Lotus corniculatus
Botanical Nomenclature | Lotus corniculatus |
Common Name | Bird's-Foot Deervetch, Bird's-Foot Trefoil |
Taxonomy- Family | Papilionaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Lotus corniculatus is a perennial plant growing from 10 to 40cm, with small fruits and yellow flowers. The clover-shaped leaves are formed from three leaflets. The flowering lasts from June to September. |
Region Found | Epirus (Gramos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Aboveground plant parts, flowers |
Active Substances | Flavonoids, oleic acid, campheritrin, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, hydroquinone |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea has antipyretic, hypoglycemic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, healing, soothing and gastric properties. It is recommended for the treatment of tachycardia, persistent and chronic anxiety, long-term depression and insomnia. It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice against skin's inflammations. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as cardio and anti-inflammatory in the form of herbal tea (30g of dried herb in 1L of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the fresh leaves. 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 respiratory suppression and death, due to the contained cyanogenic glycosides. |
References | 1) http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lotus-corniculatus=bird's-foot-trefoil.php 2)http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_birds_foot.htm 3)http://herbalpicnic.blogspot.gr/2013/07/birds-foot-trefoil.html 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lotus+corniculatus 5)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lotus-corniculatus=bird's-foot-trefoil.php 6)http://polygraphe.blog.free.fr/index.php?post/lotus_investigation |