Prunus mahaleb
Botanical Nomenclature | Prunus mahaleb |
Common Name | Mahaleb Cherry, St Lucie Cherry |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Prunus mahaleb is a deciduous tree growing from 9 to 20m, with wide, clustered at the end, toothed, one side smooth, other side pubescent leaves and white, odorless or fragrant flowers in small, upright inflorescences. The fruits, 'Sour cherries', are spherical and they change their color many times until they mature (green, yellow, red, black). The flowering lasts from April to May and the fruiting happens in June. |
Region Found | Epirus (cultivated, not wild species) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits, seeds |
Active Substances | Coumarin, amygdalin, prunasin, flavonoids, isoflavones, bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, vitamins, trace elements. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has sedative, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, soothing and toning properties. The herbal tea is recommended as digestive and its consumption offers a pleasant sensation of well-being. It is applied externally to the skin against inflammations and edema. In the Middle East it is widely used as spice in pastry making and cooking, while in Greece it is mainly used as flavoring (especially in recipes of 'Tsoureki') |
Method of Administration | It is adminstered in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 5-10min, 2 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice. 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 seeds and the fruits contain a very small amount of hydrocyanic acid, which in very small amounts stimulates respiration and improves digestion, but in higher concentrations may cause respiratory failure and death caused by asphyxia. |
References | 1)http://healingplantsinfo.com/plants/Prunus-mahaleb 2) http://www.mikropoli.com/mikropoli1/menikio/xlorida_menoikiou3.htm 3) http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/prunus-mahaleb=mahaleb-cherry.php 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=prunus+mahaleb 5) http://www.herb.gr/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/216/s/prunus-mahaleb/ |