Galega officinalis

Galega officinalis, Papilionaceae, Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)
Galega officinalis, Papilionaceae, Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)Galega officinalis, Papilionaceae, Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)Galega officinalis, Papilionaceae, Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)Galega officinalis, Papilionaceae, Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)Galega officinalis, Papilionaceae, Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)
Botanical Nomenclature Galega officinalis
Common Name French Lilac, Goat's-Rue, Italian Fitch, Professor-Weed
Taxonomy- Family Papilionaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Galega officinalis is a perennial plant, growing up to 1m. The leaves are pointed and opposite, with stipules like needles. The flowers are longish and white, but they may also be pink or red. The plant has an elongated, bilobed sporangium, which produces a lot of seeds. It blossoms mainly from May to June, or even until September. The harvesting of the leaves takes place from July to August, while seeds should be collected in autumn.
Region Found Ioannina (Peristeri, Metsovo)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Aboveground plant parts
Active Substances Galegine (alkaloid), Galouteolin (flavonoid glycoside), saponins, tannins, Glucoquinin (bitter agent)
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has diuretic, sudorific and antidiabetic actions. Its consumption produces an increase in the secretion of insulin by the pancreas and a decrease in the blood sugar. It induces a hyperplasia of the islets of Langerhans. It acts also as a galaktagogue, leading to enlargement of the mammary gland and increasing milk production (50%)
Method of Administration The plant is administered in the form of infusion (10-20g of dried herb in 1L of boiling water, twice a day for 8 weeks as an antidiabetic remedy) or in the form of tincture for its galaktagogue properties (1-2ml, 3 times daily). It can also be consumed as syrup or tablets.
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 have been reported. However, it should be mentioned that this plant cannot replace insulin in the treatment of diabetes. It may be fatal to animals, if eaten before blossoming. In humans, no toxic reactions have been mentioned.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 172-173 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 33-34, 3)http://botanakaiygeia.blogspot.com/2012/11/1.html 4)http://www.ethnopharmacology.gr/images/stories/ekdiloseis/2009_11/lazari.pdf 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Galega+officinalis 6)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10632090