Actaea spicata

Actaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, Protoanemonin
Actaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, ProtoanemoninActaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, ProtoanemoninActaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, ProtoanemoninActaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, ProtoanemoninActaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, ProtoanemoninActaea spicata, Ranunculaceae, Protoanemonin
Botanical Nomenclature Actaea spicata
Common Name Baneberry, Eurasian Baneberry, Herb Christopher
Taxonomy- Family Ranunculaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Actaea spicata is a perennial herbaceous growing up to 1m, with large, pinnate leaves, small, white flowers and black or yellow fruits. The flowering lasts from May to July, the harvesting takes place from July to September and the fruits grow in autumn.
Region Found Arta (Tzoumerka), Ioannina (Pindos, Peristeri, Smolikas, Vikos-Aoos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Root
Active Substances Protoanemonin
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, spasmolytic, sedative and analgesic properties. It is mainly recommended against the pain during menstruation, childbirth and those provoked by rheumatism. The herbal tea is used in order symptoms as fatigue, headache, postpartum depression and anxiety, which are related with puerperium, not to be observed. Also, it has galaktagogo properties.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as analgesic and sedative in the form of herbal tea (of dried root) or by gargling to relieve sore throats.
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 Nausea, vomiting, delirium, gastroenteritis may be observed. The berries are toxic (non-edible)
References 1) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 136-137, 2)http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Act-sp 3)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/banebe11.html 4)http://www.webhomeopath.com/homeopathy/homeopathic-remedies/homeopathy-remedy-Actaea_spicata.html 5)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Actaea_spicata 6)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Actaea+spicata