Frangula alnus
Botanical Nomenclature | Frangula alnus |
Common Name | Alder Buckthorn, Breaking Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn |
Taxonomy- Family | Rhamnaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Frangula alnus is a deciduous, small tree growing from 3 to 6m, with smooth, alternate, oval leaves, hermaphrodite flowers with five petals and red berries, which turn brown after ripening. The flowering and the harvesting take place from May to June |
Region Found | Ioannina (Gramos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Bark |
Active Substances | Franguloside, frangulin, frangulamodin (glycosides), glucofranguline A and B (emodin diglucoside), cascarosides |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea has laxative, cholagogue, emetic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Contrary to other laxative plants, Frangula alnus acts without irritating the digestive tract or causing pain and spasms. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as laxative in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, every night before sleeping) and tincture (0,5-2,5g of dried herb and 0.5-2.5mL of ethyl alcohol, 25%) 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 abdominal pain and diarrhea, resulting in a loss of fluids and electrolytes. When the plant is used, potassium and other electrolytes should be checked, especially in children and elderly. A long-term use may cause hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, malabsorption, weight loss, proteinuria and hematuria. |
References | 1) http://herbalinformation.awardspace.com/?cm=r&fn=rhamnus_frangula 2) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Frangula+alnus 3) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail437.php 4)http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4927e/13.html 5)http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_Community_herbal_monograph/2009/12/WC500018614.pdf 6)http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-3650004 |