Ilex aquifolium

Ilex aquifolium, Aquifoliaceae, Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acid
Ilex aquifolium, Aquifoliaceae, Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acidIlex aquifolium, Aquifoliaceae, Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acidIlex aquifolium, Aquifoliaceae, Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acidIlex aquifolium, Aquifoliaceae, Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acidIlex aquifolium, Aquifoliaceae, Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acid
Botanical Nomenclature Ilex aquifolium
Common Name Christmas Holly, English Holly, European Holly, Holly
Taxonomy- Family Aquifoliaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Ilex aquifolium is a perennial, small tree growing from 3 to 10m, with green, shiny leaves, red, spherical fruits and small, white flowers. The flowering and the harvesting take place from May to June
Region Found Ioannina (Zagori, Vikos-Aoos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves
Active Substances Ilexin (bitter agents) ilexanthin (pigment), theobromine, pectin, chlorophyll, gum, potassium acetate, potasium hydrochloride, calcium, caffeine, caffeic acid
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The herbal tea of the plant is used as diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative and healing. Also, it is used for the treatment of bronchitis, rheumatism, fever, runny nose, pleuritis and arthritis. It is applied externally to the skin in order to heal the wounds and against bleeding. Due to the contained bitter agents, plant's consumption may cause strong intestine peristalsis and rapid emptying. The whole plant has sudorific and diuretic properties and that is why even if caffeine has strong stimulating action, eventually it reduces the blood pressure.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as diuretic and expectorant in the form of herbal tea (40-50g of dried herb in 1L of boiled water, 2-3 times a day) and tincture.
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 No side effects are reported.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Α' τόμος, σελίδες: 243-244 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 226-227 3)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942201003624 4)Phytochemistry. 2001 Nov;58(6):883-9. Calystegines in Calystegia sepium derive from the tropane alkaloid pathway. Scholl Y, H?ke D, Dr?ger B. Institut f?r Pharmazeutische Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universit?t Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle 5)http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.gr/2011/01/holly-tree-ilex-aquifolium-benefitsuses.html 6)http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/holly-28.html