Ervum lens
Botanical Nomenclature | Ervum lens |
Common Name | |
Taxonomy- Family | Papilionaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Ervum lens is an annual herb growing from 20cm to 40cm, with many branches, small, obtuse, green leaves and small, disk-shaped fruits. There are many plant varieties that are grown nowadays in Greece, some of them are green, brown, blond, thin or large-fruited. The plant is cultivated by seeding, in mountain areas which takes place in spring, while in lowlands it takes place in autumn. The harvesting happens just before the plant dries. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, root |
Active Substances | Amino acids (isoleucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine), fiber, folic acid, vitamin B1, beta-carotene, malic acid, metal (iron, phosphorus, calcium), carbohydrates, enzymes (trypsin inhibitors), nitrates |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The juice of the seeds is administered for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and metrorrhagia. The poultice is used against boils, abscesses, wounds and pain. The vitamins the plant contains stimulate the gastrointestinal fuction, while due to its low glycemic index it is recommended to prevent the onset of diabetes II. Finally, because of its low content in sodium it is ideal for hypertensive patients. |
Method of Administration | The plant is consumed as legume and in the form of broth for the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, as well as highly nutritious food. 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 must be avoided from patients who suffer from chronic renal failure or gout. |
References | 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 535-536 2) http://www.iatronet.gr/diatrofi/swsti-diatrofi/article/4017/trofima-ypsilis-diatrofikis-axias.html 3)http://naturalhealthcare.ca/herbology_101.phtml?herb=l#.VbjW9fntmko 4)http://www.agroepiloges.gr/Files/faki/Faki.pdf 5)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lens-culinaris=lentil.php 6)http://foodsanddiseases.com/lentils-properties-and-health-benefits-medicinal-uses/ |