Narcissus exsertus
Botanical Nomenclature | Narcissus exsertus |
Common Name | Daffadowndilly, Daffodil, Jonquil |
Taxonomy- Family | Amaryllidaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Narcissus exsertus is a perennial, bulbous plant growing from 0,1 to 0,5m, with linear, green leaves. The fragrant flowers have white petals and yellow, cup-shaped perianths with red edge. The flowering and the harvesting take place from March to April. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Pindos, Zagori, Metsovo, Vikos-Aoos, Gramos, Smolikas), Arta (Tzoumerka) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Bulb, leaves |
Active Substances | Lykorine, narkotine, lycoremine (alkaloids), glycosides, resins, pectin, carbohydrates |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has astringent, laxative, emetic and anticonvulsant properties. In folk medicine it is recommended against runny nose, dysentery, fever, diarrhea, helminths, epilepsy and rheumatism. |
Method of Administration | In folk medicine the plant is administered in the form of tincture (which is prepared by wetting the dried flowers and bulbs with ethanol 98%, taking up to 10 drops daily). Nowadays the plant is not recommended for therapeutic purpose. Although, attention required as this highy toxic plant has a widespread growing in Epirus. Plant's consumption may cause poisoning, which is treated by gastric lavage or emesis and symptomatic treatment. 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 | The whole plant is toxic. Its consumption may cause suppression of sympathetic nervous system and cardiovascular system. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Narcissus+pseudonarcissus 2)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/n/narcis01.html 3)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/narcissus.html 4)http://www.anthokipos.com/el/vasikh-frontida-vskfr/13-bolbodi-vskfr/2-narkissos-o-pseydonarkissos-narcissus-pseudonarcissus.html 5)http://www.planta.cn/forum/files_planta/the_names_of_plants_114.pdf |