Galanthus nivalis

Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)
Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)Galanthus nivalis, Amaryllidaceae, Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)
Botanical Nomenclature Galanthus nivalis
Common Name Snowdrop
Taxonomy- Family Amaryllidaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Galanthus nivalis is a biennial bulbous plant growing up to 15cm, with streaked, green leaves and white, green-spoted flowers, which are replaced by leaves when the blooming ends. The blossoming and the harvesting take place from March to April.
Region Found Ioannina (Pindos, Zagori, Vikos-Aoos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances The whole plant (mainly the tuber)
Active Substances Galantamine, lykorine, tazetine (alkaloids)
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The plant's extract is used efficiently to enhance the memory and it is considered to be effective against the progression of Alzheimer's disease due to galantamine content (inhibitor od acetylcholinesterase). It is also administered for its emetic properties mainly in Eastern European countries.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as emetic in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried bulb in a cup of boiled water, up to 2-3 times a day). The bulb of the plant is used for the collection of galantamine, which is used for the preparation of the drug Reminyl (Alzheimer's medication).
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 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, anorexia, weight loss.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 174 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 33, 3) http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/galanthus-nivalis-common-snowdrop 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Galanthus+nivalis 5)http://en.heilkraeuter.net/herbs/snowdrop.htm 6)http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.gr/2011/01/snowdrops-health-benefits-proven-by.html