Common names  |  Stoneroot, Richweed, Horseweed, Canada Horsebalm 

Scientific name  |  Collinsonia canadensis
Used part  |  Root

Known active compounds  |  akeboside, collinsonin, collinsonidin, collinsogenin, rosmarinic acid 

Potential benefits in cosmetics  |  anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial
Product name  |  Stone Root-ANB

 

Plant Story

Collinsonia canadensis, commonly known as richweed, horsebalm, or stoneroot is a perennial herb in the mint family native to North America. It is distributed throughout eastern North America from Quebec to Florida. Its dark colored rhizomes are knotted and extremely hard, living up to its name “stoneroot”. The root has been traditionally used as both topical and internal medicines by several Native American tribes. Decoction of roots was taken for rheumatism as well as kidney and heart troubles, and also used as back or leg soak for rheumatism. Poultice of roots has been used to treat bruises, wounds, sprains, and contusions. Infusion of smashed roots was used as a wash for babies to give them strength.

 

Phytochemical research isolated and identified saponins from the roots, which include akeboside, collinsonidin, and collinsogenin. Akeboside is a saponin that exhibits anti-microbial activity. Another study identified rosmarinic acid as a major component and showed anti-inflammatory activities of methanol extract of stoneroot by inhibiting nitrite production in LPS-stimulated macrophages.