been described: M. parviflorus, dentatus, albus.

(see figure) tauricus, neapolitanus, altissimus, of-

medicinal sweet clover, collected in July and August.

The dried herb is very aromatic, with a bitter-salty, slightly pungent taste. It contains coumarin, bound to

o-oxycoumaric acid HO-C₆H₄-CH=CH-COOH; melilotol (melilotin, dihydrocoumarin); essential oil, resin, tannins; about 6% ash. The pharmacological action of the components of medicinal sweet clover has not yet been sufficiently studied. There are indications (Köhler) of the toxic effect of large doses of coumarin if ingested. However, preparations of medicinal sweet clover are used only externally as an aromatic, antiseptic, and irritant substance. The irritating effect of medicinal sweet clover depends on the essential oil, and also likely on the aforementioned acids and coumarin. To these same components, medicinal sweet clover also owes its antiseptic effect. Medicinal sweet clover is used as an additive to foul-smelling narcotic herbal compresses; as an additive to snuff powders; in the form of emollient or resolvent poultices (herbal sachets) and ointments, but most often in the form of a plaster (Emplastrum Meliloti, sweet clover plaster), in the preparation of which 3 parts yellow wax, 3 parts rosin, 3 parts wood oil, and 1 part chopped medicinal sweet clover herb are taken (Pharmacopoeia of the USSR). Sweet clover plaster is known among the people under the name of "green plaster" and is used for boils (application to open abscesses can lead to contamination). The preparation is significantly outdated.

Melilotus albus: 1-plant in bloom; 2-flower; 3-fruit.

Melilotus albus: 1-plant in bloom; 2-flower; 3-fruit.