Botrychium simplex
Botanical Nomenclature | Botrychium simplex |
Common Name | Least Moonwort, Little Grapefern, Little Grapefern |
Taxonomy- Family | Ophioglossaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Botrychium simplex is a small fern growing up to 100cm, with pinnate, fleshy, dark green leaves. The fruiting lasts from June to August and the development of leaves takes place in January. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Smolikas, Pindos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Root |
Active Substances | Vitamin B, essential oil, minerals (zinc, iron), enzymes (thiaminase) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used against ulcers, bleeding, tuberculosis, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting and eye inflammations. Also, it is applied externally as an astringent and a healing agent for wounds, bruises, fractures and dislocations. In folk medicine it is recommended for the treatment epilepsy, sleepwalking and schizophrenia. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as an antidiarrheal, hemostatic and antiseptic, in the form of herbal tea (2-3 spoons of dried root in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). It is applied externally as an astringent and healing agen, in the form of ointment 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 | Attention required from people with insufficient dietary vitamin B intake, due to the contained thiaminase. High temperature and drying methods destroy this enzyme. |
References | 1)http://www.herbarium.iastate.edu/botrychium/B-simplex.pdf 2)http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=PPOPH010E0 3)https://plantsoftheworld.wordpress.com/2-%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B1%CF%84%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%80%CE%AD%CF%82-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF-%CE%B2%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%AF%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF-%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD-%CF%86%CF%85%CF%84%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85/ 4)http://www.flora.dempstercountry.org/0.Site.Folder/Species.Program/Species.php?species_id=Botry.luna 5)http://luirig.altervista.org/flora/taxa/index1.php?scientific-name=botrychium+simplex 6)http://www.env.upatras.gr/files/announcements/odigos_parakoloythisis_oikotopwn_eidwn.pdf |