Arbutus unedo

Arbutus unedo, Ericaceae, Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydrates
Arbutus unedo, Ericaceae, Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydratesArbutus unedo, Ericaceae, Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydratesArbutus unedo, Ericaceae, Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydratesArbutus unedo, Ericaceae, Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydratesArbutus unedo, Ericaceae, Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydrates
Botanical Nomenclature Arbutus unedo
Common Name Strawberry Tree
Taxonomy- Family Ericaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Αrbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub growing from 2 to 3m, with lanceolate, serrated, green leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers in bunches. The unripe fruits are spherical and yellow, while the ripe are red. The flowering takes place twice a year, the first one in May and the second in September. The harvesting takes place from October to December.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, bark
Active Substances Coumarins, pectins (leaves), arbutin (bark), potassium, sodium, carbohydrates
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has tonic and antiseptic properties. It is recommended for the treatment of constipation and urinary tract inflammations such as cystitis, urethritis, involuntary enuresis and dysuria. Also, it is used against hematuria and excessive bleeding during menstruation. Arbutus unedo was the first plant which has been used to extract the contained coumarins, from which were formed the coumarin anticoagulants, antithrombotic drugs.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as anti-inflammatory in the form of herbal tea (tea, 2g of dried leaves in 100mL of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). Also it is used in the form of ointment (10 to 15 fruits are grinded in mortar with a small amount of oil), to treat boils and skin abscesses. The plant is used to manufacture alcoholic beverages such as wine and raki, which have expectorant and antipyretic activity (compresses), as well for the production of honey.
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. Overdose of the plant is toxic, due to its coumarin content (nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic).
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 277-279 2)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Arbutus+unedo 3)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Arbutus_unedo 4)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/a/arbutus-unedo=strawberry-tree.php 5)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257634/ 6)http://beesplants.blogspot.gr/2012/11/arbutus-unedo-strawberry-tree.html