Castanea sativa
Botanical Nomenclature | Castanea sativa |
Common Name | Sweet Chestnut |
Taxonomy- Family | Fagaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Castanea sativa is a biennial tree growing up to 30m, with lanceolate, wavy, shiny, dark green leaves and small, white flowers. The brown fruits, are surrounded by a spiny shell (urchin). The blooming lasts from May to June and the harvesting takes place from October to November. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Zagori, Vikos-Aoos, Tzoumerka) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, shells (urchins) |
Active Substances | Flavonoids, amino acids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, hydrolysed tannins, ellagitannins, benzoic acid, vitamin C, E, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, kaempherol, methyl ester of gallic acid. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The infusion of the plant is administered as expectorant, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and astringent. The extract of the leaves is used for the treatment of bronchitis, cough, sore throat, rheumatism, hemorrhage and diarrhea, due to its astringent action. In homeopathy, is recommended in the form of tincture against back pain, edema and dry cough |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as expectorant and anti-inflammatory in the form of infusion (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, 3-4 times daily), which is used as gargle against sore throat and cough 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 | Plant's consumption may cause allergic reaction |
References | 1) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 155 2)Babili F E, Bouajila J, Souchard J P, Bertrand C, Bellvert F, Fouraste I, Moulis C. and Valentin(2011),Oregano: Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Its Antimalarial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities.Journal of Food Science,76: C512–C518 3)http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02109.x/pdf 4)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cheswe59.html 5)http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_sweet_chestnut.htm 6)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/castanea-sativa=sweet-chetsnut.php |