Prunus prostrata
Botanical Nomenclature | Prunus prostrata |
Common Name | Mountain Cherry, Prostrate Cherry, Rock Cherry, Spreading Cherry |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Prunus prostrata is a deciduous shrub growing up to 1m, with serrated, palmate, smooth at the upper surface and hairy at the underside, gray-green leaves and small, red-pink, hermaphrodite flowers which have a lot of stamens and five petals. The plant has small, smooth, red, spherical fruits which look like cherries and sour cherries, slightly larger in size. The flowering happens in April and fruiting takes place in July. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Seeds, fruits |
Active Substances | Amygdalin and prunasin, which are decomposed to water and they form hydrogen cyanide. Trace elements, minerals, carbohydrates, pigments and vitamins. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | In folk medicine the herbal tea is recommended for the treatment of inflammation, renal and urinary tract problems, malaria, stomach pain, fever, as well to boost libido. Plant's administration is not recommended in conventional medicine. Attention is required, as the fruits look like cherries and sour cherries, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning. |
Method of Administration | The plant is only administered in folk medicine in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 5-10min, 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 | 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, in larger amounts it blocks mitochondrial respiration and leads to death. Attention required as the fruits look like cherries and sour cherries. |
References | 1) http://www.vysinimelissa.gr/2012/04/blog-post_13.html 2)http://www.fao.org/forestry/13008-031d7c29d2ea155ae24eafffaedb07b7a.pdf 3)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+prostrata 4)http://www.mygarden.net.au/gardening/prunus-prostrata/8323/1 5)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-388-pygeum.aspx?activeingredientid=388&activeingredientname=pygeum |