Prunus cerasifera
Botanical Nomenclature | Prunus cerasifera |
Common Name | Cherry Plum, Myrobalan Plum |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Prunus cerasifera is a deciduous tree growing from 5 to 10 m, with shiny, spherical, heart-shaped, red leaves and pale red, hermaphrodite flowers. The trunk is brown-gray and the fruits are small, spherical and red (small plums). The flowering happens in March and the fruiting takes place from August to September. |
Region Found | Epirus (cultivated, not wild species) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Flowers, fruits, seeds |
Active Substances | Amygdalin, prunasin, which are decomposed in water and form hydrogen cyanide. The plant also contains carbohydrates, vitamins, pigments, minerals, tannins. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has astringent, antioxidant, sudorific, antipyretic, laxative and diuretic properties. It has been used in homeopathy, being one of Bach's elements of aromatherapy, recommended "against compulsive behavior and depression, as a stimulant of spiritual and cognitive development and balance, which suppresses negative thoughts". In conventional medicine, it has no applications. |
Method of Administration | In homeopathy and in alternative medicine it is administered in the form of tincture and Bach flower essences. 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 | All plant parts contain hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous. This substance in a very small amount is not harmful, as it stimulates the respiration and improves digestion. However, it is a highly toxic substance, which blocks mitochondrial respiration and leads quickly to death. |
References | 1)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/prunus-cerasifera=cherry-plum.php 2)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+cerasifera 3)http://crescentbloom.com/plants/specimen/PO/Prunus%20cerasifera.htm 4)http://www.speedyremedies.com/7-health-benefits-of-prunus-spinosa.html 5)http://www.geoponiko-parko.gr/products/products-categories/dentra-kipou/anthofora-kallopistika/192-detail |