Gallstones choleretics

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Scoparon, capillene, capillin, capillon, capillarin, capillanol.33 A choleretic, treat jaundice, acute infectious hepatitis, gallstone related illnesses. 

Due to the choleretic activity of dandelion, caution has been suggested for persons with gallstones (Mills and Bone 2005 Schutz et al. 2006 Wichtl 2004). 

Mosbach and Bevans (134) showed that cholestanol-induced cholecystitis and cholelithiasis could be inhibited by the simultaneous administration of dehydrocholic acid and that the extent of inhibition depended on the relative concentrations of the two steroids. Similar observations were made by Ricci et al, (135). Deoxycholic and cholic acids were also effective inhibitors (136), but hyodeoxycholic acid did not suppress gallstone formation and appeared to increase biliary tract inffammation. Several non-bile acid choleretics were without inhibitory effects (136). Lindelof and van der Linden (32) found that intravenous injections of cholecystokinin every 8 hr did not suppress and may actually have enhanced gallstone formation. The inhibition of cholelithiasis by dehydrocholic, deoxycholic, and cholic acids was not accompanied by a decrease in cholestanol absorption but did result in increased tissue cholestanol levels, suggesting a decrease in the conversion of this sterol to bile acids (134,136). Conversely, methyl testosterone apparently inhibited stone formation by interfering with cholestanol absorption, since tissue and serum levels of cholestanol were reduced (137). Olive oil has been shown to facilitate stone formation (138), perhaps by enhancing cholestanol absorption (137). 

Boldine, (S)-2,9-dihydroxy-l,10-dimethoxyaporphine, is found in the leaves and bark of Peumus boldo (Monimiaceae), an evergreen tree native to Chile. Boldine imparts choleretic, cholagogue, antioxidant and smooth muscle relaxant properties to the herb (Speisky et al. 1991). It is used primarily in the treatment of gallstones. 

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