Melilotus officinalis
Botanical Nomenclature | Melilotus officinalis |
Common Name | Common Melilot, Ribbed Melilot, Yellow Melilot, Yellow Sweet Clover |
Taxonomy- Family | Papilionaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Melilotus officinalis is an annual or biennial, herbaceous plant growing from 60 to 170cm, with trifoliate, wavy leaves, yellow flowers in inflorescences and small, brown, oval fruits. The flowering and the harvesting take place from June to September |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Flowers |
Active Substances | Melilotoside, from which is formed the odorous coumarin after plant's drying. The plant also contains coumarin, cinnamic acid and coumarin derivatives, medicarpin (isoflavonoid), essential oil, choline, tannins |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is administered as emollient, antispasmodic, diuretic, as well as flavoring factor in pharmaceutical industry, when drugs formulation takes place (excipient). Also, it has antithrombotic properties and it is used to improve blood circulation. It is recommended for the treatment of producing sputum, colic, liver diseases and in the form of eye washes due to its astringent properties. Finally it is applied externally to the skin as astrigent against wounds, edema and skin irritations. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as emollient and diuretic in the form of herbal tea (2-2,5g of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin and the eyes as astringent in the form of infusion (10g of dried herb in 1L of boiling water). 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 | Overdose may cause internal bleeding. The simultaneous administration of the plant with other anticoagulant drugs (coumarin) should be avoided. |
References | 1))http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/melilotus.html 2)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/melilo29.html 3)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus+officinalis 4)http://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper07807.html 5)http://montana.plant-life.org/species/melilot_offic.htm |