Pisum sativum
Botanical Nomenclature | Pisum sativum |
Common Name | Pea |
Taxonomy- Family | Papilionaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Pisum sativum is an annual plant growing from 30 to 40cm, with broad, green leaves, hermaphrodite flowers, which have five asymmetric petals and small, spherical, green, rarely purple fruits. The flowering lasts from May to June and the fruiting happens from July to September. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits, stems |
Active Substances | Betaine, choline, aminonitriles, vitamin K, C, B-complex (thiamine B1, riboflavin B2, niacin B3, B6), folic acid, minerals (manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc), proteins, fats , carbohydrates, beta-carotene |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as diuretic, fungistatic, contraceptive spermicide and analgesic against stomachache and stomach ulcers. Also, the herbal extract has antihyperlipidemic properties as it reduces LDL levels, controls glucose levels and blood pressure. In homeopathy it is recommended against spinal diseases, spastic paralysis, myelitis and multiple sclerosis (MS). |
Method of Administration | It is administered as contraceptive and analgesic in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water). In homeopathy it is recommended in the form of tincture made from the ripe fruits. 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 due to its content in aminonitrile. Plant's consumption may cause serious spinal cord's problems, muscle spasm, tremor, paraplegia, diarrhea, pain and nervous disorders, especially when the plant is frequently administered. |
References | 1) http://www.iama.gr/ethno/fava_amorgos/fava_nektariosaligiannis.pdf 2)http://www.mpbd.info/plants/pisum-sativum.php 3)https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/pea.html#Traditional Medicinal Uses 4)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Pisum_sativum 5)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/pisum-sativum-arvense=field-pea.php |