Amelanchier ovalis
Botanical Nomenclature | Amelanchier ovalis |
Common Name | Snowy Mespilus |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Amelanchier ovalis is a deciduous plant growing from 3 to 4m, with oval, toothed, green leaves and white flowers with five lanceolate petals. The unripe fruits are small, spherical and red, while the ripe ones are purple. The flowering takes place from March to April. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Pindos, Smolikas) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Seeds |
Active Substances | Proteins, fats, fiber, calcium, magnesium, manganese, barium, aluminum, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, zinc, sodium, carotenoids, pigments, carbohydrates, vitamin C |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has sudorific, antipyretic, laxative, appetizing, anthelmintic and contraceptive properties. The herbal tea made from the fruits has laxative action and it is recommended for the treatment of constipation in children. Also, it is used against common cold, menstruation and fever. In folk medicine it is administered after child birth accelerating the placental maturation. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 10min, 2-3 times a day) 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 | No side effects are reported. |
References | 1) http://montana.plant-life.org/species/amelan_alni.htm 2)http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/ame_aln.html 3)http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1982.tb05022.x/abstract 4)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Amelanchier_canadensis |