Fraxinus ornus
Botanical Nomenclature | Fraxinus ornus |
Common Name | Manna Ash, South European Flowering Ash |
Taxonomy- Family | Oleaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Fraxinus ornus is a big, deciduous tree growing up to 30m, with compound, pinnate, green leaves, and wavy, lanceolate, green leaflets. The fruits are yellow or brown and the flowers are red in inflorescences. The flowering lasts from April to May and the harvesting takes place from March to August |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | In therapy is used the white, sugary extract from the sap of the plant, called 'Manna'. The harvesting of this extract takes place in summer, in order the plant not to produce new leaves anymore. 'Manna' crystallizes immediately after its harvesting. |
Active Substances | Fraxin, fraxetol, rutin (glycosides), carbohydrates (starch), resins, malic acid |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | Manna' has mild diuretic, laxative, astringent and antipyretic properties. The leaves of the plant are recommended for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic pain, myalgia, and fever. 'Manna' is also used in food industry as sweetener, because of its high sugar content. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as laxative and astringent in the form of infusion (2 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, twice a day) and in the form of powder from the dried leaves as analgesic against rheumatism, arthritic and myalgia. 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 and skin irritation. |
References | 1)) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 550-551 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 130 3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1738567/ 4)Akhondzadeh S., Noroozian M., Mohammadi M., Ohadinia S., Jamshidi A. H., Khani M. (2003a). Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J. Ne 5)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/f/fraxinus-ornus=manna-ash.php 6)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/ashmn075.html |