English common name is birch leaf from mother plant Betula pendula
Contains flavonoids (1–3.5%), mainly glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin, as well as hyperoside, avicularin, and quercitrin. It has around 4% condensed tannins. It also contains dammarane-type triterpenes and cinnamic acid derivatives such as caffeic and chlorogenic acids.
Used as a diuretic to flush the urinary tract and as an adjunct therapy for mild urinary complaints. Adequate fluid intake is necessary.
The drug consists of whole or broken dried leaves.
The drug is listed in the pharmacopoeia.
In pulverized drug under the microscope we can see:
Bifacial leaf
Crystals of oxalate and glands around vascular bundles
