Hedera helix

Hedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acid
Hedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acidHedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acidHedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acidHedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acidHedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acidHedera helix, Araliaceae, hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acid
Botanical Nomenclature Hedera helix
Common Name Common Ivy, English Ivy, European Ivy
Taxonomy- Family Araliaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Hedera helix is an evergreen, woody climber growing up to 20m, with shiny, varying in shape, dark green leaves black, spherical fruits and small, green flowers. The flowering lasts from September to October and the harvesting takes place from August to September
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves
Active Substances hederacoside (saponin), hederagenin, resins, gums (hederine), essential oil, malic acid
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The herbal tea is recommended as stimulant, emmenagogue, laxative, emetic and antispasmodic. It is administered for the treatment of gout, rheumatism, pertussis, cataract, laryngitis, bronchitis and rhinitis. Also, it is used as cardial, mucolytic and decongestant mainly against diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, cough, common cold). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice from the leaves against various skin problems, such as skin ulcers, edema, burns, wounds, as well for the reduction of the subcutaneous fat.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as mucolytic and decongestant in the form of herbal tea (30g of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times daily). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the fresh leaves.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects The fruits are toxic and irritating to the skin. Overdose may cause vomiting, nervous disorders and meningitis
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Α' τόμος, σελίδες: 266-269 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 258 3)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874111007501# 4)Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of ethanolic extract and its various fractions from Adiantum capillus veneris Linn. Saqlain Haider, Syed Nazreen, Mohammad Mahboob Alam, Amit Gupta, Hinna Hamid, Mohammad Sarwar Alam, Department of Ch 5)http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2012/01/WC500120648.pdf 6)https://www.planetherbs.com/specific-herbs/herbal-proving-english-ivy-hedera-helix.html