Prunus spinosa

Prunus spinosa, Rosaceae, Kempferol, amygdalin (glycosides), vitamin C, tannins, organic acids (caffeic acid), carbohydrates, pectin
Prunus spinosa, Rosaceae, Kempferol, amygdalin (glycosides), vitamin C, tannins, organic acids (caffeic acid), carbohydrates, pectinPrunus spinosa, Rosaceae, Kempferol, amygdalin (glycosides), vitamin C, tannins, organic acids (caffeic acid), carbohydrates, pectinPrunus spinosa, Rosaceae, Kempferol, amygdalin (glycosides), vitamin C, tannins, organic acids (caffeic acid), carbohydrates, pectinPrunus spinosa, Rosaceae, Kempferol, amygdalin (glycosides), vitamin C, tannins, organic acids (caffeic acid), carbohydrates, pectin
Botanical Nomenclature Prunus spinosa
Common Name Blackthorn, Sloe
Taxonomy- Family Rosaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Prunus spinosa is a perennial tree growing from 1 to 3m, with small, oval, green leaves and small, white flowers. The global, blue-purple fruits (sloe) have a characteristic sour taste. The flowering lasts from March to April and the harvesting takes place from March to August
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Flowers, fruits
Active Substances Kempferol, amygdalin (glycosides), vitamin C, tannins, organic acids (caffeic acid), carbohydrates, pectin
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant is used as diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, astringent and tonic. It is administered in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of intestinal and gastric disorders, dyspepsia, cold, flu and cough. Also, it is recommended for the treatment of kidney stones, gout, rheumatism, oral and gums' inflammation, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis in the form of gargling.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as laxative, diuretic and astringent in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, twice a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the fresh plant, due to its astringent properties.
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.
References 1)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδα 101 2)Pittler MH, E. E.. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;11:CD003230. 3)http://plantdirect.blogspot.gr/2013/01/superfoods-prunus-spinosa.html 4)http://www.speedyremedies.com/7-health-benefits-of-prunus-spinosa.html 5)http://www.botanical-online.com/medicinalsprunusspinosaangles.htm 6)http://health-from-nature.net/Blackthorn.html